EPL Adda Notes: Here are the numbers to ace Matchweek 19

English Premier League's gameweek 19 features another round of enthralling fixtures. Right from an intense Leicester City vs Southampton game to Newcastle United's trip to the Emirates, spectators are bound to witness an edge-of-the-seat display during the tenure. Not to forget the top of the table clash between two of England's fiercest rivals, Liverpool and Manchester United.

With so many matches to look forward to, here we provide some key statistics which should help you ace Premier League's upcoming games.

Fulham vs Chelsea

In a total of 28 games between Fulham and Chelsea in the Premier League, the former has claimed victory in a solitary game, which came way back in 2006. Chelsea, on the other hand, have won 17 and the remaining 10 have ended in a draw. One can rightly expect goals in this particular fixture as the teams have played just four goalless draws since 2001. Both Fulham and Chelsea are coming on the back of an evident struggle. The Cottagers are without a win in their last six league games, playing out five consecutive draws, while the Blues have won a solitary fixture in their last five outings.

As the statistics suggest, it is likely that both the teams may find the net in the first half itself, as both Fulham and Chelsea have conceded seven (home) and six (away) goals respectively in the opening 45 minutes. The Blues are likely to find a winner in the second period as 10 of their 13 away goals this season have come during this period.

Liverpool vs Manchester United

Arguably one of the biggest fixtures of the English Premier League, Liverpool taking on Manchester United at Anfield is bound to produce wildfire regardless of the fact that it will be played behind closed doors. Liverpool vs Manchester United has produced countless memories over the years, but it is United who holds the edge in the head-to-head record against their rivals, having won 28 of their 57 meetings in the Premier League. The Reds have found victory on 15 occasions and 14 games have ended in a draw. The Reds have endured a difficult run of late, having won just two of their last five outings this season. United, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last 11 league outings.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have scored more away goals (22) this season than Liverpool have at Anfield (21). A contrast in timings underlines they are more likely to concede first, as eight of their 11 goals conceded away from home have been scored in the first half. If United are to make a comeback, you can easily expect them to do so in the second period as a whopping 15 of their 22 away goals have been scored in the second half.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City have scored at least twice in five of their last six games in all competitions. Keep in mind it includes a 4-1 drubbing of Arsenal, a 3-1 win over Chelsea and a 2-0 victory over Manchester United within a span of 16 days. Now coming on the back of a narrow 1-0 win over Brighton, one can right punt on a City win as they have won 12 of their 20 games against Crystal Palace in the Premier League while losing just three. Palace's away record of conceding 14 goals further puts the game in City's favour.

Guardiola's men are rightly tipped to open the scoring as they have notched 11 of their 15 goals at home in the first 45 minutes. A further bifurcation predicts the Cityzens to score in the opening 30 minutes itself, as they scored eight times during the time frame at home so far. As for Palace, they too can hammer an early blow as they have scored three times in the opening 15 minutes away from home.

Arsenal vs Newcastle United

Arsenal's four-game winning streak (across all competitions) was interrupted on Thursday as Crystal Palace managed to hold them to a 0-0 draw. Up next for them is another home game against Newcastle United, an opponent who they have defeated a whopping 30 times in their 50 meetings in the league while losing 10 and drawing 10. Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Chelsea on the Boxing Day was their first home win in the league since October 2020. The Gunners have, in fact, won just one of their last five home games in the league, losing twice and drawing twice.

Newcastle United's away record is no different, as they have lost four of their last five away outings, winning just one. Arsenal's struggle to make Emirates a fortress can be underlined by the fact that they have scored just nine goals at the venue, one more than what the Magpies have scored away from home this season. That coupled with the fact that they have conceded 11 goals at home is another factor to worry. If we are to see a goal from Arsenal, expect them to bag it in the middle phase, as they have scored eight of their nine home goals between minutes 16-75. At the same time though, don't write Newcastle off, as Arsenal's defence has conceded six goals in the final half-hour of the game.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Oli Scarff