EPL Adda Notes: Numbers to help you ace Matchweek 24

The English Premier League return to its glory over the weekend following a brief round of FA Cup fixtures, and the matchweek 24 brings along some exciting games right from the beginning. 

Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City open the account against an out-of-form Liverpool on Satruday followed by Burnley’s trip to Crystal Palace later in the day. Manchester City then take on Tottenham Hotspur before the attention moves to Sunday’s games.

Given the nature of the Premier League, the games in the offering during matchweek 24 are rightly expected to cause a major stir in the points tally. But those looking for preemptive statistics, here is all you need to know:

Leicester City vs Liverpool

Leicester City’s winless run against Liverpool has stretched upto seven games in all competitions. As far as Premier League is concerned, they haven’t defeated the Reds since their 3-1 in February 2017. One can rightly expect goals in the game given the fact their last 0-0 draw dates back to March 2004.

Leicester City vs Liverpool head-to-head record is expectedly dominated by the Reds, who have won 16 of 29 meetings between the teams. The Foxes have been on the winning side on just seven occasions. Judging by the current form though, it’s hard to predict a winner as both have won just two of their last five games. Liverpool, however, have lost as many as three games while Leicester have one.

But what makes Liverpool the slight favourites is their away record this season. The team has not only won three of their last five away games but have also scored 22 goals in all games away from home; six more than Leicester’s home tally. One can expect the Foxes to break the deadlock, but don’t write Liverpool off in the second half given that a whopping 15 of their 22 away goals have come in the final 45 minutes.

Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester City are on a roll since the turn of the year. Following their 3-1 win over Swansea City in the FA Cup, City registered a 15th successive victory, which is now the longest run by a top-flight side in English football history. Up next for them is a stern test against Tottenham, who have just welcomed Harry Kane back in the team.

Tottenham may dominate City in their head-to-head record that sees them winning 25 of the 47 meetings, but the momentum is rightly on City’s side. Statistically, Pep Guardiola’s men are tipped to open the scoring as they have netted a whopping 10 goals in within opening 30 minutes at home this season. Make no mistake though, Tottenham may equalize in the first period too as they have scored 10 of their 19 away goals in the opening 45 minutes.

City’s recent record against Tottenham has been truly underwhelming, to say the least. They have been on the losing side twice in their last three meetings, meaning that their last win over Jose Mourinho’s men dates back to April 2019. But be it as it may, you can rightly punt on City to run away with all three points.

West Brom vs Manchester United

Following a setback against Everton in the Premier League, which has seen Manchester City extending their lead to five points at the top of the table, Manchester United now make a trip to The Hawthorns to face relegations strugglers, West Brom. 

United’s away form has been a cause of distress for their opponents this season. The Red Devils are unbeaten in 18 away games so far, and it’s hard to see West Brom putting a dent in their run. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United have won 16 of their 25 meetings against the Baggies, while West Brom have won a mere four.

As far as goal scoring is concerned, United have scored more than thrice as many goals (24) away from home than West Brom have (7) at home. United’s inability to find the net in the opening 15 minutes, however, remains a concern. Nevertheless, even if United go behind, you can rightly punt on a potential comeback in the second period given that they have scored 16 of their 24 away goals in the final 45 minutes.

Arsenal vs Leeds United

Both Arsenal and Leeds United are in desperate need of points, which makes this fixture all the more important. While Arsenal lead the head-to-head chart with 12 wins in 25 Premier League games, their recent form is a cause of concern. Both Arsenal and Leeds have lost twice in their last five games, but the latter has, in fact, won thrice too.

Arsenal’s ineffectiveness in front of goal at home can be underlined by the fact that they have netted just 12 goals at the Emirates this season. Leeds, on the other hand, have scored 22 away from home, scoring 11 goals in either half. The Peacocks, however, have conceded the same amount of goals away from home. Leeds have developed a pattern this season, a pattern on conceding goals in the first period itself. They have, in fact, let in 14 goals in the opening 45 minutes away from home.

The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 0-0 draw, and one can expect a similar result this time too.

Chelsea vs Newcastle United

Chelsea have been marginally winning games since bringing Thomas Tuchel at the helm and a game against a struggling Newcastle United side doesn’t seem to change that. Newcastle’s away record is exactly what puts Chelsea in front. The Magpies have lost three of their last five away games so far, and they are even winless in all of their last five visits at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle’s goal-scoring prowess has taken a hit too. The team has scored just one goal in the opening 45 minutes away from home this season, meaning that Chelsea are rightly expected to take the lead as they have netted eight goals during the period at home. As far as defending is concerned, both teams have struggled in their own way. While Chelsea has let in 11 goals at Stamford Bridge this season, Steve Bruce’s men have conceded 17 away from home.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Oli Scarff