The return of the Premier League certainly did not disappoint! Follow Deshaj Parthab as he shares some statistical quirks that will help you find a bit of value for your bets this weekend
The highly anticipated Boxing Day fixtures did not disappoint! In that returning round of action, only four topflight defences added to their clean sheet totals. One such club was Newcastle.
The Magpies ran out 3-0 winners away to Leicester, showing no signs of slowing down their early season momentum. I back them to close out 2022 in style and I mention a certain Premier League player of the month later on…
Elsewhere, Tottenham came back from 2-0 down to rescue a point against Brentford. Undoubtedly, Conte will see that as two points dropped and subsequently, loosened their grip on that lucrative fourth spot. Manchester United will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing Wolves. Ten Haag does have a fully rested ace up his sleeve – who has provided 5 attacking returns in just 6 league appearances!?
Julen Lopetgui got his managerial tenure of Wolverhampton Wanderers off to a winning start with a come-from-behind victory courtesy of a late strike against Frank Lampard’s Everton. The Chelsea legend will need nothing less than a Christmas miracle as he leads his chargers to the Etihad this weekend.
Fox hunting Nunez must find shooting boots against Leicester
Following a toothless performance in Qatar, Darwin Nunez will set his sights on adding to his league tally in Liverpool’s final fixture of 2022. The Merseyside outfit have clawed back up the league table and currently hover just outside the top four (with a game in hand).
Nunez is primed to deliver when the Reds host a lacklustre Leicester this evening. The forward has struck the woodwork four times this season – a league-leading total. Furthermore, he has registered 21 shots on target in the English topflight – only four marksmen have more – with each of the four playing at least 400 league minutes over Nunez.
Darwin Nunez ⚡️ • (@Darwinn99) • the under appreciated 9. pic.twitter.com/XwknK7vAZs
— Harvey ⚽️ (@DarwinBaII) December 29, 2022
The Martial redemption arc underway?
Anthony Martial’s stock is certainly on the rise. The 2015 Golden Boy has seen his career fall off a cliff, but Ten Haag’s resuscitation plan has breathed new life into the French forward’s United career.. Despite playing just 266 league minutes thus far, the Frenchman has returned three goals and two assists. Indeed, the striker should be guaranteed league minutes in the near future, following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and I’m sure they will be used to devastating effect.
Martial did it better pic.twitter.com/OsH1ssfJi9 https://t.co/gGJOz8iXB9
— 🏴🇦🇷 (@FtblRory) December 24, 2022
Almiron to continue filling his boots?
In this week’s edition of Toon Times, Miguel Almiron (G9 A1) takes front and centre stage. He has been borderline unplayable this season. He found the back of the league net six times in October, en route to winning the exclusive Player of the Month accolade. The Paraguayan international followed that up with another strike away at Leicester last time out and I back him to break into double digits for the season in front of the Newcastle faithful.
Miguel Almirón's goal yesterday needs to be posted again. Excellence. 🇵🇾⚡️ pic.twitter.com/tJTOJI56YK
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 27, 2022
De Bruyne to dish up more festive treats for Haaland and co?
De Bruyne delivered two assists for City, fresh off the Belgium plane out of Qatar. The playmaker has created nine chances across his previous two competitive appearances, despite an underwhelming national campaign last month. The Citizens are currently trailing log-leading Arsenal and Guardiola will be doing everything to overturn the five-point gap.
Kevin De Bruyne vs Liverpool (H) - MOTM⭐️ pic.twitter.com/UuwhJ8bgYZ
— RN (@rnvidss) December 22, 2022
Watkins to pile more pressure on Spurs?
Ollie Watkins has delivered six attacking returns, with five of them coming on home soil. The forward did bag Villa’s solitary goal in their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool last time out, in what was a spirited performance that saw them conjure up 12 shots against Klopp’s men.
The dangerman looked the part and could have added to his tally as seen by his 1 big chance missed. He is bound to get more service in their opening fixture of 2023 as Emery takes aim at a sputtering Tottenham outfit. Spurs’ defence have shipped 2+ goals in each of their previous six league outings.
Ollie Watkins with our final goal of 2022. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/BKP5oYKWCs
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 26, 2022
