Opta Stats: Lambert well set to breach QPR once again

2Mar 2013

England - Premier League

Christian Crowther delves into the Opta stats to pick out four potential goal-getters from the weekend's Premier League games...

Manchester United v Norwich (Saturday, 15:00)

Robin van Persie has hit the woodwork seven times, more than six Premier League sides in their entirety

Man United's Dutch magician came inches away from giving his side a massive advantage over Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League second leg but his miscue allowed Xabi Alonso to scramble his volleyed effort off the line. It was uncharacteristic of the Red Devils goal machine but he's still the Premier League's top scorer and, after equalling his longest spell without a goal this season (three games), you'd have thought Norwich will make soft targets for van Persie to jump back on the wagon at Old Trafford. Of course, there are doubts over whether he will start after getting injured at QPR last week, so perhaps wait until the line-ups are announced to bet.

Recommended Bet: Back Robin van Persie to score @ 1.81

Southampton v QPR (Saturday, 15:00)

Rickie Lambert is the top scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season with 12 goals

Despite losing a thrilling encounter at Newcastle on Sunday, Southampton have looked invigorated since Mauricio Pochettino took charge. Their leading scorer Rickie Lambert has been in fine fettle since Christmas too, having racked up six league goals from ten Premier League appearances. Lambert was also the first player to breach the QPR lines in a resounding 3-1 victory at Loftus Road back in November.

Recommended Bet: Back Rickie Lambert to score @ 2.5

Sunderland v Fulham (Saturday, 15:00)

Of the players to score 10+ goals in the Premier League, Steven Fletcher has the joint-best shooting accuracy (62.5%)

These are the sorts of stats managers would want associated with their strikers. Martin O'Neill raised more than a few eyebrows when he splashed out £14 million on the Scotsman, but his scoring return has delivered vindication for the boss. Sunderland are desperate for the points following three straight defeats and, after notching in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage, Fletcher will fancy his chances of instigating a return to winning ways at the Stadium of Light.

Recommended Bet: Back Steven Fletcher to score @ 3.0

Swansea v Newcastle (Saturday, 15:00)

Moussa Sissoko has scored three goals in four Premier League appearances

Alan Pardew's cross-channel shopping spree appears to have been money well spent as his signings have contributed to a climb away from trouble in recent games. The pick of those French imports so far has to be Sissoko, signed from Toulouse. The 23-year-old midfielder has an appetite to get into the box and score goals and, given Swansea might be caught dozing after their League Cup heroics; the Frenchman should be a major threat once again.