BLUFFER’S GUIDE TO THE WEEKEND: The value of Vardy, formidable Forster and trigger-happy Townsend

Bluffer gives us all the essential information to take into the Premier League weekend with his weekly guide.

No mistaking the stand-out Premier League match this weekend and bluffers will wish to be well-equipped to answer this season’s most frequently asked question: Can Leicester really do it?

Thus far the answer keeps coming back as a resounding ‘Yes’ and while Arsenal’s midweek stumble against Southampton adds fuel to the Foxes’ fire, their visit to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium is the sternest test yet of Claudio Ranieri’s unlikely challengers.

The stats on Leicester’s leading hitman, Jamie Vardy, continue to be startling, and bluffers can point out that not only has he now scored over a dozen more goals already this season than he managed all of last season (18 from 24 games so far in 2015/16; 5/34 in 2014/15) he has now at last scored one from outside the box – the half-volley 30-yard screamer against Liverpool that is a surefire finalist for Goal of The Season. Not bad for a £1m man.

Furthermore, bluffers will wish to point out that Leicester have a remarkable record against City away, having lost only once in the Premier League at either the Etihad or City’s former home at Maine Road.

Sergio Aguero is the most likely home hero, with an excellent strike rate of 13 goals from just 16 starts, including, pro-City bluffers please note, six in his last five top-flight outings. Charged with keeping him at bay will be the most celebrated of the five players who have represented both sides in the top flight: Leicester keeper Kaspar Schmeichel, who came through the ranks in the blue half of Manchester.

Another keeper who has been in fine form made an important impact on the title race during the week, and may do so again this weekend: Fraser Forster kept his fourth consecutive clean sheet for Southampton against Arsenal and will aim to spike the guns of another London team this weekend.

West Ham have 13 points from their last six BPL games (one more than both Leicester and Man City) and have ghosted up the table to sit just below the established title challengers. They visit Southampton – just one place below them – this weekend and the giant keeper’s form will surely be the key to this tie.

Emmanuel Adebayor was one of few marquee signings (a certain manager apart) of the recently shut window, and Alan Pardew will be hoping that his new man can bring some much-needed goals to Crystal Palace, who visit struggling Swansea this weekend.

The expensive Togolese striker is viewed by some (fans of Spurs, for instance, reportedly still paying a portion of his wages) as a selfish figure, but bluffers can point that in fact, while Adebayor is a goalscorer of proven pedigree (96 so far at the top level in England, 25th in the all-time list) he is also a generous provider.

Palace’s manager may be gratified to realise that he has not only signed a poacher but a top-class provider, whose 37 assists put him in the same class in this regard as David Beckham, Juan Mata and Robert Pires.

Andros Townsend, one of four high-profile recent recruits to Newcastle United, will be hoping to improve on a limp debut and impress his new home fans this weekend, when the Magpies entertain West Bromwich Albion. Bluffers will not wish to guarantee results for the Geordie audience, but they can point out that in-depth research suggests their new signing will provide plenty of excitement.

Townsend has a history of unleashing efforts on goal from long range, and in his most successful season with Spurs made 56 goal attempts from 12 starts at a shot every 23 minutes. In 2014/15, restricted to just three substitute appearances, he let fly once every 15 minutes. Take cover in the Gallowgate End.