Opta Stats: Defoe to excel again for Tottenham

Jermain Defoe struck twice against West Ham on Sunday

Christian Crowther peruses the Opta stats for help picking out four midweek goal-getters to get behind...

Sunderland v QPR (Tuesday, 19:45)
Stephane Sessegnon scored in both games against QPR last season
For a while, it looked as if Sunderland's best attacking talent from last season had emerged after the summer break with his boots on the wrong feet, such was the wobbly nature of his performances. Thankfully for Mackems fans though, an absolute screamer in their victory over Fulham and another strike against West Brom at the weekend have reasserted this is still the same sparkling Sessegnon who played so well last season.
Recommended Bet: Back Sessegnon to score @ 3.9n/a

Stoke v Newcastle (Wednesday, 19:45)
Demba Ba has scored four goals in three Premier League appearances against Stoke after nearly joining the Potters in January 2011
Newcastle are stumbling along at present with Alan Pardew citing a host of injuries as the overriding factor behind their poor form. Things won't get any easier against Stoke either, as teams rarely get presented gifts at the Britannia Stadium. However, if anyone in the Magpies attack can grab something it's Ba. The Senegalese striker relishes a battle with the Potters and hasn't gone more than two appearances without notching yet this term.
Recommended Bet: Back Ba to score @ 3.7511/4

Tottenham v Liverpool (Wednesday, 19:45)
Jermain Defoe's goals per game rate of 0.54 in the league so far in 2012/13 is his best-ever rate in a Premier League campaign
Jermain Defoe is savouring life in a Lilywhite shirt this season, establishing himself at the top of the Tottenham strikers' pecking order, where he will stay with Emmanuel Adebayor suspended for two more games. A double against West Ham at the weekend took his tally for club and country to an impressive 12 for the season already. Next up is Liverpool, whom Spurs have done particularly well against in recent years - winning the last four Premier League renewals at White Hart Lane, with Defoe contributing to last season's 4-0 thumping of the Merseysiders. 
Recommended Bet: Back Defoe to score @ 3.02/1

Manchester United v West Ham (Wednesday, 20:00)
Wayne Rooney has scored seven goals in his last four Premier League appearances against West Ham
Manchester United fans will be delighted to have reasserted their position at the top of the table ahead of this first midweek interlude of the season. With such an endowment of attacking options at their disposal, it's no real surprise either. Javier Hernandez has established himself as the man of the moment but in Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, the leaders possess two other strikers who seldom stay quiet for long. Four league games seem like duration enough for Rooney to go without and West Ham are among his favoured victims.
Recommended Bet: Back Rooney to score @ 2.111/10