Want to be the pub/terrace know-all this weekend? Want to know who has committed the most fouls? Or who has covered the most ground and put in a true captain’s performance? Then read on and let the welcome return of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index arm you with enough stats to impress everyone but girly girls.
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Aston Villa vs Southampton
Aston Villa entertain Southampton this weekend as they attempt to end a string of 4 consecutive Premier League defeats. Despite the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, Villa had the majority of the possession but could not convert their chances upfront.
In the absence of star man Christian Benteke, Gabriel Agbonlahor is Aston Villa’s most accurate in front of goal. With 3 goals to his name this season, Agbonlahor has had 14 shots on target out of a possible 30; that’s an accuracy of 47%. With Benteke out for the rest of the season, he will be eager to show his attacking prowess and add to his season total. He is 11/4 to score at any time with 888sport.com
The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Fabian Delph is Villa’s biggest attacking threat. Delph made 4 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) in his sides 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, bringing his total attacking contributions for this season to 76. Villa fans will hope his creative influence can reignite their season.
Manager Paul Lambert and Villa fans alike will be counting on Karim El Ahmadi to provide a decisive defensive influence as his side attempt to contain the threat of England hopefuls Lallana and Lambert. The Moroccan has made 26 Premier League appearances this season and has won 89 out of a possible 116tackles this season; that’s a tackle accuracy of 77%.
Southampton keen to bounce back when they travel to Villa Park this weekend. The Saints failed to break down Cardiff’s deep defense and will feel hard done by with the final score. They are currently 8th in thePremier League; 9 points behind 7th place Manchester United. With England selection pressing ever closer, Southampton’s England hopefuls will be sure to put in an impressive performance.
Adam Lallana once again strengthened his claim for Brazil this summer; constantly threatening Cardiff’s defense. The England hopeful made 5 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses). In addition the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed 37 passes in the opposition half. Fans will hope he continues to show this impressive form for both club and country.
Lambert was unlucky not to score against Cardiff last weekend. The forward had 2 shots on target out of a possible 5 giving him a 40% shot accuracy rating. Lambert has 11 goals this season and is 19/10 to score at any time with 888sport.com
Saints’ fans will feel confident that Morgan Schneiderlin can handle the attacking threat of Aston Villa’s Delph and Agbonlahor this week. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Schneiderlin has made 149 tackles this season, winning 108 in 30 Premier League appearances. He will be crucial in Southampton’s attempt to put last week’s shock defeat behind them.
Cardiff vs Stoke
Cardiff inflicted a shock defeat on Southampton last weekend as they secured just their 2nd victory on the road this season. The victory has brought the struggling Bluebirds within 3 points of Norwich City and Premier League safety. Cardiff could have had more had Wilfred Zaha not pushed his effort wide. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will no doubt put his trust in his side’s deep defense, which proved effective against the Saints, this weekend against Stoke.
Torres Raiz fired the blue birds ahead after 65 minutes. The defender proved integral at both ends of the pitch last weekend, providing not only the winner but also keeping Cardiff in the game on more than one occasion. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made 24 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, clearances and interceptions). He has scored twice in five appearances for the Bluebirds.
Cardiff will be eager to secure another 3 points this week against Stoke. Jordan Mutch has scored 7 times this season for Cardiff and looks to be their biggest threat in front of goal. Mutch has had 19 shots on target this season, that’s an accuracy of 53%. He is 5/1 to score at any time with 888sport.com
Cardiff’s defense looked to be the decisive factor in their surprise victory over Southampton. With the prospect of facing Stoke City, fans will be putting their faith in Caulker to lead the way in defense. He has made an impressive 426 defensive contributions this season, the highest at the club, of which 296 have been clearances. Caulker will see it as his responsibility to keep Cardiff in the game as they attempt to escape the drop.
Stoke City travel to Cardiff this week in search of their 5th win in 6 games. Stoke are now 3 points behind 9thplaced Newcastle and are currently enjoying their best Premier League season to date. Mark Hughes will feel that his men are perfectly capable of over taking the struggling Magpies after the Potters beat Newcastle through a cross-turned wonder goal from Erik Pieters last weekend.
The Potters enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession last weekend against Newcastle and could have put 2 or 3 more on the score sheet. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Steven N’Zonzi completed 26 passes in Newcastle’s half and looked to be at the center of Stoke’s attacking threat. He has completed a staggering 795 passes in the opposition half in 32 appearances this season.
Marko Anautovic was Stoke’s greatest attacking threat last weekend, making 6 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) including 2 crosses and an assist. The Austrian has scored just twice this season in 26 appearances but looks to be one of Stoke’s key danger men.
Stoke will feel confident of their goal scoring ability against struggling Cardiff. The Potters have bagged 37 Premier League goals in total this season; 7 of which have come from Peter Crouch who is Stoke’s top scorer with 7. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has also had the most shots on target with 23 to his name. Jonathan Walters has the highest shot accuracy percentage however with 15 of his 27 finding the target; that’s a 56% accuracy rate. Crouch is 40/17 to score at any time with 888sport.com
Chelsea vs Sunderland
Chelsea remain just two points adrift of Liverpool after beating 10 man Swansea last Sunday. Chelsea failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage until Ba found the back of the net with just over 20 minutes left on the clock. The Blues are now 5 points ahead of rivals Manchester City with just four games remaining. With a run in that includes a visit to Anfield, Chelsea need to seize every opportunity they can and Mourinho will be pleased at the 3 points achieved against the Swans.
Demba Ba’s strike in the 68th minute was the second time inside a week that the striker has proved to be Chelsea’s match winner having scored the winner against Paris-St Germain in the Champions League. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he had 2 out of a possible 5 shots on target last week, that’s a 40% accuracy. Ba has scored 4 goals this season in 16 Premier League performances and has a shotaccuracy of 45% so far this season; with 10 out of a possible 22 shots hitting the target.
Mohamed Salah looks to be settling in to life at Chelsea well as he attempts to fill the creative attacking void left by Hazard’s injury. Salah should have scored early on against Swansea but he failed to find the net from Ivanovic’s low cross. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made 10 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) last week bringing his season total to 17 in 6 Premier League appearances. He is 11/5 to score at any time with 888sport.com
Although Chelsea will be confident ahead of their clash with struggling Sunderland, they will be wary of Sunderland’s attacking threat which did so much damage to title hopefuls City. Chelsea skipper John Terry will take no chances when it comes to containing the likes of Johnson and Wickham. Terry leads the way in defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks and interceptions) for Chelsea this season with 291 to his name. He has won 28 out of a possible 36 tackles whilst committing 13 fouls.
Sunderland delivered a serious blow to Manchester City’s Premier League title ambitions as they forced a draw from the title contenders. Sunderland fans should be pleased at their side’s performance as they showed resilience and determination despite going 1-0 after just 2 minutes. However, they will feel frustrated that the Black Cats conceded with just 2 minutes left on the clock to level the match. Sunderland are currently at the bottom of the table with 26 points but with a game in hand on both Fulham and Cardiff.
Connor Wickham proved to be the Black Cats hero against Manchester City, bagging a brace in 10 minutes. Sunderland fans will be hoping the 21 year old can replicate his performance as Sunderland attempt to escape the drop. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has scored 2 goals this season in 9 appearances. He is 23/4 to score at any time with 888sport.com
Sunderland’s star man this season has been Adam Johnson. The former Manchester City player looks threatening in both open play and from the setpiece. He has 8 goals this season and will be hoping that he can guide his team to Premier League safety. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 88 attacking contributions (shots on target, crosses, assists and dribbles) this season, including 29 crosses
Marco Alonso will once again play a defining role in Sunderland’s defense this weekend. The Spaniard won 6 out of a possible 8 tackles against City and has won 72% of the 67 tackles he has made in his 11 Premier League appearances. Alonso will be aware of the danger from Chelsea’s in form Salah and Ba.
Newcastle v Swansea
Newcastle will be looking to bounce back from last weekends 1-0 defeat to Stoke when they entertain Swansea this Saturday. The Magpies form has been poor in recent weeks having lost their last 4 matches. The club currently sits in 9th place in the Premier League with 46 points, and under fire boss Alan Pardew will be hoping for amuch needed win in their bid to secure a top half finish.
Although goals have been hard to come by in recent weeks Yoan Gouffran might be Newcastle’s best hope of a goal this weekend with on loan striker Loic Remy still likely to be sidelined with a calf injury. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Gouffran has netted 6 times in 31 appearances this season, with a 45% shot accuracy from his 31 attempts at goal this season. Gouffran is an industry best 7/2 to score against Swansea with 888sport.com.
With Moussa Sissoko out until the end of the month Cheick Tioté is likely to be the magpies best midfield option on Saturday. Tioté has made 45 attacking contributions so far this season (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) including 11 shots on target and 31 dribblesinside the opposition half.
Despite last week’s defeat Mike Williamson was Newcastle’s standout performer at the back with 7 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) including 5 clearances, 1 interception & 1 block. The 30-year old centre back has made 29 appearances this season and has managed to average a 79% tackle accuracy from the 57 tackles he hasmade so far.
Swansea City’s battle for Premier League survival continues this weekend as they visit out of form Newcastle. Gary Monk’s side have only managed 1 win from their last 9 matches themselves, and will be looking to bounce back from last Sundays 1-0 defeat to title chasers Chelsea. The Swans currently sit in 15th position in the table having picked up only 33 points so far this season. But Monk will be hoping for a repeat of December’s meeting between the two sides; when Swansea came out 3-0 victors. Swansea will be without the suspended Chico Flores after the Spaniards red card last weekend.
Wilfried Bony will be looking to add to the 12 Premier League goals he’s already scored so far this season as he looks set to lead the Swansea line again. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index the Ivorian striker has a 44% shot accuracy so far this term; hitting the target 34 times from his 78 total attempts at goal. Although Bony hasn’t found the net since his sides 2-2 draw with Arsenal in March 888sport.com give him odds of 2/1 to find the net.
Wayne Routledge has been Swansea’s main attacking threat so far this season with 86 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses), including 19 crosses and 3 assists. And Routledge will be looking to add tothis tally on Saturday as he looks to fire his side 6 points clear of the drop zone.
With Flores suspension Swansea will be looking at Ashley Williams and Angel Rangel to keep out the Newcastle frontline. Rangel was Swansea’s strongest defender in the loss to Chelsea, with a defensive contribution (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) of 14 including 7 tackles won, 4 interceptions and 2 clearances.
Norwich V Liverpool
Neil Adams first game in charge of Norwich City’s didn’t quite go to plan when his side’s Premier League survival hopes took a massive blow last weekend. Fulham came out 1-0 victors over the Canaries in the relegation dogfight, with Hugo Rodallega’s first half winner leaving Norwich hovering just 2 points above the drop zone with only 4 games to go.
Norwich have struggled for goals this season but Robert Snodgrass may be the Canaries best attacking hope on Sunday. The 26 year old Scotlandmidfielder has managed 5 goals so far this season, and according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he has a 43% shot accuracy with 18 of his 42 shots hitting the target, and 888sport.com make Snodgrass 9/2 to score anytime.
Despite the defeat to Fulham Michael Turner was Norwich’s best showing at the back with 15 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks), including 11 clearances. Its still unclear whether captain Sebastien Bassong will return to partner Turner in the Norwich backline to face Liverpool after the Cameroonian was left out of last weeks match.
Although he was substituted on 68 minutes Leroy Fer was Norwich’s biggest threat going forward against Fulham with 6 attacking contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks), including 4 dribbles and 2 shots on target. The Dutchman has only managed 3 goals so far this season but his performance last week will leaveNorwich fans hoping for a repeat performance on Sunday.
Liverpool will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the table as they continue the chase their first league title since 1990. The Reds travel to Carrow Road on Sunday in search of an impressive 11thth consecutive Premier League victory. It’s been an emotional week in Merseyside as they marked the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, and this will no doubt help spur on Brendan Rodgers side who, last week, delivered a hammer blow to title rivals Man City. Liverpool came out 3-2 victors over City, a win that will surely play a major factor in deciding where the title will end up in May.
Steven Gerrard’s emotional post match team huddle showed how much this title really means to him and his teammates if they can manage to secure it. Gerrard managed 3 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) on Sunday including one assist, which according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index takes his assist tally for the season up to 11; the fourth highest in the PremierLeague. Gerrard has scored 13 times this season and is an industry best 9/5 to add to his tally on Sunday with 888sport.com.
Martin Skrtel grabbed his 7th goal of the season against Man City, and his powerful 26th minute header gave the reds an early 2-0 lead. Centre back Skrtel has managed an impressive 13 shots so far this season giving him a shot accuracy of 62%. As well as being the PremierLeague’s highest scoring defender so far this season the Slovakian has also been Liverpool’s rock at the back, with 504 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) including 20 against Manchester City.
Raheem Sterling has become one of Liverpool’s most influential players this season and his recent surge in form has helped catapult the reds into the title race. Sterling’s impressive performance last weekend confirmed his importance to the side, and he put Liverpool ahead after just 6 minutes when he calmly dispatched Luis Suarez’s pin-point through ball into the back of Joe Hart’s net. The 19 year old managed 8 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) including 6 dribbles, 1 cross and 1 shot on target.
Tottenham V Fulham
Tottenham’s Champions League hopes were all but ended last Saturday after a 3-3 draw with West Brom left them 7 points adrift of 4th spot. Spurs managed to claw themselves back into the game with a second half salvo, after a dismal first half performance saw them fall 3 goals behind after just 31 minutes. The rousing comeback was completed right at the death when Cristian Eriksen’s stunning effort left Ben Foster with no chance. The 94th minute goal may give Tim Sherwood’s side a major confidence boost going into Saturdays tie with relegation threatened Fulham who come into the game in good spirits having picked up 2 consecutive Premier League wins.
Eriksen has had an impressive first season at White Hart Lane, and has picked up 58 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses); more than any other Tottenham player this term. And Tim Sherwood has this week even compared the £11.5 million summer signing to a former Arsenal star, describing him as ‘Bergkampesque’.
Emmanuel Adebayor will be looking to add to his 10 league goals when he faces Felix Magath’s side, who have conceded 74 goals this season; more than any other Premier League club. Adebayor has been in good form since his return to the Spurs side under Tim Sherwood, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows the striker has been accurate with 69% of his 29 shots this season. Adebayor is 9/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
With Michael Dawson and Jan Vertonghen still out injured Younes Kaboul is likely to partner Romanian Vlad Chiriches at centre back as they look to tighten up at the back after last weeks disappointing defensive display. Kaboul, who missed the first half of the season, made 19 defensive contributions inlast week’s draw including 8 clearances and 8 interceptions.
Fulham will go into Saturday’s clash with Tottenham with a new found confidence after Hugo Rodallega gave them a 1-0 win over Norwich at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers looked dead and buried a few weeks ago but 3 wins from their last 5 games has given them real hopes of survival. Felix Magath’s side have now amassed 30 Premier League points and find themselves just 2 points behind 17th place Norwich who sit just above the relegation zone.
The goal gave Rodallega his 2nd of the season and his celebration showed how much it meant to him, after struggling to establish himself in the Fulham side this season. The former Wigan man has only made 10 appearances this season but according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he has been Fulham’s most accurate finisher, with 70% of his 10 shots this season finding the target. The Columbian is an industry best 15/4 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Although he hasn’t appeared regularly in recent weeks on loan striker Darren Bent may still feature against his former club this weekend.Felix Magath has this week hinted that Bent still has a future at Craven Cottage even though he has only handed the former Spurs striker 1 start since he took over in February. Bent has made 22 appearances so far this term, making 12 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) scoring 3 goals in the process.
Johnny Heitinga put in an impressive defensive showing against Norwich and will be looking for a repeat of his performance against a dangerous Tottenham front line when they travel to White Hart lane. Heitinga made 15 defensive contributions against Norwich including 11 clearances and 3 tackles won, giving him a 63% tackle accuracy so far this season.
Everton v Manchester United
Everton will be looking to put Wednesday’s disappointing 3-2 loss to Crystal Palace behind them when they welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park this weekend. Despite the defeat to Palace the race for Champions League football is still very much alive for Roberto Martinez’s side, and they will be desperate for all 3 points on Sunday as they attempt to leapfrog Arsenal who currently sit in 4th place.
Romelu Lukaku will be hoping to add to his 13 Premier League goals on Sunday. The striker who is on loan from Chelsea has been in impressive form this season and is currently Everton’s leading goal scorer. The Belgian international has made 28 appearances so far this term and has made 85 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) for his side, including 7 assists.
Steven Naismith has also been one of Everton’s stand out men this season. Naismith’s goal against Palace was his 5th of the season and he will be hoping for another one this weekend. The Scot has a 58% shot accuracy so far this season and 888sport.com make him an industry best 11/4 to score against his former boss’s side.
Martinez will be hoping Sylvain Distin will continue to be Everton’s dominant force at the back as they look to keep out a strong United attack. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index the Frenchman has made 376 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) this season, winning 75% of his total 64 attempted.
David Moyes returns to Goodison Park for the first time as Manchester United boss on Sunday, and he will be looking for his side to continue their recent good run of form. United have won 3 of their last 4 games and they currently sit in 7th position 9 points adrift of Everton who are currently 5th. When the sides met in December the Toffees came out 1-0 winners after a late Bryan Oviedo strike, and Moyes will be desperate to avoid a repeat of this defeat.
Sunday will also see former Toffee Marouane Fellaini return to Goodison Park for the first time since his summer move to Manchester. Fellaini spent 5 seasons on Merseyside before his £27.5 million move. The 26 year old has made 18 appearances so far this season making 19 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses). He is yet to score in the Premier League but 888sport.com give him odds of 41/10 to score against his former side.
With Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie both sidelined through injury David Moyes will be hoping Danny Welbeck can add to the 9 goals he has already scored this season. Welbeck has made 21 appearances and has a 53% shot accuracy with 16 of his 30 attempts hitting the target.
Patrice Evra should make his 31st Premier League appearance of the season this weekend. Evra has been nearly ever-present for the Red Devils so far, and EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he has been United’s strongest defender. The Frenchman has made 289 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) including 156 clearances and 47 interceptions. The Index also shows he has won 73% of the 100 tackles he has attempted.
West Ham vs Crystal Palace
West Ham, currently sitting 12th on 37 points will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat at home toCrystal Palace this weekend. Despite losing to Liverpool and Arsenal in their last two fixtures West Ham are all but safe for another season in the Premier League but Sam Allardyce will be expecting a better result against Palace.
A strong defense will be key for the Hammers against Palace with Jason Puncheon and Cameron Jerome both scoring on Wednesday against Everton. Guy Demel and Winston Reid both had busy nights against Arsenal mid week. Guy Demel made 6 tackles at a 100% success rate whilst Winston Reid made 13 clearances, more than any other Hammers player.
Andy Carroll’s injury worries look firmly behind him as he cements his place as West Ham’s top striker. With the forward eyeing a seat on the plane to Rio for this summers’ World Cup, Carroll will be looking to impress in the remaining games of the season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Carroll attempted the most shots on goal (3) against Arsenal with none finding the target. Andy Carroll is 37/19 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
To complement Carroll’s strength in the air and physical presence, the Hammers will be aiming to provide crosses into the box at every opportunity. West Ham have two fine wingers in the form of Stuart Downing and Matt Jarvis with the latter providing the opener against Arsenal on Tuesday. Alongside his goal Jarvis made 3 attacking contributions (crosses, assists, dribbles and shots) but will be hoping to provide more service against Palace.
Palace are currently in a rich vein of form having won four games in a row. Tony Pulis must be given great credit, considering the position Palace were in when he took over at Selhurst Park. With a huge victory away at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, Crystal Palace are all but safe in 11th position and have hit the magic 40 point mark for the season.
Jason Puncheon has been arguably Crystal Palace’s best player this season since arriving from Southampton and he again proved his worth on Wednesday. Puncheon opened the scoring for Palace at Goodison and also assisted Cameron Jerome for the winner. Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie both made 6 attacking contributions for the team more than any other players. Jason Puncheon is 18/5 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Scott Dann has been at the heart of the Crystal Palace defence since joining in January and netted Palace’s second against Everton. A large part of Crystal Palace’s success in recent weeks has been down to their soliddefence. Keeping clean sheets in 3 of the last 4 games has been crucial to Palace’s rise into the middle of the table. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Dann was successful in all of his tackles and made 3 clearances throughout the night. Fellow defender Damien Delaney also stood out making the most clearances (10) during the match.
West Ham have a strong and physical midfield in Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble and Crystal Palace will need to be prepared for a battle. Mile Jedinak made 16 defensive contributions (clearances, interceptions and blocks) against Everton and will have to be on hand to support the defence when the likes of Nolan, Jarvis and Downing attack through midfield.
Hull vs Arsenal
Buoyed from last week’s FA cup semi final win over League One’s Sheffield United, Hull will be hoping to edge further away from the relegation battle below them. Hull moved up to 12th on 36 points with a hard fought 1-0 win over Swansea in their last Premier League game. As a dress rehearsal for the F.A Cup final next month this will be a great opportunity for both teams to size each other up before the big day.
Hull’s strike partnership of top scorer, Shane Long, and Nikica Jelavic are sure to be the most likely of the Hull team to penetrate the recently leaky Arsenal defence. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Long has 6 goals this season with a shot accuracy of 48%. Shane Long is well known for his work rate and this has been proven this season with 51 defensive contributions (tackles, interceptions, blocks and clearances) and 25 tackles won compared to a mere 7 from Jelavic. Long is an industry best at 3/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Another key player for Hull this season has been Ahmed Elmohamady. Sitting in the centre of the midfield with Tom Huddlestone the Egyptian has shown to be effective in both attack and defense. With an impressive 59 tackles won this season, Elmohamady also has 92 attacking contributions (assists, crosses and dribbles) to his name, more than any other Hull player.
At the heart of the Hull defense is sure to be Curtis Davies. The ever-present centre-back will be looking to keep Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud quiet this weekend. With comfortably the most clearances (278) and interceptions (94) for Hull this season, Davies will be crucial in keeping Arsenal at bay.
Arsenal will continue their fight for fourth position in the Premier League following their 3-1 win over West Ham on Tuesday. Having spent so long at the top of the table at the start of the season fans will yet again hope Arsenal can at least keep their run of 16 seasons in the Champions League going. Lucas Podolski scored a brace and Oliver Giroud provided a classy finish to ensure Arsenal avoided another defeat having gone behind to a Matt Jarvis goal.
With 14 goals this season Olivier Giroud will be keen to find his early season form in the final run in to the season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Giroud has taken 71 shots with only 41% shooting accuracy, combined with more fouls than any other Arsenal player, Giroud will hope to help Arsenal into 4th position. With Aaron Ramsey making a substitutes appearance against West Ham, Giroud might feel more quality service will beheading his way. The Frenchman is 8/5 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Lucas Podolski is certainly a man in form scoring twice in the mid week win over the Hammers. Although struggling to hold down a permanent place in the starting eleven, Podolski still has 6 goals this season and 3 assists, with only Giroud and Ramsey scoring more goals. The German also provided 4 attacking contributions against West Ham, the most in the Arsenal team. With this in mind, should Podolski start, he always provides a threat going forward, putting himself in a position to score.
Attacking full backs have been a constant theme for teams this season and Arsenal have two of the best in Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna. Both have strong passing accuracy stats of 78% and 80% respectively but they also provide great attacking support. Without an obvious second striker Arsenal look to the wings to support Giroud who can often be found isolated. Sagna has provided 36 attacking contributions this season, more than the likes of Thomas Rosicky (35) and Oxlade-Chamberlain (29).
