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.
Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate team.
Southampton v Aston Villa – 12:45, Saturday 16th May
A defeat to high-flying Leicester last weekend puts Southampton’s quest for European football in jeopardy, with Garry Monk’s Swansea hot on their heels. Ronald Koeman will be desperate for a win against Aston Villa this weekend, to prevent it slipping further from their grasp.
In many respects you could argue Southampton were unlucky to lose to Leicester, as they had the lions share of possession and took the same number of shots as their opponents. Their positive approach to the game was probably best encapsulated by the performance of defender Nathaniel Clyne, who looked to get forward at every opportunity – completing an impressive 39 passes in the opposition half. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that this was more than any of his teammates and the third most of any defender in the league.
There have been many bright sparks in Southampton’s season, but arguably the biggest success story has been winger Sadio Mane who has produced a number of eye-catching performances. In particular, his dribbling has impressed and this ability of his was on show against Leicester as he completed four dribbles, the third most in the league during the last round of fixtures. Mane is 11/5 with 888sport.com to score at any time at the weekend.
Southampton’s youth academy has been lauded in recent seasons, as it has produced a number of talented youngsters who have graduated into the first team. One such player who has emerged this season is defensive midfielder Harrison Reed, who’s hard-tackling and determined style of play has impressed many. His ability to protect the back four was evident against Leicester as according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he made five interceptions and won three tackles.
Tom Cleverley’s third goal in three games moved Aston Villa up to fourteenth, further away from the relegation spots. Tim Sherwood will be looking for one more win to all but guarantee safety for another year.
Tom Cleverley’s recent run of form has seen some pundits tipping him for a recall to the England squad. The midfielder has scored important goals, but he’s also demonstrated his excellent array of passing, with the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index showing that he completed a pass in the opposition half at an impressive rate of a pass every 3.3 minutes.
Cleverley wasn’t the only Villa midfielder showcasing excellent passing skills, fellow England international Fabian Delph was too. Delph played a total of 45 passes in the opposition half, which was more than any other player in the Villa squad and the fourth most in the league. If you fancy Cleverley to hit the back of the net this weekend, head to 888sport.com who have him at 7/1 to score at any time.
Villa’s offensive-minded players have gained most of the plaudits for their resurgence in recent weeks, but it would be wrong to ignore the contributions of their defenders. Jores Okore is one player, in particular, who has excelled and he was defensively astute again against Leicester, making a total of 11 defensive contributions (based on blocks, tackles won, clearances and interceptions).
Burnley v Stoke – 15:00, Saturday 16th May
Danny Ings’ tenth goal of the season wasn’t enough to guide the Clarets to safety, despite an impressive victory over Hull. They’re left to play for pride in the remaining couple of fixtures and host Stoke this weekend.
George Boyd has been one of Burnley’s most consistent performers this term, running his socks off for the sake of the team in every match that he has played. This was no different against Hull, as he covered an impressive 12.8km, which was more than any other player in the Burnley squad. Boyd is 9/2 with 888sport.com to score at any time.
Burnley’s victory may have proved to be ultimately fruitless, but that shouldn’t take anything away from their defensive efforts – as they produced a fantastic rearguard effort to keep Hull at bay. Central to this effort was Jason Shackell, who according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, made an impressive 24 defensive contributions (based on tackles won, interceptions, clearances and blocks). This was more than any other player in the Barclays Premier League, in the last round of fixtures.
Another player doing his bit for Burnley against the Tigers was central midfielder David Jones. The former Wolves man showcased his excellent creativity, as he completed an impressive 23 passes in the opposition half – which was more than any other Burnley player.
Goals from Charlie Adam, Steven N’Zonzi and Mame Biram Diouf earned Stoke a deserved victory over European hopefuls Spurs last weekend. They travel to Turf Moor looking for three points to cement their status in the top ten.
The goal would have been the cherry on top for N’Zonzi as he produced an excellent display in the centre of the park, spraying balls about with consummate ease. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed a total of 23 passes in the opposition half, which was five more than any of his teammates. N’Zonzi is 13/1 with 888sport.com to score at any this weekend.
Mark Hughes has never been shy to offer his opinion on Ryan Shawcross’ prospects of adding to his one England cap, with the former Fulham manager continuously pressing his claims for an international call-up. The Stoke skipper has established himself as one of the League’s most accomplished defenders, in part, due to his excellent ability to sniff out danger and thwart opposing attackers. Shawcross showcased this excellent anticipation of his against Spurs, clearing the ball 13 times – this was the third most clearances in the league in the last round of fixtures.
Since arriving at the Britannia Stadium in 2012, Geoff Cameron has established himself as an integral member of the Stoke squad, able to operate to great effect in any position in the back four. In addition to his versatility, Cameron’s workrate is a key attribute of his – something that was on show against Tottenham. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that he covered an impressive 10.4km, which was the second most in the Stoke lineup.
West Ham v Everton – 15:00, Saturday 16th May
A goal from Tom Cleverley condemned the Hammers to a 1-0 loss against Aston Villa last time out. They host Everton looking for three points to help secure their place in the top half of the league.
One player who has every right to feel particularly aggrieved at West Ham’s loss is centre back James Collins, who produced an inspired defensive performance to thwart the offensive efforts of his former club. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made a total of 24 defensive contributions (based on blocks, clearances, interceptions and tackles won). This was more than any other player in the league in the last round of Premier League fixtures.
Time and time again this season, central midfielder Mark Noble has showcased his neat ability to pick a pass. This was no different on Saturday, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed an impressive 19 passes in the opposition half, which was the second most in the Hammers squad (behind only Stewart Downing).
Cheikhou Kouyate has had a good debut season for the Hammers, performing consistently well throughout the campaign – with Sam Allardyce comparing him favourably to Arsenal great Patrick Viera earlier on this term. There are many positive attributes to his game, one of which is his outstanding work rate. This was on show again on Saturday, as Kouyate completed an impressive 10.8km, which was more than any other player in the West Ham lineup. Kouyate is 13/2 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.
Danny Graham’s first goal for Sunderland, plus another for Jermaine Defoe, guided the Black Cats to victory over Everton in the last round of fixtures. Roberto Martinez will be looking for improved finishing this weekend to boost the Toffees’ chances of finishing in the top half.
In many respects, Roberto Martinez will be ruing his side’s inability to take their chances as they took more than double the number of shots as their opponents. Additionally, they boasted significantly more possession, with experienced midfielder Leon Osman central to this effort. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed an impressive 39 passes in the opposition half – which was the most in the Toffees squad. Osman is 6/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.
Seamus Coleman has established himself as one of the Barclays Premier League’s leading full backs, making positive contributions at both ends of the pitch. He has become a key cog in Everton’s attacking armoury and his willingness to attack Sunderland’s defence was evident on Saturday, as he completed five dribbles. This was the second most in the league.
In James McCarthy, Everton have one of the finest defensive midfielders in the league – with the former Wigan man continuously shielding his back four to great effect. This was no different on Saturday, as he won 80% of his challenges.
QPR v Newcastle – Saturday 16th May, 15:00
QPR come into this weekend’s fixture following their relegation from the Barclays Premier League last weekend. The R’s will be keen to put on a show in front of their loyal fan base at Loftus Road and wrap up their Premier League campaign with a win in their last home outing.
QPR will be hoping that their keeper Rob Green delivers one last big performance in front of the home fans to tie off the season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 128 saves so far this season, at an average of 1.91 saves per goal conceded. He is looking for his second clean sheet in four in order to further boost that ratio.
One man who has performed consistently for the R’s this season, is centre midfielder Leroy Fer. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 53 tackles so far this season, 70.7% of his overall attempts, also making 24 interceptions. On the ball he has made 467 passes in the opposition area, completed a squad best 55 dribbles and also added three assists and five goals to his game.
Up top, Charlie Austin has been the main threat for the R’s all season long. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has hit the target 50 times so far this season, testing the keeper with two in every three shots. He has converted 17 of those chances into goals, and his assist tally of seven shows his team involvement. He is 33/25 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Whilst QPR saw their relegation confirmed, Newcastle are still teetering perilously above the relegation zone, and three points would be priceless for them this season. The Magpies picked up a point last weekend against West Brom, but will need to go one better this weekend to ensure that they remain above Hull, who currently lie in 18th place.
Newcastle will be hoping that Fabricio Coloccini can marshal his back line this weekend, to help in the bid for survival. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has won 56 tackles so far this season, 77.8% of his overall attempts, also making 158 clearances and 19 blocks. He will be looking to add to all of those respective tallies to help Newcastle keep what would be a priceless clean sheet.
In the middle of the park, Newcastle will be looking for Jack Colback to win the midfield battle and get a stranglehold on the game from the off. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 381.83km so far this term, managing to win 98 tackles in the process, 73.7% of his overall efforts. He has also racked up 62 interceptions, and is no slouch on the ball either with four goals and six assists to his name.
Up top, last week saw Ayoze Perez grab a crucial goal against QPR and earn Newcastle an invaluable point, and he will be looking for a repeat performance. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that last week saw him convert his only chance in the game, whilst completing 22 passes, giving him an overall 91.7% completion rate. He is 19/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Sunderland v Leicester – Saturday 16th May, 15:00
Sunderland find themselves as one of a number of clubs who are still fighting for survival, as they sit just two points above the relegation zone. However, they find themselves in good form coming into this weekend’s fixture, having picked up seven points from a possible nine, including two wins on the bounce. Whilst in buoyant mood from their recent results, Sunderland will need to translate that positivity into points this weekend to ensure survival.
Sunderland will be looking to their captain John O’Shea to lead the line in a relegation six pointer this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 46 tackles so far this season, 79.3% of his overall attempts. He has also racked up 161 clearances, 60 interceptions and 20 blocks, and will be looking to add to those tallies to ensure a Sunderland clean sheet, and hopefully another season of Premier League football.
In the middle of the park, Sebastian Larsson has been Sunderland’s most consistent performer, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has won 72 tackles, 66.7% of his overall attempts, and made 31 interceptions, but most of his good work is done on the ball. He has completed squad bests of 600 passes in the opposition half and completing 20 crosses. He also holds four assists and three goals to his name, and adding to those tallies could be the difference come the weekend.
Up top, Sunderland will be hoping the Jermaine Defoe can find the net once more, in a repeat performance of last weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he converted his only shot of the game, whilst putting in a shift for the team by winning two tackles, making one interception and even getting back to make a clearance. He is 7/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Leicester are still relegation threatened but they have continued to turn their season around in drastic fashion. The Foxes have won six of their last seven matches, only being beaten by newly crowned champions, Chelsea. Leicester will look to make it seven wins in eight this weekend, and confirm their place in the Premier League again for next season.
Leicester will be looking to their rock and captain at the back, Wes Morgan, to once again lead the line. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 53 tackles, an impressive 94.6% of his overall attempts. He has also made 256 clearances, 90 interceptions and 44 blocks, and will hope that he can captain the Foxes to another victory.
In the middle of the park, Riyad Mahrez will be looking for another big performance to round off the season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 30 interceptions this season, but it is on the ball where he is a real threat. He has completed a squad best 60 dribbles, and a further squad best 24 crosses. He will be hoping to add to his four assists and four goals this weekend to ensure survival for the Foxes.
Up top, Leonardo Ulloa’s goals may prove the difference between relegation and survival for Leicester. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has netted his 10 goals from 17 shots on target this season, turning 58.8% of those opportunities into goals. He is 7/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Tottenham v Hull – Saturday 16th May, 15:00
Tottenham will be looking to close their Premier League campaign on a high, with six points from their last two matches. They will be looking for a good, positive win in front of their home fans, and ensure that they push Liverpool as close as possible for fifth position.
Spurs will be looking for a big performance from their France international shot stopper, Hugo Lloris. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 105 saves so far this season, at an average of 1.98 saves per goal conceded, and he will be hoping to further boost that ratio with another clean sheet.
In the middle of the park, Christian Eriksen has proven himself to be one of the hardest working midfielders not just in the team, but in the league. The Denmark international has covered the most ground of any Premier League player so far this season, completing 407.29km. He has also completed a squad best 1,083 passes in the opposition half, also making four assists and finding the back of the net 10 times.
Up top, Harry Kane will be looking to put a very happy end to his breakout campaign in the Spurs squad with further success. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has netted his 20 goals at an average of a goal every 120.35 minutes. He is 24/25 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Hull come into this weekend’s fixture in desperate need of a win. Two victories on the bounce were swiftly followed by two defeats to Arsenal and Hull, and there is no time to waste in re-discovering that form. Hull currently sit two points behind Newcastle and Sunderland, and will be hoping that results go their way to ensure that they don’t sit in the bottom three going in to the last round of fixtures.
Hull will need a massive performance from their goalkeeper Alan McGregor if they are to remain a Barclays Premier League club next year. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 64 saves so far this season, at an average of 1.6 saves per goal conceded. He is looking for his third clean sheet in five to further boost that ratio.
In the middle of the park, Jake Livermore will be looking to deliver another hard working performance. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 392.82km so far this season, winning 93 tackles in the process, 72.1% of his overall attempts. He has also racked up 57 interceptions, and on the ball has completed 625 passes in the opposition area, and will look to dictate the tempo of the game this weekend.
Ahmed Elmohamady will join him on the right hand side, and he has proved to be one of Hull’s most consistent performers this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 65 tackles so far this season, 75.6% of his overall attempts, also making 102 clearances and 61 interceptions. He is equally important going forward, having completed a squad best 51 crosses, set up five goals and even scored twice. He is 23/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Liverpool v Crystal Palace – Saturday 16th May, 17:30
Anfield will be an emotion filled venue this weekend, with homegrown skipper Steven Gerrard making his final appearance in front of his boyhood club’s fans. Liverpool picked up a good point last weekend at newly crowned champions Chelsea and a win this weekend will guarantee that they cannot be caught in fifth spot.
Liverpool will be looking to keep a clean sheet in front of their home fans for the last time this season, and will be led by Martin Skrtel. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 33 tackles this season, 78.6% of his overall attempts. He has also racked up 301 clearances, 54 interceptions and 37 blocks and will be looking for a similar caliber of performance this weekend.
In the middle of the park, the man looking to fill the boots of Steven Gerrard is England international Jordan Henderson. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 385.5km, winning a squad best 81 tackles in the process, 73.6% of his overall attempts. He has also completed 950 passes in the opposition area, managed 10 assists and found the net six times. He will prove a threat in the opposition half with his vision and finishing, and Liverpool fans will hope to see that for years to come as he takes up the mantle left by Stevie G.
Steven Gerrard; what a career he has had and continues to have. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has not lost his appetite for the big tackle, winning 48 tackles this season, 64.9% of his overall attempts. He also has one assist to his name and is the team’s top scorer with eight goals so far this season; don’t be surprised to see that venomous right foot add to that tally this weekend on an emotional sign off. He is 37/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Crystal Palace have a habit of spoiling parties, and that is exactly what they will be looking to do this weekend. Liverpool need not be reminded of their end of season encounter with Crystal Palace last year, and it’s in no doubt that Palace will be looking to put their poor run of form straight with victory on an emotional day for Liverpool.
Scott Dann will be leading the Palace line this weekend, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal what a good season he has had. Dann had won 29 tackles, 69% of his overall attempts. He has also made 210 clearances, 53 interceptions and 36 blocks and will be looking to add to all of those respective tallies with a clean sheet this week.
In the middle of the park, Mile Jedinak has had a fine season for the Eagles, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has won 76 tackles this season, 78.4% of his overall attempts, also managing 81 clearances and 79 interceptions. In front of goal, he has hit the target with 60% of his 20 shots, finding the net five times.
The main danger man of late for Palace has been Yannick Bolasie who has hit top form just at the right time. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he hard work is key to his success, having won 48 tackles this season, 77.4% of his overall attempts. On the ball, his direct style poses a major threat, having completed a squad best 86 dribbles this season, helping him on his way to 10 assists and four goals for the term. He is 23/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Swansea v Man City – Sunday 17th May, 13:30
Swansea will be looking to finish the season on a high, starting with a win in their final home game at the Liberty Stadium. The Swans will be looking for a victory that could see them move up to sixth in the league if results go their way. Having won their last three matches on the bounce, the Swans will certainly come into this weekend’s match-up with confidence.
Swansea will be looking for a big performance from their in-form shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Swans’ keeper has racked up 124 saves already this season, at an average of 2.82 saves per goals conceded. He will third clean sheet on the bounce to further boost that ratio.
The Swans will also hope that their skipper Ashley Williams can once more lead the line. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 38 tackles so far this season, winning 69.1% of his overall attempts. He has also racked up 385 clearances, made 94 interceptions and 38 blocks. He will need to be in similar form to stop a man in Sergio Aguero’s form, with that level of talent.
In the middle of the park, Gylfi Sigurdsson has had a fine season on his return to the Liverty Stadium, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. When off the ball, he has rescued possession with 37 interceptions, and when on the ball has made a squad best 627 passes in the opposition area, and will look to add to his 10 assists and six goals for the campaign. He is 18/5 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
City will be looking to follow on their wonderful performance last weekend in order to give themselves the best possible shot of finishing second in the league this season. City’s 6-0 hammering of QPR was their fourth win on the bounce, and City will be keen to ensure that their record stays in tact at the expense of their hosts’ record.
City will be looking for a big performance from England international goalkeeper Joe Hart. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 76 saves so far this season, at an average of 2.38 saves per goal conceded. He will be looking for this third clean sheet in a row to further boost that ratio.
In the middle of the park, David Silva has been on exceptional form this week as demonstrated both by his performance last week and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Last week saw him take three shots on goal, hitting the target twice, and finding the net once. He also managed two interceptions and two assists apiece as well as completing 45 passes in the opposition half, and will be looking for a similar level of performance again this weekend.
Sergio Aguero was also nigh on unstoppable last week, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Aguero hit the target with each of his four shots, turning three of those opportunities into goals. He also managed two interceptions and assists apiece. He is 15/19 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Manchester United v Arsenal – Sunday 17th May, 16:00
Manchester United come into this weekend’s fixture having picked up their first three points in four matches last weekend at Crystal Palace. United will be keen to impress a packed out Old Trafford for the final time this season to ensure that they are mathematically guaranteed Champions League football.
United will be looking for a big performance from their Spain international shot stopper, David de Gea. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 91 saves so far this season, at an average of 2.53 saves per goal conceded, and he will be hoping to further boost that ratio with another clean sheet.
At the back, Chris Smalling will be looking to finish the season on a high to stake his claim for a starting position from the outset next season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 27 tackles so far this season, 81.8% of his overall attempts, whilst also making 146 clearances, 52 interceptions and 14 blocks. He will be looking to add to all of those respective tallies this weekend to help United keep a clean sheet in their final home match of the season.
Up top, United will be looking for their captain and top scorer Wayne Rooney to round off his season in style. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that his hard work has seen him rack up 45 clearances and 27 interceptions, but his best work is when he is on the ball. He has completed an impressive 906 passes in the opposition area, helping himself to 12 goals and five assists. He is 7/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Arsenal come into this weekend’s match in fantastic form, in spite of them suffering their first league defeat in 12 to Swansea. Prior to Monday night’s match with the league’s only Welsh club, Arsenal picked up 28 points from a possible 30. The Gunners will be hoping to reverse their fortunes from when the sides met earlier on in the season, with the Gunners losing out 2-1, to ensure that they can pip United’s city rivals Man City to second place in the league.
The Gunners will be looking for another high quality display from their talented midfielder, Santi Cazorla. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 36 interceptions this season, and when on the ball, he poses a real danger. He has completed a squad best 1,251 passes in the opposition half, completing 83 dribbles and adding seven goals and nine assists to his name.
Up top, Arsenal have two strikers in fantastic form, including one man coming to the end of his debut season, Alexis Sanchez. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that his hard work has been key to his success this season, winning 45 tackles, 64.3% of his overall attempts. He will go into the game eager to add to his eight assists and 16 goals, as will his strike partner, Olivier Giroud.
Giroud has likewise had a fine season for Arsenal, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Giroud is also a hard worker for the team, winning 27 tackles, showing that Arsenal have had a lot of success by defending from the front. He will be looking to top up his goal tally this weekend, which currently stands at 14 for the season. He is 39/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
West Brom vs Chelsea – Monday 18th May, 20:00
West Brom host the Champions on Monday night and will hope to extend their unbeaten run to five games. The Baggies are in 13th place but are hot on the tails of both Everton and Crystal Palace, who sit in 11th and 12th respectively.
Joleon Lescott has had an outstanding season for West Brom. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights this, with the Englishman having won 50 successful tackles as well as making 202 clearances. In addition, Lescott has made the fifth most interceptions in the division with 79.
The Baggies will be looking to midfielder Craig Gardner to ensure that they get a foothold in the battle in the centre of the park. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 93 tackles so far this season, the eighth most in the division. He has also made 55 clearances, 55 interceptions and 9 blocks.
Up top, Saido Berahino will be hoping for a strong finish to what has been a fairly prolific season. The English youngster has featured in every game for West Brom this campaign and has scored twelve goals, and with 35 shots on target, 53.8% of his total shots, he is likely to provide the main threat to Chelsea. He is 5/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Chelsea come in to this game as Champions and are likely to see it as a game where they can give game time to some fringe players, as well as blooding some youngsters such as Izzy Brown and Nathan Ake, after Jose Mourinho handed Ruben Loftus-Cheek his full first team debut last week. 888sport.com are offering 3/1 for two or more players to make their first team debuts for Chelsea this Monday.
Loftus-Cheek made a very impressive start to his Chelsea career last weekend, and in the hour of football that he played, he completed 100% (27/27) of his passes successfully. Loftus-Cheek played a very disciplined game, tasked with staying in his own half and tracking Phillipe Coutinho, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index indicates this, with only five of his passes occurring in the opposition half.
Another player who helped contain Liverpool’s attacking midfielders was John Obi Mikel. The Nigerian made the second most tackles in the Barclays Premier League (6) last weekend behind Liverpool’s Emre Can, who made seven tackles. Mikel is likely to partner Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the midfield against West Brom.
John Terry scored Chelsea’s only goal last weekend and in turn became the Premier League’s all-time top goalscoring defender with 39 goals. But it is Terry’s defensive prowess that has attracted so much attention this season. Terry has made 30 blocks, 28 interceptions and 209 clearances this campaign and is the highest ranked defender according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
