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 at http://fantasy.
Saturday 22nd February
After a disappointing draw away to West Brom in the league and defeat in The FA cup to Manchester City, Chelsea will be looking forward to putting their title hopes back on track when they host Everton.
Despite the poor result, The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Chelsea dominated possession with Oscar and Hazard completing 36 and 35 passes in the opposition half respectively.
Eden Hazard will be hoping to add to his impressive recent form, which has allowed him to become the 4th top scorer in the Premier League with 12 goals and a shot accuracy of 63.2%. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Hazard made 40 attacking contributions, which is more than any other Chelsea player. He has dribbled 88 times this seasons, the highest in the league; highlighting his importance to Mourinho in the title race. Due to his recent form, Hazard is 23/4 to score first with 888sport.com
Focusing on Hazards recent excellent form however does not do justice to the impressive season Bratislav Ivanović is having. In addition to appearing on the score sheet, The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he won an inspiring 100% of tackles against West Bromwich Albion adding to his already impressive season tackle win percentage 80.4%
Everton will be looking to continue their winning ways after convincingly beating Swansea 3 – 1 in The FA cup. Taking the lead after just 4 minutes with a stylish backheel from debutant Lacina Traore, Everton overpowered a determined Swansea team with Naismith and Baines also scoring.
As Everton are still without top scorer Romelu Lukaku, Toffee fans will be hoping for a repeat performance from on-loan Monaco striker Lacina Traore whilst Naismith, who made an impressive impact from the bench before suffering from concussion, has been declared fit and will give fans further reason to be confident. According to The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Naismith is Everton’s 2nd most accurate striker with 66.7% accuracy rate. He is 22/5 to score with 888sport.com
The 19-year-old Spanish Youth team prodigy Gerard Deulofeu, on loan from Barcelona, represents Everton’s greatest attacking threat. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Deulofeu has had 16 shots on target so far this season of which 13 have been on target giving him a season shot accuracy rating of 81.3%; the highest in the club.
Leighton Baines will prove integral to Everton’s chances of victory at Stamford Bridge. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Baines has a current season tackle win percentage of 86.2%. Baines will also offers an impressive attacking threat; having made 522 attacking contributions, (Crosses, dribbles, passes and shots on target), this season already from left back.
Cardiff vs Hull 15:00
A last-minute ‘Wonder Save’ from ‘keeper David Marshall saved Cardiff from defeat in their goalless home draw with Aston Villa. They’ll be desperate to take all three points against fellow strugglers Hull.
Marshall’s last-minute save topped-off an overall exceptional performance, the sort of which we have been seeing regularly from Cardiff’s number 1. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Marshall made a total of 6 saves against Villa, which was the most in the league.
To focus simply on Marshall’s performance would not do justice to an good performance from the whole of Cardiff’s defence. Ben Turner, in particular, was in inspirational form, winning 5 tackles – the second most in the league. This figure is particularly impressive when one considers that Turner only attempted 5 challenges, winning every one.
Turner excelled in all areas of defence against the Villains, as in total, he made 26 defensive contributions (based on tackles won, blocks, interceptions and clearances). Again, this was more than any other player in the league and underlines his undeniable importance to Solskjaer’s team.
Craig Noone completed 4 dribbles against Paul Lambert’s men, taking his overall tally for the season to 29. This total is more than any other player in the Cardiff squad and showcases how integral his probing runs down the flank are to the Bluebirds’ offensive effort. You can find Noone at 23/2 to score at any time with 888sport.com.
Signing Magnus Wolff Eikrem was one of the first moves that Solskjaer made when taking the reins at The Cardiff City Stadium. The Cardiff manager has praised the midfielder’s range of passing, and when looking at the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, it isn’t difficult to see why. Since arriving in Wales, the former Heerenveen man has completed a pass in the opposition half at an impressive rate of a pass every 2.6 minutes.
Steve Bruce takes his Hull side to Cardiff off the back of a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Southampton.
Signing Nikica Jelavic was a clever move by Steve Bruce, as if the Croatian rediscovers his goal-scoring form, he will be a major asset in the Tiger’s fight against relegation. The former Everton man demonstrated his eye for goal against the Saints, as he registered a total of 4 shots – the second most in the league. Jelavic is 15/2 with 888sport.com to score the first goal on Saturday.
Ahmed Elmohammady’s 4 crosses against the Saints took his overall tally for the season up to 30. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that this is the most in not just the Hull squad, but also the league as a whole. Steve Bruce will be hoping that new signings Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long can get their heads on the ball, when the Egyptian swings in a teasing cross.
Alex Bruce will have been desperate to ‘live for the moment’ this year, as this season is the first time that he has featured regularly in the Premier League. In the 12 appearances that he has made this season to date, Bruce hasn’t let himself, his team or even his father down, with his tackling being a particular highlight. The EA SPORTS Player Performance shows that he has won an impressive 79% of his challenges this term.
Tom Huddlestone has made a huge impression on Humberside, with many pundits tipping him for a surprise place on the plane to Brazil this Summer. His importance to Steve Bruce’s men can be underlined by the fact that he has featured in 2279 minutes this term – more than any other player in the Hull squad.
West Brom vs Fulham 15:00
A late equalizer from Victor Anichebe ensured that Chelsea left The Hawthorns with only a point in the last round of Premier League fixtures. The Baggies host Fulham with manager Pepe Mel still looking to register his first win as West Brom manager.
Saido Berahino swung in the cross from which Anichebe scored his late header, and the assist was the least that the West Brom striker deserved after an impressive overall offensive performance. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed 27 passes in the opposition half, which was more than any other Baggies player. Berahino is 7/4 with 888sport.com to score at any time on Saturday.
Pepe Mel will have been delighted with his team’s draw against the Blues, particularly as Mourinho’s men were victorious at the Etihad just a few days before. Claudio Yacob was integral to his side’s defensive effort, as he shielded the back four to great effect. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Yacob attempted the second most challenges in the league (9).
Yacob’s outstanding defensive contribution is to be expected as he is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league. What may be a slight shock, however, is that James Morrison’s tackling was also of the highest order, as he won an impressive 75% of his challenges.
Chris Brunt’s influence in the West Brom team is undeniable, with the Northern Irishman the club captain. For his high standards, however, the former Sheffield Wednesday man’s goal tally has been slightly disappointing this term, as he has only found the back of the net once. Brunt continued his poor form in front of goal against Chelsea, as although he took more shots than any of his teammates (4), he failed to hit the target once.
A last minute penalty from Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard condemned Fulham to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Brendan Rodgers’ men. It was a harsh result on Fulham, who produced an excellent offensive display.
Lewis Holtby, in particular, excelled against the Reds, utilizing his undoubted creative talents to great effect. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed 22 passes in the opposition half, which was more than any other player in the Fulham squad. You can find Holtby at 23/4 with 888sport.com to score at any time on Saturday.
Dan Burn has impressed for Fulham since his introduction into the first team, producing a number of composed displays which suggest a maturity beyond his tender years. Burn produced another barnstorming display against the Reds, making a total of 14 defensive contributions (based on blocks, clearances, interceptions and tackles won). This was more than any of his teammates.
Since arriving at the club in 2012, Kieran Richardson has become an integral member of the Fulham squad. This is in part due to his versatility, with the former Sunderland man more than capable of operating in midfield or defence. This excellent versatility is probably best demonstrated by the fact that Richardson has completed a total of 217 passes in the opposition half this term, and also won 72% of his challenges.
Arsenal vs Sunderland 15:00
Arsenal played out a goalless draw with Manchester Utd at the Emirates last time out in the league as they missed the chance to go back to the summit of the table. Only a point stands between the Gunners and Chelsea though so Arsene Wenger will be hoping his side can avoid dropping any more points at home this weekend.
A bedrock of Arsenal’s success this season has been the outstanding form of Laurent Koscielny, the centre-half providing a sense of confidence and stability at the back for the Gunners. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he ranks third in the league this season for total interceptions with 69.
Although perhaps not performing at the level we would usually expect of him, Mesut Ozil has nonetheless still been racking up some impressive statistics. He leads the league for passes completed in the opponent’s half with 1,013 and is the only player to have moved beyond the 1,000 mark.
As if to emphasise the quality the Gunners have in the centre of the park, their collective passing statistics against Manchester Utd showed just how dominant they can be when in possession. Four of the top six players for passes completed in the opponent’s half during the last round were Arsenal players (Ozil, Cazorla, Wilshere and Gibbs), with a combined total of 182.
Serge Gnarby has been a revelation this season, with many predicting a bright future for the German youth international. Although noted for his impressive ability with the ball at his feet, he has also shown a willingness to get involved defensively as well, an encouraging sign in the modern game where even the most gifted are not exempt from their defensive duties. He’s won 78.6% of his 14 challenges to date this season. Gnabry is 14/5 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
Sunderland’s last scheduled fixture again Manchester City was postponed due to high winds and Gus Poyet will have been hoping that his side can take something away from North London this time weekend as they look to fight their way out of the bottom three.
Adam Johnson won the Barclays Player of the Month Award for January and it is difficult to argue with the Premier League’s decision given some of his stats this season. The England winger unsurprisingly leads the Sunderland squad for total attacking contributions (shots on goal, assists, dribbles, crosses) with 76 according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Midfielder Lee Cattermole was the subject of transfer speculation during the recent window and it’s not difficult to understand why. On his day, Cattermole can be a highly effective enforcer with an underrated passing game. He has one of the best tackle success rates in the Sunderland squad, winning 68.4% of his 57 challenges this season, whilst racking up 209 passes in the opponent’s half this term.
Jozy Altidore has impressed many this season with his physical presence and ability to link the play in the final third. Sunderland will need him to be on top form this weekend against one of the strongest defensive partnerships in the league though in Koscielny and Mertesacker. If any one is going to test them though, it’s most likely to be him given that he has the best shot accuracy rate of any Sunderland player this term with 68.8% of his 16 efforts so far working the opposition ‘keeper. Altidore is 5/1 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
No player has epitomised the renewed defensive energy under Gus Poyet more than Sunderland captain John O’Shea, the centre-half leading from the front when it comes to his defensive numbers. He leads the squad for total defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, interceptions, tackles won) with 206 to his name.
Manchester City vs Stoke 15:00
Manchester City’s last league fixture was scheduled to be against Sunderland but this game was postponed amid safety concerns due to high winds in the North West. City will be looking to keep pace with league leaders Chelsea this weekend as former manager Mark Hughes returns to the Etihad.
City will be keen to have Sergio Aguero available as soon as possible given how deadly the Argentinean has been for the majority of the season. He’s had an excellent 35 on target attempts this season, the second highest total in the league behind Liverpool’s Luis Suarez (54) according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
If asked to pick their signing of the season so far, no doubt many City fans would be voting for Fernandinho. Although signed primarily as another attacking force in midfield, the Brazilian has shown himself equally adept at playing a more defensive foil to Yaya Toure, as well as emergency cover at centre-back. It’s no surprise therefore to see he’s not shy when it comes to his tackling, as in the City squad only Pablo Zabaleta has committed to more than him this season (107 compared to 103).
When it comes to City’s defensive supremo however, no one catch touch Vincent Kompany. The City captain currently holds the best tackle success rate in the squad for anyone who has more than 40 challenges (73.3%), as well as the highest number of total defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, tackles won, interceptions) with 162.
Alvaro Negredo has adapted well to life in the Premier League, the style of play in English football clearly well suited to his own physical approach to the game. There is more to the Spaniard than just brute force though, he possesses superb technique which can trouble any defence. Indeed, he’s been on the end of so many chances that he now sits behind only Sergio Aguero (58) for total shots on goal in the City squad with 47. Negredo is an industry best 4/5 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.
Stoke drew 1-1 with Swansea last time out, Peter Crouch’s first half goal winning the Potters a point at a windy Brittania Stadium. They face a tough test this weekend against City though and will have to be at the absolute best defensively against a City team which has already scored a league-leading 68 goals and have been majestic at home for much of the season.
Erik Pieters remains one of the most effective defenders in the league this term according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Racking up some impressive statistics. He’s won the second highest number of tackles in the league this season with 94, giving him an excellent overall tackle success rate of 69.6%.
Club stalwart Ryan Shawcross continues to provide the necessary stability at the back that any team needs and has been compiling the statistics to prove it. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he has the second highest number of blocks in the league this season with 36 to his name.
Charlie Adam might be renowned for his passing game but he certainly has more than just the offensive side to his game to offer, showcasing some strong defensive ability as well this term. He won the joint highest number of tackles in the last round with 6.
The form of Marko Arnautovic would appear to be key to Stoke’s chances of taking something away from the Etihad this weekend. The Austrian has been one of the Potters’ main creative outlets since arriving at the Brittania and has chipped in with five assists to date, a squad-high. Arnautovic is 5/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.
West Ham vs Southampton 15:00
Late goals from James Collins and Mohamed Diame, complemented by another fine display between the sticks by Adrian, helped West Ham to a 2-0 win over Norwich last time out. Despite now sitting in 10th place, the Hammers cannot afford to let their focus slip from the task in hand as incredibly they are still just four points above the relegation zone.
Defender Guy Demel has been a key lynchpin in the Hammers setup this season, compiling some of the most impressive defensive statistics in the league. He’s won 91.7% of his 36 attempted tackles this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Much has been made of the recent form of Adrian and his athleticism and reflexes have certainly been key West Ham at times this season. He stepped up to the plate again against Norwich, with the joint highest number of saves of any goalkeeper in the last round of fixtures with 6 (tied with Cardiff’s David Marshall).
Expect Mark Noble to be pivotal against a Southampton outfit with the ability to hurt you from all areas this weekend. Noble has been key in the Hammers’ engine room this term and he will be asked to curb the influence of the likes of Adam Lallana this weekend. He has the workrate to do it though, as evidenced by the fact that he is the only West Ham player this season to have broken through the 100-barrier for tackles attempted (104, winning 66.4%) as well as leading the squad in passes completed in the opponent’s half with 659.
Fellow midfielder Mohamed Diame has been a powerhouse for Sam Alladryce’s side this season, his surging runs from midfield often forcing opposition defences into full retreat. The Southampton back four will have to be wary of his influence this weekend, especially when he is running at them at pace. He has racked up the highest number of dribbles in the West Ham, squad this season with 45 and starving him of time and possession should be key to the Saints’ gameplan this weekend. Diame is an industry best 6/1 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
Southampton turned in a dominant display as they saw off Hull 0-1 at the KC Stadium thanks to a scrappy second half goal from Jose Fonte.
Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin continues to be one of the most dynamic players in the Premier league this term according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He currently ranks third in the Premier League for total attempted tackles with 121.
Jay Rodriguez has been excellent at times for Southampton this season, popping up with a number of crucial goals. Despite the ten strikes to his name though, Rodriguez could actually do with improving some of his accuracy in front of goal for the remainder of the campaign. He currently has the fifth highest number of off-target attempts of any player in the league with 23, giving him an overall shot accuracy rate of 44.2%. Rodriguez is 9/5 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
His three goals have been a bonus for his endeavours but it is at the back that Jose Fonte has been unsurprisingly shining for the Saints’ this term, not only does he have the best tackle success rate of any Southampton player to have attempted than 60 tackles (77.8%), he is also the only Southampton player to have made more than 300 defensive contributions (blocks, interceptions, clearances, tackles won) with 309.
Midfielder Steven Davis has been a quiet but influential presence in the Southampton midfield this season, racking up some impressive statistics along the way. He ranks second in the Southampton squad behind only Morgan Schneiderlin for passes completed in the opponent’s half with 619. These have come at a squad-best average rate of one every 2.4 minutes he’s been on the pitch.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United 17:30
Crystal Palace’s fixture against Everton was one of the games postponed in the last round of Premier League fixtures, due to atrocious weather conditions. An extra week’s rest may benefit Tony Pulis’ men, as they play host to the Champions.
One player who the Eagles will be looking to provide a creative spark is winger Jason Puncheon, with the former Southampton man in a rich vein of form. A comeback comparable to Lazarus of Bethany, Puncheon’s horrendous penalty miss a few weeks ago has inspired him to produce some of his finest displays in a Palace shirt, and his penetrating runs down the left have become a vital cog in the Eagles’ offensive machine – probably best demonstrated by the fact that he has completed more dribbles than any other Palace player (36). Puncheon is 14/1 with 888sport.com to score the first goal on Saturday.
Tony Pulis has always been an advocate of offensive wing-play, with his teams characterized with quick wingers who have the ability to deliver the ball. The aforementioned Jason Puncheon certainly fits into this category, along with Yannick Bolasie, the player employed on the opposite wing. Bolasie has impressed with his dribbling skills this term, but what surprise many Eagles fans is that his tackling has also been of the highest order. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won an impressive 79% of his challenges.
If Palace are relegated this term it is certain that there won’t be a shortage of suitors for talisman Mile Jedinak. The Australian has been inspirational at both ends of the pitch for the Eagles this term, making more offensive contributions than any other Palace player (405), and also intercepting the ball 90 times – the most in the league.
Adlene Guedioura hasn’t featured as prominently as he would have liked this term, which many pundits may be surprised at, considering his undoubted quality. In the few minutes he has played, however, the Algerian has made a sizeable impression – completing a pass in the opposition half at a rate of a pass every 4.1 minutes, a better rate than any other midfielder in the Palace squad.
It was vital that Manchester United did not lose when they travelled to Arsenal in their last Premier League, and despite a couple of scares, they managed to secure a solid 0-0 draw.
Tom Cleverley has had his fair share of stick this season, with many pundits questioning his position in the Red Devils team. Against Arsenal, however, he produced a solid all-round display to suggest that some of the criticisms may be slightly unwarranted. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed 24 passes in the opposition half, the second most in the United squad, and won every single challenge that he attempted.
Much of the credit for nullifying the Gunners should go to outgoing skipper Nemanja Vidic. The Inter Milan-bound defender produced a swashbuckling defensive display to keep the likes of Giroud, Cazorla and Ozil away, making a total of 25 defensive contributions (based on blocks, clearances, tackles won and interceptions). This was the most in the United squad, and the second most in the league.
With Vidic destined to a career in Italy and Rio Ferdinand’s injury problems looking to be getting the best of him, Manchester United manager David Moyes has been starting to look to the next generation of centre halves. One player looking to fill the boots of the established duo is Chris Smalling, who has figured in 19 of the Red Devils games so far this season, and although he may not have won over all of his critics, he has impressed in the tackling department. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won 94% of the challenges he has attempted this season.
England fans will be praying that Wayne Rooney comes through the rest of the season unscathed, as the Manchester United man is yet to figure in a World Cup when he has been totally ‘match fit’. The former Evertonian has been in fine form for the Red Devils this term, and he was a constant menace against the Gunners again, making a total of 26 offensive contributions (based on shots on target, passes in the opposition half, crosses and dribbles). The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that this was the second most in the United squad. You can find Rooney at 17/4 with 888sport.com to open the scoring on Saturday.
Sunday 23rd February
Liverpool vs Swansea 13:30
Liverpool will be hoping to rediscover their attacking rhythm after losing 2 -1 to Arsenal in The FA Cup. Despite a surge in the second half which saw Gerrard confidently send Fabianski the wrong way from the penalty spot and a contentious penalty decision go against Liverpool, Arsenal managed to hold on for the win.
With both Suarez and Sturridge topping the Premier League goal tally with 23 and 16 goals respectively, Liverpool fans should be confident in the attacking capabilities of their team. In addition to his success in front of goal, The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Suarez also has a season total of 15 assists; the highest in the league. Suarez is 13/5 to score first with 888sport.com
Jordan Henderson will pose a dangerous threat to the Swansea defense from midfield. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Henderson has made a total of 748 attacking contributions this season and has completed 717 passes in the opposition half.
After the disappointment of their exit from the FA Cup Liverpool will be looking to captain Steven Gerrard to dominate the midfield. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Gerrard has made 80 tackles so far this season with a success rate of an impressive 83.8%.
Central to the latest test in Liverpool’s Premier League campaign will be the presence of Martin Skrtel in defense. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Skrtel leads the way for defensive contributions, (Interceptions, blocks, tackles won and clearances), in the Premier League this season with an impressive 372 contributions to date.
Under caretaker manager Garry Monk, Swansea will be hoping to bounce back from their FA Cup defeat at the hands of Everton. Despite showing admirable resolve, which saw the Swans swiftly respond to Everton’s early opener through Jonathan de Guzman’s header, they were convincingly beaten by a dominant Everton side.
Against a team as formidable in attack as Liverpool, the Swansea defense will have its work cut out. With a tackle win percentage of 84.6%, Dwight Trendalli’s presence in defense will be crucial in Swansea’s attempts at containing Liverpool’s dangerous attacking ability. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index also shows that Chico leads the Swansea team in defensive contributions with a total of 297 this season
Swans fans will be looking to Jonathan de Guzman’ impressive attacking credentials for inspiration. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that De Guzman has made 775 attacking contributions, (crosses, dribbles, passes and shots on target), this season and has completed 731 passes in the opposition half to date; the highest at the club.
With 8 changes being made after Swansea’s stalemate away to Stoke, Monk’s preferred starting 11 is still far from decided but he will be hoping that club top scorer Nathan Dyer makes a case for himself by building upon his total of 5. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has made 39 dribbles in the opposition half this season and has a shot accuracy rating of 47.6% and is 18/1 to score first with 888sport.com
Newcastle vs Aston Villa 13:30
It was an afternoon to forget for Newcastle fans last time out in the league as they were on the end of a comprehensive 0-4 defeat at the hands of Tottenham, including a brace by the once again impressive Emmanuel Adebayor.
Mathieu Debuchy had yet another fine game last time out in the league to add to his growing list of excellent performances this campaign. He successfully made five interceptions against, the joint fourth highest in the league during the last round according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Moussa Sissoko has been similarly impressive in defence this season, his huge engine proving a valuable asset to the Magpies. He currently has the best tackle success rate of any Newcastle player, winning 83.7% of his 49 attempted challenges to date.
Striker Loic Remy has contributed an impressive 11 goals this campaign whilst on loan from QPR, a solid return during his time so far on Tyneside. It’s unsurprising to see therefore that he leads the Newcastle squad for attempts on goal this season, with 47 to his name. Remy is 6/4 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.
Following the departure of Yohan Cabaye, even more pressure will no doubt be put on the shoulders of Cheick Tiote. The Ivorian has always been a key figure for the Magpies in defence, but Alan Pardew may look to him to get involved even more in an offensive capacity and ass to his 402 completed passes in the opponent’s half this term.
A couple of outstanding saves from David Marshall helped keep Cardiff in the game and denied Aston Villa all three points last time out. Paul Lambert will be hoping his side can get more reward for their efforts should they play as well as they this weekend.
Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar continues to battle for his side at the back this season, leading from the front during what has been an up-and-down season to date. The cente-half completed the joint third highest number of total defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, tackles won, interceptions) during the last round of fixtures with 22 according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Midfielder Fabian Delph continues to have a standout season for Villa, contributing heavily in both defence and attack. He leads the Villa squad for tackles attempted with 93, winning 73.1% of them, as well as attacking contributions (assists, shots on goal, dribbles, crosses).
Gabriel Agbonlahor’s all-round game has progressed rapidly in recent years, the frontman now also able to effectively link the play and provide chances for his teammates as well as himself. No Villa player has provided more assists this term, with six currently to his name. Agbonlahor is 3/1 with 888sport.com to get himself on the scoresheet this weekend though and score at any time.
Defender Ciaran Clark’s commitment to the cause is rarely called into question, largely because of his physical approach to making sure his ‘keeper is well protected. No Villa player has made more blocks this term than Clark’s 19.
Norwich vs Tottenham Hotspur 16:00
Norwich succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of in-form West Ham in the last round of Premier League fixtures, with 2 goals in the last 7 minutes condemning the Canaries to defeat. It was particularly tough for Chris Hughton to take, as his side boasted more possession and took more shots on goal.
Central to this excellent offensive effort was midfielder Leroy Fer, a player who has excelled for the Canaries all term. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Dutchman completed 24 passes in the opposition half, more than any of his teammates.
One of Chris Hughton’s signings in the January transfer window was centre half Joseph Yobo, with the centre back adding much needed Premier League experience to the Canaries back four. The Nigerian made his second league appearance for Norwich against the Hammers, and continued his solid start to life in East Anglia. In total, the former Everton man made 15 defensive contributions (based on blocks, clearances, tackles won and interceptions), which was the most in Chris Hughton’s squad.
Another new man at Carrow Road is winger Jonas Gutierrez, with the Newcastle man arriving on loan for the remainder of the campaign. Known for his tenacity and hard work, Gutierrez has all of the battling qualities that Norwich will need in their scrap against relegation. His ability to track back, and cover his full back has been evident this season, with the ‘Spiderman’ winning an incredible 86% of his challenges this term.
Jonny Howson has showcased his excellent passing so far this term, completing a pass in the opposition half at a rate of a pass every 3.6 minutes – the best in the Canaries squad.
Tim Sherwood has been something of a revelation since taking the reins at Tottenham, and his gamble of reintegrating Emmanuel Adebayor has paid off in spectacular style. He will be hoping that his side maintain their excellent form when they travel to Norwich this weekend.
The rampant Adebayor hit the back of the net twice against Newcastle, and if it wasn’t for Tim Krul, he could have had a hat trick. When examining the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, it’s unsurprising that he was so ruthless in front of goal, as it shows that he hit the target with every shot he attempted, adding to his overall season-shooting accuracy of 72%.
Paulinho scored Spurs’ second goal against the Magpies, taking his overall tally for the season to 4. This, however, wasn’t the only area of the pitch where he excelled as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed an impressive 29 passes in the opposition half – the second most in the Tottenham squad.
Etienne Capoue hasn’t featured in as many minutes for Tottenham as he would have liked this term due to a combination of injuries and poor form, but when fit and firing, the Frenchman has proved himself to be an excellent defensive midfielder. Capoue played the whole game for Spurs against Newcastle, and shielded the back four to great effect, making an excellent total of 9 interceptions. This was both the most in the Spurs squad, but also the most in the league.
Nacer Chadli may have only featured for 15 minutes against Alan Pardews men, but he made a sizeable impression in the time that he was on the pitch. In addition to his goal, the Belgian showed his excellent eye for a pass as he completed a pass in the opposition half at an impressive rate of a pass every 2.1 minutes. Chadli 31/10 with 888sport.com to score at any point on Sunday.
