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.
Cardiff vs Chelsea
Following last weekend’s loss to Newcastle, Cardiff City will have to get used to playing football in the Championship next season and their last Premier League match against Chelsea could not be much harder. The Bluebirds will want to reward their fans with a big performance in a season where they have certainly had their ups and downs.
Jordan Mutch has been one of Cardiff’s best players this season and is their top scorer with seven goals. Against Newcastle Mutch continued to be Cardiff’s biggest threat on goal, taking the highest number of shots (5) on goal and was constantly trying to find an opening to the Newcastle goal. With 23 passes, only Peter Whittingham made more (24). As Cardiff slip to the division below, Cardiff might do well to hang onto their star midfielder, he is 6/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Since his loan move from Manchester United Wilfred Zaha was struggled to make an impact in Wales. He played the full 90 minutes at Newcastle and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he made eight attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses), the most in the side. Six of these attacking contributions were through dribbles showing he does not lack confidence when charging at defenders.
Ben Turner and Stephen Caulker have been at the back for Cardiff for most of the season. Turner and Caulker made 14 and 12 defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, tackles won and interceptions) respectively, the most in the team. Caulker made nine clearances showing that Cardiff had their work cut out at St James’ Park againstNewcastle.
Chelsea look set to finish the season in third place barring a major slip up from Liverpool. Mourinho has always said that this season was for rebuilding and next season is the year where Chelsea will be challenging for major silverware. For some of the more senior members of the Chelsea squad this could be their last game for the club and they will want to go out with a bang.
For large periods of the game against Norwich, Chelsea were looking to unlock the Canaries defence. Following comments after the Champions League semi-final, Eden Hazard started on the bench and played 45 minutes of the match. Despite only playing half the game he made the most attacking contributions (4) showing how important he is to Chelsea when they do not have a prolific striker. The Belgian is 6/4 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
John Terry has had an excellent season and formed a strong partnership with Gary Cahill at the centre of defence. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he has made the most defensive contributions all season (309) and he again made the most contributions against Norwich (10). Although he’s a more senior player, he is still one of the best defenders in the league.
Chelsea could not break down the Norwich defence last weekend and the Blues continue to rely on their midfield to help the strikers. Andre Schürrle took the most shots (3) whilst Demba Ba managed only one shot during the game.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
Following a sobering 2-0 defeat to West Ham, Spurs will want to win their final game of the season and secure 6th place in the League. Everton can no longer be caught as they boast a healthier goal difference and Manchester United could still steal 6th from Tottenham should Spurs lose and United win. Tim Sherwood was upset with his players’ character last weekend with Adebayor and Paulinho letting Stewart Downing’s free kick straight through the wall and into the net. Who knows if Sherwood will be manger next season but either way he will demand a strong final game of the season.
Kyle Naughton was statistically Tottenham’s most successful defender with 14 defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, interceptions and tackles). The young defender also made eight tackles, more than any other Spurs player. In a game that was closely contested it was West Ham’s set pieces that separated the two teams.
Denmark’s Christen Eriksen has been Tottenham’s most successful summer signing and continued his form making three attacking contributions (shots on target, crosses, dribbles and assists), the most in the team. The Dane also made the most passes (28) showing he will be key to Tottenham’s success next season, he is x/x to score at anytime during the game with 888sport.com.
Tottenham were unable to create many clear-cut chances in the game against the Hammers. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Spurs only provided two crosses in the whole game and only three shots on target. Defender, Danny Rose, showed his ability in attack and defence against West Ham with two shots and also 12 defensive contributions, only bettered by Kyle Naughton.
Paul Lambert’s side secured Premier League status against Hull last weekend with a 3-1 win. That was their first win in seven matches, however they could not continue their winning run against a rampant Manchester City on Wednesday night. Villa held off City for the first half but the floodgates opened on 79 minutes with Dzeko scoring the first of four goals.
Villa spent most of the game keeping Man City at bay and managed only one shot throughout the whole game, which was off target. Against Hull it was Andreas Weimann who scored two of the three goals and with six attacking contributions, no Villa player created more chances. He had a much quieter night against City but still made the most attacking contributions (2). Weimann will want to finish the season on the score sheet and is x/x to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Fabian Delph is a contender for Aston Villa’s player of the season with solid performances all year. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Delph has played a key role in Villa’s midfield and made the most passes against Hull (26) and against Man City (14).
In the centre of defence Ron Vlaar made 13 defensive contributions against City. The club’s captain has been solid in defence this season and has madethe most defensive contributions all season (349). Vlaar will want his side to improve next season to ensure they do not get dragged into the relegation fight again.
Norwich vs Arsenal
With Sunderland beating West Brom on Wednesday night Norwich have all but been relegated to the Championship. Even if Norwich beat Arsenal and West Brom lose, the Canaries are still 17 goals behind the Baggies on goal difference. Neil Adams will want his side to give the fans a good performance and finish the season with an upset.
Against Chelsea, Norwich worked hard to keep a clean sheet. Michael Turner was at the heart of the defence and produced a superb performance to keep Chelsea at bay. Turner provided 15 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, interceptions and clearances) but it was fellow defender Steven Whittaker who made a team high 21 defensive contributions.
Norwich had few chances in attack but it was youngster Nathan Redmond who made two attacking contributions (shots ontarget, assists, crosses and dribbles), the most in the team. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Robert Snodgrass, the Canaries top scorer on seven goals, also made seven tackles during the game showing that all Norwich players were called on to defend. The Scotsman is 7/2 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
One of the games’ biggest talking points involved Martin Olsson being brought down in the Chelsea penalty area. Olsson proved to be a nuisance to Chelsea all afternoon and took two shots throughout the game, more than any other Norwich player.
Arsenal fans enjoyed a collective sigh of relief last weekend as Everton lost to Manchester City ensuring they will be playing Champions League football next season. Fans will hope that being part of the world’s most elite football competition will attract the best talent during the summer in order to challenge for the title rather than 4th place next year.
Olivier Giroud was Arsenal’s goal scorer in a game with few stand out chances. With 16 goals this season he is by far Arsenal’s top goal scorer. The Gunners should be grateful he was able to stay fit for most the season as his goals have been invaluable.
Club captain Per Mertesacker has been a rock in defence this season and has performed well alongside Laurent Koscielny. Mertesacker made 18 defensive contributions against West Brom and only Koscielny has made more contributions all season in defence (397).
Mesut Özil was Arsenal’s best player against West Brom and showed some excellent stats. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Özil made six attacking contributions, three times more than any other Arsenal player. The German was at the heart of most of the attacking moves making the most passes during the game (52), Mikel Arteta was second with 33. The Gunners record signing has had a turbulent first season in English football but is finishing the season strong. He is an industry best 7/2 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Newcastle vs Liverpool
Alan Pardew will be glad his side’s worst run of results in 27 years is finally over having beaten relegated Cardiff at home. The Magpies have seen their form plummet during the second half of the season and with Southampton out of sight above them they will want to hang on to 9th place. Should Stoke, in 10th, win their final game away at West Brom, Newcastle will need a win against Liverpool who left the field in tears following their match with Crystal Palace.
Moussa Sissoko was a stand out player for the Magpies last weekend. Sissoko made a team high of six attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, crosses and dribbles) against Cardiff. THE EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Frenchman has made the most attacking contributions all season (121) and also the most assists (6).
In defence Mathieu Debuchy and Michael Williamson have the most impressive stats. Debuchy made the most defensive contributions against Cardiff (blocks, clearances, interceptions and tackles won) with 15 and Williamson was closebehind with 14. Both will want to improve next season and will not have enjoyed Newcastle’s recent form.
Loïc Remy is Newcastle’s top goal scorer with 14 goals this season. The on loan striker may not be at Newcastle next season and will be hard to replace if he does move on. Against Cardiff he scored and provided an assist showing how important he has been at Newcastle. He is 4/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Liverpool’s hopes of lifting the Premier League title this season look to have ended with Crystal Palace producing one of the most remarkable of comebacks on Monday. With three goals to the good and only 11 minutes left on the clock Brendan Rodgers was pushing for his side to grab more goals to help their goal difference. What happened in those 11 minutes, however, could not have been more different with a Delaney strike and a brace from Dwight Gayle securing one of the best comebacks in recent Premier League history.
Luis Suarez led the line for Liverpool with six attacking contributions in addition to finding the back of the net; bringing his season total to 31 goals. Suarez’s strike partner Sturridge also netted and has 21 this term. Despite both scoring it was not enough to hold off Palace and Suarez in particular was devastated to see Liverpool’s Premier League title chances disappear. The Uruguayan is 15/8 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Glen Johnson was one of Liverpool’s most attacking players at Selhurst Park. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Johnson provided five attacking contributions, only bettered by Suarez. His four dribbles shows his confidence at running at defenders and will want to continue his form should he make the England Squad for the World Cup.
In midfield Joe Allen has secured a place in the starting eleven and got on the score sheet on 18 minutes. The Welshman also made the most tackles (5) in the team and will hope he can maintain his place in the team after a summer of new transfers.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Stoke handed out a 4-1 thrashing of Fulham last weekend, which ensured the London club will be playing Championship football next season. In their last game of the season Fulham fans will watch their last Premier League game for at least a year against Crystal Palace. Felix Magath will ensure his side produce a much-improved display against Palace, who were fighting for survival not long ago, and give theirfans something to cheer about.
Since arriving on loan from Aston Villa, Darren Bent has largely been demoted to the Fulham bench. Felix Magath decided to give Bent a full 90 minutes against Stoke and he was one of only three players to take a shot at goal with two shots. Kieran Richardson also contributed two shots and has been one of Fulham’s most attacking players this season providing more assists than any other player (5).
Steve Sidwell could be Fulham’s player of the season with EA SPORTS PLAYER Performance Index showing he has made the most defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, clearances and interceptions) for Fulham (309) and won the most tackles (118). As well as being strong defensively he is also the clubs top scorer with seven goals and is 15/4 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
The Fulham defence had a busy 90 minutes against Stoke conceding four goals. Johonny Heitinga made the most defensive contributions (13) and Dan Burn made a team high of seven tackles.
Crystal Palace have certainly played their part in the title race this season. Palace have held some of the best teams in the league at home, beating Chelsea andproducing one of the best comebacks in Premier League history against Liverpool. At 3-0 down with 11 minutes to go against Liverpool, Crystal Palace shocked a Liverpool side who were pushing for a fourth. A Damien Delaney strike and a brace from Dwight Gayle ensured Brendan Rogers’ side left with only a point instead of the three they desperately wanted.
For much of the season Jason Puncheon has been Palace’s main goal threat but it was Dwight Gayle who provided the killer touch against Liverpool. The young Englishman was introduced to the game with 25 minutes left with his side 3-0 down. His introduction turned the game on it’s head and he took the most shots (3) for his team and netted with two of the them to draw his side level. With five goals this season only Puncheon has scored more (7). Gayle is 2/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Yannick Bolasie showed strong statsthroughout the game. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the midfielder made a team high of ten attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, crosses and dribbles). With eight dribbles and one assist he was crucial to the Palace comeback.
Fellow midfielder Joe Ledley was also pulling the strings in midfield making 30 passes, 12 more than second placed Jedinak. With three tackles he broke up Liverpool’s play and kept possession.
Manchester City v West Ham
Manchester City need just one point when they entertain West Ham this weekend following their 4-0 demolition of Aston Villa on Wednesday night. City managed to score four times in just 26 minutes to press their advantage over Liverpool for the Premier League title. City currently have 83 points, just two points more than Liverpool who occupy second place, but have a farsuperior goal difference.
Dzeko once again demonstrated his prowess in front of goal with a brace inside of 12 minutes. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has scored 16Premier League goals in 30 appearances this season with 38 shots on target. He is 8/13 to score at any time with 888sport.com
Yaya Touré scored his 20th of the season against Villa on Wednesday, making him the highest scoring midfielder in the Premier League this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has had 27 shots on target from a possible 49 attempts.
Pablo Zableta will take no chances in defence when City entertain West Ham this weekend. The Argentinian has won an impressive 115 tackles from a possible 153 attempts in 34 appearances.
West Ham will travel to the Etihad full of confidence following their 2-0 defeat of Tottenham last weekend. The Hammers, who are currently in 12th place with 40 points, are safe from relegation and will feel they have nothing to lose when they face the title favourites. Sam Allardyce will be hoping that his side can finish on a high after falling out of favour with the fans.
Stuart Downing secured the win for West Ham last weekend from a free kick which got the better of both the Spurs’ defensive wall and number one Hugo Lloris. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the 29 year old made four attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) last weekend, bringing his season total to 97 in 31 appearances.
Sam Allardyce once again tipped Andy Carroll for a place in the England squad for this years FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Carroll, who has been injury plagued, has scored two times this season in 14 Premier League appearances with a shot accuracy of 33%. His aerial prowess was key in his sides win away to Spurs and will certainly count in his favour when Roy Hodgson names his squad. The former Liverpool man is 2/11 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Mark Noble will be fundamental in this weeks clash with the title favourites. The Englishman has been influential at both ends of the pitch this season for West Ham, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has three goals and six assists to his name so far thisseason and has won 107 from a possible 161 tackles.
Southampton v Manchester United
Southampton will be eager to welcome Manchester United to St. Mary’s this weekend after securing their seventh Premier League away win this season against Swansea last weekend. It was once again an England hopeful who put a smile on the faces of Saints fans, with Lambert scoring the winner in the 90th minute.
Rickie Lambert provided the defining moment of the game last week with a 90th minute goal. With 12 goals this season, he is the Saints’ second highest scorer and has made 11 assists, the highest at the club. Saints fans will feel that the English international has already done enough to secure his place but Lambert will want to finish the season on a high. He is 2/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Luke Shaw has had a phenomenal season for Southampton, which has consequentially placed him in contention for a place in the England World Cup squad. The 18 year old looks comfortable in defence and positively dangerous in attack, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won 69 from a possible 91 tackles this season and has made 121 clearances whilst in attack he has made 27 crosses; the most at his club.
Southampton’s successful season has been built around the creative attacking influence ofAdam Lallana. England fans, regardless of their club loyalties, will have been watching Lallana’s progress this season with bated breath. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has completed 888 passes in the opposition half as well as making 130 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses).
Manchester United will be eager to finish on a high when they travel to Southampton this weekend. The Red Devils will be confident following their 3-1 victory over Hull City at an emotional final home game of the season. United fans waved goodbye to captain Nemanja Vidic who joins Inter Milan in the summer whilst the night also revealed a promising future for United in the debut of James Wilson who scored a brace to the delight of the home fans.
Robin Van Persie scored his 12th goal in 20 Premier League appearances in his sides 3-1 victory over Hull. The Dutchman’s ability to score goals like clockwork will have left fans wondering how United might have faired had their star striker remained fit all season. Van Persie, who’s hat-trick against Olmpiakos kept United in the Champions League, has had 19 from a possible 43 shots on target this season and will prove vital in the potential absence of Wayne Rooney. He is 7/5 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Former United centre half and Hull City manager Steve Bruce praised United’s Adnan Janujaz as ‘the outstanding player in Europe at the moment’ following United’s victory. Janujaz created six chances against the Tigers and looks to be one of the few positives from United’s Premier League campaign. The Belgian has scored four times this season and has made 42 dribbles, the most at the club.
Nemanja Vidic played his final game at Old Trafford in Manchester United colours on Tuesday. Vidic has played a monumental role in United’s recent success and hasdemonstrated his defensive prowess throughout the 2013-2014 Premier League season, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won 27 tackles from a possible 33; that’s an impressive 82% accuracy rating. He has also made 324 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks and interceptions), the highest at the club.
Sunderland v Swansea
Sunderland ensured their Premier League survival on Wednesday night with a 2-0 victoryover West Bromwich Albion. The Black Cat’s inspirational comeback this season has seen them win four consecutive games for the first time in the top flight in 14 years. Gus Poyet’s side are now 14th in the Premier League with 38 points; having been previously rock bottom and almost certain to berelegated.
Borini once again featured on the scoreboard for Sunderland on Wednesday. The Italian doubled his side’s lead just after the half hour mark. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has scored six goals this season and had three shots on target against the Baggies. He is 9/5 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Adam Johnson’s role has been integral to Sunderland’s successful campaign for survival. The Englishman is the Black Cats’ top scorer with eight Premier League goals and has also provided the most assists withfive to his name this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has completed 429 passes in the opposition half and has made 31 clearances.
Lee Catermole has been highly influential in the Black Cat’s defence this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won 63 tackles from 100 attempts and has made 40 interceptions and 31 clearances.
Swansea will want to make amends for last weekend’s disappointing home defeat to Southampton. The Swans looked to be the better side through much of the match but failed to stop Lambert from capitalising on a mistake by Ashley Williams. Having just been announced as the club’s permanent manager, Gary Monk will be desperate for his reign to get off to a winning start. Swansea are currently 13th in the Premier League with 39 points.
Jonjo Shelvey has looked impressive for the Swans this season. The Englishman was unlucky not to score in his sides 1-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton and had two shots on target from a possible three attempts. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Shelvey has made 77 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, crosses and dribbles) including seven assists. He is 9/2 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Ashley Williams will want to make amends for his mistake, which led to Southampton’s late winner last weekend. Williams has looked impressive for the Swans throughout this Premier League season, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won an impressive 53 from a possible 66 tackles and has made 313 clearances.
Wilfred Bony has looked lethal infront of goal this season for Swansea. Bony, who has made 25 appearances in the 2013-2014 Premier League campaign has scored an impressive 15 times in 25 appearances. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has had 38 shots on target from 89 attempts.
WBA v Stoke
West Bromwich Albion will want to end the season on a high after their 2-0 defeat to Sunderland on Wednesday night. The Baggies are currently 17th with 36 points and although 18th placed Norwich can draw level on points, a vastly superior goal difference has guaranteed their safety for another year.
Morgan Amalfitano has played a huge part in West Brom’s campaign for Premier League survival this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index show that he has scored four times this season and is the Baggie’s most accurate player in front of goal with 12 shots on target from a possible 21 attempts. He is 13/2 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Stéphane Sessegnon has looked inspirational in attack throughout this season for the Baggies, although he failed to ignite West Brom’s fight back against the Black Cats. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 49 dribbles this season and has completed an impressive 526 passes in the opposition half.
Claudio Yacob has looked impressive in defence for the Baggies this season and will do all in his power to ensure his side finishes with a win. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won a staggering 102 challenges from a possible 147attempts. The Argentinian has also made 48 clearances and 46 interceptions in the Premier League this season.
Stoke City will want to end their most successful Premier League campaign on a high when they travel to West Bromwich Albion this weekend. The Potters are currently in 10th place with 47 points but could move to 9th if struggling Newcastle lose to Liverpool.
Oussama Assaidi scored his fourth goal of the season in his sides 4-1 thrashing of Fulham. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he had three shots on target from four attempts last weekend and made 12 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, crosses and dribbles)
Arnautović once again demonstrated his dangerous creative attacking ability. The Austrian, who scored his fourth goal of the season last weekend, has made 87 attacking contributions this season including an impressive nine assists. He is 7/2 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Stephen Ireland was influential in containing Fulham’s attacking threats, winning five tackles from a possible five attempts. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won 38 tackles this season from a possible 61 attempts. Ireland will be integral if his side is to leapfrog Newcastle and finish in ninth place.
Hull v Everton
Hull City will want to make amends for Monday night’s defeat away to Manchester United. The Tigers, who were convincingly beaten on Monday, will want to end the Premier League season on a high before their FA Cup showdown with Arsenal. Steve Bruce will not want to risk any of his players ahead of the clubs chance of silverware; especially as David Meyler may face disciplinary action following an incident with United’s Janujaz.
Hull fans will be hoping that David Meyler keeps himself out of trouble this weekend ahead of Hull’s FA Cup show down with Arsenal. Meyler has played an integral role in Hull City’s season and will be sorely missed if he is made to miss the Wembley clash. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won 50 tackles from a possible 75 attempts and has made 110 defensive contributions, including 30 interceptions and 25 clearances.
Ahmed Elmohamady has been a constant menace to Hull’s opposition this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he is by far the Tiger’s most attacking player with 100 attacking contributions to his name so far this season; including 48 crosses and 41 dribbles.
Matt Fryatt gave Hull fans something to cheer about at Old Trafford on Tuesday night when the 28 year old scored his first goal of the season. Fryatt, who was making his 9th appearance for Hull, has had two shots on target from four attempts this season. He is 3/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Everton will be determined to end the season on a high despite just missing out on Champions League football to 4th placed rivals Arsenal. The Toffees are certain to finish in 5th place and feature in the Europa League next year. Martinez will feel his men were unlucky not to do better against Manchester City last weekend but will be confident they can finish an excellent season with a victory over 15th placed Hull City.
Ross Barkley looked inspirational against Manchester City last weekend. The England hopeful scored a sensational goal after just 11 minute to put the Toffees in front. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the 20 year old certainly reinforced his claim for a place in the World Cup squad, with an impressive 47 passes completed in the Manchester City half and nine dribbles. Everton fans will be hoping that their star prospect continues to push for an England place with another breath taking performance.
Romelu Lukaku once again featured on the score sheet last weekend. The big Belgian has had an impressive season for Everton with 14 goals to his name. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has had 43 shots on target from 71 attempts and is by far Everton’s greatest threat ahead of their final clash with Hull City. He is 13/10 to score at anytime with 888sport.com
Although Everton have secured 5th place, Martinez will urge his side to not be complacent when they travel to Hull. James McCarthy will be central to Martinez’s plans to end an impressive season on a high. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won 110 tackles from a possible 150 attempts in the Premier League this season; with 50 interceptions and 22 blocks to his name as well.
