The big game of the weekend is at St Mary's but before that gets started EA Sports bring us the stats from the other games being played this weekend

Aston Villa vs Stoke 15:00

Aston Villa fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Hull last time out in the league, a result which left them in the bottom three and on a run of five straight league losses. New manager Tim Sherwood will be hoping to make an instant impact and gain all three points on his first outing as Villa manager.

Villa fans will be hoping that Sherwood can not only get their team back on track, but get star striker Christian Benteke firing again. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the big Belgian has so far racked up 38 attempts on goal, the highest total in the Villa squad, suggesting that if a bit of luck comes his way he won’t be far off finding his best form. Benteke is 28/17 to score at any time with 888sport.com.

Defender Aly Cissokho has been quietly going about his business this season following his summer arrival at Villa Park, quickly establishing some impressive stats. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he’s covered the most distance of any Villa player this season, with a total of 230.2km to his name.

Villa’s opponents this weekend are a physical and well-organised Stoke outfit, meaning that Villa’s best chance of a win may come from getting around their defence rather than through it. This is not a Villa side bereft of quick players though, with striker Gabriel Agbonlahor their foremost speedster. He hit the highest top speed of any player on the pitch against Hull, registering 33.8km/h. His pace, amongst others, may well be a key weapon should he feature this weekend.

Despite initially drawing level through Peter Crouch after Sergio Aguero’s opener, Stoke struggled to contain City’s attacking threat and eventually fell to a 1-4 defeat that left them just inside the top half of the table.

Marshalling the Stoke defence against what will likely be a rejuvenated Villa outfit in their first game under a new manager will be captain Ryan Shawcross. The big centre half has once again been the key defensive focal point for Mark Hughes’ side this season, racking up a squad-best

253 total defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, interceptions and tackles won) according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Jonathan Walters has been one of Stoke’s key threats this season, finding the back of the net seven times to top the scoring charts for the Potters. He’s scored on average with every 2.1 shots he’s had on goal this season, meaning he will need to be carefully marked by the Villa defence this weekend. Walters is an industry best 4/1 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.

Although perhaps most noted for his technical ability with the ball, midfielder Steven N’Zonzi has nonetheless been making waves with his workrate off it. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he’s covered the fourth highest total distance of any player in the Barclays Premier League this season with 279.3km to his name.

Chelsea vs Burnley 15:00

A last-gasp winner from Willian secured a vital three points for Chelsea as they extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points over second placed Manchester City. Jose Mourinho will view this weekend’s fixture as an eminently winnable fixture over a side new to the Premier League this season, however any slips up and a well-organised Burnley side will be ready to capitalise.

Forward Eden Hazard has once again been one of Chelsea’s leading attacking lights this season and the Burnley defence will have to mindful of the threat he poses. His ability to run at high speed with the ball has seen him amass an incredible 113 dribbles this season, which, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, makes him the only player in the Barclays Premier League to have moved into triple figures in this category and that means he has completed one on average every 19.5 minutes he has been on the pitch this season. Hazard is 23/18 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.

Behind him, Nemanja Matic has been garnering rave reviews all season for the manner in which he has diligently protected his back four. Key to this has not only been his positional sense and technique, but also his incredible engine. No player in the Barclays Premier League has covered

more ground than the big Serbian, who has so far racked up an amazing 282.5km this term.

At the back, John Terry’s defensive nous continues to be imperious, frustrating the doubters who have suggested that the Chelsea captain’s powers might finally be on the wane. He has won a superb 82.9% of his 41 attempted challenges this season, whilst conceding just five fouls.

Despite the in-form Danny Ings initially bringing Burnley back into the game, Sean Dyche’s battling and resilient side couldn’t quite hold on for the result their performance would likely have deserved as they went down 3-1 at Old Trafford. Things don’t get any easier this weekend as they come up against the league-leaders in strong-form.

Ings has been by far and away Burnley’s most effective attacking force this season, racking up an eye-catching 51 attempts on goal according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He’s been on target with 41.2% of these shots, meaning he has scored on average with every 2.33 shots which have hit the target this season. Ings is 17.4 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.

A key feature of Burnley’s play this season has been their remarkable collective work ethic. They have had to play plenty of minutes without the ball but this doesn’t mean they have simply been sitting back and inviting teams to attack. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that they have not only collectively ran the greatest average distance per game of any Barclays Premier League squad (116.3km) but that in Scott Arfield and George Boyd they have the two players who have recorded the highest number of sprints in the league this season, with 1,693 and 1,599 to their names respectively.

Jason Shackell has had his work cut out for him in the league this season, with plenty of defending to be done against some of the brightest attacking talents in world football. He’s recorded the highest number of total defensive contributions (blocks interceptions, clearances, tackles won) of any Burnley player this season with 359 to his name.

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal 15:00

Frazier Campbell pulled off a 1-1 draw for Alan Pardew’s side with his second-half equaliser to make it seven points from a possible nine in their last three league outings. They face a tough task awaits them this weekend when they welcome an in-form Arsenal side to Selhurst Park.

Midfielder Joe Ledley has been a strong presence in the middle of the park for the Eagles this term, providing plenty of defensive cover whilst also venturing forward when the opportunity presents itself. He’s now won an excellent 82.3% of his 51 attempted challenges this season, conceding just seven fouls in the process according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Joel Ward has been one of Palace’s hardest working players this season and he will likely have to put in yet another lung-busting display against an Arsenal outfit which can often dominate possession. He’s covered the greatest distance of any Eagles player this term, with 258.1km to his name.

Palace’s own attacking threat will likely come in the form of Yannick Bolasie. Alan Pardew will be hoping he can add another dimension to the Eagles going forward following his return from the African Cup of Nations and his stats suggest he will likely deliver. He’s completed a squad-best 53 dribbles this season, as well as attempting 83 crosses, so it’s likely Palace’s strikers will have another supplier of assists to feed off in the coming weeks. Bolasie is 15/2 to get on the scoresheet himself and score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.

Goals from Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott gave Arsenal all three points against Leicester last time out in the league, although Arsene Wenger will be hoping for a much improved performance against Crystal Palace after a nervy second half against the Foxes which could quite easily have turned out differently for the Gunners.

Santi Cazorla’s form in recent weeks has been well-documented and the EA SPORTS Player Performance shows just how influential he has been for the Gunners this season. He’s so far racked up an impressive 890 completed passes in the opponent’s half this term, meaning he’s completed one on average every 2.2 minutes he’s been on the pitch this season. Palace will have to mindful of allowing the Spaniard too much

time and room to dictate the game this weekend. Cazorla is an industry best 4/1 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.

Right-back Hector Bellerin is another who has been turning in some excellent displays this season, quickly establishing himself as Arsene Wenger’s first choice rightback. His pace is one of his most effective qualities and this was again on show against Leicester, where he recorded the highest speed of any player on the pitch, having been clocked at 33.3km/h according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Centre-half Laurent Koscielny popped up with a goal against Leicester but unsurprisingly it is at the back where he has been making the greatest impact this season. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he’s completed a defensive contribution (block, interception, clearance, tackles won) on average once every 7.9 minutes he’s been on the pitch this campaign.

Hull vs QPR 15:00

Hull will come into this weekend’s clash with confidence having picked up all three points against Aston Villa last weekend, to see them climb out of the relegation zone. They will be looking for their first back-to-back victories to see them put a cushion between themselves and their hosts, who lie perilously above the drop zone.

Hull will be looking to their centre midfield man Jake Livermore to deliver the goods as he has done all season, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Livermore has completed a squad best 276.9km already this term, whilst also winning 72 tackles so far this campaign with a win percentage of 73.5%.

Hull will hope for an equally big performance from Ahmed Elmohamady, who has likewise been in top form for The Tigers. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights that he has racked up an impressive 48 interceptions as well as completing a squad best 32 crosses, which has seen him rack up three assists; the most in the Hull squad.

Up top, Hull will hope that Nikica Jelavic can deliver the goods to seal a second victory in a row. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can

reveal that his seven goals this season have come from just 12 shots on target, turning 58.3% of those chances into goals. He will hope to keep up that accuracy, and he is 21/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

This weekend’s visitors to the KC come in the form of QPR, who will be hoping for three points to leapfrog their hosts. Last weekend also saw the R’s climb out of the relegation zone with their first away victory of the season and they will be hoping to make it two on the spin.

Key to this will be their former England international shot stopper Rob Green. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has racked up 90 saves already this term, at an average of 2.09 saves per goal conceded. Green will hope that he can deliver his second clean sheet in a row to help deliver the goods for the travelling faithful.

In the middle of the park, the R’s will hope that their skipper Joey Barton can supply a typically classy performance. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Barton has completed 404 passes in the opposition area, completing 591 of his 671 passes, giving an 88.1% completion rate. Hull will need to get close to him to stop him dictating the tempo of the game.

Up top, QPR will hope that Bobby Zamora can turn the ball into the Hull net to ensure back-to-back wins for the West Londoners. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that Zamora’s two goals this season have come from just two attempts on target. He will hope to keep up that ratio this weekend, and he is 41/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Sunderland vs West Brom 15:00

Sunderland will be hoping to get back to form this weekend by delivering their first victory in three matches. Sunderland will have reason to be optimistic coming into the match, however, having managed four points from their two games prior to last weekend’s defeat against QPR.

Sunderland will need their team firing on all cylinders, and Sebastian Larsson is likely to be the man to inspire them. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 268.3km

already this term, also helping him to complete a squad best 467 passes in the opposition half. It is no surprise that the quality in his delivery has seen him complete a squad best 13 crosses; it’s no wonder he also has four assists to his name. It is this quality and hard work that he will need to continue to drive on his side.

At the back, the Black Cats will hope that Santiago Vergini can deliver another solid performance to help keep a clean sheet. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 46 tackles, racked up 83 interceptions and made 11 blocks. His reading of the play will have to be at its best this weekend to ensure he remains one step ahead of the dangerous Baggies front line.

Going forward, Sunderland will look to Adam Johnson to be the man to put the ball in the back of the net, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance index illustrates why. The English winger has netted four times this season, converting 25% of his 16 shots. He also has the ability to turn provider having completed a squad best 21 crosses, but he is 9/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

This weekend’s visitors to the Stadium Of Light will come into the match in good form, and are coming in search of back-to-back wins. The Baggies have only lost once in their last six matches, and will be looking to extend that to seven with victory this weekend.

Key to achieving that objective is their shot stopper Ben Foster, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal how good his form has been this season. Foster has racked up 66 saves already this campaign, making an average of 1.94 saves per goal conceded. He will hope to achieve consecutive clean sheets this weekend with what would be his fourth clean sheet in six matches.

At the back, Andre Wisdom has been in great form in his first season in the blue and white stripes of West Brom. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has had such a good season due to his work rate, having covered a squad best 217.8km. He has also racked up 29 interceptions and 62 clearances and will hope to add to both of those tallies with another fine display.

Up top, Saido Berahino has had a fantastic season that he seen him receive accolades from all sources. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that his 10 goals this season have come from 24 shots on target, converting 41.6% of those chances. He has hit a top speed of 33.69km/h this season, and that pace will see him pose a major threat to Sunderland’s back line. He is 47/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Swansea vs Man Utd 15:00

Swansea have been through a mixed bag of form of late, but have crucially only been beaten once in their last three matches in the league. They will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to West Brom by picking up all three points at home against Manchester United.

They will be hoping that their keeper Lukasz Fabiannski will be in equally fine form this weekend, as he has been all season up to this point. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Swans’ shot stopper has racked up 80 saves so far this season, making an average of 2.42 saves per goal conceded. He will be hoping for his first clean sheet in three to help extend that ratio.

In front of him, Ashley Williams will be looking to lead his side as he has done so all season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Swans’ captain has won 67.5% of his 40 tackles this season, racking up a massive 286 clearances and 67 interceptions. He will need to be typically rock solid on Saturday to help keep out United’s array of attacking talent.

In the middle of the park, Gylfi Sigurdsson has been in inspired form for Swansea, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal the secret to his success. He has covered a squad best 234.2km and it is that hard work that has also seen him rack up 26 interceptions, scoring four goals and creating a further eight. He is 39/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

United will hope that they can extend their unbeaten run to five matches, having won three of their past four. They currently sit five points adrift of their local rivals Manchester City and will hope to close that gap to two points with what will likely be a tough outing against a well-organised Swansea side.

United will need to ensure that they stay solid at the back to do so, and will look to their ever dependable keeper David De Gea to deliver the goods. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Spain international shot stopper has racked up 69 saves so far this season, making an average of 2.88 shots per goal conceded. He will be looking for his first clean sheet in four matches to extend that ratio even further.

Last weekend saw Chris Smalling deliver an unlikely match winning performance for the Red Devils, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates just how decisive his performance was. Smalling scored both of his attempts in the match, also making three interceptions and one block, in addition to his 12 clearances.

United will hope that their captain and leader Wayne Rooney will find the back of the net this weekend to add to his tally of eight for the season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that those eight goals have come from just 13 attempts on target, turning 61.5% into goals. Rooney has covered a squad best 221.5km so far this term, and hard work is the obvious key to his success on the pitch. He is 8/5 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Man City vs Newcastle 17:30

Man City will hope that they can find their first back-to-back wins in the league since the turn of the year with victory over Newcastle in Saturday’s late kick off. The hosts will need a victory to ensure that Chelsea do not further extend the seven point gap between the sides, to keep City in with a chance of defending their title.

City will need to work hard against a well-drilled Newcastle side to ensure that they can break them down, and Jesus Navas may be key to this. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the diminutive Spain international winger has covered a squad best 197.7km so far this term, also hitting a top speed of 34.3km/h. His work rate and pace in conjunction with his squad best 18 completed crosses and six assists will make him a menacing threat down the right hand side.

James Milner has also been in fantastic form for the Blues, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can demonstrate just how good this form has been. Milner has scored twice this season from just eight attempts, converting 25% of his shots into goals. He has also racked up an impressive seven assists and is therefore just as likely to turn provider.

The man he will look to feed is Argentina international striker Sergio Aguero. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that his 16 goals this season have come at an impressive average of a goal every 88.3 minutes. He also has five assists to his name but it is his goal scoring record that will worry opponents. He is 5/9 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Newcastle will come into this match-up with confidence, having remained unbeaten in their last three fixtures. They will hope for a victory that will help them climb back into the top half of the league, where they will look to cement a place in the coming weeks.

Key to this will be keeping out Aguero and Daryl Janmaat will be part of a defence charged with that duty, The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered 263.7km already this season, and he will need to be on his toes all game long to not lose sight of Aguero. He has racked up a squad best 56 interceptions and won 69 tackles this term; he will need to increase both of those tallies with another solid display this weekend to help keep City at bay.

In the middle of the park, Jack Colback continues to impress, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The England midfielder has won 55 of his 77 tackles, winning 71.4% of his overall challenges, whilst also racking up 29 clearances, 49 interceptions and a squad best 492 passes completed in the opposition half. He will need to come out on top in the battle of the engine rooms if Newcastle are to get a foothold in the match.

Newcastle will hope that Papiss Demba Cisse can perform just like he has all season long, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals why. The Senegal international forward has been in lethal form, racking up 10 goals, converting 66.7% of his 15 attempts on target. He has average a goal every 74.4 minutes so far this season, and he is 39/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Sunday 22nd February

Tottenham vs West Ham 12:00

A push for the European places is on the cards for both teams ahead of this crucial London derby. Whilst the Hammers’ hopes of securing top-four qualification has diminished slightly, Spurs are still very much in the mix and will be hoping for a good burst of form between now and the end of the campaign to push them over the line.

Spurs’ fortunes on the pitch have been somewhat transformed since boyhood supporter Harry Kane has been given the chance to lead the line. The England-U21 international has gained plaudits throughout the season for his goal-scoring exploits, but what hasn’t always been appreciated is his work ethic. The Chingford-born youngster has covered a total of 180km this season, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, leaving fellow strikers Emmanuel Adebayor (83.6km) and Roberto Soldado (77.2km) trailing in his wake. Spurs fans will once again be looking to Kane for inspiration this weekend and 888sport.com have the striker at 13/4 to score at any time against the Hammers.

The emergence of Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb has restricted Moussa Dembélé’s game time this term, with the talented Belgian midfielder only registering a total of 16 appearances in the league. Against Liverpool last week, however, Mauricio Pochettino gave him a starting role in a move that paid dividends as Demebélé led the way in attacking contributions made (based on shots on target, dribbles completed, passes in the opposition half and crosses completed). It may have proved ultimately fruitless as Spurs slipped to an unfortunate defeat, but the finger of blame should not be pointed at the Belgian midfielder.

There have been many impressive performers for Tottenham this term, with Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane and Ryan Mason all performing admirably for large parts of the campaign. One player who has constantly excelled not just this term, but throughout his whole tenure at White Hart Lane, is ‘keeper Hugo Lloris. The French skipper has been

praised for his natural shot-stopping ability, but unlike many goalkeepers, he is constantly rushing out of his defence leading to the tag of ‘Sweeper ‘Keeper’. His eagerness to rush opposing strikers is probably best demonstrated by the fact he has made a total of 92 sprints this season — the third most of any goalkeeper in the league.

Big Sam described his team’s 0-0 draw with Southampton as ‘like a win’ as the Hammers contained the Saints, following ‘keeper Adrian’s controversial red card and an unfortunate injury to talismanic striker Andy Carroll. Despite a disappointing result in the cup, Allardyce will hope that his team show their battling qualities again as they face Champions League-chasing Spurs.

A pillar in their defensive rearguard effort was midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté who put in a fine shift in the middle of the park, making a total of 20 defensive contributions (based on tackles won, interceptions, blocks and clearances). This was more than any other West Ham player and the third most in the league during this round of Premier League fixtures.

Despite making less headlines than some of Big Sam’s more expensive Summer additions, Morgan Amalfitano has quietly gone about his business to great effect this term. Time and time again, the Frenchman has shown his dedication to the West Ham cause. This is best demonstrated by the amount of ground he covered against the Saints, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he covered 10.9 km — the most in the West Ham squad.

Sam Allardyce produced a managerial masterclass earlier this season by deploying winger Stuart Downing into a new role — the tip of a midfield diamond. The former Liverpool man has been something of a revelation in his new position, laying on both goals and assists aplenty for his club and fashioning chances for his teammates. It was a backs-to-the-wall job for much of the game against Southampton, but Downing did still manage to show his creative class, making a total of 21 passes in the opposition half — 10 more than any other West Ham player. You can find Downing at an industry best 7/1 to score at any time this weekend, with 888sport.com.

Everton vs Leicester 14:05

Everton welcome Leicester to Goodison Park having been unlucky to concede a late goal against league-leaders Chelsea. Over the last decade, the Toffees have tended to flourish in the second half of the season and they’ll be hoping for much of the same this campaign to propel them up the table and closer to the coveted European places.

One of Everton’s top performers this season has been full back Seamus Coleman. The marauding Irishman has been an asset for the Toffees in both defence, but also in attack, popping up with goals and assists through his domination down the right flank. His willingness to both drive forward and track back was evident against Chelsea on Monday as, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he covered 11.5km — the most of any defender in this round of Premier League fixtures.

Another defender who will feel particularly aggrieved by the Willian’s last-gasp winner, will be Everton skipper Phil Jagielka. The English centre-half has been a consistent performer for club and country for a number of years and he produced another barnstorming display to keep Mourinho’s men at bay. In total, he made a total of 21 defensive contributions (based on tackles won, blocks, clearances and interceptions), which was the second most in the league in this round of fixtures.

A perennial debate for manager Roberto Martinez this term has been who to play in the highly-coveted ‘number 10’ position, just behind the front man. The two main candidates throughout the campaign have been Steven Naismith and Ross Barkley, with Martinez interchanging between the pair at various stages of the season. If he’s opting for creative flair, however, then the former Wigan manager should look no further than Ross Barkley as despite making four less appearances (17) than his Scottish counterpart, he’s shown a greater ability to pick out teammates in dangerous areas. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that he has made a total of 503 passes in the opposition half, which is 72 more than Naismith. You can find Barkley at 8/1 with 888sport.com to score the first goal of the match on Sunday.

Leicester produced a spirited performance against in-form Arsenal in their last Premier League fixture and they’ll be looking to build on this display when they travel to Goodison Park this Sunday.

Veteran midfielder Esteban Cambiasso may be reaching the twilight of a glittering career and despite losing a yard or two of pace, he simply has not lost his ability to pick up the ball and spray it about the park. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that against Arsenal, the Argentinean international played a total of 56 passes, of which 24 were in the opposition half. This composure on the ball and ability to pick out teammates could well prove crucial as Leicester approach a critical stage of the season in their battle against the drop.

Manager Nigel Pearson will be hoping that Andrej Kramaric builds on the early promise that he has shown in his first few games for the Foxes. Kramaric netted his first goal for the East Midlands club at the Emirates, a goal that topped off an all-action, lung-busting display. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he covered every blade of glass — running a total of 11.4km. This was more than any other player on the pitch. If you fancy Kramaric to make it two goals in two league games, head to 888sport.com who have him at 17/2 to score at any time.

At the Emirates on Sunday, Leicester looked to use the guile and trickery of Riyad Mahrez at every opportunity in their attempts to make a breakthrough. The Algerian tried to unlock Arsenal’s defence at every opportunity, making a total of 22 attacking contributions — the second most in the Leicester line-up.

Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at fantasy.premierleague.com or with FIFA Ultimate team.

Photo: Action Images

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