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EA Sports Player Performance Index Premier League Weekend 21st March 2015
Friday, 20th Mar 2015 14:55

A look at all the other Premier League matches not involving Saints this weekend from our friends at EA Sports. Manchester City v West Brom — Saturday 21st March, 12:45

City will be looking to get straight back to winning ways in front of their home faithful, after a momentary blip in form saw them lose away at Burnley last weekend. A City win could see them move within striking distance of the league leaders, Chelsea, reducing the gap to just three points.

City will hope that their in form shot stopper Joe Hart can deliver another top drawer performance this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the England international keeper has made 59 saves this season, at an average of 2.1 saves per goal conceded. He will hope to increase that ratio this weekend with his third clean sheet in five games, and help deliver all three points in front of his home crowd.

In the middle of the park, the blue half of Manchester will be hoping for another silky display from their diminutive Spanish playmaker David Silva. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has completed 952 of his overall 1161 completed passes in the opposition area, with an overall completion rate of 90.77%. West Brom will need to stop him playing early on before he ends up dictating the tempo of the match. They will also need to be aware that he is equally adept at finishing as he is creating, having scored ten times this season, and will need to keep him in their sights at all times.

Up top, Sergio Aguero is still the main man for Man City, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Aguero has notched up an impressive 17 goals in the league so far this season, at an average of a goal every 102.2 minutes. Having hit a top speed of 34.66km/h so far this season, he will look to use his pace to threaten in behind the Baggies’ back line. He is 18/25 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

West Brom come into this game on the back of some good form, and will be optimistic of getting a result from the match. The Baggies have only lost once in their last six matches, conceding just three goals. They will hope that their back line can stay as resolute as ever to help the Midlands following have a happy drive back down south.

West Brom will also be hoping that their in form keeper can maintain his good form, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Ben Foster has racked up 75 saves so far this season, at an average of 2.08 saves per goals conceded. Foster will be in search of his fifth clean sheet in six, and will look to deliver a big performance for the travelling fans.

In the middle of the park, Chris Brunt is having a fine season with West Brom, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal the secret to his success. That key, it seems, is hard work, as Brunt has covered a squad best 270.49km already this season, helping him to rack up 43 interceptions. He proves a major threat going forward too, having completed a squad best 18 crosses, and also laying on a squad best five assists.

Up top, and the man that Brunt will be looking to supply, is Saido Berahino. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal what a fine season he is having, and the secret to his 12 goals so far this campaign. Berahino is a direct player, and this style has seen him complete a squad best 24 dribbles, at a top pace of 33.69km/h, which will trouble the City defence. He is 39/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Stoke v Crystal Palace — Saturday 21st March, 15:00

Stoke travelled to former manager Tony Pulis’ West Brom in their last Premier League game and it was an unhappy visit for the Potters as they succumbed to a 1-0 loss. They’re hosting another one of Pulis’ former clubs, Crystal Palace, looking to up their form to secure a top eight finish.

Since Mark Hughes took charge at the Britannia, he has placed emphasis on a more possession based style of play, encouraging his players to retain possession and play a short passing game. This change in philosophy has worked to great effect so far this term, with the Potters sitting comfortably in eighth. The importance that Hughes places on keeping the ball can probably be best demonstrated by the fact that, in Glenn Whelan (27) and Steven N’Zonzi (26), Stoke had the two players who had completed the most passes in the most opposition half.

Charlie Adam may not have featured as much as he would have liked this campaign, only featuring for a total of 797 minutes throughout the season. The former Liverpool man was handed a start against the Baggies, though, and certainly showed his enthusiasm to work his socks off for the sake of the team. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he covered a total of 11.9km against Pulis’ West Brom, more than any other player in the Stoke team.

The England squad was announced this week and Peter Crouch didn’t make the cut, despite his excellent record at international level — the striker has scored 22 international goals in only 42 games. With questions being asked of who will partner Rooney up front for England, manager Roy Hodgson shouldn’t simply dismiss Crouch out of hand, as the striker has shown his willingness to take shots at goal all season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights that he has averaged a shot at goal every 36 minutes — which is a better rate than all of his teammates. If you fancy Crouch to find the back of the net for the eighth time this season, head to 888sport.com who have him at 51/10 to score the first goal of the game.

An excellent 3-1 win at home to QPR helped Palace edge further away from the drop zone, extending the gap between them and the bottom three to eight points. With 40 points seen as the bar that all but guarantees safety, the Eagles will be looking for a win to take them even closer to that target.

A key weapon in Palace’s attacking armoury is the pace that they possess on the wings, in the form of both Yannick Bolassie and Wilfried Zaha. The duo proved to be a headache for the Hoops’ defence all game as they ran at them with pace and power, and swung in crosses at will. Bolassie was particularly dangerous, as he centred the ball seven times, the second most in the league during the last round, with Zaha not far behind with five crosses.

To allow the wingers to push forward and fashion chances for the strikers, Palace need a defensive midfielder to protect the back four and in the form of James McArthur, the Eagles defence had the perfect foil. He shielded the defence to great effect last Saturday, making a total of nine tackles, which was the third most in the league. If you fancy McCarthur to find the back of the net this weekend, head to 888sport.com who have him at 18/1 to score at any time.

It was unfortunate for the Hoops that even if they managed to get through James McArthur, they were up against an imperious Scott Dann. The former Birmingham man was in fine form last Saturday, with a few pundits quietly tipping him for an England call-up. In total, Dann made a total of 17 clearances, which was more than any other player in the league in the last round of Premier League fixtures.

Aston Villa v Swansea — Saturday 21st March, 15:00

Villa will hope that they can continue their good run of form by picking up their third win on the bounce in the league, and making it nine points from a possible nine. Villa are one of only four teams in the league to have won all of their games in March so far, with the others being Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United. The Villans will hope that another three points will help shift them further up the table and give them another boost in their bid to avoid relegation.

Villa will be hoping for a big performance from their ever-impressive American international keeper Brad Guzan this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that Guzan has already racked up 87 saves so far this season, at an average of 2.29 saves per goal conceded. He is looking for back-to-back clean sheets, and will hope that that will be enough for deliver all three points for the home side.

At the back, Alan Hutton has continued his good run of form, and will hope that this weekend brings more of the same. The EA SPORTS player Performance Index can reveal that Hutton has won 45 tackles so far this year, 78.9% of his overall tally, also making 90 clearances, 32 interceptions and 15 blocks. He will need to be in top form and adding to those statistics to help keep Swansea at bay.

Up top, Villa will be looking to utlisise the pace of Gabriel Agbonlahor. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the English striker has hit a top speed of 34.87km/h, and that pace will prove a major threat. Agbonlahor has so far converted 20% of his 30 shots into goals and will be looking to add a seventh to his tally this weekend. He is 51/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Swansea have suffered back to back defeats to high flying Liverpool and Tottenham but will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways this weekend. The league’s only Welsh side will be hoping that a win will see them leap frog Stoke above them to help them re-gain eighth spot, with a potential late bid for European football next season in the offing.

The Swans will be hoping that their keeper Lukasz Fabianski can deliver a first class performance this weekend to help keep Villa at bay. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 96 saves already this season, at an average of 2.53 saves per goal conceded. He will hope to further extend that ration by keeping his second clean sheet in four this weekend.

At the back, Ashley Williams continues to marshal the backline, and will hope to do exactly that once more this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates just how crucial he is to his side, having won 31 tackles, 68.9% of his overall tally, made 324 clearances, 79 interceptions and 30 blocks. He will need to be as solid as ever this weekend if the Swans are to ensure another clean sheet.

In the middle of the park, Ki Sung-Yeung is adding another dimension to the Swansea engine room, and his fitness is paying dividends. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 288.76km already this season, helping him get around the pitch and making 58 interceptions. Off the ball, he has won 40 tackles, 67.8% of his overall tally, and on it he has completed a squad best 503 passes in the opposition area and chipped in with six goals. He is 13/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Newcastle v Arsenal — Saturday 21st March, 15:00

Newcastle are another side who are looking to bounce back to form this weekend, having tasted defeat at the hands of Manchester United and Everton in their last two outings. Newcastle will hope that they will be spurred on by their ever-passionate crowd, and will want to deliver all three points for the home faithful.

At the back, Newcastle will be hoping that Daryl Janmaat can continue his fine season with another excellent display this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 315.6km already this term, winning 77 tackles with a 75.5% win ratio. He has also racked up 73 clearances and 63 interceptions in defence and going forward he has completed a squad best 18 crosses and holds a squad highest six assists.

In the middle of the park, Moussa Sissoko is having a top season and is the perfect man to sit in front of the Newcastle back four. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has actually given away more fouls (42) than any other squad member, which shows his understanding of when to break up the play and how he reads danger. He has also won 29 tackles, with a win ratio of 64.4%, made 16 interceptions and completed a squad best 568 passes in the opposition area.

Up top, Papiss Cisse has been in great form for the Magpies, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The Newcastle striker has bagged 11 goals so far this term at an average of one every 92.1 minutes. He has hit the target 18 times this season, converting 61.1% of those opportunities into goals. He is 33/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Arsenal are one of the league’s form sides at the moment, having won their last five on the bounce, and eight of their last nine matches. The Gooners will hope that they can make it six wins on the bounce, with a victory that could see them leapfrog second place Manchester City.

Arsenal possess such an array of attacking talent that it is difficult to know where to begin. One logical place is with their midfield, which includes the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla, but it is perhaps the Spanish playmaker who is having the most impressive season.

According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Cazorla has covered a squad best 276.15km so far this term, racking up seven goals and seven assists, whilst also completing a squad best 568 passes in the opposition area. There are two main targets that he will look to supply, in the form of Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez.

Giroud has netted 11 times already this season, hitting the target 20 times and converting 55% of those shots into goals. Sanchez has scored 13 times and has hit the target with 74.8% of his 54 shots on goal, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Sanchez’s work rate is also impressive and he actually holds a squad best 54 tackles won, and it is that hunger and desire that will see him pose the biggest threat. He is 10/7 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Tottenham v Leicester — Saturday 21st March, 15:00

A blow was dealt to Tottenham’s European ambitions for next season after they fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of a rejuvenated Manchester Utd at Old Trafford. Mauricio Pochettino will be expecting a response at home this weekend though as they face a Leicester side currently bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

Harry Kane is undoubtedly the man of the moment and he was rewarded this week for a fine season to date with a call up the England squad. His tenacity and technique when on the ball makes him a difficult prospect for any defence, something the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows more clearly given that of his 57 attempts on goal so far this season, 59.6% have worked the ‘keeper. Perhaps even more

notable is his willingness to mix it in defence, racking up 44 tackles this term and coming out on top in 65.9% of them. Kane is 13/15 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.

In Christian Eriksen, Spurs have one of the hardest working players in the league this season. He’s now racked up a highly impressive total of 136.3km in distance covered this campaign, a total which places him 1st out of every player in the league in this category according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, showing a desire to run himself into the ground to complement his wonderful ability with the ball at his feet.

Nacer Chadli seems to be enjoying his football this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The Belgian forward has been quietly going about his work, and although he hasn’t been garnering the same level of attention as some of his colleagues, he has nonetheless gone on to compile some impressive stats. He’s so far the joint-highest assist provider in the Spurs squad with six, the same as the in-form Harry Kane.

Leicester were held to a goalless draw last weekend by Hull, after struggling to put many chances together and trouble the Hull defence. Nigel Pearson’s men face another tough task as they head to White Hart Lane this weekend.

One of the real bright spots for Leicester this season, and someone who will no doubt prove to be a key threat to Spurs this weekend, is the form of Riyad Mahrez. He’s racked up more attempts on goal (38) and more dribbles (56) than any other player in the Leicester squad, totals that Leicester fans will be hoping he can add to this weekend. Mahrez is an industry best 7/1 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.

Despite a difficult first season back in the Barclays Premier League for Leicester, their captain Wes Morgan has nonetheless been turning in some stellar performances at the back for his side. He’s so far attempted a total of 32 challenges this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, winning a highly impressive 93.8% of those. He’s also racked up a total of 340 defensive contributions (blocks, interceptions, clearances and tackles won) this season, a full 110 more than his nearest teammates in Marcin Wasilewski on 230.

Jamie Vardy has been a strong asset for Leicester this season, with his pace being a key weapon for the Foxes at times this term. This is backed up the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, which shows that he hit the highest top speed of any player on the pitch against Hull last weekend after being recorded at 21.4mph.

West Ham v Sunderland — Saturday 21st March, 17:30

West Ham’s difficulties in the league continued last weekend as they struggled to contain an Arsenal side currently enjoying a rich vein of form. Sam Allardyce will no

doubt have been attempting to pick up his players as they travel north to the Stadium of Light this weekend.

Hammers ‘keeper Adrian has been in inspired form at times this season, repeatedly making improbable saves to help keep his side in games. As a result, he now has the distinction of being only one two shot-stoppers in the Barclays Premier League to have moved into triple figures for total saves on 101, the other being QPR’s Robert Green on 105.

Despite it eventually being a losing effort, it was unsurprising to see Kevin Nolan still working hard to the very last to bring a result towards his side against Arsenal. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he covered more ground than any other West Ham player on the pitch, racking up an impressive total of 11.7km. Nolan is 33/10 with 888sport.com to get himself on the scoresheet and score at any time this weekend.

Winston Reid’s commitment to the cause and ability to clear danger has been one of the most impressive aspects of his play this season. He leads the way in the Hammers squad for total clearances with 230 this campaign.

Gus Poyet’s final game in charge of Sunderland was a disappointing 0-4 defeat at home to an Aston Villa side who appeared to have rediscovered their confidence under Tim Sherwood. New manager Dick Advocaat will take the reins this Saturday and Sunderland fans will be hopefully that a new man in charge can have a similar effect on their side as it clearly has for the Villans.

Sunderland fans will be hoping to see Sebastian Larsson back at top form this weekend given how influential the Swede has been for them so far this term. He’s so far compiled a squad-best 547 completed passes in the opponent’s half, at an average rate of one 4.5 minutes he’s been on the pitch this season, and they will be hoping he can dictate play again this weekend.

Up top, Steven Fletcher may well prove to be one of Sunderland’s biggest threats this weekend, having already turned in some solid performances for the Black Cats this season. He’s now racked up four goals from 21 attempts on goal this season, working the ‘keeper with 47.6% of those shots. Fletcher is 31/10 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.

Alongside him, Jermain Defoe has also been performing well following his return to the Barclays Premier League from the MLS, proving that a true goalscorer rarely loses the knack of finding the net. He’s already scored twice for the Black Cats from 11 attempts.

Liverpool v Man Utd — Sunday 22nd March, 15:00

Liverpool are currently the league’s form team, and will be hoping that they can maintain this form with victory over their bitter rivals. Liverpool have won their last

five on the spin, picking up 25 points from a possible 27, and have put themselves in contention for a Champions League spot.

Liverpool will be looking for their centre back Martin Skrtel to lead the line this weekend, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal why. The Slovakian international defender has already won 29 tackles this season, 82.9% of his overall tally, whilst making 266 clearances, 47 interceptions and 32 blocks. These statistics reveal just how vital he is to the Reds’ back line, and they will need another big performance from him this weekend.

In the middle of the park, Jordan Henderson is having a fine season in the centre of midfield. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the England international has covered a squad best 306.82km already this season, helping him to win 65 tackles, 73% of his overall tally. On the ball, Henderson has completed a squad best 751 passes in the opposition area, including 8 assists, whilst also helping himself to five goals for the campaign.

The main goal threat though, may be the England international Raheem Sterling. The EA SPORTS Player Performanace Index can reveal that Sterling will look to use the direct facets to his game to pose a threat, having completed a squad best 34 dribbles and hitting a squad best top speed of 35.0km/h. He is 12/5 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Manchester United will hope that the trip from Manchester to Liverpool proves to be a fruitful one, where they can pick up the points. United have also come into some good form, having won their last three on the bounce without conceding, and will want to maintain that run with a fourth victory on the spin.

United will be looking for another impressive display from their in-form keeper David de Gea. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has racked up 79 saves already this campaign, at an average of 3.04 saves per goal conceded. He is looking for his fourth clean sheet in a row to help further increase those ratios and deliver a derby day win for the Red Devils.

In the middle of the park, United will be looking for a big performance from Argentina international Angel Di Maria. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that Di Maria has completed squad bests of 40 completed dribbles and 23 completed crosses, and will pose a major threat when he turns provider. Di Maria, has already completed 10 assists so far this season, and will be hoping to add to that tally and also to his goal tally of three.

Up top, Wayne Rooney continues to be United’s stand out striker, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal why. The key to Rooney’s success is hard work, having covered a squad best distance of 275.17km. He has also racked up a squad best 735 passes in the opposition area, but he will be focused on finding his 12th goal of the season this weekend. He is 9/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Hull v Chelsea — Sunday 22nd March, 16:00

Hull will be hoping to extend their good run of form in the league this weekend, having only lost once in their last six outings. Hull have drawn their last two matches and will be looking to go one better this weekend by taking all three points, doubling the three point gap that currently exists between themselves and the relegation zone.

Hull will be hoping for a big performance from their ever-present shot stopper Alan McGreggor to help keep Chelsea’s front line at bay. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 63 saves already this term, at an average of 2.03 saves per goal conceded. He will look to further extend that ratio with his second clean sheet in a row.

In the middle of the park, Jake Livermore is the key to Hull’s engine room, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The English midfielder has covered a squad best 320.08km, whilst also racking up a squad best 56 interceptions and winning 77 tackles, 72.6% of his overall attempts. On the ball, he has proved himself equally adept, completing a squad best 518 passes in the opposition area, and he will look to dictate the tempo of Hull’s play.

If Livermore is the man to set the tone with his passing, then Nikica Jelavic is the man to put the ball in the back of the net. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has scored his eight goals this season from just 14 attempts on target, converting 57.1% of those opportunities in to goals. He is 23/5 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Chelsea will come in to this match up with a strong sense of optimism, having gone undefeated for their last eight matches, including five victories. Whilst Chelsea currently have a six-point gap between themselves and second place Manchester City, they will look to ensure that that margin is not reduced this weekend with another three points.

Chelsea will be looking to their midfield enforcer Nemanja Matic to dictate the battle of the midfield this weekend, which he has done with aplomb so far this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 298.75km so far this season, also winning a squad best 96 tackles, 61.5% of his overall attempts. On the ball, he is equally as important, having completed 1,475 passes so far this season with an 87.1% completion rate.

One of Chelsea’s stars of this campaign has undoubtedly been Eden Hazard. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Belgian international winger has completed a league best 133 dribbles so far this season, having also racked up a squad best 1,581 sprints. It is that direct nature that has seen him getting in to threatening areas of the pitch, notching up seven assists and 10 goals.

Up top, Diego Costa has proven himself to be one of the hardest strikers to handle in the league. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that his 18 goals this season have come at an average of every 103.9 minutes, and that he has converted exactly 50% of his 36 shots on target. He is 49/50 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

QPR v Everton — Sunday 22nd March, 16:00

QPR come into this match looking to deliver three points for an expectant Loftus Road crowd. A win for the R’s would see them move level on points with 18th placed Burnley, and just one point from safety. It’s vital that the R’s start their push for survival now, before it’s too late, and they need to start with three points on Sunday.

The R’s will need a big performance from their ever-present shot stopper Rob Green if they are to come away with the points this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 105 saves so far this season at an average of 2.02 saves per goal conceded. He will hope that he can keep his first clean sheet in five matches to help further boost those ratios.

In the middle of the park, Leroy Fer has been in fine form, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has won 53 tackles so far this season, 71.5% of his overall attempts, also racking up 21 clearances and 24 interceptions. On the ball he is equally adept, having completed a squad best 443 passes in the opposition half, and also completing a squad best 50 dribbles. He will be key to the R’s chances of getting a foothold in the midfield and will hope that he can deliver a typically astute performance.

Up top, the Hoops will hope that Charlie Austin will be firing on all cylinders. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that his 15 goals this season have been a consequence of his accuracy on goal, having hit the target 43 times this term, 67.2% of his overall efforts on goal. He is 33/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Everton will be hoping for back-to-back wins this weekend, following their 3-0 triumph over Newcastle last week. The Toffees will hope that a win can see them jump two places to twelfth as they look to build momentum going into the crunch end of the season.

At the back, Phil Jagielka has been Everton’s rock this season, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has won 38 tackles so far this season, 79.2% of his overall attempts, also racking up 282 clearances and 42 interceptions. Jagielka has benefited from being one of the quickest members of the squad, hitting a top speed of 33.91km/h, and he will hope that his pace will ensure no one has the chance to get passed him and get a shot off on goal.

In the middle of the park, Gareth Barry has proved just how vital he is to Everton with a string of fine performances. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 275.79km already this season, also racking

up squad bests of 60 tackles won, 63.2% of his overall attempts, and 44 interceptions. On the ball, he is equally as worthy of a place in the side, having racked up a squad best 763 passes in the opposition area.

Up top, Romelu Lukaku is undoubtedly the biggest threat for the Toffees, as highlighted by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Lukaku has racked up eight goals and five assists so far this season, and it is his powerful and direct style that has benefited him. Lukaku has completed a squad best 40 dribbles and in combination with his power and top speed of 33.93km/h, he will prove a major threat to the R’s. He is 17/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

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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