Once again our friends at EA Sports Player Performance Index take a look at the Premier League matches not involving Southampton Football Club this weekend.

Everton v Sunderland — Saturday 9th May, 12:45

A midfield master class from Fabian Delph was critical in Aston Villa’s victory over Everton. It was a set back for the Toffees, who had started to put together an excellent run of form. A top-ten finish, though, is still well within their sights.

Since arriving at Goodison Park in 2009, Seamus Coleman has been tipped for great things, with his marauding runs down the flank becoming a central asset in the Toffees’ attacking play. Coleman was showcasing his offensive skillset again against Villa, as he completed an impressive 22 passes in the opposition half — which was more than any other Everton player.

Ross Barkley may not have been on the pitch for long against the Villains, but in the short time he was, he made a sizeable contribution. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed a pass in the opposition half at a rate of a pass every 1.3 minutes. 888sport.com have Barkley at 17/5 to score at any time this weekend.

James McCarthy wasn’t cheap when Everton bought him from Wigan for a fee of £14 million, but in the time he has been at Goodison Park, he has certainly gone some way to justifying his price tag. His work rate has always been a key asset of his and his enthusiasm to work hard for the sake of the team was evident against Villa, as he covered an impressive 11.2km — the second most in the Toffees squad.

Two penalties from Jordi Gomez helped guide Sunderland to victory over high-flyers Southampton, in a result that gives them genuine hope of staying in the division.

Sunderland will need more performances of the sort that Lee Cattermole produced if they are to stay in the division. The central midfielder was trying his hardest to stifle out attacks from the opposition, protecting his back four to great effect. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates this, as it shows that he completed seven interceptions — which was the second most in the league during the last round of fixtures.

Jordi Gomez may have hit the headlines with his goalscoring exploits at the weekend, but to ignore his excellent passing would be doing him a disservice. The Spanish midfielder has always been comfortable with the ball at his feet and he was spraying the ball about with ease at the weekend, completing 22 passes in the opposition half (which was more than any of his teammates). 888sport.com have Gomez at 13/2 to score at any time.

Part of Chelsea’s recent recruitment strategy has been to buy players young, before loaning them out to other clubs to help them improve their game - in the hope that they’ll be ready for the first team in seasons to come. One of the players who has benefitted from this is left back Patrick Van Aanholt. The Dutchman has been one of Sunderland’s most consistent performers this term, operating to great effect at both ends of the pitch. His ability to contribute in attack was evident at the weekend as he

made a total of 21 attacking contributions (based on shots on target, passes in the opposition half, dribbles and crosses).

Aston Villa v West Ham — Saturday 9th May, 15:00

Christian Benteke’s 11th goal in nine matches helped guide Aston Villa to a 3-2 victory over Everton, moving them two points clear of the relegation zone.

Following an impressive all-round performance, Tim Sherwood went on record to say that “there’s not a better midfielder in the country at the moment than Fabian Delph” and it’s fair to say that, if he maintains the level of performance he showed against the Toffees, he’ll keep his place in the England squad for a long time to come. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made a total of 53 attacking contributions (based on passes in the opposition half, dribbles, crosses and shots on target). Delph is 19/4 with 888sport.com to score at any time.

With all of Delph’s energy and probes into the offensive half, he needs a fellow midfielder who can cover for him when he makes his foraging runs and in the form of Ashley Westwood, he has the perfect shield. Time and time again, Westwood broke up Everton attacks, making a total of five interceptions — the most in the Villa squad.

The clamour for Jack Grealish to pledge his international future is growing stronger following every game, as he has produced a number of impressive performances that has both Roy Hodgson and Martin O’Neill interested in his services. Grealish has shown that he has a fantastic engine on him and he worked his socks off for the team again on Saturday, covering 11.8km — which was more than any other Villa player.

West Ham moved up to ninth with their victory over Burnley at the weekend and realistically need two more wins to guarantee their spot in the top 10.

Mark Noble scored the decisive goal at the weekend, from the spot, to move the Hammers up the table. The goal would have been the cherry on top for the midfielder, who produced a passing master class to condemn Burnley to defeat — with the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index showing that he completed an impressive 40 passes in the opposition half.

Operating alongside Noble was fellow midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, who was the energy to Noble’s craft. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed 11.2km, which was the most in the West Ham squad. Kouyate is 8/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time.

18 year-old Recce Burke has made a sizeable contribution to the West Ham cause since being drafted in earlier this year, with the West Ham academy graduate showing excellent defensive awareness, which show a maturity beyond his tender years. This awareness of his can probably be best demonstrated by the fact that he

made a total of eight clearances against Burnley, the second most in the Hammers squad (behind fellow centre back James Collins).

Hull v Burnley — Saturday 9th May, 15:00

Hull saw their good run of form end on Monday night with a defeat to in-form Arsenal, preventing the Tigers from making it three wins on the bounce. Hull will want to bounce straight back from defeat with another victory this weekend to further increase the one point cushion between themselves and the relegation zone.

Hull will be hoping for a big performance from their English midfielder, Tom Huddlestone. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that the passing midfielder has completed 1,054 passes so far this campaign, 79.5% of his overall attempts. His qualities extend beyond his passing and his all round game has seen him rack up 42 interceptions and create three goals for teammates.

On the right hand side of the midfield, Ahmed Elmohamady has had a fine season for the Tigers. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has won 63 tackles so far this season, 75% of his overall attempts, whilst also amassing 59 interceptions. On the ball, he has completed 605 passes in the opposition and holds five assists to his name, and will look to add as big an impact going forward as he does on the back foot.

Up top, the man that he will look to supply is Nikica Jelavic. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that his eight goals this term have come from just 14 shots on target. He is 19/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Burnley come into this weekend’s six pointer currently sitting bottom of the table, eight points adrift of safety and their hosts. Nothing less than a win for Burnley will suffice this weekend for Burnley, as they mathematically have to win to be in with a fighting chance of staying up and will want to put on a show for their AWAY support.

Burnley will require a big performance from former Manchester United youth team keeper, Tom Heaton. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has racked up 116 saves so far this campaign, at an average of 2.19 saves per goal conceded. In the most important game of the season, Heaton will be looking for a strong finish to the season with a clean sheet this weekend to further boost that ratio.

In the middle of the park, the Clarets will be looking for another hard working performance from George Boyd. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Scotland international has covered 390.97km so far this campaign, the fourth highest total of any player in the Premier League. He also holds a squad best 108 tackles won, 65.1% of his overall attempts. Going forward he will prove an equal threat, scoring five times so far this term from just 12 shots on target, converting 41.7% of those opportunities into goals.

Up top, Danny Ings has had a fine season with Burnley in the Premier League, and will need another goal scoring performance to help keep them in the same division. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has netted nine times this season from a squad best 28 attempts on target. His direct style will prove a big threat to Hull, having completed a squad best 50 dribbles, but they will also need to be aware of his ability to create goals, with four assists to his name. He is 51/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Newcastle v West Brom — Saturday 9th May, 15:00

Newcastle will be looking to end their poor run of form this weekend with a first victory in nine against a buoyant West Brom side. Newcastle will be keen to end the season on a high, especially in front of one of the most passionate home followings in the league. A win and three points will also help to ease any potential fears over relegation, which will be the most important focus for the Geordies.

Newcastle will be looking for another impressive display from their centre midfield man, Jack Colback. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 370.2km so far this term, with the hard working midfielder also making 58 interceptions and winning 92 tackles, 72.4% of his overall attempts. On the ball he has completed a squad best 645 passes in the opposition half, also having a hand in 10 goals by scoring four and laying on a further six for his teammates.

Moussa Sissoko will ably support him in the middle of the park, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can demonstrate why. Sissoko has likewise completed a lot of his good work in the opposition half, racking up 636 passes in that area of the pitch, in addition to completing a squad best 75 dribbles. He has notched up three assists and three goals apiece, and will be keen to add to those tallies to ensure survival for the Magpies.

The man that both of Newcastle’s centre midfield men will look to supply will be Ayoze Perez. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has notched six goals for the season from a squad best 22 attempts on target. His direct style is also combined with hard work, having completed 53 dribbles so far this season, whilst adding 22 interceptions. He is 5/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

West Brom will come into this weekend’s match-up in a positive frame of mind having beaten Manchester United in their own back yard in their last outing. The

Baggies have picked up seven points from a possible nine and will be looking to end their season on a high with a second away win on the bounce.

The Baggies will be looking to their centre back Jonas Olsson to have another big say this weekend, following his match winning performance at Old Trafford last weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he converted his only attempt on goal to win the match for West Brom, also winning his only tackle, making three clearances and two vital blocks. If he can perform at a similar level this weekend, he will give his team a great shot at victory once more.

Joleon Lescott, who has arguably been West Brom’s rock at the back this season, will join him at the back. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 47 tackles so far this campaign, 79.7% of his overall attempts, also making squad bests of 196 clearances, 76 interceptions and 32 blocks. If he can stay true to his form, he will be a major obstacle in Newcastle’s route to goal.

In the middle of the park, Chris Brunt has proved that hard work can be one key to success, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has completed a squad best 325.31km so far this season, making 63 interceptions in defence. Going forward he has completed 458 passes in the opposition half, also completing a squad best 27 crosses and racking up 9 assists. Whilst he will still look to turn provider, he also has undoubted quality in his left foot that could produce an individual moment of brilliance to sway the game in West Brom’s favour. He is 7/1 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Stoke vs Tottenham — Saturday 9th May, 15:00

Last week, Stoke fell to a 2-0 defeat against Swansea, and are now without a win in two, so will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways against Tottenham this Saturday.

Mame Biram Diouf remains Stoke’s top goalscorer, having scored nine goals and has put 19 of his 37 shots on target. Overall, 24.3% of Diouf’s shots have ended up in the back of the net, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Diouf is 23/4 to score first with 888sport.com this weekend.

Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross has helped to form a formidable defensive unit and has some impressive statistics according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Shawcross has completed the fourteenth most clearances in the Premier League with 208, in addition to making 28 blocks — which is the twelfth highest total in the division.

Steven N’Zonzi is now the only player to have appeared in every game for Stoke this season. N’Zonzi has covered a total distance of 391.79km, the third most in the league, and the French midfielder ranks in at ninth in the division in terms of distance covered per game, averaging out at 11.19km per game, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Tottenham have just one win from their last five games and with Southampton sat just a point behind them, they will not want to let the good work they put in earlier on in the season slip.

Hugo Lloris has been exceptional for Spurs this season, and has played a large part in helping them in their quest for European football. Lloris has made the sixth most saves in the Premier League, with 99, at an average of 3.1 saves per game, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

In front of Lloris, Tottenham will be looking to centre back Jan Vertonghen to sturdy up the defence in search of a win. Vertonghen has won 50 tackles so far this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, making up 78.1% of his overall attempts. In addition, the Belgian defender has made 208 clearances, 63 interceptions and 21 blocks.

Christian Eriksen is another player who has impressed this season, as shown by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has completed an impressive 395km already this campaign, which is the eighth furthest distance covered in the division. As well as this, Eriksen has recorded 1,042 passes in the opposition half, the sixth most in the top flight. As well as his passing prowess, Eriksen has notched 10 goals for Spurs, including several important winners. He is 15/2 to score first on Saturday with 888sport.com.

Crystal Palace v Manchester United — Saturday 9th May, 17:30

The Eagles have been through a turbulent patch in form, following on from their prior four wins on the bounce. Palace will hope that they can reverse their own fortunes this weekend with another fine home display, to cap off a great second half to the season.

Palace will be looking to their ever-impressive shot stopper Julien Speroni to deliver another big performance this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Eagles’ keeper has racked up 88 saves so far this term, at an average of 1.83 saves per goal conceded. He will be looking for another clean sheet this weekend to further boost that ratio.

One man who will be helping him out in that task, is Palace defender Joel Ward, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The Eagles’ defender has covered a squad best 348.1km so far this campaign, helping him to win 88 tackles, 78.6% of his overall attempts. He has also made 160 clearances, 62 interceptions and 13 blocks this season, and will hope to add to all of those respective tallies this weekend.

One of Palace’s outstanding performers of late has been Yannick Bolasie, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can illustrate this. Bolasie has demonstrated his hard work by winning 47 tackles this season, 77% of his overall attempts. Going

forward, he holds squad bests in completing 82 dribbles and completing 25 crosses as well. He already has 10 assists to his name and a further four goals and will be looking to add to those personal numbers. He is 51/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Manchester United will be keen to finish the season on a high, and turnaround their fortunes having been beaten three times on the bounce. United will be looking to add three points to their overall tally for the season to ensure that there is no chance that they let the last remaining Champions League spot fall into the hands of their archrivals, Liverpool.

United will be looking for a big performance from their Spain international keeper, David de Gea. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has racked up 88 saves so far this season, at an average of 2.5 saves per goal conceded. He will be looking to add to his 10 clean sheets this season to ensure that his team finishes the season on a high.

At the back, young centre back Paddy McNair will be eager to impress once more. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has completed 210 passes in the opposition half; more than any other centre back in the league. In his 15 appearances this season, he has also made 68 clearances, 24 interceptions and won 21 tackles, 65.6% of his overall attempts.

At the other end of the pitch, United will be looking to Robin van Persie to deliver the goods. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the former Arsenal man has netted 10 times this season, having hit the target a squad best 37 times. He has also laid on two goals for teammates and won 18 tackles, 72% of his overall attempts, and will hope that his selfless efforts will be rewarded this weekend. He is 31/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Manchester City vs QPR — Sunday 10th May, 13:30

Manchester City face QPR this weekend and continue in their battle for second place. They sit level on points with Arsenal, but are currently ahead on goal difference, and they will be looking to extend this lead again this weekend.

James Milner’s contract runs out at the end of the season but City will be desperate to tie him down after an impressive campaign. Milner has started less than half of City’s Premier League fixtures, yet only Sergio Aguero and David Silva have a better combined goals and assists record. Milner has three assists and seven goals to his name. Milner’s influence going forward is evident, as according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Milner averages a pass in the opposition half every two minutes and 52 seconds.

Joe Hart has been in great form of late, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the England international keeper has already racked up 73 saves this season, at an average of 2.21 saves per game. Five of his saves came against

Tottenham, helping him to earn a clean sheet, and he will be hoping to record another one on Sunday.

Sergio Aguero is the Premier League’s top scorer this season, now on 22 goals, which have come at an average of a goal every 103 minutes. A lot of Aguero’s goals are down to his speed off the mark, and his pace could pose a major threat to QPR this weekend, having hit a top speed of 34.66km/h this campaign. He is 51/20 to score first with 888sport.com.

The game against City is a must-win for QPR this weekend, as a loss would see their return to the Championship mathematically confirmed. The Hoops are currently seven points adrift of safety and need a win to keep any hope of survival alive.

Rob Green, this week, overtook West Ham’s Adrian as the busiest goalkeeper in the Barclays Premier League. Green made six saves against Liverpool, bringing his total to 123 for the season. This means his number of saves per game now averages out at 3.6 per game, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Charlie Austin is on a bit of a goal drought by his high standards, but still remains the Premier League’s fourth top goalscorer on 17. Austin has put 50 of his 75 shots on target, and his 66.67% ratio is the best of any player inside the top 40 goalscorers in the division. Austin is 9/1 to score first with 888sport.com.

Karl Henry has had an impressive season for QPR and despite, on various occasions, finding himself being played out of position, he has managed to record some impressive statistics. Henry has won 55 tackles, 79.1% of his total tackles. As well as this, he also has an 80.1% passing accuracy rate.

Chelsea vs Liverpool — Sunday 10th May, 16:00

Last weekend saw Chelsea crowned champions, and there is likely to be a party atmosphere at Stamford Bridge this weekend, with Liverpool also expected to give Chelsea a guard of honour. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows a variety of reasons that have contributed to Chelsea topping the league.

Eden Hazard, the PFA player of the year, has made 160 successful dribbles, 50 more than his closest challenger Alexis Sanchez. Hazard has also completed the second most passes in the opposition half according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index with 1,434. Hazard has scored fourteen goals and laid on a further nine for his teammates, and is 9/2 to score first this weekend with 888sport.com.

The only player to have made more passes in the opposition half than Eden Hazard is his teammate Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas has completed 1,504 passes in the opposition half, leading to an incredible 17 assists. One side of Fabregas’ game that has perhaps gone unnoticed is his defensive contributions. Fabregas has made 82 successful tackles which ranks him inside the top 20 in the league for completed tackles, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Fabregas’ midfield partner Nemanja Matic has been key to the Chelsea side this season, so much so that he made the PFA Team of the Year. Matic has made the most tackles of any player in the Barclays Premier League, dispossessing his opponent 117 times over the course of the season. As well as this, Matic has an 86.1% pass completion rate, one of the highest in the division.

Liverpool are still holding out hope for a top four finish but will almost certainly need three wins from their last three games as they look to overturn a four point deficit on Manchester United.

Martin Skrtel has had a great season if the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index is anything to go by. Skrtel has made the seventh most blocks in the division with 33, as well as winning a superb 80% of his attempted tackles. In addition, he has made 294 clearances and 54 interceptions.

Jordan Henderson has gone from strength to strength this season and according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has made more tackles than any other Liverpool player, with 79. In addition, Henderson has made the ninth greatest number of passes in the opposition half in the Premier League with 916.

Raheem Sterling has been another one of Liverpool’s top performers this season. The England international has completed 99 successful dribbles, the third most in the Premier League according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Sterling has scored seven goals and assisted nine for his teammates, and he is 8/1 to score first this weekend against Chelsea with 888sport.com.

Arsenal vs Swansea — Monday 11th May, 20:00

Arsenal finally admitted defeat in the title race as Chelsea secured top spot last week, but the battle for second place with Manchester City is still well and truly on with the two sides both locked on 70 points.

Alexis Sanchez added yet another two goals to his tally for the season against Hull last week and brings his seasonal total up to 16, which is better than one goal every two games. The Chilean has recorded an impressive 64.2% of his shots on target, the second highest accuracy rate among the top 40 goalscorers, behind Charlie Austin. Sanchez is likely to provide Arsenal’s main threat on Monday night and 888sport.com have him at 39/10 to score at any time.

Santi Cazorla has been acclaimed as one of Arsenal’s top performers this season and the Spaniard put in yet another top class display against Hull. Cazorla completed an impressive 60 passes in the opposition half, as well as recording an incredible 94.3% pass completion rate, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Remarkably, the Arsenal player who has covered the third most ground in the Arsenal side, behind the aforementioned duo, is Per Mertesacker. As a centre back,

and one who is not renowned for his tireless running, it may be a surprise that Mertesacker has covered 290.1km over the course of the 30 matches he has featured in.

Swansea look set to secure their highest ever finish as they are sat in eighth place, and a top half finish is looking inevitable. Gary Monk will be looking to finish the season strongly, starting with a win on the weekend.

They will be hoping that their keeper Lukasz Fabianski will continue the form that he has displayed in the season thus far. The The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Swans’ shot stopper has racked up 115 saves so far this season, the fourth most in the division.

In front of him, Ashley Williams will be looking to reduce the number of saves Fabianski has to make. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Swans’ captain has won 67.9% of his 53 tackles this season, as well as making a whopping 381 clearances and 92 interceptions — both of which are the second highest totals in the Premier League.

In the middle of the park, Gylfi Sigurdsson has been in inspired form for Swansea, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows some statistics that may have gone unnoticed in his play. He has covered a squad best 334.6km and his hard work has seen his team reap the rewards, having seen him rack up 36 interceptions, scoring six goals and setting up a further ten. He is 11/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Photo: Action Images

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