EA Sports Player Perfomance Index take a look at who could be the key players in the game up at the Brittannia Stadium.
Stoke v Southampton — Saturday 18th April, 15:00
Stoke will be looking for a big push to end their season on a high, and will hope to kick on from taking a good point against West Ham last weekend. The Potters will be looking to go one better this weekend to help them leapfrog last week’s opponents and move them within a point of eighth-placed Swansea.
Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross will once again look to lead the line for the Potters, as he has done all season long. The Stoke centre back, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, has won 34 tackles so far this term, 70.8% of his overall attempts. He has also racked up 195 clearances, 41 interceptions and 25 blocks and will hope to add to those respective tallies with another high-class performance. To top it off, he will pose a major threat from set pieces, having already found the net twice this season.
In the middle of the park, Steven N’Zonzi’s hard work has proved priceless in the midfield battles this season for Stoke. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 357km already this season, winning 57 tackles in the process, 71.3% of his overall attempts. He has proved just as important on the ball as he has off it, having completed 841 passes in the opposition area already this term. He will be the man that Southampton needs to get close to in order to stop him from dictating the pace of the game.
Up top, Stoke will be looking to Ireland international Jon Walters to deliver the goods for them. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has bagged his seven goals this season from just 12 shots on goal, turning 58.3% of those chances in to goals. His hard work has proved to be a major factor in his success, having won 18 tackles so far this season, 85.7% of his overall attempts. He is 9/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Southampton have proved themselves to be one of the league’s top sides this season, and will be looking to back that up with a second victory on the bounce. The Saints have surpassed most people’s expectations to find themselves in sixth place, and they will hope that another win could see them climb to fifth, within striking distance of Manchester City and a Champions League spot.
Southampton will be looking for a solid performance from Jose Fonte, who will be the defensive leader again for them this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 310.72km already this campaign, winning 66 tackles in the process, 83.5% of his overall attempts. He has also amassed 166 clearances, 94 interceptions and 18 blocks and, if in similar form this weekend, it will prove a challenge to the Stoke front line to break his defensive resolve.
In midfield, Dusan Tadic has been a fresh addition at St Mary’s this season, providing flair and creativity. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has a direct side to his game having completed 20 dribbles this season, and has the ability to create having completed a squad best 41 crosses and another squad best eight assists. He also poses a goal scoring threat, and will be looking to add to his tally of four goals for the season so far.
Up top, the man that Tadic will look to turn provider for is Italy international forward Graziano Pelle. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has hit the target a squad best 32 times, and will hope that his accuracy on goal will yield a 10th goal of the season. He has converted 28.1% of those chances in to goals, and will hope to further boost that ratio this weekend. He is 31/10 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.