With apologies from Planet Swans for a lack of updates recently but we are back and ready to look ahead to tomorrow's game at the Liberty with the EA Sports PPI preview
Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate Team for FIFA 14
An inspired performance from Adnan Januzaj ensured that the Swans’ trip to Old Trafford proved unsuccessful, but Swansea should take heart from the fact that they dominated possession throughout the match and had the chances to inflict another defeat on David Moyes’ men.
This dominance of possession was aided by the efforts of Spanish youngster Alex Pozuelo. The 22-year old has made a positive start to life at the Liberty Stadium, with his wide array of passing ensuring that he’s slotted into the Swansea philosophy with ease. On Saturday, he used this skill to great effect, as he managed to complete a pass in the opposition half at a rate of a pass every 1.6 minutes. Pozuelo is 12/1 with 888sport.com to score the first goal on Sunday.
Another Spanish youngster who’s made a major impact for Laudrup’s men this term is centre half Jordi Amat. The former Espanyol man arrived on South Wales for 2.5 million pounds this Summer, and his performances so far this term have made a mockery of the price tag. Slotting into an unfamiliar midfield position, the 21 year old shielded his back four to great effect, winning 8 tackles — the second most in the league.
Leon Britton hit the headlines a couple of years ago as he boasted a pass success rate of 99%, a higher percentage than both Xavi and Iniesta. The man affectionately known by the Swansea fans as ‘Little Britton’ demonstrated his excellent passing skills again on Saturday, as he completed a total of 41 passes in the opposition half.
Wilfried Bony has been impressive since being given a run in the first team by manager Michael Laudrup. This news will come as a relief to Swans fans as his arrival in the Summer was the most expensive deal in Swansea’s history. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates Bony’s natural predatory instincts, as it shows that he has taken a shot at an impressive rate of a shot every 25 minutes this campaign.
A goal from Toronto-bound Jermain Defoe helped Tottenham on their way to a 2-0 victory over fellow Londoners Crystal Palace.
Spurs boss Tim Sherwood hasn’t been afraid to take drastic actions since taking over the reins at the North London club. Firstly, he ditched AVB’s beloved 4-2-3-1 formation in favour of a more traditional 4-4-2, and he brought Emannuel Adebayor back into the reckoning after he had been shown the door by the former manager. But perhaps the most surprising, and biggest risk, of all Sherwood’s actions has been his decision to bring teenager Nabil Bentaleb into the first team; but the Frenchman has certainly not disappointed. Spurs fans have been delighted by the performances of the 18-year old and his display on Saturday was something of a passing master class. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index show that Bentaleb completed a staggering 69 passes in the opposition half — more than any other player in the league.
Moussa Dembele also impressed alongside his midfield partner. A more established member of the Tottenham midfield, the Belgian also demonstrated his excellent passing skills as he completed a pass in the opposition half at a mouthwatering rate of a pass every 1.4 minutes.
Critics have been quick to jump on the back of Roberto Soldado, with many citing their frustrations at his lack of goals in open play. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index goes some way to refute the opinions of the doubters though, as it shows that the former Valencia man has still been making a positive contribution to the Tottenham cause. Soldado has made a total of 9 goal scoring contributions this campaign (based on goals and assists), which is more than any of his teammates. Soldado is 11/2 with 888sport.com to score the first goal on Sunday.
It would be a shame in Etienne Capoue was to leave Spurs as he undoubtedly has outstanding defensive ability. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won an impressive 70% of his challenges this term, and also made a solid 22 interceptions.