Last year’s top two face each other in what could turn out to be an important match in the title race, despite how early it is. The winner of this match will be able to gain
an early points advantage as well as a psychological edge and neither manager will want to drop three points this early on in the season.
Yaya Touré carried last season’s form into this year’s league opener. All of City’s play went through the central midfielder, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows, making 86 passes, more than anyone else on the pitch, 91.9% of which were accurate. Liverpool will need to cut off the supply to Touré and close him down quickly, as he has the potential to cause them serious problems.
Touré’s new midfield partner Fernando has bundles of energy to compliment Yaya, with the Brazilian covering 11.450km over the course of the day — topped by only Silva (11.461km) and Touré (11.487km) himself, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Utility man James Milner managed the fastest average speed out of any player in the Premier League during his substitute appearance, clocking an average speed of 8.7kmph. Continuous hard work is a trait Milner is well known for, and why the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index helps build a case him to start against Liverpool’s attacking threat and pace on the wings.
Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel completed the most clearances out of any player in the top tier, clearing his lines a whopping 20 times, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. With the threat City pose going forward it is likely that the Slovakian will be just as busy on Monday evening.
Young England winger Raheem Sterling dribbled the ball more than any other player in Liverpool’s opening fixture, using his pace and skill to execute five successful dribbles. Sterling, who is sure to be a key player for Liverpool this year, will be a serious threat to the City fullbacks and his ability to come inside could cause havoc amongst the champions’ defence. Sterling is 15/1 to score first against City with 888sport.
Jordan Henderson was the Liverpool player who ran the furthest distance throughout Liverpool’s opener, covering 11.471km throughout the game, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, which is going to be vital when tracking the energetic City midfield players.
Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate team.