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Swansea v Aston Villa - The EA Sports PPI Preview

The Swans go in search of back to back Premier League wins on Saturday when Aston Villa arrive at the Liberty - EA Sports are on hand to bring us their PPI preview

Swansea vs Aston Villa



Swansea City entertain Aston Villa on Saturday in a game that both teams will feel they can win. Swansea are currently sitting in 13th position on 36 points with the Midlands club just below them in 15th just one point behind them. The Swans are not yet safe from danger, but a 1-2 win against Newcastle certainly helped their chances and a win against Villa will see them all but safe.


Wilfried Bony has been the Swan’s star performer this season. With Michu struggling with injuries, Bony has provided 14 goals this season, nine more than second-placed Shelvey. Bony scored two goals including a last minute penalty to ensure Swansea took all three points against Newcastle. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Bony made five attacking contributions (dribbles, crosses and assists) against Newcastle proving the striker can also create chances for teammates. He is 5/4 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.


Jonathan De Guzmán and Wayne Routledge give the Swans with some serious pace on the wings and will be looking to provide service for Bony. Routledge enjoys running at defenders and attempted the most dribbles against Newcastle (4). De Guzmán delivers regular crosses into the box and he was one of only two players to provide a cross against Newcastle.


Swansea’s captain, Ashley Williams made the most defensive contributions at Newcastle (23) and was successful in all of his tackles. He has been at heart of the Swansea defence all season and has made more defensive contributions this season than any other Swansea player.


The 0-0 draw at home to Southampton last weekend provided a much needed point for Paul Lambert’s side who had failed to secure any points in their last four matches. They have certainly felt the force of the injury to Benteke and will hope they can find the net through their other attacking players.


Marc Albrighton looked lively throughout the game showing determination to provide crosses and help out in defence. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows Albrighton made four attacking contributions more than any other Villa player. He also made seven defensive contributions more than the likes of defender Ryan Bertrand (5). Albrighton is an industry best 9/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.


Lying in the centre of midfield against Southampton was Fabian Delph who has been a consistent performer for Villa. This season Delph has made the most tackles (128) and contributed three goals making him the third highest goal scorer at the club. The midfielder also made the most passes (17) for Aston Villa against the Saints and will have to be on top form against Swansea.


The ever-present Ron Vlaar is likely to be up against the form Wilfried Bony at the weekend. Vlaar has made the most defensive contributions for Villa this season (313) and continued that form against Southampton. He will be crucial in keeping Swansea’s attacking players quiet throughout the game.

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