It was an evening to forget for Newcastle fans last time out in the league as they were on the end of a comprehensive 0-4 defeat at the hands of Tottenham, including a brace by the once again impressive Emmanuel Adebayor.
Mathieu Debuchy had yet another solid game last time out in the league to add to his growing list of excellent performances this campaign. He successfully made five interceptions, the joint fourth highest in the league during the last round according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Moussa Sissoko has been similarly impressive in midfield this season, his huge engine proving a valuable asset to the Magpies. He currently has the best tackle success rate of any Newcastle player, winning 83.7% of his 49 attempted challenges to date.
Striker Loic Remy has contributed an impressive 11 goals this campaign whilst on loan from QPR, a solid return during his time so far on Tyneside. It’s unsurprising to see therefore that he leads the Newcastle squad for attempts on goal this season, with 47 to his name. Remy is 6/4 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.
Following the departure of Yohan Cabaye, even more pressure will no doubt be put on the shoulders of Cheick Tiote. The Ivorian has always been a key figure for the Magpies in defence, but Alan Pardew may look to him to get involved even more in an offensive capacity and ass to his 402 completed passes in the opponent’s half this term.
A couple of outstanding saves from David Marshall helped keep Cardiff in the game and denied Aston Villa all three points last time out. Paul Lambert will be hoping his side can get more reward for their efforts should they play as well as they this weekend.
Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar continues to battle for his side at the back this season, leading from the front during what has been an up-and-down season to date. The cente-half completed the joint third highest number of total defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, tackles won, interceptions) during the last round of fixtures with 22 according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Midfielder Fabian Delph continues to have a standout season for Villa, contributing heavily in both defence and attack. He leads the Villa squad for tackles attempted with 93, winning 73.1% of them, as well as attacking contributions (assists, shots on goal, dribbles, crosses).
Gabriel Agbonlahor’s all-round game has progressed rapidly in recent years, the frontman now also able to effectively link the play and provide chances for his teammates as well as himself. No Villa player has provided more assists this term, with six currently to his name. Agbonlahor is 3/1 with 888sport.com to get himself on the scoresheet this weekend though and score at any time.
Defender Ciaran Clark’s commitment to the cause is rarely called into question, largely because of his physical approach to making sure his ‘keeper is well protected. No Villa player has made more blocks this term than Clark’s 19.
Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.
