- Relegated QPR showed good fight against Arsenal in their last game, losing 1-0 to an early goal but matching the Gunners for much of the game.

- Andros Townsend, in particular, impressed. He completed six dribbles in the game to take the match to Arsenal, the most by a player in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for a single game in the last round of matches.

- Just as impressive for a midfielder of Townsend’s age and unquestionable attacking ability is his defensive stats this season. Townsend has 31 tackles this season and won 80.6% of them, while committing a foul on average every 6.2 tackles.

- Clint Hill worked hard to stop Arsenal from opening the flood gates after the early goal, one of two players in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index to make four blocks in the last round of games, and the joint third highest in a single game for the whole season.

- Hill is now one of five players in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index to have made 200 or more interceptions this season. Hill has 203 to his name in total this season.

- That takes Hill’s defensive contributions this season to 316 across tackles won, interceptions, blocks and clearances, one of five players in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index to have passed 300, and the one to have done so in the least pitch time (2,626 minutes).

- Newcastle risk joining QPR in the relegation zone at the end of the season after a 0-0 draw with West Ham leaves them just three points clear of the drop.

- Chieck Tiote is gave his all against West Ham, winning 8 tackles, the 9th highest in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index by a player in a single game this season. He attempted 13 tackles in total, the joint highest by a player in a single game this season. Of the five players who have attempted 13 tackles this season, Tiote’s percentage of them won is third highest.

- Tiote has now attempted 100 tackles this season, one of 22 players in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index to have hit this milestone, although he has the fifth lowest tackles won percentage of these 22 with just 45% of tackles won.

- Sylvain Marveaux has an equally impressive, but different defensive stats to his name this season. The Magpies midfielder has the cleanest minutes per foul conceded rate in the league, having played 1091 minutes and committed just two fouls, averaging 545 minutes 30 seconds per goal.

- Davide Santon has been Newcastle’s top ranked player in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index this season ranked in 97th. He’s won 67.6% of 68 tackles attempted, made 31 clearances and 81 interceptions.

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Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.

- A consolation goal in the final minutes from Andy Carroll was not enough to prevent West Ham from suffering a 2-1 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad.

- It will interesting to see how Carroll deals with facing his beloved former club but all signs are that he is returning to his imposing best and will be in merciless form against the Magpies. Carroll has found a measure of stability at West Ham, compiling the greatest number of attempts on goal in the Hammers squad (63) as well as averaging the least amount of time of any of his teammates to get a shot on goal, with one attempt coming on average once every 28.7 minutes according to the EA SPORTS Player performance Index.

- James Tomkins remains West Ham’s best tackler this season, having been successful with 78.7% of his 47 attempted challenges this season. His defensive reading of the game will be crucial against a Newcastle side that will be pressing for a much-needed win following a string of disappointing performances.

- No West Ham player has ventured forward with more success than Mark Noble this season, completing a squad-high 511 passes in the opponent’s half this season at an average rate of one every 4.6 minutes, another squad-best. The Newcastle defence has shown serious fragility in recent weeks and Hammers fans will be looking to Noble to provide the platform for their side’s attacks this weekend.

- Newcastle were humbled 0-6 at home by Liverpool last weekend in a result that leaves them just two places from the bottom three and in a real relegation dogfight. Alan Pardew will be demanding a response from his players this weekend.

- A quick start could be crucial to Newcastle’s chances of success this weekend, having seen two big games in recent weeks run away from them. Papiss Cisse will be the man the Toon Army expect to rise to the occasion, not surprising given that the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows him as having a shot on goal on average once every 38.8 minutes this season. Cisse’s shot accuracy rate remains a concern though, having only seen 49.3% of his efforts find their way on target.

- Newcastle appear to be a club in freefall and it’s at times like this that you need your big players to step up to the plate. Yohan Cayabe is one such player having average a pass in the opponent’s half on average once every 4.8 minutes this season. He will need to step up and dictate play here away from home.

- Alan Pardew will be desperate for some defensive solidarity this weekend though, having seen his side have 6 put past them last weekend. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa will be central to this, the young centre-half already adapting to life in the Premier League, averaging a defensive contribution once every 16.7 minutes following his arrival in January.

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Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.

- Fears remain over Newcastle’s continued Premier League status, after a 1-1 draw with West Brom last weekend left them once again looking over their shoulders as the season reaches its climax.

- Yoan Gouffran got himself on the scoresheet early against the Baggies, offering yet more evidence that he will prove to be yet another sharp forward signing for the Magpies. The 26 year-old has quickly established himself as one of the most consistent attackers in the Newcastle squad, racking up a 73.7% accuracy rate from 19 attempts on goal.

- One wonders where Newcastle would be without the ever-present industry of Jonas Gutierrez, the midfielder constantly tracking back to pick up defensive slack when needed. His 129 defensive contributions is the 3rd highest in the Newcastle squad this term according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

- Newcastle fans will be hoping to see more of Gael Bigirimana next season, the youngster having proven he has the technical ability to cope in the Premier League. For the 461 minutes he’s played this season, on average he’s completed a pass in the opponent’s half once every 3.8 minutes.

- Liverpool came from behind to earn a 2-2 with Chelsea last time out, in a match that will unfortunately be remembered for Luis Suarez’s now infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic.

- Whilst Suarez has unfortunately attracted controversy this season, in footballing terms his value to Liverpool is difficult to overestimate. His 23 goals for the Reds this season have come as part of a gigantic 169 efforts on goal with an accuracy rate of 60.9%.

- Right-back Glen Johnson remains Liverpool’s most effective tackler as the season marches towards its final few matches. He’s come out on top in 73.8% of his 84 challenges this season.

- Steven Gerrard continues to defy the march of time according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, compiling a quite superb set of statistics this season. He’s now made 1015 passes in the opponent’s half this season, making him part of a group of only 5 players to have broken the 1000-pass barrier (Cazorla, Arteta, Toure, Carrick) and the oldest player in the top 10 in the league for passes completed.

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Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.

- Newcastle were the victims as Manchester City surged back to form with a 4-0 win over the Magpies at the Etihad.

- Centre back Steven Taylor has been enjoying a purple patch of form in recent weeks and his concentration must be at its peak to deal with the guile of Dimitar Berbatov. Taylor will be looking to add to 140 defensive contributions this weekend.

- Newcastle will be keen to get Papiss Cisse having a sight on goal as soon as possible on Sunday, the Senegalese striker taking on average just 8.1 attempts to register a goal this season.

- The influence of Yohan Cabaye on all facets of Newcastle’s play cannot be underestimated this season and his vision will be crucial against an always well-organised Fulham defence. The Frenchman is the only player in the Magpies squad to sit be in triple figures for both attacking and defensive contributions.

- It was a baptism of fire for Newcastle reserve goalkeeper Rob Elliott, who despite conceding four still made nine saves, the joint highest in the last round of games.

- Dimitar Berbatov was once again the inspiration for Fulham as they left QPR’s hope of a great escape in near tatters after a 3-2 win.

- Mark Schwarzer continues to defy the odds even at 40 years of age. The Aussie keeper ranks fourth on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for saves with 163. His reflexes will likely be tested this weekend by the likes of Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko and Papiss Cisse.

- Dimitar Berbatov appears to be a rejuvenated figure at Craven Cottage this season, his touch and cool demeanour in front of goal proving invaluable for Martin Jol’s side. Look for him to exploit any hesitation in the Newcastle defence to play in his teammates this weekend, the Bulgarian having completed a pass in the opponent’s half on average every 3.8 minutes and registered 5 assists this campaign.

- The continued form of Sascha Riether could be pivotal in deciding the outcome of this game, the German having been outstanding in his defensive duties this season. He’s completed a superb 76.6% of his 64 challenges.

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Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.

- Wigan’s last effort in the league was a 0-4 defeat at home to Liverpool, a result they will be keen to banish from memory with the arrival of another dangerous outfit in Newcastle this weekend.

- Maynor Figueroa continues to be a bastion of strength in defence for Roberto Martinez’s side this season. He now leads the Wigan squad for defensive contributions with 261.

- Scottish midfielder James McCarthy’s influence on Wigan’s performances this season has been enormous, as evidenced by the fact that he has completed more passes in the opponent’s half than any other Wigan player (702) at an average rate of one every 3.8 minutes.

- Franco di Santo may not have been at his most accurate in front of goal at times this season, but it has not diminished his willingness to let fly when he finds himself in promising positions. He has had 54 attempts on goal this season (55% of which have been on target), second only to Arouna Kone with 56.

- Newcastle showed good grit to overcome Stoke 2-1 at St James Park last weekend, with goals from Yohan Cabaye and Papiss Cisse helping them to come from behind and deservedly claim all three points.

- Yoan Gouffran has showed some promising touches in the early stages of his Newcastle career, another in a line of talented Frenchmen to join the Magpies’ squad. He’s already registered 2 assists and 12 efforts on goal since arriving on Tyneside.

- Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse continues to fill the sizeable void left by Demba Ba’s departure. His well-taken goal last time out in the league is something we all know him to be capable of and he is steadily improving his general shot accuracy, now sitting at 51.9% from 52 attempts.

- Despite struggling to nail down a regular place in the starting XI at times this season, it has proven difficult for any other Newcastle player to replicate Hatem Ben Arfa’s ability to take the game to opposition defences. The gifted midfielder still leads the Newcastle squad for dribbles with 27.

Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.

Newcastle have been pretty solid since the turn of the year in the Europa League. They may only have scored once in the competition in 2013, a Shola Ameobi penalty against Metalist Kharkiv, but they have registered three consecutive clean sheets. A fourth today at St James Park should see them progress to the next round.

Despite switching players around for European Competition, with Alan Pardew not even making first choice right back Mathieu Debuchy eligible for the tournament, Newcastle have been very tight at the back. Danny Simpson has filled in at right full back, with Massimo Haidara getting a run out at left back. However, it is the middle of the back line that has starred, with Steven Taylor and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa performing with aplomb.

So, with the defence in good working order, it will be all about the midfielders and forwards tonight as Newcastle look for that goal that will likely be enough to take them into the next round. Having scored late on in the victory against Stoke at the week, Papiss Cisse will be looking to continue on the scoring trail and rediscover the form that saw him be so lethal in front of goal last season.

Can Newcastle win tonight? If they can, then there’s no saying how far they could go in the tournament. Could a date in Amsterdam in May await them?

- Despite a valiant effort over 90 minutes, Newcastle fell to a 1-0 defeat away to Swansea last weekend.

- Jonas Gutierrez has been in typically all-action form this season, racking up 102 defensive contributions as well as a 68.6% tackle success rate according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

- Midfielder Moussa Sissoko continues to waste no time in introducing himself to Newcastle fans renowned for their love of goalscorers. Despite only arriving in January he’s been averaging a shot on target once every 58.4 minutes he’s been on the pitch.

- Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse has certainly been doing the business in front of goal in recent weeks for Alan Pardew’s side, however it will be his defensive misdemeanours which might have his manager slightly concerned. He’s committed 37 fouls this season, second highest in the Newcastle squad and sixth amongst Premier League strikers.

- Given the level of talent in the Newcastle midfield it might come as something of a surprise that fullback Davide Santon leads the squad for successful completed passes in the opponent’s half. The Italian has clearly been consistently finding himself in advanced positions higher up the pitch on his way to compiling 333 passes there.

- Stoke’s disappointing run of form continued last weekend as they were beaten 1-0 by West Ham. It was a performance which suggested that more goals willing be on the way for Stoke, having gone close on plenty of occasions here.

- American defender Geoff Cameron has been continuing the fine tradition of players from across the pond and adapting to the rigours of the Premier League. He currently boasts the highest tackle success rate of any Stoke player, successfully completing 68.8% of his 77 attempted challenges.

- Pace over the ground might not be defensive pairing’s Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth’s greatest strength but they more than make up for it with their instinctive reading of the game. Between them they’ve compiled a highly impressive 281 interceptions this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

- Getting Charlie Adam involved as often as possible will be key for Tony Pulis’ side should they wish to turn around their current slump in form. He’s currently average a successful pass in the opponent’s half once every 5.9 minutes, the lowest in the Potters’ squad.

- Despite a couple of slip ups this season, Jonathan Walters’ confidence has certainly not been dented, he leads the Stoke squad for attempts on goal this season with 37.

Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.

- Goals from Michu and braces from both Nathan Dyer and Jonathan de Guzman secured the first major trophy in the club’s 101-year history and they will be looking to continue this momentum in their homecoming this weekend.

- The undoubted star of Swansea’s season so far, Michu has come from relative obscurity to be one of the most important players in the Swansea squad. His physical presence has surprised many but it is his technique in front of goal that has garnered him the majority of his 15 goals, with the Spaniard crafting a shot on target every 56.1 minutes he’s been on the pitch.

- His fellow Spaniard Pablo Hernandez is another who’s been impressing with his passing ability and vision. He’s now made a successful pass in the opponent’s half once every 3.8 minutes and has taken sides on with dribbles 17 times, the third highest in the Swansea squad.

- Nathan Dyer has appeared re-energised in recent weeks, capping a fine performance in the Capital One Cup Final with two goals. He’s also back to carving out chances for his teammates, tying for second-highest total assists in the Swans squad with 5.

- When the season began, 19 year old Ben Davies would likely have been happy with a couple of appearances off the bench for Swansea, yet due to various twists of fate he has emerged as one of their key performers. He now boasts an excellent 73.2% tackle success rate from 56 attempted challenges, as well as 157 defensive contributions.

- Newcastle battled back last weekend to win a fine encounter with Southampton 4-2 at St James’s Park. An absorbing contest marked a continued return to form for Alan Pardew’s side but they will face a stern test against a buoyant and talented Swansea side this weekend.

- Moussa Sissoko is making an impressive start to his Premier League career, already racking up a successful pass in the opponent’s half every 5.3 minutes as well as a shot on target every 62.2 minutes.

- Widely regarded as Newcastle’s creator-in-chief, the talented Yohan Cabaye will be disappointed in the number of assists he managed to record this season. Despite making 54 crosses, he’s only registered one assist, the lowest of any player in top 20 for crosses provided on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

- Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini are clearly developing something of an intuitive understanding of when teams are choosing to slip through the Newcastle defence. Between them they’ve registered 203 interceptions this season.

- Although bought for his reputation as one of the best young defenders in Europe, Davide Santon is flourishing into a distinguished attacker as well. He’s recorded a solid 76.5% shot accuracy rate from 17 attempts this season.

Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.

- Despite a first-half Yoan Gouffran goal, Newcastle fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham and the inspired Gareth Bale. Alan Pardew can take heart from what was a strong Newcastle performance and he will be looking for his side to produce a similar performance against the Saints this week.

- Despite only playing 767 minutes this season Sylvain Marveaux still has the highest number of assists of any player in the Newcastle squad with 5.

- Midfield dynamo Moussa Sissoko looks to be settling into life at Newcastle well, quickly picking up the pace at which the play is conducted in the Premier League. He’s already completed 60 passes in the opponent’s half this season, at a rate of one every 4.6 minutes.

- Fabricio Coloccini continues to be Newcastle’s defensive rock this season, the Magpies captain leading by example to the rest of his defensive colleagues. He’s established an excellent 78.9% tackle success rate from 38 attempted challenges according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

- Alan Pardew will be looking for far greater accuracy from Papiss Cisse as Newcastle continue to adapt to life after Demba Ba. As yet this season the Senegalese frontman has only managed to work the keeper with 52.1% of his 46 attempts on goal.

- Southampton produced one of the great performances in their history last time out as they condemned reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to a 3-1 defeat at St Mary’s. Goals from Jason Puncheon and Steven Davis secured a famous win and they will want to carry their new-found momentum into this weekend.

- Expect to see Jason Puncheon build on his performance against Manchester City this week and look to terroise Newcastle’s defence on Saturday. He leads the Southampton squad for dribbles with 15.

- Morgan Schneiderlin is renowned for his all-action defensive efforts in the heart of the Southampton midfield and has now joined Steve Sidwell as part of the exclusive club of players to have attempted 100 or more tackles this season.

- Defender Jose Fonte shows no signs of ending his excellent run of form any time soon, as he leads the Southampton squad for defensive contributions this season with 211 according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

- Rickie Lambert has spent much of this season proving his value is not limited to how many times he hits the back of net. His movement and physical presence has been an invaluable asset for Southampton and he has so far provided a squad-leading 7 assists according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the official player rating index of the Barclays Premier League.

Under the leadership of Alan Pardew, recently tied down under an impressive eight-year contract, they have managed to work their way up the table and are currently playing in the UEFA Europa League with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Their future is unclear at this point, however, and there are many strategies that they can employ in order to sustain their great form. For those who wish to get involved in other similar strategies online, including football betting strategies, be sure to come to the right place. Certain sites, such as www.wageronsports.com, can be incredibly helpful in this respect.

The 2012/2013 campaign has seen the team falter slightly. After an impressive season in which they almost secured a Champions League spot, the current season has tested the squad’s fitness and discipline, European commitments alongside domestic fixtures taking their toll as well as key injuries to the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Ben Arfa. Another issue has been up front, with premier striking duo, Papiss Cissé and Demba Ba, seemingly unable to play with each other. With Ba sold to Chelsea and Yoan Gouffran impressing in his new role, the important strategy here is for Pardew to maintain a balanced squad, ensuring his team is able to compete at all levels.

The recent surge of signings has strengthened the squad and added significant depth. With talent such as Sissoko, Cabaye, Ben Arfa and Tioté all available to sit in those midfield roles, Pardew will be able to rotate the squad, keeping the players as fresh as possible as they compete for different tournaments.

For now, the importance is to aim for stability. There is a nice balance of French and English players in the team, many with buckets of talent. The squad that they have has the ability to play as a team, not built around any one individual, allowing each member to contribute. Finishing in, and around, the top 6 is definitely the ultimate goal.