Aston Villa v Liverpool
Aston Villa Stat Attack
This weekend will see Aston Villa go in search of their first win in seven games at home to a dangerous Liverpool side, but the Villans will come into the game with confidence having already beaten Liverpool this season. Villa will need to improve in attack and convert their chances into goals, but having only conceded three times in their last five Premier League games, they will be hard to break down.
One man who has helped to keep that defensive record intact is American shot stopper Brad Guzan. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has made 66 saves already this season, at an average of 2.9 saves per goal conceded. He will need to be on top form to keep his third clean sheet in four games this Saturday.
In front of him, Alan Hutton has proved to be a crucial part of the defensive, as illustrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has already covered 172.7km so far this term, hitting a top speed of 33.9km/h. He has also won 39 tackles this year, winning 81.25% of his overall tackles, and that combination of fitness and tenacity will prove a challenge to break down.
Up top, the responsibility of improving Villa’s attacking threat falls on the shoulders of Gabriel Agbonlahor. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has hit a top speed of 34.8km/h and will look to use that pace to his advantage and find his fourth goal of the season.
Liverpool Stat Attack
This weekend’s visitors to Villa Park are Liverpool, who’s form in somewhat of a contrast to that of the Villans. Liverpool are now unbeaten in five, winning three of those matches and a win this weekend could see them climb two places to sixth.
What has been most impressive is their fluidity in midfield, with such a number of prodigious talents. In particular, Jordan Henderson, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index as he is the only Liverpool player to cover over 200km, clocking a total 216.1km. He has also racked up a squad best 525 passes in the opposition half, leading to his squad best six assists. If he gets on the ball in the opposition half, he will pose a threat.
If Henderson provides a threat with his passing, then Sterling is the direct running equivalent. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has completed more dribbles than any other Liverpool player, with 65 in total, leading to his four goals this season. He has been clocked at a top speed of 35km/h, which is a squad best, and will prove a major threat to the Villa back line.
The third man who has been extremely impressive of late in midfield is Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian midfielder, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index has completed 443 passes in the opposition half and completed 53 dribbles as well. He will provide both the passing of Henderson and the direct running style of Sterling, and could prove a threat with his vision or direct style.
Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at http://fantasy.
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