Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate Team for FIFA 14.
Manchester United will feel they have a point to prove this weekend against Aston Villa after suffering their 6th home league defeat of the season to bitter rivals Manchester City on Tuesday evening. The Reds went down 1-0 within the first minute after Edin Džeko struck from close range before bagging a second early in the second half. Yaya Toure sealed the impressive win with the third as the match came to a close.
Despite the poor result, United will take some comfort in the effort and work rate of Wayne Rooney. Once again the England international was everywhere, making his presence felt at both ends of the pitch. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Rooney made 29 attacking contributions (shots on target, passes, dribbles and crosses) and had 100% shot accuracy, whilst in defense he made five interceptions. Rooney is 11/13 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.
Michael Carrick was once again an integral part of the Reds’ midfield. Carrick won 80% of his tackles whilst making 42 attacking contributions, more than any other Manchester United player on the night.
Phil Jones led the way in defense for United with 14 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks and interceptions) but could do little to stop Manchester City’s attacking threat. United skipper Patrice Evra has made 242 defensive contributions so far this season and United Fans will be looking to the Frenchman to contain Villa’s attacking threats.
Aston Villa will have no doubts about their ability to create an upset at Old Trafford this weekend despite their disappointing 4-0 loss at home to Stoke. Lambert’s men started brightly with Benteke scoring early in the first half but down 3-1 by half time.
Christian Beneteke scored his 6th goal in 10 league games against Stoke last weekend after just five minutes. The Belgian has been an impressive presence for Villa and is the side’s top scorer. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Benteke has scored 10 goals so far this season and has a shot accuracy rating of 55%.
Fabian Delph was once again integral to Villa’s attack last time out. The Englishman played a vital role in Beneteke’s opener with a well weighted pass which cut back to find the Belgian front man. Villa fans will be hoping that the Englishman shows similar creativity against United this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Delph has made 665 attacking contributions (shots on target, passes, dribbles and crosses) so far this season, the most at the club. Delph is 14/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.
Lambert will be relying on Ciaran Clark to firm up Villa’s defense following their heavy defeat at home to Stoke. Clark has won an excellent 83% of tackles this season and has made 25 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, interceptions and clearances), the 2nd highest at the club.
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