As any Aston Villa fan knows, the club are in a dark place at present and whilst the addition of two new players in the window has added something to the squad, questions are still being asked as to if their involvement will be sufficient to help.
Yacouba Sylla will most definitely have an impact, and I would want to see him paired up with Ashley Westwood in order to have the most effect in midfield. Whilst Sylla isn’t quite as tall as I would have liked for the defensive midfielder role – I would generally be looking at a player 6ft 3 or more – the difference in physicality should be enough to arrest the recent midfield collapses.
So can Villa come away with anything this afternoon? Or will David Moyes’ men heap further misery on the club?
Stats – Courtesy of EA Sports
– Two goals from Leighton Baines gave Everton a 2-1 victory over West Brom as they continue their charge towards Champions League qualification.
– While he was not the subject of any bids that we know of this January window, expect the list of suitors for Leighton Baines’ signature to grow come the summer. The Englishman continues to cement his position as one of the premier full-backs in world football, his reading of the game and dynamism on the flanks being exceptional this year. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he’s delivered a mammoth 88 crosses this season, as well as intercepting the ball 72 times.
– Key to the Toffees’ fortunes will also be Marouane Fellaini, another who is expected to garner interest before the start of next season. The imposing Belgian has the versatility to cause any team problems, something he has been demonstrating this season. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he has a 70% shot accuracy rate from 50 attempts, as well as making 45 interceptions.
– Phil Jagiellka has been the standout defender in the Premier League this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The consummate centre-half has an extraordinary 87% tackle success rate from 54 attempted challenges, conceding only 9 fouls, as well as making 156 interceptions.
– Aston Villa were forced into the relegation zone following a 1-2 defeat at home to Newcastle on Tuesday evening.
– Despite Paul Lambert being criticized for fielding a inexperienced side, some of his young charges have been stepping up to the mark to dispel the doubters. Matthew Lowton in particular has been in excellent form, completing 280 passes in the opponent’s half as well as establishing a 77% tackle success rate from 75 challenges.
– While the goals have been leaking in for Villa at the back in recent weeks, blame cannot be laid solely at the feet of Bradley Guzan. The American keeper has made 130 saves this season, placing him joint 1st on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– A revival in Villa’s fortunes will inevitably rest largely on the broad shoulders of Christian Benteke. Villa fans will be desperate to see him convert some of his play into goals, as despite being accurate with his shooting, he has been struggling to find the net on a consistent basis. The Belgian striker has a 72% accuracy rate from 68 attempted shots, yet has only registered 7 goals (nearly one every 10 attempts). Look for him to be on target this weekend though, he’s an industry-best 10/3 to score against Everton at 888sport.com.
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