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 15.

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Sunderland have recently encountered some mixed form that has seen them draw two of their last three matches, on their way to becoming the League’s draw specialists. Whilst having drawn 14 times already this season (half of their games), the Black Cats will be hoping to go one better this weekend by clinching all three points to help them further cushion themselves from the relegation zone.

Sunderland will be hoping for a solid performance from their defensive stalwart Santiago Vergini this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Argentinian defender has won 50 tackles already this season, winning 61.7% of his tackles overall. He has also made 91 clearances, 44 interceptions and 12 blocks and will hope that he can add to these tallies this weekend to help keep out Aston Villa.

He will be more than ably supported by Sunderland captain John O’Shea; the only member of the Sunderland squad to play every minute of Premier League football this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 39 tackles this season, an impressive 82.9% of his overall attempts, also racking up 129 clearances and 50 interceptions.

In the middle of the park, Sebastian Larsson continues to impress with his high level of performance. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us that he has covered a squad best 303.5km, and it is that hard work that has been the key to his success. Off the ball, he has won 61 tackles, 66.3% of his total challenges, and made 29 interceptions. On the ball, he has completed a squad best 535 passes in the opposition half and also scored three times, demonstrating that he can be a threat when scoring or turning provider. He is 23/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Aston Villa will come into this weekend’s fixture with renewed optimism having beaten local rivals West Brom last week; a result that sees them three points clear of 18th placed QPR. They will be looking for their first back-to-back wins this side of Christmas, and that will also see them leapfrog their hosts.

Villa will hope that their ever-dependable American shot stopper Brad Guzan delivers another high quality performance this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has racked up 85 saves so far this season, at an average of 2.24 saves per goals conceded. He will hope that he can keep a clean sheet this weekend to ensure that Villa make it two wins from two.

At the back, Alan Hutton has been consistently reliable for the Villans, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Hutton’s fine season has seen him win 45 tackles, 78.9% of his total challenges, whilst also making 90 clearances, 32 interceptions and 15 blocks. He can also prove a threat going forward, and will hope that he can add a second goal to his season’s tally, in addition to carrying out his defensive duties with aplomb.

Whilst Hutton will hope to find the back of the net, Gabriel Agbonlahor is the man that this responsibility falls with. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us that he will look to use his direct style of play, having completed 22 dribbles and hitting a squad best top speed of 34.87km/h. He is 100/30 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

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Matt Turvey
Matt is the owner of, and chief writer for, Aston Villa Life. He is also a columnist for the Wolverhampton Express & Star, appearing in the Kick Off pullout on Saturdays and the Final Whistle pullout the Monday after Aston Villa play, as well as every Thursday as a blogger on their website. He has previously been featured as a writer on Football365 and Life's A Pitch, and was a regular pundit for Sports Tonight TV on Sky.

Comments 120

  1. Ree Khalid

    Is it me or do these EA previews fail to do their homework and find out who is actually available for the game? The other day it was Colback today it’s Hutton.

  3. Ree Khalid

    Anyways, onto the game. Can we do what seemed impossible under Lambert and win 3 games in a row? I’m fairly confident we can, but not unhappy wih just a point. Would be huge if we could ‘claw’ them back into serious trouble though, nice choice of words from Sherwood for the fighting Lions!

    Sunderland lack width in midfield and probably look to their full backs and Van Arnhold in particular for width. From what Iv heard he’s not the best defender so we could take advantage there. Defoe is their danger man and Larsson has some quality in the middle.

    I think they will be nervy though, Poyet is really close to blowing a fuse and from what he’s said I don’t think he will set them up to attack and take chances. They’ll look to nick a goal from somewhere, as long as we defend alright and they don’t get lucky we should be ok.

    The main story for us is who starts? Benteke or Sinclair? This dictates the system and the way we play. Doubt there’s many changes besides that. Bacuna will probably carry on at RB.

    1-0 to us COYVB!

  4. Ree Khalid

    Mark – you would’ve thought that as theyr closely linked to the official prem league fantasy game they could easily find ou whose available.

    Does AVL still have a league on there btw? I have a team but tbh I haven’t really played it since the start of the season.

  5. steamer

    Morning all,
    IMO we can win there and win well, TS seems to be gradually blowing away the psychological drawbacks of the team and that can’t be understated. How so many players could go on the OS telling us about how much they were enjoying their football under Lambert i just don’t know, the man is poison and when you think back to his comments about attractive football when he got the job it shows what a fraud he was. I wonder if McInally and Nicholas realise how stupid their defence of him was.
    Anyway, we’re severely limited in our selection today but i spent an hour yesterday reading the AFCS blogs and the local paper and i would say that they’re on the level we were under Lambert, especially at home. I’m going 2-1 to the Villa.

  6. John Lerwill

    This is a game that we should win – and need to to keep the momentum going.

    Under TS we should be OK. I think 2-1 or 3-1 to Villa, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if it’s 1-1.

  7. RichardS

    I think we will definitely win today – Sinclair and Nzogbia will supply the width and pace – Benteke /Gabby will supply the goals. Delph is looking great and Cleverley is performing better in the middle. I do hope that Gil gets the opportunity to shine.

  11. RichardS

    An attacking 4-4-2 from TS. Exactly the way we should approach the game – take it to Sunderland with attacking on the front foot football. Silence the crowd – score a couple of goals in the first half – smash them in the second half!!!

  12. B6toBrasil

    Morning Lifers

    I `ll stick by my 3-1 Villa……..O`Shea and Brown an awful pairing young CB will totally destroy them I hope.

    QPR determined to claim 20th position,the Rednap myth blown out of the water once again.

  14. Ree Khalid

    He’s gone really attacking with both Sinclair n Nzogbia. Slightly concerned we’ll get outnumbered in midfield. Out of Delph and Cleverly who will be more defensive? Cleverly is more suited but the reason he’s played well lately is that he’s had more freedom. Delph will get up and down.

    Still confident though

    1-0 Villa COYVB UTV

  27. @RonnieBiggs

    CONFIDENCE folks! The key was getting that first win against the Baggies in the league then the belief was there we could do it again and we did! I knew Bacuna had something to offer….

    Wow if Sinclair puts that away and it’s game over.

    Also the Gabby bashing needs to stop. If we manage to turn this season around and it looks that way this will not be the first time that he has played a huge part in keeping us in the Prem. He proves his love and commitment to our club when the stakes are highest!

    UTV

  35. Mark King

    Don’t know whether to thank lambert for the squad or curse him for three years of tripe and lost time. I think it’s something we had to go through.
    At this rate we will be playing in an empty stadium what a header tekkers is back

  39. Paul Pears

    Home to find my Villa not just 1-0 up, but 2-0, and in the time I have been tuning in we have gone from 2-0 to 3-0, and 4-0………Goodbye Paul…….Hello Tim………

    Who will get the hat trick first…..Gabby or Benteke….?????……Yippeeeee!!!!!…..So glad I decided to put my shirt on….COYVB…..!!!!!

  44. Trinity

    Can’t say I’ve ever felt sorry for the opposition at half time.
    Great goals and assists. Benteke looks confident and Gabby is having a big 300th.

  48. @RonnieBiggs

    Never understood why Lambert never gave Bacuna, Grealish, Lowton, Nzgobia (and Bent) a chance to make the shirt their own.

    Also good on TS for making Gil earn the shirt and right now the way the team is playing he’s a long way from getting back in and that’s the way it should be!!!

    UTV

  50. B6toBrasil

    In all seriousness I believe S`land look like us before TS arrived,no confidence,inspiration or ideas.We all know how S`land fans feel right now.
    Look at the body language as each goal goes in,chins dragging on the floor,not one player encouraging another.They look awful,like us a few weeks ago.

  56. B6toBrasil

    If we don`t get a couple this half then it`s time for Sherwood to go,it really is
    Delighted for Frem and all the fans who`ve travelled,CNZ looks like a footy player again.

  70. James Gill

    hell
    3 wins in a row
    2 clean sheets
    8 goals
    3 gabby 3 benteke
    cleverly looks a different player
    same for zog
    unreal a manager we can understand makes good decisions clark off sanchez when does 10 booking rule finnish

  71. Ree Khalid

    James – mid April I think for the 10 booking rule. Few more games yet…

    What a day today! We win 4-0, QPR lose and Leicester draw with Hull. We’re level on points with Hull and Everton now. +4 on our goal difference is worth an extra point.

    Great day!

  73. Ree Khalid

    MOM not even sure, we took our foot off the gas pedal second half. But first half Nzogbia and Bacuna were immense. Great link up between them. Delph and Cleverly good, Gabby was great. Benteke looked good. Defense hardly put a foot wrong.

    May be a case of Sunderland imploding but we were brilliant today!

    Sunderland in trouble, they don’t have that bad a run in but form is what counts. Will Poyet get the sack? Imagine if Lambert lost 4-0 at home to a relegation rival late on in the season? We’d be baying for blood. Cant see how he stays.

  74. @RonnieBiggs

    Delighted after that display of course but we had better beat Swansea at Villa Park! After that we have ManU, Spurs, Man City, Everton, W Ham, Saints… not an easy run of matches by an means. To get up to 31 points prior to Manure would take the pressure off significantly.

    What a performance by Bacuna today the best showing from a right back in a Villa shirt for some time!!!
    UTV

  77. RichardS

    What a sensational performance – the first goal and the thirds were fantastic. TS has got the team playing to our strengths. Fast, skilful football. Benteke- Gabby – Nzogbia – Bacuna – Delph were outstanding today. Let’s now smash Swansea and then go on to beat Liverpool at Wembley.

    UTV

  78. Mark King

    I’m not worried about who we play if we get some defenders back. get vlaar fit for city let clarke serve his ban then. we have enough going forward to worry anyone in this league, whether the mid and defence will be good enough we will have to see.

  79. Ree Khalid

    Swansea up next we need to concentrate on that. But if we carry on this form then we should win that. Then onto utd away and we can cause them problems. Big 3 points, another 3 next week and we’ll be within striking distance of survival. TS has made one helluva difference.

  80. John Clark

    Well, that was something…Thought Jenny was crazy with 4-0!

    A cloud certainly seems to have lifted. Massive for Benteke to score twice, and find his touch in the air. As mentioned, very much liking the way Bacuna and N’Zogbia are playing together. It’s not a bad squad, starting to look like finding their potential. Getting goals finally…a win was a must, but for the side to finally start scoring and begin to believe they can and will score. That had to have been a huge psychological weight.

    Looking back, that penalty against West Brom might end up being the turning point.

  82. Mark King

    hello JC nice to see you on here, I think bakuna and zoggy have always linked well when I have seen them, nice to have options isn’t it. no doubt about it Sunderland are shocking but they don’t concede many. today we bossed them in every way. I haven’t seen that from a villa side in years. players are looking trimmer and fitter and doesn’t it show.
    wish we could go back and play the season again with this side and TS in charge

  83. Mark King

    best thing for me is a whole lot of cast off players will come into contention in the summer. if cleverly goes gardener comes in, if tekkers goes kosak and Robinson come in. we could be looking at a very decent outfit.

  86. B62 Villa

    Great performance and result today, I was a touch worried it could have turned out to be a case of after The Lord Mayors show. But we were great in all areas, and Sunderland look as shite as we did under Lambert.
    The results were going our way today until bloody Burnley ensured we are still only 3 points off the drop, there is still so much to do, squeaky bum time right til the end, and Burnley are showing they will be no push over come the last game

  88. John Lerwill

    B62,

    The last game?

    Hey, we’ve won 2 of the 6 that TS said we needed … and probably that many points won’t be needed anyway.

    Nothing’s certain, but we’re going the right way to being safe in good time, I think.

  90. Ree Khalid

    Burnley winning throws a spanner in the works. So much better being 6 points clear of the zone instead of 3. But they got tough games coming up, Southampton away, Spurs and Arsenal at home then Everton away. If they are still in touch by then they’d have a chance.

    3 points against Swansea would be massive. The games just get bigger and bigger now. I still think Hull are likely to get sucked in looking at their fixtures but now Sunderland with that result are right in it. If we get a result against Swansea then I don’t fear going to Old Trafford or White Hart lane. Utd not exactly great this season but been picking up results, and Sherwood would def be up for Spurs.

    Henry on Sky Sports was looking at the Villa – Burnley game at the end of the season as a decider. Im pretty confident we’ll be well safe by then.

    UTV

  91. Ree Khalid

    Mark Iv always thought of Nzogbia as a quality player – in terms of ability. We saw what he did at Wigan. When Young left I though Nzogbia was a more than adequate replacement, but he never recaptured that form and the managers he’s had haven’t helped. Finally seeing something near the best of him and long may it continue. Just need a few spectacular goals now. Im off to relive the glory on Sky Sports game of the day!

  92. Jenny Truman

    Trinity – I was thinking my four was conservative at half time !!
    Tim Sherwood has got them believing in themselves and boy does it show . When you have that confidence everything goes right for you . Gus Poyet looks a defeated man , much the same as PL did at the end – and it’s not pleasant to see tbh.
    Aston Villa will be a team to be feared , not the pathetic pushovers they were a month ago . Nzogbia – beginning to show the class he had at Wigan . That’s the biggest surprise . Brilliant to see .

  94. steamer

    Enjoyable afternoon at the pub watching a very competent display by Villa. I thought the entire team played well but have to agree with Ronnie about MOTM, for me Bacuna, the Dutch produce such good footballers, he just needed an opportunity.
    I think Clark was taken off in case of a booking and suspension but Sanchez did really well in the defence. Sinclair impressed me too, i think the ball bobbled for that miss, Tekkers still has a little work to do but is getting there. For me Gabby deserves all the stick he has taken, disgraceful physical condition for a professional athlete and in no game has he given 100% effort. Cleverley was more than efficient, his covering and mobility were excellent.
    What did disappoint me was the snub, and i choose that word carefully, towards Gil, he’s been working hard in training and deserved a chance to impress, he’s done little wrong since he arrived, the lad who came on is no-where near ready yet, i think Gil just isn’t TS’s type of player and won’t be here much longer.
    Chuffed for the fans who made the trek.

  95. Jenny Truman

    John – I think so !:-) I had a gut feeling that Sland would fold and we are gojng from strength to strength . Tim Sherwood is sending out the right messages – not just to his team but to other managers – and insecurities will be exploited . Sland played the sort pf game we would have done under PL – fearful – defensive – and once a goal goes in , no response. It coukd have been six or seven so easily . We have the players to do damage to any side when they are on form and I will even gamble that we make top ten by the last game . We have no one to fear . I really believe that .
    Okore had a good game too – he’s made a few mistakes in the past but he is a good solid player – and I liked the fact be didn’t roll around looking fir the foul when he had to endure a heavy challenge – the sort of player who will do us proud I am sure ,
    What us interesting is Tim Sherwood is ignoring players that would have been selected under PL. Gil and Sanchez for eg. But he is picking winning combinations for the job in hand . I am impressed .

  96. B6toBrasil

    A sale in the summer is closer,”delicate negotiations” so says the Telegraph.The prospective buyers,want total secrecy though at the moment.

    CNZ has done well but Bacuna is looking like the player we hoped he ,outstanding IMO..

  97. steamer

    Agree Jenny, Poyet never hid in the dugout did he ? stood at the pitchside and took the flak. I feel sorry for the fans at Sunderland, a great club.
    I think if TS continues to show the belief in Zog that he has then he’ll sign a new deal, i don’t thin anyone will offer him the terms his on at VP, he really is an intelligent player.

  98. Jenny Truman

    Steamer – my stream went down second half do I dudnt know who came on second half – though I saw Weiman come on for Zog. This Gil thing is strange I admit .

  101. steamer

    Jen,
    It was the lad who scored two vs Soton kids last week, with the double barrelled name, sure he has potential but a little lightweight at the moment, fair do’s to TS though for giving the squad a chance …except Gil.

  102. Ree Khalid

    Steamer – agree about Gil. I don’t think Sherwood fancies him. Its a shame cos I rate him, think he’s got a lot of ability too. Maybe he’s one of those Sherwood is talking about when he says we have players more suited to challenging for Europe than a relegation fight.

  103. John Lerwill

    About Gil

    TS has talked about him and has said that he doesn’t rate him for relegation battles.

    That’s not to say (i.m.o.) that we should read that he doesn’t intend to bring him once we’re safe or as the basis for next season.

  104. Mark King

    I think Bacuna had a great game today maybe even man of the match but he blends so well with nzogbia that if you separate them neither looks as good, Bakuna delivers a good ball from out right, nzogbia can’t but uses Bakuna for that purpose. Grealish plays well with him too, pre season they looked liked they had played together for years and so did bent but we never saw that combo again.
    don’t understand gils absence unless TS has seen his head drop. when he came on for 5 mins last game he looked frantic to impress, shame.

  105. Ree Khalid

    Bacuna is great at attacking but dire at defending. He hasn’t really been tested so far defensively, but great attacking plays. In one game he’s managed to be joint assist leader in the club! Will be interesting to see who TS plays next match.

  106. John Lerwill

    Mark: don’t understand gils absence unless TS has seen his head drop…

    I tried to answer that one in the message preceding yours! 😉

    What it is about Gil that TS doesn’t see as being reliable for a relegation battle I don’t know – but TS would know I think.

    In TS (after what we’ve seen of late) I trust!

  107. Mark King

    JL i’ve seen those articles too but doesn’t make much sense when you see how much everyone puts into attacking efforts, Gil would surely exploit this. we don’t seem to do much differently except attack more puzzling.

    ree- same for lowton when we play a decent side we will see

  110. James Gill

    sherwood made brilliant choice with subs today
    young players will be all out to impress knowing that sherwood trusts them
    sanchez for clark at least can play against swansea then 2 week break some centre halves bound to be fit
    on wieman gabby benteke 3 goals each how many shots on target last 3 games wiemen deserves one last chance
    next week grealish hutton back from suspension not be easy getting in match day squad
    roll on villa and sherwood

  111. John Doyle

    steamer went today with the boys just got back where in the gods talked to sid in the week and as i told you last week the beast just had a slight knock going back to gil he still cannot keep up with the shuttle runs yet sanshez has got a lot fitter but gil will not start untill fit or even come on as he has been told next week jack will be back and sherwood rates him far above gil dont think that gil will play much of a part unless we get a couple of bad knocks as even westwood will be in front of him as for gabby he still destroys everyone in the shuttle running and you can see he is so much sharper if not 100% fit yet he is getting beter but played on the last man there there is not a player close to him for pace at the club at the moment
    But sid reckons nzog has lost 12 lb since tim arrived and dont it show still a great day had a great week at the races and backed the gold cup winner and had it all on the villa today happy days

  112. John Doyle

    forget to say only minus was weiman useless again would rather see gil than him he has lost everything he had would leave him out untill next year or get rid

  114. Frem

    Jenny- I am. I was actually in shock when the 4th went in. I’ve never felt anything like it. I was to in shock to actually celebrate at first. I just stood there starting In front me 🙂

    Everyone was great today apart from Sinclair. Andi Wiemann, what an awful player. Awful substitute yet again. Gil has no future with Sherwood that’s for sure

    The young lad who came on is apparently only 16 but it the top Villa scorer in the under 18’s. Looks quick, had a nice touch and won a free kick

  116. Heroes-and-Villans

    We have given ourselves a massive chance to stay up. 6 points out of 6 against baggies and blunderland was a must.

    Still massively in danger but not dead and buried.

    Shame gill not fancied but who cares when we’re winning!

    Take not vp fans, sunderlands att 45k

  117. Frem

    Andrew-Burnley winning kind of pissed me off, but Sunderland and Hull are worse than us. Need Everton to lose on Monday

    They Had 45 k, but two thousand of them were us and we out sang out them all game. In fact they didn’t sing

    But really, villa park should be like it was on Saturday every home game

  118. Ian

    You guys are up late. I like top ten Jenny. Maybe Gil is doing just fine in training but others are doing better. He’ll play again don’t worry. He will be fresh legs in the not so distant future. Wieman has an eye for goal. His confidence is down and strikes me as fragile confidence wise and over compensates with rushing around. Gabby is a bit of a floater. It’s his style. He’s more of a predator than Bent. He is given to the odd defensive burst.
    They will win against Swansea. I expect another game like the one today.

    Almost forgot———Yippee

  119. Paul Pears

    Great to hear you all singing Frem,

    Another fantastic support show from the Villa away fans.

    Gil probably will not feature, until he is a lot stronger, and where would he play? The team has basically picked itself, and just the defense to be sorted more when everyone is fit.Nzogbia and Bacuna are working well together, as are Benteke and Gabby, while the midfield with Sinclair Delph and Cleverley will get strongr game by game. Okore and Clark are very solid, and it will be interesting to see how TS uses Sanchez.

    It is amazing how Sherwood has got them to all start bonding together as solid units within such a short time.

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