Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.premierleague.com or with FIFA Ultimate team.
West Brom will be looking to find their first win in three having only picked up a point against Manchester United on Monday night having twice taken the lead. The Baggies should be confident going into Saturday’s fixture given that eight of the nine points that they have picked up have come at the Hawthorns.
So far this season, Craig Gardner has been most impressive for the Midlands-based side, as highlighted by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The English midfielder has covered the 12th most ground of any Premier League player, covering 88.36km. He is also the ninth fastest recorded player in the Premier League, clocking an impressive 35.49km/h. He has also won 30 tackles, which is the fifth highest in the Premier League and has made 22 interceptions, which is the 11th highest. West Brom will need Gardner to cover every blade of grass as ever to win the midfield battle.
The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index also illustrates the difference made by English striker Saido Berahino. The 21 year old has hit the back of the net 6 time already this campaign, making him the third highest scorer in the Premier League. The key to his secret is getting shots off and making sure that he works the keeper, as only three players have hit the target with more efforts than Berahino’s 11 attempts on target. He is 5/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Further threats in the West Brom side are evident, and Chris Brunt is certainly a player to keep your eye on, as is Sebastien Pocognoli. The Northern Irish international has completed six crosses, and holds three assists to his name. The Belgian defender has completed a further seven crosses, and both will be able of threatening the Palace back line with their delivery.
Crystal Palace will be looking to bounce back from consecutive league defeats to Hull and, more recently, Chelsea. The Eagles now hover menacingly above the drop zone, just one point clear of 18th place, and will be looking to put distance between themselves and the chasing pack with their second away win of the season.
Leading the Eagles out on the weekend will be their influential Australian skipper, Mile Jedinak. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals just how big a player he has been for Palace in the middle of the park this season. He is disruptive to opposition by stopping them from playing, and leads the Premier League in both tackles won and interceptions, with 39 and 29 respectively. He will need to continue his good work to leave Palace in control in the middle of the park.
Jason Puncheon has also been in fine form in midfield for Crystal Palace, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows how he has aided Jedinak in his battle, with nine interceptions and nine tackles won. His best work is going forward. Though he has completed 15 dribbles, he will be looking to add to his tally of just one goal, yet will be pleases with the three goals that he has created for his teammates. He is 9/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Having conceded 14 goals so far this season, Palace will be looking to sure things up at the back, and will have Joel Ward to lead the line. The English 24 year old defender has already made 32 clearances and 15 interceptions, and won a very impressive 85% of his tackles.
Will Albion beat Palace tomorrow? Have your say here at Baggies Banter.