WBA-MAD Stat Pack: Newcastle vs Albion

Last updated : 08 May 2015 By Wba-mad Editor

West Brom will come into this weekend’s match-up in a positive frame of mind having beaten Manchester United in their own back yard in their last outing. The Baggies have picked up seven points from a possible nine and will be looking to end their season on a high with a second away win on the bounce. 

The Baggies will be looking to their centre back Jonas Olsson to have another big say this weekend, following his match winning performance at Old Trafford last weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he converted his only attempt on goal to win the match for West Brom, also winning his only tackle, making three clearances and two vital blocks. If he can perform at a similar level this weekend, he will give his team a great shot at victory once more. 

Joleon Lescott, who has arguably been West Brom’s rock at the back this season, will join him at the back. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 47 tackles so far this campaign, 79.7% of his overall attempts, also making squad bests of 196 clearances, 76 interceptions and 32 blocks. If he can stay true to his form, he will be a major obstacle in Newcastle’s route to goal. 

In the middle of the park, Chris Brunt has proved that hard work can be one key to success, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has completed a squad best 325.31km so far this season, making 63 interceptions in defence. Going forward he has completed 458 passes in the opposition half, also completing a squad best 27 crosses and racking up 9 assists. Whilst he will still look to turn provider, he also has undoubted quality in his left foot that could produce an individual moment of brilliance to sway the game in West Brom’s favour. He is 7/1 to score anytime with 888sport.com. 

Newcastle will be looking to end their poor run of form this weekend with a first victory in nine against a buoyant West Brom side. Newcastle will be keen to end the season on a high, especially in front of one of the most passionate home followings in the league. A win and three points will also help to ease any potential fears over relegation, which will be the most important focus for the Geordies. 

Newcastle will be looking for another impressive display from their centre midfield man, Jack Colback. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 370.2km so far this term, with the hard working midfielder also making 58 interceptions and winning 92 tackles, 72.4% of his overall attempts. On the ball he has completed a squad best 645 passes in the opposition half, also having a hand in 10 goals by scoring four and laying on a further six for his teammates. 

Moussa Sissoko will ably support him in the middle of the park, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can demonstrate why. Sissoko has likewise completed a lot of his good work in the opposition half, racking up 636 passes in that area of the pitch, in addition to completing a squad best 75 dribbles. He has notched up three assists and three goals apiece, and will be keen to add to those tallies to ensure survival for the Magpies. 

The man that both of Newcastle’s centre midfield men will look to supply will be Ayoze Perez. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has notched six goals for the season from a squad best 22 attempts on target. His direct style is also combined with hard work, having completed 53 dribbles so far this season, whilst adding 22 interceptions. He is 5/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com. 

Have your say on Albion's trip to Newcastle here at Baggies Banter