Savvy speaks with EA Sports and gets the statistical view ahead of the first ‘six-pointer’ of the season…
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
Last weekend`s 7-0 reverse at Man City will be a result that Chris Hughton and his team will be keen to forget. Despite clearly not playing at their best, Norwich were simply caught out by a Man City side brimming with quality and confidence at The Etihad.
Despite coming in to a struggling side, Swedish left back Martin Olsson has wasted little time in establishing himself following his arrival at Carrow Road. He already has the best tackle success rate of any Norwich player, coming out on top in 92.3% of his 13 attempted challenges so far this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Scottish midfielder Robert Snodgrass missed the Man City game with concussion but is expected to be back today. The winger tends to polarise fans, but he has arguably been steadily improving his performances of late. He has actually been the Canaries` most effective passer this season, becoming the platform from which many of their attacks are being launched. He`s completed a pass in the opponent`s half on average once every 3.74 minutes he`s been on the pitch, just ahead of Jonny Howson.
Alexander Tettey, who is out until the New Year, will be missed. He leads the Canaries squad with 22 interceptions according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Despite being perhaps a less heralded signing than Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Gary Hooper has made excellent use of the few chances given to him so far this season. He is Norwich`s most effective player in front of goal, seeing 75% of his (lowly) 4 shots hit the target.
Hooper will be hoping for some support up front to improve his shot tally. With Wes out of form and Elmander yet to make an impact, Luciano Becchio will be hoping for a run out at some point. He is currently 9/1 (William Hill) to be the last goal scorer today.
West Ham ended their poor run of home form with a point after their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa last time out. Sam Allardyce will be keen for his men to start doing the business at the other end of the pitch though and begin to test opposition defences.
A lack of attempts on goal continues to be a perennial problem for the Hammers this season. Only three players in their entire squad (Morrison, Nolan, Diame) can boast ten or more shots on goal according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Of these players, Morrison has the best shot accuracy rate with just 27.2% of his attempts working the opposition ‘keeper.
Guy Demel currently boasts the best tackle success rate of any West Ham player so far this term. A superb 94.1% of his 17 attempted challenges to date have been successful, and he has conceded just 3 fouls along the way.
In positive news for Norwich, West Ham`s best defender Winston Reid is out injured. It is difficult to see any West Ham player surpassing the level of influence that Winston Reid has been exerting so far this season. The New Zealand international has made an impressive 144 total defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, clearances, interceptions), placing him joint first with Hull`s Curtis Davies on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Mark Noble continues to be the crucial lynchpin in this West Ham side this season. He leads the Hammers squad for both passes completed in the opponent`s half (274) and total attacking contributions (shots on goal, assists, dribbles, crosses) (25) this season.
Norwich are favourites for the game and their price has come in overnight. William Hill are currently offering 7/5 for the Norwich win, whilst West Ham are 21/10 – the same as the draw. 0-0 is quite a generous 9/1.