Aston Villa will be desperate to kick-start their season this weekend after suffering five defeats on the bounce. Villa will look to emulate their good start to the season, which saw them lie in second place four games into the season.
The key to their early season success was a solid defence, which saw them concede just one goal in four games. Villa’s Dutch international Ron Vlaar will be crucial to this, as illustrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The World Cup semi finalist has won 100% of his tackles so far this season, made 30 clearances, made six interceptions and made five blocks.
In front of the back four, Carlos Sanchez has a vital role to play in midfield, sweeping up anything before it gets to the defence. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Colombian has won 84.61% of his tackles so far this campaign. He has also hit the target with 100% of his shots and will also be hoping to contribute to Villa’s offensive game this weekend.
Up front, Villa are in desperate need of goals, having failed to score in their five consecutive defeats, only managing four goals in the league so far; the lowest tally in the Premier League. Both Andreas Weimann and Gabriel Agbonlahor have netted twice this season and will be looking to increase those tallies this weekend. Weimann has scored with 40% of his shots taken this season, and will be a threat if he can get his shots away on the weekend.
Tottenham find themselves in a mid-table position going into the weekend, and will be looking to get back on track after two straight defeats have seen their assault on the summit of the table be halted. With a plethora of talent at their disposition, Tottenham will be looking to return from the Midlands with all three points on Sunday evening.
Spurs will be looking to improve on both their attacking and defensive records, but one player that cannot receive blame is Hugo Lloris. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the French national team captain is the number one ranked goalkeeper in the Premier League. The Spurs shot stopper has made the fourth most saves in the Premier League this season, having come to the rescue 29 times. He will be looking for his fourth clean sheet of the season on Sunday.
Defensively, Younes Kaboul has been a stalwart in defense for Tottenham so far this term according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The French defender has made thirty interceptions, the second highest tally in the Premier League. Spurs can also attack from the back, in particular Danny Rose, who has completed eight crosses this season; the seventh highest amount completed in the Premier League.
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In the middle of the park, Erik Lamela has certainly found his feet in English football. The Argentinian star has showed his creative side by completing 26 dribbles, the third most in the Premier League, and by assisting three goals according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance.
When you add in Nacer Chadli’s four goals and an assist, Tottenham look like a real threat, and one that could beat any side on their day. He has also won 71.72% of his tackles according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, and his hard work is also reflected in his five clearances and seven interceptions.
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