Statistical Preview: Liverpool Host Manchester United In Sunday’s Derby Clash

David Moyes is well accustomed to high profile clashes with Liverpool , and the match on Sunday will not be any different with both teams desperate to set the tone for the rest of the season.

Tom Cleverley appears to be a player Moyes thinks he can rely on, as he has played every minute in the league for the Red Devils this year. On the back of his performance at the weekend it is easy to see why Moyes rates him so highly, as, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Cleverley completed 43 passes in the opposition half – more than any other English player.

Wayne Rooney still tops the assists charts with the 2 goals he created against Swansea. Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Gabriel Agbonlahor match him, but all have had at least half an hour more playing time than the Manchester United man.

Wayne Rooney’s hit the headlines for his committed performance against Chelsea on Monday, and he proved to be a thorn in Chelsea’s side throughout the 90 minutes  on Monday – hitting the target 3 times. Only Frazier Campbell and Rickie Lambert registered more shots on target with 4.

Patrice Evra’s position in the Manchester united team has been questioned, but on the back of his attacking prowess his year it would be hard for David Moyes to drop him. Evra is tied second in the number of crosses swung in, with his 4 only bettered by James Ward-Prowse.

Michael Carrick picked up where he left off last week, by producing another stellar defensive performance. Over the course of opening two fixtures he has made 10 interceptions – the second most in the league.

Steven Gerrard has shown how adaptable he can be by playing in a slightly more withdrawn role this season. However, this hasn’t affected his pass completion rate, with the Liverpool skipper completing 84 passes in the opposition half according to EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The ‘Golden Generation’ are still showing their class, as Frank Lampard is the only Englishman who has completed more.

Gerrard has been at his best at both ends of the pitch, as he’s certainly had an impact in defence too. Liverpool’s talisman has won 7 tackles so far this season, Fabian Delph and Joel Ward are the only Englishmen who have managed more.

The brilliance of Daniel Sturridge and Phillippe Coutinho has made all the headlines for Liverpool so far this season with their dazzling forward play. However Lucas Leiva’s defensive contribution should not be underestimated. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index has shown that the holding midfielder has won 13 tackles so far this season. This is more than any other player in the Premier League.

It was always going to be a tough task for Simon Mignolet to step into the shoes of Pepe Reina, however so far this season he has made a big impression. Both he and Hugo Lloris have each made 8 saves without conceding, no other keeper has made more saves whilst maintaining their 100% defensive record.