Statistical Preview: Mark Hughes’ Stoke Host Norwich

– Both Stoke and Norwich will be looking to bounce back after losses to Arsenal and Aston Villa respectively, with Norwich in particular looking to improve on their poor start to the season.

 – Despite succumbing to a 3-1 loss, Stoke highlighted exactly how their style has altered since Mark Hughes has been at the helm, as they had more possession than their counterparts. Powerful midfielder Steven N’Zonzi was central to this, as he completed 46 passes in Arsenal’s half – more than any player on either side.

– On average, N’Zonzi managed to complete a pass in Arsenal’s half every 1.9 minutes.

 

– Former Stoke manager Tony Pulis built his Stoke side on strength and hard work, and it appears that striker Marco Arnautovic adheres to the old gaffa’s philosophy. The young Austrian made more tackles than any other forward in the league. He’s 5/1 with 888sport.com to score the last goal of the game.

 

– Marc Wilson’s tackling ability has also been on show this season, as, according to the EA Sports Player Performance Index, the Stoke midfielder has made 32 challenges. The third most in the league.

 

– Left back Erik Pieters became Mark Hughes’ first signing as Stoke manager, when he picked the Dutchman up this Summer. Looking at defensive contributions (blocks, interceptions, tackles and clearances), it isn’t hard to see why Hughes was keen to get the former PSV defender in. His 52 defensive contributions are more than any other Stoke defender.

 

– Norwich’s indifferent start to the season continued in the last round of Premier League fixtures, as they succumbed to a 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa.

 

– The calls for Gary Hooper’s inclusion in the side will be growing stronger following his brace in the League Cup midweek. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Norwich strikers Johan Elmander and Ricky van Wolfswinkel have only scored 1 goal between them so far this season. You can find Hooper at 13/2 to score the first goal on Sunday with 888sport.com

 

– Norwich’s failure to hit the back of the net at the weekend should not be blamed on Robert Snodgrass. The former Leeds man swung in 5 crosses against Aston Villa, no other player in the league managed more than 2.

 

– Another former Leeds man was showcasing his creativity for Norwich on Saturday, as midfielder Jonathan Howson completed a pass in the opposition half every 2.3 minutes.

-Chris Hughton was willing to spend money this Summer, and one player he invested heavily in was midfielder Leroy Fer. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Fer has been proving his worth defensively, as he has been successful in 84% of his tackles.

 

– Nathan Redmond’s form has certainly been impressive this season, in particular his willingness to take on his opposite man. The silky winger has completed 15 dribbles this season, which is 11 more than any other Norwich player.