Both teams will be looking to pick up momentum after positive results last weekend. Jonny Howson’s strike gave Chris Hughton’s team a much needed boost at the Brittania Stadium last weekend.
– Norwich’s resilience in defence can partially be attributed to defender Ryan Bennett. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the centre half made 11 clearances at the weekend – the most of the Norwich defence.
– Bennett’s efforts were supported by full back Martin Olsson. The former Blackburn man completed the most tackles in the Blackburn team, at a success rate of 88%.
– Norwich have only managed to score 4 goals so far this campaign, and it appears that striker Ricky Van Wolfswinkel is becoming frustrated with the situation. The Dutchman has commited 19 fouls this term, more than any other player in the league.
– Norwich’s lack of goals can’t be attributed to a lack of service from Robert Snodgrass. The Scottish international has swung in 9 crosses this season, which is the second most in the league according to the EA SPORTS Player performance Index.
– Jonny Howson scored the winner for Norwich on Saturday, but so far this season his primary contribution to the team has been his passing. One of Norwich’s ex-Leeds contingent, the Morley-born man has completed a pass in the opposition half every 2 minutes this season. Howson is 21/1 with 888sport.com to score the first goal of the match on Saturday.
– John Terry scored a header in Chelsea 1-1 draw with London rivals Spurs, and on the balance of play, each side will be fairly satisfied with a point.
– A player who was experienced something of a rejuvenation this season is Chelsea midfielder Ramires. Injuries, uncertainty of his best position and a slight loss of form have hampered Ramires’ potential, but he seems to be suiting the defensive midfielder role that Mourinho is currently giving him. Ramires made 13 tackles against Tottenham, the most in the league.
– Chelsea’s tenacity in midfield on Saturday is also evident through Frank Lampard completing 12 tackles, which was the second most in the league.
– Chelsea appear to have been keen to pass the ball out from the back against Tottenham, as centre half John Terry led the charts in number of passes completed in the opposition half.
– The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Chelsea aren’t short of pass-masters in midfield either, as Eden Hazard has completed a pass in the opposition half once every 3 minutes this season. Hazard is 11/2 with 888sport.com to score the last goal of the game on Saturday.
– John Terry got himself on the scoresheet on Saturday, but it is his defending that makes him an indispensible member of the Chelsea team. His defensive ability has been shown this season by the number of clearances he has made. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows the former England skipper has made 37, more than any other Chelsea player.