Statistical Preview: Fulham vs Manchester United
A tough fixture on the south coast saw Fulham fall to a 2-0 defeat against Southampton in a result that put the pressure back on manager Martin Jol. Fulham face an ever sterner test this weekend as they welcome Manchester United to Craven Cottage.
While his season may come to be defined by his wonder strike again Crystal Palace last week, Patjim Kasami has been proving his worth in the Fulham midfield this season to complement his now clearly evident attacking talents. The Swiss international has completed an excellent 78.1% of his 32 attempted challenges this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
Scott Parker continues to be another central figure in the middle of the park for Fulham this season. The former Tottenham man continues to be a superb summer addition for Martin Jol’s side, leading the Fulham squad as he does for passes completed in the opponent’s half with 170. He’s also done so at a squad-best average rate of one every 3.22 minutes.
Often overshadowed by his slightly more well-known striker colleagues, Bryan Ruiz has been integral to Fulham’s attack this season. The Costa Rican striker leads the Fulham squad for assists with 3 so far this campaign, as well as last weekend breaking through the 100-successful pass in the opponent’s half barrier, now sitting on 104. Ruiz is 6/1 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
Steve Sidwell is one of the few rivals to Brede Hangeland as Fulham’s most influential defensive force this season, so far racking up 74 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, interceptions, clearances) in this campaign. Only Hangeland can boast more with 77.
Man Utd showed real grit and a desire to fight for the win last weekend as they from behind twice to pull a 3-2 victory from the jaws of defeat. This could well be the result which gets their season back on track and David Moyes will be keen to see his side capitalise on their newfound momentum this weekend.
Wayne Rooney has been leading from the front this season for Utd, playing a major role in helping Utd over the line in some tough fixtures. So far England’s talisman has the best shot accuracy rate of any player in the league to have had more than 20 attempts on goal, with 61.9% of his 21 attempts testing the opposition keeper. Rooney is an industry best 13/10 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.
Michael Carrick continues to set the bar incredibly high when it comes to the quality expected of a Manchester United midfielder. He leads the way on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for interceptions with 39, as well as completing a superb 384 total passes in the opponent’s half, also a league-leading figure.
Captain Patrice Evra may be beginning to think about the final stage of his career, but at 32 he clearly still has plenty to offer the Utd cause. His forays up the left flank have not been diminished by advancing football years and he ranks 3rd on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for crosses delivered with 12, registering 2 assists along the way.
Many Manchester Utd fans were unhappy with Nani’s displayed last weekend, the Portuguese winger looking far from his lethal best. Nani actually had the joint second highest number of off-target attempts on goal of any player in the league last weekend (4) and didn’t manage to register any efforts on-target.
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
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