Another stellar performance from Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall kept his side in the game as they battled to a 0-0 draw away to Norwich last weekend and a point that will have pleased Malkay Mackay after a resilient display.
In a stat which proves the value of Marshall to this Cardiff side, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made more saves than any other ‘keeper in the league so far this season with 44, a full 10 stops ahead of his nearest rival in Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet. No doubt his manager would prefer him to get even more protection from his defence though and eventually slip down that ranking.
Steven Caulker could be doing little more to help his side though given the level of commitment he has shown so far this term. He ranks first on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for total blocks with 18.
You can tell just how much Norwich pressed the Cardiff goal last weekend from Ben Turner’s stats alone. No player in the last round of fixtures can top his clearances than his 17 against the Canaries.
Guy Medel continues to prove himself to be a very smart summer acquisition for Malkay Mackay’s side this season, the Chilean international quickly compiling an impressive tackle success rate of 70.9% from 31 attempted challenges. Cardiff fans will be hoping his aggressive attitude will stand them in good stead in what will no doubt be an intense Welsh derby on Sunday.
Swansea fans had to settle for a point as they saw their side’s fixture against West Ham end in a 0-0 draw. It was a match of few clear opportunities, a fact not helped by extremely rainy conditions at the Liberty Stadium.
Nathan Dyer isn’t necessarily known for his defensive work, being more noted for his work with the ball at his feet. However the Swans midfielder still has a sterling defensive record according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index this season, successfully completing 73.3% of his 15 attempted challenges.
Defender Chico Flores remains the Swans’ most enthusiastic defender though, racking up 22 attempted challenges this season, completing 72.7% of them. Swansea will need him to be an his best this weekend in what will no doubt be a highly charged atmosphere at Cardiff.
Wilfired Bony has struggled for starts this season despite being the club’s record signing. His confidence may have taken something of a knock in recent weeks as his shot accuracy rate is somewhat lower than you would expect for a player of his ability, with Bony managing to get just 55.5% of his 18 shots on target so far this term. Bony is 23/17 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.
Despite not perhaps quite hitting the incredible heights that he managed last season, Michu has nonetheless been an important attacking force for the Swans this term. He’s made the joint highest, along with Nathan Dyer, number of attacking contributions (shots on goal, assists, dribbles, crosses) in the Swansea squad, with 26 according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.