10 key stats ahead of the Premier League weekend
1. 94.75 minutes/goal – that’s how vital Robin van Persie has been for Manchester United with his poaching abilities this season. His knack of converting even the most unlikely chances will be put to test again, as United visit Villa Park this Saturday.
2. Steven Fletcher has netted 5 out of goals scored by Sunderland this season. The only other goal credited to his side’s account is scored by Newcastle United striker Demba Ba – of course, an own goal in the fixture at the Stadium of Light. Everton defence needs no clues here as to whom they should keep an eye on for the crucial ninety minutes this weekend.
3. Mikel Arteta has played a total of 906 passes as he manages an accuracy of 93.16% in this Premier League season. For Fulham, it will be a huge challenge keeping the Spaniard quiet as he holds the key to everything Arsenal will produce at the Emirates this weekend.
4. Stoke have drawn 6 of their last 7 games at home, while QPR have lost 11 of their last 12 Premier League away games. Expect another dull game as the two sides meet this weekend at the Britannia Stadium.
5. Chelsea have been carded 4 times for diving this season – highest for any team in the Premier League this season. No doubt, the refs face a tough time officiating the games at Stamford Bridge.
6. Everton boasts an average of 20 shots per game this season. Expect a busy day for Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet as the Black Cats host David Moyes’ flamboyant Everton side this weekend.
7. The big clash between Man City and Spurs could be decided by a midfield absence for the Londoners. Spurs who will be without their midfield maverick Moussa Dembele, have won only 1 out of 6 games without the midfielder in their starting lineup – a major concern for AVB who will look to improve this stat for his club, as they face the defending champions at the Etihad Stadium.
8. West Ham’s Mohamed Diame and Newastle United’s Hatem Ben Arfa have been the two of the best tacklers in the league, having been part of 190 and 180 challenges, respectively. The two will clash in a fascinating encounter between the two sides at St. James’ Park this Sunday.
9. Expect a goal-fest at St. Mary’s, especially being scored by the visiting Swansea side as Southampton have let 28 goals in the 10 league matches this season. A perfect time to find the early season goal-scoring form for Laudrup’s young side that has failed to score in 5 of their last 7 away matches in the league.
10. Reading may never find a better opportunity to register their first win of the season as they host the Canaries who have failed to win in their last 7 away games.