Leicester City v Manchester United

Newly promoted Leicester City will be in buoyant mood after their first victory of the season last week at the notoriously difficult Britannia Stadium. The Foxes will be hosting the Premier League’s most decorated club for the first time in 11 years, and will look to advance their season with back-to-back wins and continue their ascent up the table.

Leicester’s first win of the season came courtesy of Leonardo Ulloa, who is proving to be a fantastic capture for the Midlands outfit. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that not only has Ulloa now scored three times in his first four games for the club, but also that an astonishing 42.85% of his shots have found the back of the net. Whilst he has won eight tackles and completed eight clearances, it is his work going forward that has been most pleasing to the Foxes fans. He is 11/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Whilst Ulloa is keeping the fans happy with his goals, one man who will certainly be keeping his manager happy with his performances is former Manchester United defender Richie de Laet. Through the use of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, we can see that he has won an impressive 82.35% of his tackles this year, having played every minute of Premier League football so far this season for Leicester. De Laet also has a further 28 clearances and 12 interceptions to his name, and if he can maintain that form, he will be tough to get past; even for his former club’s ‘Gaalacticos’ forward line.

Whilst being part of the same back line as de Laet, Jeffrey Schlupp can provide another form of attacking threat to the visitors. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has hit a top speed of 34.7km/h this season, and completed 133 sprints; it is this searing pace possessed by the 21 year old Ghanaian that will worry any defence. Having attempted 10 dribbles, put seven crosses into the box and already grabbed himself an assist, his counter attacking threat is plain for all to see.

Manchester United are up and running in the Premier League after their 4-0 demolition of QPR last weekend. Suddenly, everyone around the ground seems to have caught the buzz again and with such a perilous forward line, United (much like Leicester) will be looking to gain back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since they put four goals past Aston Villa and then Newcastle in early April.

With United breaking their own transfer record in the summer to bring in Angel Di Maria and then going on to sign Radamel Falcao on loan on deadline day, Ander Herrera has somewhat slipped under the radar. However, he cannot escape the grasps of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, which reveals more than meets the eye. Whilst he has both scored and assisted a goal already this season, he has shown far more qualities than this. He has won all eight of his tackles so far this season and completed 89.68% of his passes. He is showing all of the attributes to be a truly world class central midfielder and will prove a handful for any side.

Angel Di Maria made his home debut on the weekend, and never looked out of place in the red strip that the club paid so much to put him in. Having broken the deadlock with a vicious free kick, he also laid on an assist in the game, going some way to prove his worth to the Old Trafford faithful. He has already attempted 11 dribbles for his new club, and Leicester will be keen to make sure that he is not running at their defence. Di Maria has also hit a top speed of 34.2km/h in his first two games for the club; the highest speed achieved in the squad. He is 5/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Former Red Devils transfer record Juan Mata is continuing to impress in the middle of the park, and has now bagged himself two goals in the campaign, as has United skipper Wayne Rooney, who has also grabbed an assist. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, it is no surprise that they are scoring, as they are both working so hard. Mata has completed 46.87km and Rooney has completed 46.03km; well over 5km more than anybody else in the United squad.

Tottenham v West Brom

After being the early pace setters with two wins and racking up five goals in the process, Spurs are without a win in two after a late own goal denied them an early season top four position. They will be looking to bounce back this weekend with the same home form that saw them put four past QPR earlier on in the season.

Having taken a while to settle in to the Premier League last season, Nacer Chadli has hit the ground running this year, with three goals in the opening four games of the season. His quality on the ball is highlighted by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, which shows that he has completed 87.62% of his passes. He has also completed 203 sprints, which is the highest amount in the Spurs squad. He is 11/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

This summer, Spurs continued to add to their squad, and Eric Dier has taken no time at all to settle in, already bagging two goals in the campaign so far. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index also shows us that he has won an impressive 88.88% of his tackles, having won more tackles than any other Tottenham player so far this season. He has also registered the fastest pace of any Spurs player this year, hitting a staggering 35km/h.

The man who is making everything tick for Tottenham in the middle of the park is Christian Eriksen, who was handed the man of the match award in his goal scoring display at Sunderland last week. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us that he has won 84.61% of his tackles so far this season and made six interceptions. It is, however, on the ball where he is such a danger. He has completed 70% of his dribbles and has also completed an impressive 191 passes in the opposition half, where he proves such a threat.

West Brom are still in search of their first win of the campaign and will hope that their fortunes can change at White Hart Lane this weekend. Last weekend saw

the Baggies lose 0-2 at home to Everton, after former loanee Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring against them. They will be looking to improve at both ends of the pitch, having only scored twice so far this season and having shipped seven goals in their first four games.

Spurs’ talented midfield will have the unenviable task of trying to find a way past West Brom's midfield enforcer Youssuf Mulumbu who according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, has won an impressive 14 tackles and also holds 14 interceptions to his name this season. He has also covered an impressive 33.32km across his first three games this term.

This work ethic starts from the front at West Brom and is epitomised by Saido Berahino as the EA Sports Player Performance Index reveals. He has completed 162 sprints, the most in the Baggies’ squad, showing how he is willing to close down defenders and work hard for the team. He has also won an impressive amount of tackles for a striker, winning 76.47% of his tackles so far this year. He has also found the back of the net twice so far this season, and is 7/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Everton v Crystal Palace

Everton will be in buoyant mood after getting their first win of the season last week away at West Brom, and will be looking to get their second win on the bounce. Opening their home account will need a tight defence to avoid the six goals that they shipped in their last home outing against Chelsea.

England international Phil Jagielka will be vital to ensuring the defence remains solid for Everton, and according to the EA Sports Player Performance Index he has managed an impressive 44 clearances so far this season. He has also racked up five interceptions and got two blocks in, and he will need to add to his impressive statistics to keep the Palace front line quiet.

One of the Everton signings of the season last year was loanee Gareth Barry, who was made a permanent fixture in the summer. According to the EA Sports Player Performance, Barry has covered the second most ground in the Everton squad, completing 47.26km in his first four games. Whilst predominantly viewed as a holding midfielder, Barry has completed 144 passes in the opposition half, more than any other Everton player. It’s important that he continues to work hard at both ends of the field for Everton to ensure that they win the midfield battle this weekend.

Another man who only made his Everton debut last year is Stephen Naismith, who has also proved his quality in a short space of time at the Merseyside club. He has racked up an impressive 48.12km in his first four games of the season. He is in highly impressive scoring form going into the game and has managed three goals so far this campaign. He is 8/5 to score anytime with 888sport.

Whilst Everton may have managed their first win of the season last weekend, Palace are still in search of their first victory of the term. Last weekend saw them

play out a goalless draw at home to Burnley, and they will be looking to add some goals in order to deliver their first three points of the campaign.

Having been such a big part in helping get the Eagles promoted to the Premier League before his move to Manchester United, Wilfried Zaha will be happy to rejoin the London based side and get minutes on the pitch. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us that he will be a threat having hit the target with 80% of his shots so far this season and already found the net once. He is 7/1 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Influential Palace skipper Mile Jedinak will need to be on top of his game once again to be able to win the battle in the middle of the park. He has been in great form so far this season, as proved by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has made 12 interceptions, which is more than any other member of the Crystal Palace squad, and has also won a highly impressive 25 tackles; again, more than any other Crystal Palace player so far this season.

Whilst important that Jedinak wins the battle of the engine rooms and Zaha and his fellow strikers convert chances into goals, Julian Speroni will play a vital role to keeping the opposition out. The EA Sports Player Performance Index reveals that he has made 13 saves in his first four games, and he will be looking to add to this tally to ensure a second clean sheet in as many games.

Burnley v Sunderland

Burnley are one of several teams still looking for their first win of the season and find themselves as one of four teams on two points at the foot of the Premier League. There are definitely encouraging signs for the Lancashire side having picked up another point and a clean sheet away at Crystal Palace last week, but they will be looking to convert this form into momentum this weekend.

Scott Arfield has continued to impress for Burnley since their promotion, and remains their only goal scorer so far this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index has revealed that the has won eight tackles and made four interceptions. He also looks equally accomplished when on the ball, having completed five of his six dribbles this season, and he will be looking to add to his goal tally this weekend. He is 17/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Whilst goals have proved somewhat of a problem for Burnley, they have looked very solid at the back, having conceded just four goals in their opening four games. This is largely in part to goalkeeper Tom Heaton who has made seven saves in his first four games in the Premier League, and will look to continue this form to ensure his second clean sheet in as many weeks.

Burnley’s good defensive form also owes a large slice of gratitude to Michael Duff, who has looked as assured as he has solid. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he has made 30 clearances and also racked up eight interceptions. He will need to be equally as hard to beat this week as he has been so far this season to help deliver back-to-back clean sheets.

Sunderland are also looking for their first win of the season after having picked up three draws and suffered one defeat at the hands of QPR at Loftus Road. Whilst they are still without a victory, they will view this weekend as a great opportunity to clinch their first win of the season against a newly promoted side, also still without a win.

The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that Sebastian Larsson has covered 42.90km in his first four games of the season, more than anybody else in the Black Cats squad. The Sunderland set piece taker has also grabbed a goal through his hard work, which has also seen him win 82.35% of his tackles. His hard work is doubled with his distinguished quality on the ball, as he has completed 85.54% of his passes so far in the campaign.

Conor Wickham was the man described as ‘Sunderland’s ‘saviour’ last season, and will hope to replicate his impressive form in the second half of last season. His form saw him score five goals and create two more in his 14 appearances. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows us that he has completed an impressive 158 sprints with a top speed of 34.1km/h so far this season, and it is that work rate that will surely help him add to his only goal that he has netted so far this season. He is 5/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Sunderland new boy Patrick van Aanholt is continuing to impress having become accustomed to the Premier League immediately. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index has shown us that the former Chelsea man has hit a top speed of 33.3km/h, and the full back will look to utilize his pace on the counter attack. The Belgian has also won an impressive 19 tackles, made 12 clearances and had 13 interceptions.

QPR v Stoke

QPR would have been confident going into their game against United last weekend, where they were going in search of their second consecutive victory, but ended up meeting one of the top attacking line-ups on top form. This week, they will be looking to bounce back straight away with a second home victory in a row, after their victory over Sunderland.

Whilst the Rs may be struggling to pick up points, one thing that they possess in abundance is quick players who can hurt the opposition. They have some of the fastest recorded players in the Premier League, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Armand Traore is the pick of the bunch, clocking in at an impressive 34.3km/h.

QPR’s back line will also feature Rio Ferdinand, who will be looking to overcome defeat to his former club last weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he is still in first class form, winning 10 of his 11 tackles so far this season. He has also made 27 clearances and seven interceptions and it’s important that he maintains his form to help silence Stoke’s front line.

In addition to the pace throughout side, they have one of the most hardworking centre midfielders in the engine room in the shape of the ever-controversial figure, Joey Barton. According to the EA Sports Player Performance Index, Barton has covered over 36.14km during his first three games of the season. It is vital that he maintains this work rate and covers the whole pitch for Harry Redknapp’s side.

The sale of Loic Remy to London rivals Chelsea will open up opportunities for other strikers in the QPR squad and it is vital that his teammates step up to fill the void. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Charlie Austin has hit the target with all three of his shots this season and has grabbed himself a goal to boot. He could be the London side’s biggest threat going forward, and is 2/1 to score anytime with 888sport.

This weekend’s visitors to Loftus Road, Stoke, sit two places above the home side in the league, but will be looking to extend the gap between the two. Whilst they were defeated at home last week, their last away outing saw them pick up three points at champions Manchester City, and it is this form that they will be looking to replicate come this weekend.

Stoke’s rock at the back, Ryan Shawcross, has been in exceptional form this season and he will need to continue this to help silence the West Londoners strike force. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has won 88.88% of his tackles, whilst completing 44 clearances and making 10 interceptions. He has also bagged himself a goal and will continue to pose a threat at set pieces for the Potters.

Stoke forward Mame Biram Diouf has already managed one goal this season and will be looking to add to that tally against the Rs this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index has revealed that he has hit a top speed of 34.7km/h this season, the fastest in the Stoke squad, and it is that pace that he will look to use to get in behind the QPR defence. He is 47/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Looking to counter the West Londoners midfield and over-run Joey Barton, will be a Stoke engine room led by Steven N’Zonzi. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has covered 44.42km in his first four games of the season, more than anybody else in the squad. He has also won 100% of his tackles this season, and is proving equally as gifted on the ball having completed 100% of his dribbles as well.

West Ham v Liverpool

West Ham fought hard to earn themselves a point on Monday night’s fixture away at Hull to leave them with four points from six away from home. They are, however, pointless from their two games at home, where they were edged out by Tottenham and then Southampton. The Hammers will look to turn the Boleyn Ground back into the fortress that it has previously been for them, starting with three points this weekend.

Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem for the Irons and has been a responsibility that has been undertaken by a variety of players. Stewart Downing is one such player who has grabbed a goal this year and also laid on another goal as well. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index also reveals that Downing has hit a searing top pace of 35.1km/h, the fastest in the squad. This pace will pose a major threat to the Liverpool back line. He is 8/1 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Mark Noble has started the campaign in a very positive manner, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Noble has covered 46.51km in his first four games of the season; more ground than any other member of the West Ham squad. He has added an impressive 88.23% tackles to his hard work covering the pitch and has racked up six interceptions. On the ball, he is equally adept, having found the back of the net and also managing 119 passes in the opposition half, with only one other West Ham player within 50 passes of him.

At the back, Winston Reid has played every minute of the Irons opening four games in the campaign, and has looked an imposing figure. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has won 100% of his tackles, made seven interceptions and also made four blocks. He also holds a squad best 39 clearances, but also showing his composure on the ball by completing 84.96% of his passes.

Liverpool’s early season form has been variable with two wins and two defeats from their opening four games, and they will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s home defeat to Aston Villa.

Replacing a talent like Luis Suarez was always going to be a difficult task, and requires people to step up to fill the void. Raheem Sterling has started the season in blistering form and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can show us exactly why. It reveals that he has not only scored twice and grabbed an assist, but defensively he has also won 80% of his tackles. It is on the ball where he really impresses though, and having completed 10 dribbles and hit a top speed of 34.2 km/h, the young England winger will have defenders back-peddling. He is 9/5 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is ever dependable in the centre of the park, but the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us that we should be focusing on the good work of his centre midfield partner Jordan Henderson. Whilst he hasn’t scored like his captain, Henderson has created two goals and completed a staggering 147 passes in the opposition half; nearly 50% more than Gerrard. He has also made eight interceptions and eight clearances whilst covering a squad best 46.05km. It is his engine that is getting the team going.

Since his summer switch from Southampton, Dejan Lovren has impressed for his new side as proved by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has completed a squad best 38 clearances whilst also managing 10 interceptions. He

is equally assured on the ball having completed a squad best 246 passes with a 88.17% completion rate.

Man City v Chelsea

Sunday sees City host Chelsea in a game that could well have a huge say in the title race, despite being so early in the season. Chelsea have got off to a flying start, and sit on top of the table with a 100% record. City, meanwhile, have gone two games without a win and sit five points behind Chelsea. Another loss this Sunday would see the Citizens under real pressure, and firmly hand the initiative in the title race to Chelsea, however a win would put them right back in the mix.

Martín Demichelis scored a late equaliser against Arsenal last week to clinch City an important point away at Arsenal and he has produced some solid defensive displays so far this season. The central defender has also completed 175 of his 200 attempted passes so far this season, showing signs of good ball retention, providing foundations for his midfield to go on and create chances. The Argentine is one of only three City players to have played every minute of Premier League football this season, alongside Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany and he will be hoping to continue his run in the starting lineup against Chelsea, despite the improving fitness of new signing Eliaquim Mangala.

James Milner started his first game of the season against Arsenal and lasted the full 90 minutes. The tireless midfielder covered more ground than any other City player, running a distance of 12.3km in total, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Milner definitely staked a claim to retain his place in the starting lineup this weekend when Chelsea visit, and his work-rate could prove important in tracking the Chelsea midfield.

Sergio Agüero has averaged the greatest number of shots on target per minute in the league this season. The striker has managed a shot on target every 31 minutes according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, which pips Chelsea’s Diego Costa who has recorded a shot on target every 32 minutes and twelve seconds. Agüero is 22/5 with 888sport to be the first goalscorer this in this Sunday’s clash.

Diego Costa does however boast by far the greatest goal ratio in the league, scoring seven goals in his first four matches — which averages out to around a goal every 47 minutes. He also has the most shots on target, with ten, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, and is almost certain to provide one of the greatest threats to the City defence on Sunday afternoon.

Costa’s main source of supply has been midfielder Cesc Fábregas. The Spaniard has by far the most assists of any player, with six assists in four games. Despite having spent less than half the time on the pitch that Fábregas has, Chelsea’s Ramires has the third most assists in the league with three, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The pair are likely to link up alongside Nemanja Matić at the Etihad in order to combat the midfield threat that City possess in players such as Yaya Touré. Costa is 10/1 with 888sport to score from a Fabregas assist.

Eden Hazard is pulling further away at the top of the dribbling charts. The Belgian winger has completed 24 successful dribbles in the league so far according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, eleven more than his closest rival Erik Lamela.

Aston Villa v Arsenal

High-flying Aston Villa welcome Arsenal to Villa Park this weekend as the Villans look to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League. Arsene Wenger will be hoping to bounce back from the late goal conceded at home to City by taking all three points home this Saturday.

Fabian Delph has started the season in fine form, and as such was rewarded with his first England call-up. The midfielder has managed to complete more sprints than anyone else in the Premier League, with 222 according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

It is Delph’s teammate, Andreas Weimman, who is closest to him in the sprint rankings, recording 204 sprints in the first four games. The pair combined are likely to put the Arsenal side to the test, and such energy has the potential to hurt a fatigued Arsenal off the back of a midweek game.

Villa’s strong start in the Premier League has largely been down to their solid defensive displays. The first choice back four have made a combined 82 clearances so far this season, and despite missing a game through injury, 21 of these were made by Ron Vlaar, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The Villa captain is likely to miss out through again through injury and could prove to be a big miss for Paul Lambert’s side.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has completed the most passes in the opposition half with 225, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. In addition, Ramsey has completed the second greatest number of overall successful passes, with 310, trailing only Spurs’ Etienne Capoue.

New signing Mathieu Debuchy has completed the most tackles of any Arsenal player, making fourteen successful tackles in the Premier League thus far, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The right back has also made more clearances than any of his teammates, with 28.

Laurent Koscielny has made the most interceptions within the Gunners’ squad. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index indicates that the French centre back has made a total of 13 interceptions so far this season, which also ranks him fourth out of any Premier League player. Koscielny is likely to be put to the test this weekend and it would be no surprise to see him add to this tally considerably. Arsenal are 19/10 to win without conceding with 888sport.

Newcastle v Hull

St. James’ Park plays host to Steve Bruce’s Hull City this Saturday at 3pm, with Newcastle looking to climb from the foot of the table. Hull have five points from their first four games and fell to their only defeat at the hands of unbeaten Aston Villa. Both sides will see this as a winnable game and an interesting battle is set to ensue.

One of Newcastle’s standout players this season has been Remy Cabella. The attacking midfielder has shown plenty of guile and speed, but a statistic that may come as surprising is one relating to his defensive input. Cabella has completed fourteen successful tackles so far in his debut Premier League season, more than any of his teammates, and also the only Newcastle player to be in double figures for tackles. Cabella will be hoping to have an attacking contribution too and is 11/4 to score with 888sport.

Jack Colback, signed from rivals Sunderland, has made the third greatest amount of successful crosses in the Premier League, with five, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Should he continue this form, it should only be a matter of time before these crosses are converted in to goals.

Moussa Sissoko has registered the fastest sprint speed of any Newcastle player, clocking in at 34.8km/h according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. This puts Sissoko only 0.4km/h behind the fastest sprinter in the Premier League this season, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Hull midfielder Jake Livermore has covered 47.22km so far this season, the ninth highest total of any Premier League player, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. His closest challenger within the Hull squad is Nikica Jelavic who has covered 43.59km over the first four Premier League games.

Defender Curtis Davies has made the second most clearances of any Premier League player, with 45, trailing the leader Ashley Williams by three, as shown by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Davies’ strong defensive work will be greatly appreciated by Steve Bruce and he will be hoping he can continue his form in to the game against Newcastle this weekend.

Hull City also have two other players in the top 20 for clearances, with defenders Paul McShane and Michael Dawson completing 29 and 30 respectively, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. This Hull defence may well be kept busy again this weekend and these tallies could all be boosted substantially.

Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at fantasy.premierleague.com or with FIFA Ultimate Team for FIFA 14.

Photo: Action Images

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