A look at all the other matches not being played at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this weekend.

Crystal Palace v QPR — 12:45, Saturday 14th March

Crystal Palace were denied a valuable point at St. Mary’s by a last-gasp winner from striker Saido Mane, as manager Alan Pardew suffered his first away defeat as Palace boss. The Eagles will be looking to bounce back with a victory over London-rivals QPR and a victory would take them 11 points clear of the Hoops.

Wilfried Zaha returned to Palace at the start of this campaign looking to rediscover the form that made him the most feared player outside of the Premier League, and a future England star. There are aspects of the England international’s game that will undoubtedly improve as he gains more experience, but a key weapon in his armoury which is already at an exceptionally high standard, is his ability to dribble past defenders at will. Zaha demonstrated this skill to great effect against the Saints as he completed a total of 5 dribbles, which according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, was the second most in the league in this round of fixtures.

Alan Pardew produced something of a managerial masterstroke on taking over at Selhurst Park by moving Jason Puncheon into the number 10 position, with the Croydon-born midfielder laying on seven assists for his side — more than any other Palace player. Puncheon was pulling the strings for the Eagles again against Southampton, as he completed 19 passes in the opposition half, which was the second most of any Palace player (only Joe Ledley completed more). Puncheon was also desperate to prove a point to his former club as he ran himself into the floor, covering more groind than any of his teammates (11.8km). If you fancy Puncheon to hit the back of the net against QPR, then head to 888sport.com who have the midfielder at 17/5 to score at any time.

Damien Delaney has every right to feel aggrieved by Southampton’s late winner, as he was in imperious form at the back for the Eagles. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made a total of 18 defensive contributions (based on blocks, clearances, tackles won and interceptions). This was the most in the Palace squad, and takes his tally for the season up to 269.

QPR will have been disappointed to suffer a defeat to Spurs in their last fixture, as they took more shots than their London rivals. They travel to Selhurst Park in dire need of a three points that could propel them out of the relegation spots.

A player who has featured prominently for the Hoops this season and arguably doesn’t get the recognition he always deserves, is central midfielder Karl Henry. He may not be the most creative of midfielders, but the former Wolves skipper operates extremely efficiently in front of the back four, providing them with a good amount of protection. This is, in part, because of his tendency to cover every blade of grass for the team and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that he did this to great effect again against Spurs, as he covered an impressive 12.7 km — more than any other of his teammates.

If QPR are to stay in the top slight this year then striker Charlie Austin will deserve a considerable amount of credit, due to the number of goals he has scored. His impressive form has seen him tipped to secure a place in Roy Hodgson’s next England squad, due to be announced in the next couple of weeks, and looking at the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, it isn’t hard to see why he’s held in such high regard. Of all the English strikers to have taken at least ten shots this campaign, he leads the way in shooting accuracy, hitting the target with 67% of his efforts. If you fancy Austin to score at any time against Palace, head to 888sport.com who have the striker at 9/5 to score at any time.

Another player who will be integral to QPR’s hopes of surviving in the division is midfielder Leroy Fer. The Dutchman suffered a knee injury in February which has the potential to keep him out for a number of weeks, but QPR fans will be hoping that he’s off the physio’s table as quickly as possible — as he leads the way for QPR with regards to attacking contributions made (based on shots on target, dribbles completed, passed completed and crosses completed).

Arsenal v West Ham — 15:00, Saturday 14th March

Arsenal host West Ham on Saturday looking to continue their promising form that has seen them reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and also consolidate their place in the top-four.

Alexis Sanchez topped-off an impressive performance against the Hoops with the winner, as he guided the Gunners to an important 2-1 away win. Arsenal fans will have been particularly pleased to see the Chilean returning to form, after a few weeks in which he hasn’t been hitting the heights he had been at the start of the season. In particular, Sanchez looked like he’d rediscovered his predatory instinct to take shots on goal, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that he had the second most attempts in the league (5). If you fancy Sanchez to find the net again against West Ham, then head to 888sport.com who have him at 18/5 to score at any time.

Santi Cazorla has had a barnstorming season for the Gunners this year, cementing his place in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield. In particular, he’s received praise for his ability to spray the ball about the park with relative ease and against QPR, he showcased his creative instincts again. The Spaniard completed an impressive 48 passes in the opposition half, the most of any Arsenal player, at a rate of a pass every 1.9 minutes.

One of Arsene Wenger’s greatest managerial strengths is his ability to bring through youngsters and blood them in the first team, with talents such as Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and the now-departed Cesc Fabregas all benefitting from his tutelage. Héctor Bellerin is a youngster who has graduated to the first team this season, operating up and down the right touchline to great effect. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Spaniard was bombing up and down the right

flank again against QPR, as it shows that he covered an impressive 11.1km, the second most behind Santi Cazorla.

The Hammers travel to the Emirates desperate to rediscover the form that saw them as outsiders for the Champions League spots earlier in the season. The Hammers are currently sitting pretty in tenth, but will be hoping for a late charge to consolidate their place in the top half of the league.

They may have suffered a loss to Chelsea in their last fixture, but West Ham produced a good display and would have been disappointed to emerge from the game with nothing. Diafra Sakho, in particular, was a threat to the Chelsea defence all game with the Senegalese international taking a total of 6 shots (more than any other player in the league in this round of Premier League fixtures).

Another player who performed admirably for the Hammers was skipper Mark Noble. The West Ham academy graduate produced yet another composed display in the centre of the park, spraying passes about with ease. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index showcases that he completed 28 in the opposition half, the most of any West Ham player. If you fancy Noble to find the back of the net against the Gunners, head to 888sport.com who have him at an industry best 25/1 to score at the first goal of the game.

It will be a pity for the Hammers that they’ll miss on-loan full back Carl Jenkinson when they play the Gunners this weekend, as the English international is ineligible to play against his parent club. It’s been an impressive year for Jenkinson as he’s made the Hammers’ right-back slot his own and in particular, he has shone with his willingness to run and run for the sake of the team. This ability of his was on show against Chelsea, as he covered 11.4km, the second most in the Hammers squad (behind only Mark Noble).

Leicester v Hull — Saturday 14th March, 15:00

This weekend will see Leicester host Hull, where the Foxes will be hoping for a big performance to help deliver all three points for the home faithful. A win will help Leicester move within just a point of the teams ahead of them as they look to mount a fight to keep themselves in the Premier League.

Leicester will hope that their captain and centre back Wes Morgan can deliver another dominant display to help command the defence. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates his importance to the Foxes, having won 28 tackles this season, 93.3% of his overall tackles, also racking up 198 clearances, 64 interceptions and 38 blocks.

In the middle of the park, Leicester will be hoping that Riyad Mahrez will be in top form, hitting the same heights prior to his departure for the African Cup of Nations. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has made 25 interceptions so far this season, and when he has the ball at his feet, he will pose a threat. The

Algeria international has completed a squad best 55 dribbles, and also a squad best 17 crosses. He will look to add to these tallies to help find his fifth assist of the season this weekend.

Up top, the man he may well be looking to supply is Leonardo Ulloa. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that Ulloa has racked up seven goals so far this season, converting 58.3% of his shots on target. Hard work is the key to his success, and this is demonstrated by him winning 36 tackles this season, 67.9% of his overall tackles. He is 41/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Hull will come into this fixture with confidence, having only been beaten once in their last five matches. This run has included two wins and a draw against three of the other four teams that currently lie below them in the league, and they will hope that their form against teams at the lower end of the league can continue this weekend.

Hull will be looking for a big performance from their shot stopper Alan McGregor to help deliver all three points in front of their home crowd. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has already racked up 60 saves this term, at an average of 2.2 saves per goal conceded. He will hope that a clean sheet will be enough to gift Hull all three points.

In the middle of the park, Jake Livermore is proving his worth at Hull through hard work and a series of important performances. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that Livermore has covered a squad best 308.8km so far this campaign. He has also won 75 tackles, winning 73.5% of his overall tackles, also making 53 interceptions. On the ball, he has also completed a squad best 535 passes in the opposition area, which is where he will look to pick the lock to the Leicester defence.

Up top, the man that Hull will look to deliver the goods is Nikica Jelavic. Jelavic made a fantastic start to the campaign and will look to hit the same form again now he is injury free. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has amassed eight goals so far this season, converting 61.5% of his shots on target. He is 31/10 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Sunderland v Aston Villa — Saturday 14th March, 15:00

Sunderland have recently encountered some mixed form that has seen them draw two of their last three matches, on their way to becoming the League’s draw specialists. Whilst having drawn 14 times already this season (half of their games), the Black Cats will be hoping to go one better this weekend by clinching all three points to help them further cushion themselves from the relegation zone.

Sunderland will be hoping for a solid performance from their defensive stalwart Santiago Vergini this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Argentinian defender has won 50 tackles already this season, winning 61.7% of his tackles overall. He has also made 91 clearances, 44 interceptions and 12 blocks

and will hope that he can add to these tallies this weekend to help keep out Aston Villa.

He will be more than ably supported by Sunderland captain John O’Shea; the only member of the Sunderland squad to play every minute of Premier League football this season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 39 tackles this season, an impressive 82.9% of his overall attempts, also racking up 129 clearances and 50 interceptions.

In the middle of the park, Sebastian Larsson continues to impress with his high level of performance. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us that he has covered a squad best 303.5km, and it is that hard work that has been the key to his success. Off the ball, he has won 61 tackles, 66.3% of his total challenges, and made 29 interceptions. On the ball, he has completed a squad best 535 passes in the opposition half and also scored three times, demonstrating that he can be a threat when scoring or turning provider. He is 23/4 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Aston Villa will come into this weekend’s fixture with renewed optimism having beaten local rivals West Brom last week; a result that sees them three points clear of 18th placed QPR. They will be looking for their first back-to-back wins this side of Christmas, and that will also see them leapfrog their hosts.

Villa will hope that their ever-dependable American shot stopper Brad Guzan delivers another high quality performance this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has racked up 85 saves so far this season, at an average of 2.24 saves per goals conceded. He will hope that he can keep a clean sheet this weekend to ensure that Villa make it two wins from two.

At the back, Alan Hutton has been consistently reliable for the Villans, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Hutton’s fine season has seen him win 45 tackles, 78.9% of his total challenges, whilst also making 90 clearances, 32 interceptions and 15 blocks. He can also prove a threat going forward, and will hope that he can add a second goal to his season’s tally, in addition to carrying out his defensive duties with aplomb.

Whilst Hutton will hope to find the back of the net, Gabriel Agbonlahor is the man that this responsibility falls with. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us that he will look to use his direct style of play, having completed 22 dribbles and hitting a squad best top speed of 34.87km/h. He is 100/30 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

West Brom v Stoke — Saturday 14th March, 15:00

West Brom will come into this match with confidence, in spite of their first defeat in five matches last week to local rivals Aston Villa. The Baggies will be hoping to take all three points in front of the Hawthornes faithful to help them launch an offensive on the top half of the table and ensure as high a final league position as possible.

The Baggies will hope that their reliable shot stopper Ben Foster can keep Stoke out this weekend. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Foster has racked up 75 saves already this term, at an average of 2.14 saves per goal conceded. He will be looking for his fourth clean sheet in five matches, and this is certainly a possibility on current form.

In the middle of the park, Chris Brunt is having another top season for the Baggies, as demonstrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Brunt has covered a squad best 259.6km so far this term, also racking up 41 interceptions in the process. On the ball, he has completed a squad best 15 crosses and his delivery will prove a major threat to the Stoke back line. He will hope that he can continue to deliver quality crosses to help him increase his already squad best tally of five assists.

Up top, Saido Berahino is undoubtedly the in-form man for West Brom. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us that he has completed a squad best 24 dribbles so far this season, and in combination with his top speed of 33.7km/h, his direct style of play will be hard to cope with as he looks to add to his 12 goals so far this season. He is 37/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Stoke are having a fine season, and their recent form illustrates this perfectly. The Potters will be hoping to secure their fourth win on the bounce in the league to not only cement eighth place, but also close the gap on seventh placed Southampton, in a late bid for European football next season.

Stoke will hope that their in-form shot stopper Asmir Begovic can deliver another first class display to help keep West Brom out. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Bosnia and Herzegovina international keeper has made 60 saves already this season, at an average of 1.76 saves per goal conceded. He will hope that he can keep his third clean sheet in a row to deliver all three points for the travelling faithful.

In the middle of the park, Steven N’Zonzi continues to work hard and turn that into high-class performances for Stoke. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has covered a squad best 312.8km, racking up 51 tackles in the process, 72.9% of his overall challenges. The centre midfield man has also made 26 interceptions this campaign, and when he gets on the ball he is equally dangerous, dictating the tempo of the play having completed a squad best 732 passes in the opposition half.

Up top, Jon Walters is having a fine season and will look to continue his good form this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has scored his seven goals from just 17 shots this season, hitting the target with 64.7% of his efforts on goal. He is 9/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Burnley vs Manchester City — Saturday 14th March, 17:30

In Saturday’s late kick off, Burnley welcome the champions Manchester City to Turf Moor. Last time out against City, they came back from being two goals down at half time to draw 2-2 and take a point away from the Etihad.

Danny Ings was not one of the scorers in that game, but nonetheless remains the main threat for Burnley this weekend. Ings has scored nine goals so far this season and has the 14th most shots on target in the division, with 22, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Ings is 15/2 to score first on Saturday with 888sport.com.

It has been well documented by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index this season that George Boyd has covered a lot of ground, but some of his other defensive contributions may have gone unnoticed. Boyd has made the third greatest number of tackles in the entire division, with 90, which is five behind the league leader Nemanja Matic.

Jason Shackell has been in great form for the Clarets this season, as shown by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Shackell is top of the Premier League for number of clearances, racking up a total of 324 so far this season. In addition to this, Shackell is second in the league for number of blocks, with 35.

Manchester City now trail league leaders Chelsea by five points, having played a game more, however the reigning champions can put some pressure back on the leaders by cutting the deficit to two points, with Chelsea set to play on Sunday.

Wilfried Bony will be hoping he can provide the difference this weekend, with the January signing still yet to score since his move. It should, however, be just a matter of time before he gets off the mark, as the striker has one of the most impressive strike rates in the division. Bony has 29 shots on target, the eighth most in the league, which is 52.7% of his total shots. Bony scored nine goals in the Premier League prior to his City move and is 24/25 to break his duck this weekend with 888sport.com.

Gael Clichy is someone who could not only prove difficult to break down this weekend, but could also cause problems down the left hand side, as the left back has made the 13th highest number of sprints per game in the entire division. Clichy has completed 57.7 sprints per game this season, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

The man on the opposite side of the defence, Pablo Zabaleta is one of the most difficult defenders to beat in the Premier League. Zabaleta has won the second most tackles per game this season, exactly four successful tackles per game, which is just behind Lucas Leiva who has made 4.2 tackles per games, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Everton v Newcastle Sunday — 16:00, Sunday 15th March

Everton have had a real Jekyll and Hyde season, having been impressive in Europe but disappointing in the league. They host Newcastle this Sunday in real need of a three points to drag them away from a potential relegation battle.

Since taking the helm at Goodison Park, Roberto Martinez has instilled a possession-focused style of play, placing a significant amount of emphasis on retaining and recycling the ball. They may have succumbed to a defeat at the hands of the Potters in their last Premier League fixture, but yet again, they dominated possession. Central to this effort was midfielder Darren Gibson, who completed an impressive 40 passes in the opposition half (more than any of this teammates). If you think Gibson’s likely to hit the back of the net against Newcastle, head to 888sport.com who have the Irishman at 6/1 to score at anytime.

In centre half John Stones, Everton may have one of the best ball-playing centre backs this country has produced in the last twenty years, as rather than being a no-nonsense defender in the mould of a John Terry, he is slightly more cultured in his approach to the game and carries the ball out of defence at will. This is perhaps best demonstrated by the fact he completed 3 dribbles against Stoke, the most of any Everton player, adding to his total of 13 for the season (the most of any centre back in the league).

James McCarthy’s return to fitness could be a big boost for the Toffees as they look to progress in the Europa League and keep their place in the top flight, as he provides excellent defensive cover for his back four. One of the Irishman’s greatest qualities is his willingness to run himself into the ground for the sake of the team and he demonstrated this ability to great effect against Stoke, covering 11.5km (the second most in the Everton squad, behind only Darren Gibson).

A last-gasp winner from Ashley Young was enough to give the Red Devils all three points at St. James’ Park last Wednesday. It was desperately unfortunate for the Magpies, who had impressed for much of the game.

One player who has impressed for Newcastle this campaign is full back Daryl Janmaat, who has made the right back slot his own since joining the Magpies last summer. The Dutchman has showcased his impressive work rate time and time again this season and this ability of his was evident against the Red Devils. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Janmaat covered 11.3km, which was more than any other Newcastle player.

Manager John Carver will have been delighted by the efforts of central midfielder Mehdi Abeid in stifling the Manchester United attacks last week, as the Algerian showed an excellent ability to read the game and break up play. Time and time again he cut out the opposition passes, making a total of 8 interceptions — the most of any player in the last round of Premier League fixtures.

This has been a breakthrough season for winger Sammy Ameobi, who has finally managed to gain a consistent place in Newcastle’s starting XI. The Newcastle

academy graduate has impressed with his forays down the left flank, but what hasn’t always been recognised, is his superb tackling ability. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won n impressive 81% of his challenges. If you fancy Ameobi to hit the back of the net against Everton, head to 888sport.com who have him at an industry best 7/1 to score at any time.

Swansea v Liverpool — Monday 16th March, 20:00

This week’s Monday night fixture will see Swansea host Liverpool, as they look to get back to winning ways following a slip up in their good form last week, losing 3-2 to Tottenham. The Swans will hope to be inspired by their two back-to-back victories prior to that, including their last home outing that saw them beat Manchester United 2-1.

Swansea will be looking for a big performance from their ever-dependable shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that the Swans’ keeper has made 92 saves already this term, at an average of 2.49 saves per goal conceded. He will hope that he can keep his second clean sheet in three to help deliver all three points for Swansea.

At the back, Ashley Williams will skipper the side and look to marshal the back line as ever. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us just how crucial he is to his side, having played every Premier League minute of football so far this season, winning 30 tackles, 68.1% of his overall challenges, made 316 clearances and racked up 74 interceptions.

In the middle of the park, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal the secret to Ki Sung-Yeung’s impressive displays, and that is hard work. He has covered a squad best 278.6km already this term, helping himself to 57 interceptions along the way. On the ball, he is no slouch either, and dictates the tempo of Swansea’s play by completing a squad best 484 passes in the opposition area. He has already racked up six goals this season, and he is 7/1 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Visitors Liverpool are the league’s form side coming in to this fixture, having won eight out of their last 10 fixtures, including four wins on the bounce. The red half of Merseyside will be confident of making that five in a row, with a win that could see them move level on points with third placed Arsenal.

Liverpool will be looking to their ever-present center back Martin Skrtel to lead the line for them on Monday night, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals just how important he is to the Reds. The Slovakian international has won 27 tackles this season, 81.8% of his overall challenges, whilst holding the squad bests with 257 clearances, 45 interceptions and 32 blocks.

In the middle of the park, Jordan Henderson continues to grow into his role, and is doing so with aplomb. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that the secret to his success is work rate, and he has covered a squad best 294.8km so farthis term. This allows him to be more involved in play, racking up a squad best 64 tackles, 73.6% of his overall attempts, and a squad best 728 passes in the opposition area. Swansea will need to close him down early to stop him dictating the tempo of the match.

Henderson’s England international compatriot Raheem Sterling will accompany him on the pitch, and he is likewise having a fine season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that Sterling’s direct route to goal is what most troubles defenders, with a squad best top speed of 35.04km/h and a squad best 81 dribbles completed. Sterling has already assisted eight goals so far this campaign, and will want to add to his tally of six goals for the season as well. He is 11/5 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Manchester United v Tottenham — Sunday 15th March, 16:00

Manchester United will come into Sunday’s fixture with confidence, buoyed by the fact that they have won five of their last seven league fixtures. The Red Devils are going in search of their third win on the bounce to try and lengthen their run, which could see them move ahead of Arsenal into third place once more.

United will be looking for another impressive performance from their Spanish international shot stopper David de Gea this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that he has already made 77 saves this season, at an average of 2.96 saves per goal conceded. He will hope to deliver his third clean sheet in a row to help take all three points, also for the third game on the bounce.

In the middle of the park, the Red Devils will hope that Juan Mata can deliver another typically astute performance. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the Spain international midfielder has completed 825 passes this season, with an 89.7% completion rate. He will look to dictate the tempo of the game, whilst also posing a goal scoring threat, having score five times this season, converting 71.4% of his seven attempts on target.

Up top, Wayne Rooney will likely be playing in his preferred position again, and doing what he does best; scoring goals. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the England international captain has converted 52.6% of his shots on target this season, leaving him with a tally of 10 goals for the season so far. He has also completed a squad best 723 passes in the opposition area, and having covered a squad best 264.4km so far this term, will be a threat throughout the 90 minutes with his range of passing and goal scoring ability. He is 10/7 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Tottenham will come into this fixture with a good record at Old Trafford, having won here in the last two seasons and having also won their last two league fixtures. Spurs are likewise looking for a third win on the bounce, which would see them move level on points with their hosts.

Spurs will hope that their ever-dependable shot stopper Hugo Lloris can continue his first class form this weekend to help Tottenham take all three points. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that the France international captain has made 94 saves already this season, at an average of 2.4 saves per goal conceded. He will hope that a clean sheet will be enough to seal Spurs’ third win on the bounce and make the journey from London all the more worthwhile.

In the middle of the park, Christian Eriksen is simply having a wonderful season. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the Danish international midfielder has covered 312.8km already this campaign; more than anyone else in the Premier League. Hard work is the key to his success, and it has seen him rack up nine goals and three assists already this term, also completing a squad best 845 passes in the opponent’s half. United will need to get close to him early on to ensure that he is not able to dictate the tempo of the game from the outset.

Up top, Harry Kane has continued his astonishing form in the Premier League, having scored 11 goals in nine games since the sides last met in December. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that his 16 goals this term have come at an average of every 105.4 minutes, and that he has converted 48.5% of his shots on target into goals. He is 2/1 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

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.

Photo: Action Images

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