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
Following last weekend’s loss to Newcastle, Cardiff City will have to get used to playing football in the Championship next season and their last Premier League match against Chelsea could not be much harder. The Bluebirds will want to reward their fans with a big performance in a season where they have certainly had their ups and downs.
Jordan Mutch has been one of Cardiff’s best players this season and is their top scorer with seven goals. Against Newcastle Mutch continued to be Cardiff’s biggest threat on goal, taking the highest number of shots (5) on goal and was constantly trying to find an opening to the Newcastle goal. With 23 passes, only Peter Whittingham made more (24). As Cardiff slip to the division below, Cardiff might do well to hang onto their star midfielder, he is 6/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
Since his loan move from Manchester United Wilfred Zaha was struggled to make an impact in Wales. He played the full 90 minutes at Newcastle and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he made eight attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses), the most in the side. Six of these attacking contributions were through dribbles showing he does not lack confidence when charging at defenders.
Ben Turner and Stephen Caulker have been at the back for Cardiff for most of the season. Turner and Caulker made 14 and 12 defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, tackles won and interceptions) respectively, the most in the team. Caulker made nine clearances showing that Cardiff had their work cut out at St James’ Park against Newcastle.
Chelsea look set to finish the season in third place barring a major slip up from Liverpool. Mourinho has always said that this season was for rebuilding and next season is the year where Chelsea will be challenging for major silverware. For some of the more senior members of the Chelsea squad this could be their last game for the club and they will want to go out with a bang.
For large periods of the game against Norwich, Chelsea were looking to unlock the Canaries defence. Following comments after the Champions League semi-final, Eden Hazard started on the bench and played 45 minutes of the match. Despite only playing half the game he made the most attacking contributions (4) showing how important he is to Chelsea when they do not have a prolific striker. The Belgian is 6/4 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
John Terry has had an excellent season and formed a strong partnership with Gary Cahill at the centre of defence. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he has made the most defensive contributions all season (309) and he again made the most contributions against Norwich (10). Although he’s a more senior player, he is still one of the best defenders in the league.
Chelsea could not break down the Norwich defence last weekend and the Blues continue to rely on their midfield to help the strikers. Andre Schürrle took the most shots (3) whilst Demba Ba managed only one shot during the game.