Statistical Betting Preview: West Brom vs Crystal Palace

A scintillating attacking display from Liverpool saw West Brom on the wrong end of a heavy 4-1 defeat at Anfield last weekend, a solitary James Morrison penalty providing scant consolation for Steve Clarke’s men.

Youssuf Mulumbu is supposedly attracting the attention of other Premier League teams ahead of the January transfer window, an unsurprising fact given his solid form of late. He’s completed more passes in the opponent’s half than any other West Brom player, with 231 to his name so far this season.

Morgan Amalfitano continues to shine this season, and not just with the ball at his feet. He’s won 70% of his 10 attempted challenges according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

James Morrison managed to bag a consolation penalty at Anfield, yet his shooting has actually been somewhat below his usually high standards so far this season. Only 30% of his 10 shots this season have worked the goalkeeper and no doubt Steve Clarke will be looking for him to get back to his usual sharp form should he feature this weekend. Morrison is 13/4 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.

Centre-half Jonas Olsson continues to rank among the best defenders in the league according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He currently sits 2^nd in the league for clearances with 89.

Apparently galvanized by Ian Holloway’s departure, Crystal Palace turned in a solid display against Arsenal and will have felt unlucky to come away with nothing after a 0-2 defeat.

Midfielder Mile Jedinak has impressed many this season with his physical style of play and he very nearly got himself on the scoresheet with a sweetly struck effort against Arsenal. He so far leads the Palace squad, and ranks 5^th in the league overall, for total defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, clearances, interceptions) with 118.

 Palace fans will be looking for a more disciplined performance from Adiene Guedioura should he feature this weekend. The Algerian international conceded the joint second highest number of fouls in the league last weekend with 4 according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, including the crucial mistimed tackle on Serge Gnabry which led to Mikel Arteta’s penalty.

Damien Delaney signed a contract extension this week, unsurprising given his great form recently. No player in the last round of fixtures made more interceptions that Delaney’s 9 against Arsenal.

Despite his recent dip in form, Jason Puncheon has still been one of Crystal Palace’s most effective attackers this season, leading the squad as he does total attacking contributions (shots on goal, assists, dribbles, crosses) with 21. Puncheon is 11/2 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.