Statistical Preview: Hull vs Crystal Palace

Hull fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Southampton following which their manager Steve Bruce admitted that they were beaten by the better side on the day. A solitary goal from Yannick Sagbo will have been no consolation for Hull’s travelling support and they will be yearning for a vastly improved performance against Crystal Palace this weekend.

Hull defender Curtis Davies holds a particular distinction this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. No player has contributed more to his team’s defensive efforts that Davies, leading the league for total defensive contributions (successful tackles, blocks, interceptions, clearances) as he does with 155.

Steve Bruce will be looking for far more accuracy in front of goal from his players as the season progresses, with an inability to test opposition goalkeepers impeding their progress at present. Only one player in the Hull squad can boast a shot accuracy rate of greater than 50% (Robbie Brady - 80%), whilst their most active shooter, Sone Aluko, can only boast a shot accuracy rate of 45.5%.

Tom Huddlestone continues to provide a level of structure to the Hull midfield since signing from Tottenham. The imposing midfielder has racked up a solid 225 passes in the opponent’s half, at an average rate of one every 4.1 minutes he’s been on the park.

Manager-less Crystal Palace managed to secure a vital point as they held Everton to a 0-0 at Selhurst Park last time out. The point will have been well-received but the Palace players will know that they had several chances to win the game and will no doubt be keen to make amends this weekend.

The Crystal Palace midfield have had to do a fair bit of work without the ball this season, with captain Mile Jedinak leading by example. He currently ranks joint third on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for total tackles won with 45, giving him a very solid success rate of 75%.

Indeed, the whole of the Palace squad have distinguished themselves so far this campaign, with a total of nine players having a tackle success rate of 75% or more for the season to date.

The Eagles may not have had much luck in front of goal this season, but that has not diminished Dean Moxey’s enthusiasm for taking the game to the opposition. He currently leads the Palace squad for dribble with 10 according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.