Statistical Preview: Can Manchester City Bounce Back Against Hull?

The most stunning result of the season so far saw Manchester City fall to a shock 3-2 defeat following a stunning fightback by Cardiff. Edin Dzeko’s second-half strike looked to have sent City on their way to victory but Cardiff scrapped their way to a deserved win. Manuel Pellegrini will be demanding an immediate bounce back to form from his team on their return to the Etihad this weekend.

Despite a revival in his fortunes thanks to the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini, Edin Dzeko will have to find greater levels of accuracy if he wishes to remain in favour with his new boss. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the big centre-forward leads the league for attempts on goal (10), but only 16.7% of these have been on target.

David Silva became the fourth player to surpass the 100 pass barrier for completed passes in the opponent’s half last weekend, suggesting a return to form for the diminutive Spanish midfielder. Perhaps even more crucially, these have come at a rate of 1.7 minutes on the field per pass, the lowest of any player in the league who has completed more than 60 passes.

Silva also currently stands as City’s sharpest shooter in front of goal this season, with 75% of his 4 attempts on goal testing the keeper.

Gael Clichy looks to be continuing where he left off last season as one of City’s most exemplary defenders, leading the squad on a tackle success rate of 77.8% as well as defensive contributions (16).

Robbie Brady tucked away a penalty as Hull battled to a 1-0 win against Norwich, their first win since their return to the top flight.

Brady is evidently going to be a central figure for Hull this season. The young Irishman leads the squad for attacking contributions by a distance (29) and has also completed a pass in the opponent’s half on average once every 5.48 minutes he’s been on the field. You can find as an industry-best 10/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time.

Yannick Sagbo’s sending off could have easily cost his side all three points last weekend and he will have been extremely relieved to see his side escape the match with all three points. His defensive discipline certainly needs to improve though as, despite being yet to win a tackle this season, he’s already given away three fouls.

Egyptian midfielder Ahmed Elmohamaday’s reading of the game continued to be in excellent form against Norwich. Elmohamady has so far racked up 10 interceptions this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, 5 of which came last weekend representing the joint second highest total of any player in the league last weekend.

Arriving on a free transfer, Maynor Figueroa looks to have been a very smart summer acquisition by Steve Bruce, especially when you consider the experience and work rate he brings to the table. Tellingly, Figueroa also already leads the Hull squad for tackles successfully completed, having come out on top in 71.4% of his 9 challenges so far this season.

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.