Statistical Preview: Everton Travel To Cardiff To Tackle High Flying Bluebirds

On a sunny afternoon, Cardiff fans were treated to a performance by their team that they would have scarcely believed possible at the start of the day. Frazier Campbell stole the show with a late brace to send Malkay Mackay’s side on to an historic 3-1 victory over the former Premier League champions.

Campbell’s goals will perhaps have come as a surprise to some of the Cardiff fans in attendance on Sunday. Although there is no doubting the striker’s quality, Campbell had yet to register an attempt on goal before his heroic exploits. However, his 80% accuracy rate from 5 attempts last weekend means he’ll be chomping at the bit to kick on against Everton.

Despite the euphoric scenes come the end of the match Cardiff did not find their victory easy to come by. Ben Turner’s 15 clearances against City was the highest of any player on the winning side last weekend according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

Steven Caulker’s move to Cardiff came as a surprise to many who had expected him to be a mainstay in the Tottenham defence in seasons to come. Cardiff have acquired an imposing and technical centre-half though, one who so far maintained a 100% tackle success rate from his 3 challenges this season and closely follows the impressive Turner in total defensive contributions with 19.

Expect Gary Medel to be central to Cardiff’s season in the coming months, the tough midfielder putting in an excellent showing against City. He leads the Cardiff squad for passes completed in the opponent’s half with 39, with a squad-best average rate of one every 4.6 minutes.

Only a stunning display from Ben Foster managed to keep Everton at bay as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park. A dominant display by Roberto Martinez’s side in the end failed to bear fruit as Foster repeatedly shut out a host of Everton attempts on his goal.

Ross Barkley’s growing confidence is great news for Toffee’s and England fans alike, the gifted midfielder being widely touted as a future star of the game. At present the fearlessness of youth is enabling the 19 year old to take the game to opposition defences seemingly at will, the 19 year old currently sitting 4th on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for dribbles with 8.

It’s no surprise that Manchester Utd are continuing in their pursuit of Leighton Baines given the versatile left-backs ability to adapt to both defend and attack. As well as a tackle success rate of 83.3% from 6 attempted challenges, Baines has also completed a pass in the opponent’s half on average once every 2.5 minutes this season.

Seamus Coleman is another who’s stock continues to rise at both ends of the field. Toffees fans are already well aware of his tackling ability but it is his eye for a shot that has impressed so far in this campaign. Coleman’s on-target accuracy rate of 75% in front of goal represents the highest of any defender in the league to have had more than 1 attempt.

Fellow defensive stalwart Phil Jagielka is another who has picked up exactly where he left off last season. Once again the England centre-back has proved his sense of timing will be crucial when it comes to stifling Everton’s opposition given that he has already quickly racked up a squad-high 20 clearances.

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.