Statistical Preview: Cardiff vs Fulham

Cardiff remain in the bottom three as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at White Hart Lane last time out. Ole Gunner Solskjaer will be hoping his side can respond immediately this weekend though in what could prove to be a crucial fixture at the foot of the Premier League table.

Although Cardiff have at times struggled defensively this season, Steven Caulker has nonetheless been a standout performer for the Bluebirds according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has the highest tackles success rate of any Cardiff player, winning an excellent 79.1% o his 43 attempted challenges this term.

If Cardiff are to fight their way back up the Premier League table then more goals are a must. Frazier Campbell has had more attempts on goal than any other Cardiff player this term, racking up 31 efforts. He has however only worked the ‘keeper with 41.9% of these attempts and he’ll no doubt be looking to continue to improve this accuracy rate as the season continues. 

Although he doesn’t grab as many headlines as some of his teammates, Peter Whittingham is nonetheless a crucial asset to this Cardiff side. He’s completed more passes than any other player in the Cardiff squad with a superb 510 to his name. He is currently the only Cardiff player to have broken the 500 pass barrier in this category.

Midfielder Jordon Mutch has been a key creative outlet for Cardiff this term, compiling some impressive statistics along the way. Only Whittingham has completed more assists than Mutch who currently sits on three, as a solid 29 dribbles showcasing his willingness to chance his arm and take the game to the opposition.

A solitary Johnny Heitinga goal could not prevent Fulham from going down 1-3 to Chelsea thanks to a fine hattrick from Andre Schurrle. Felix Magath was brought in by Fulham to help them fight their way out of the relegation zone and no doubt he will also view this weekend’s fixture as a pivotal game should they wish to retain their Premier League status.

Scott Parker has established himself as the heartbeat of this Fulham side following his arrival from Tottenham. It hasn’t taken him long to see him top the Fulham pile for passes completed in the opponent’s half, with a squad best 539 to his name. These have come at an excellent average rate of one every 3.7 minutes according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.

His midfield colleague Steve Sidwell will be crucial in helping to shut down Cardiff in the middle of the park this weekend, having been more active in defence than any other Fulham player this term. He’s attempted 124 tackles, winning 66.1%, and completed 237 total defensive contributions (interceptions, clearances, tackles won, blocks), both squad-highs.

Sidwell has however also racked up the highest number of fouls in the Fulham squad this term with 43. He’ll be keen to not draw the attention of the officials too often this weekend in what will be a crucial battle for three points.

Youngster Pajtim Kasami has been a key attacking outlet at times for Fulham this season and his new manager will no doubt be keen to convert his talents into even more goals for the remainder of the campaign. He’s had more attempts on goal than any other Fulham player with 32.