Statistical Preview: Norwich vs Stoke

With their final four league matches of the season against Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, the Canaries will be hoping to get their Premier League campaign back on track against Stoke after suffering a disappointing defeat against Aston Villa. Even though Norwich made a promising start which saw Gary Hooper link up with newly recalled teammate Hoolahan who netted with a side-footed effort into the corner from 12 yards, Norwich found themselves 4-1 down before half time.

Despite the dramatic turn of events which saw the Canaries go from leading the game to conceding 4 goals in under 20 minutes, Chris Hughton’s decision to recall Wes Hoolahan looks to have been wise as in addition to scoring Norwich’s only goal, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the midfielder also made 35 attacking contributions, (Shots on target, passes, crosses and dribbles); more than any of his Norwich teammates. 

Norwich fans will be looking to top scorer Gary Hooper to inspire his team to get their Premiership survival campaign back on track.  Hooper has found the back of the net 5 times this season and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he is the Canaries’ most accurate player in front of goal with a shot accuracy of 67.9%

After conceding 4 goals in 20 minutes, the Norwich defence will be hoping to put last weeks defeat behind them.  Central to containing Stoke City’s threat will be Joseph Yobo who had a 100% tackle win percentage against Aston Villa.  Sébastien Bassong will also prove vital in stopping Stoke City from building on their victory over the Gunners, the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 256 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, interceptions and clearances) this season; the highest at the club.

Having recently stated that Canaries’ Premier League survival is more important to him than selection for England’s World Cup campaign, Norwich No.1 John Ruddy will be looking to resume the form that has attracted so much media attention.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Ruddy has made 90 saves this season, the second highest in the Premier League.

The Potters, sitting six points clear of the relegation zone, will be hoping to reciprocate the impressive home form they have shown against the Premier League top clubs, away against struggling Norwich this weekend. Stoke and Arsenal looked to be at a stalemate until Laurent Koscielny handled the ball with 14 minutes left on the clock, resulting in a penalty which Potters’ frontman Walters converted. The impressive win, however, has been somewhat overshadowed by Charlie Adam’s charge of violent conduct by the Football Association after an incident with Olivier Giroud which has resulted in a 3 match ban. 

Although without talisman Charlie Adam, Mark Hughes will still be confident his Stoke side has sufficient firepower to deal with Norwich. Former England international Peter Crouch is Stoke’s joint top scorer with Adam and provides a significant aerial threat. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Crouch has a shot accuracy rating of 45% so far this season and has completed a total of 327 passes in the opposition half. 

Central to Stoke’s attacking threat this weekend will be playmaker Steven N’zoni.  The midfielder has completed 628 passes in the opposition’s half this year, 18 of which were made in Stoke’s defeat of Arsenal last weekend; more than any of his teammates.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that The Frenchman has made a season total of 646 attacking contributions (Shots on target, passes, dribbles and crosses).

In addition to their attacking threat, Stoke’s impressive defensive capabilities have also proved fundamental to this season’s campaign and in particular the Potters’ fine recent home form against the top Premier League clubs. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that defender Robert Huth has won 83% of his tackles whilst Ryan Shawcross has made 316 defensive contributions (blocks, tackles won, interceptions and clearances) this season; more than any of his fellow teammates.