Sunderland vs Cardiff - Statistical Preview

Sunderland will be full of confidence following their surprise victory at Stamford Bridge last weekend.  The Black Cats, who are currently bottom of the Premier League, came from behind to win the game through Borini’s penalty with less than 10 minutes to go.

  With a game in hand on fellow relegation strugglers Fulham and Cardiff, and only one point worse off, Poyet’s men will feel that anything is possible when they entertain Cardiff.

Connor Wickham has received praise from both players and fans in recent weeks and has given the Black Cats hope of avoiding the drop.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has scored three times in just 11 appearances in the Premier League this season and has had seven out of a possible 10 shots on target.

Fabio Borini kept a cool head as he scored the winner from the penalty spot in Sunderland’s shock victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, bringing his season total to four. The Italian, who used to play for Chelsea and is currently on loan from Liverpool, made three attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) against his former club.

Wes Brown will be fundamental if the Black Cats are to contain Cardiff’s attacking ambitions this weekend.  The ex-Manchester United defender made 15 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks and interceptions) against Chelsea, including an impressive 11 clearances. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has won 21 out of a possible 35 tackles this season and has made 99 clearances.

Cardiff will feel confident ahead of their clash with rock bottom Sunderland this weekend following the vital point they earned against Stoke.  With 30 points and fellow relegation strugglers Fulham losing to Tottenham last weekend, Cardiff will feel that their Premier League survival is very much a possibility.

Juan Cala could have won Cardiff’s second game in a row last weekend had his header not been disallowed.  The Spaniard has scored twice in six appearances for the Bluebirds this season despite being a defender.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 76 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks and interceptions) in the Premier League this season, including 18 tackles won.

Peter Whittingham scored his 3^rd goal in 29 Premier League appearances last weekend.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he had two out of a possible two shots on target and made four attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, crosses and dribbles); bringing his season total to 71.

Jordon Mutch will feel that he has Cardiff’s hopes of staying in the Premier League resting on his shoulders.  Mutch is Cardiff’s top scorer this season with seven to his name.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he is also the Bluebirds most accurate threat in front of goal with 20 shots on target out of a possible 38.  In addition he has also made six assists and 90 attacking contributions; both of which are the highest at the club.