Statistical Preview: Chelsea vs Stoke

Chelsea missed an opportunity to remain at the top of the Premier League last weekend after they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace. The Blues also suffered a 3-1 defeat to Paris St Germain midweek in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.  Mourinho criticised his side’s defense after the match and will expect an impressive display as the Blues look to reassert themselves as Premier League leaders this weekend.

Eden Hazard came closest to leveling the score last weekend but had his shot saved superbly by Palace keeper Speroni.  Both of the Belgian’s shots were on target but Chelsea’s star man failed to find the back of the net. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Hazard is Chelsea’s top scorer this season with 14 and has had 31 of a possible 49 shots on target; that’s an accuracy of 63.3%. 

Nemanja Matic demonstrated his creative attacking ability against Crystal Palace’s last weekend.  The Serbian midfielder resigned for Chelsea from Benfica in January and looks settled and confident in the Chelsea team.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made 43 attacking contributions (shots on target, passes, dribbles and crosses) included an impressive 41 passes completed in the opposition half.

Gary Cahill won 100% of the 5 tackles he made last weekend as well as making 24 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, interceptions and clearances).  The EA SPORTS Player Performance index shows that he has won 28 of the 35 tackles he has made this season in the Premier League.

Following their win against Hull last weekend, Stoke City are on course for their best ever point total in the Premier League, needing just 8 more points from 6 games.  The Potter’s have lost just once in their last 9 games and will be full of confidence as they travel to Stamford Bridge.  Mark Hughes’ men will be determined to create their very own upset following Crystal Palace’s shock win last weekend.

Peter Crouch will be hoping to make the most of Chelsea’s recent defensive errors.  With 7 Premier League goals this season in 29 appearances, the Potters’ frontman is their top scorer.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has had 22 shots on target out of a possible 46; that’s an accuracy of 47.8%.

Steven N’zonzi represents Stokes’ greatest creative attacking threat.  N’zonzi made 35 attacking contributions last weekend in their 1-0 win against Hull.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that N’zonzi leads the way for attacking contributions this season with an impressive 763 made this season to date.

Stoke fans will be expecting more of the same from Odemwingie.  The Nigerian has scored 3 goals in his last 3 games bringing his season total to 6 in 24 games.  He will certainly be hoping this form continues as he currently sits just one goal behind Crouch who is Stoke’s current top scorer.