Statistical Preview: Newcastle vs Manchester United

Newcastle will be desperate to return to winning ways this weekend when they face Manchester United.  The Magpies have lost 8 of their last 13 and are currently the lowest scoring club in the top half of the table with a haul of 38. Both Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, who is still banned from the touchline, and fans alike will be hoping that the return of Loic Remy will give them something to cheer about. 

Newcastle fans will be looking forward to the return of star man Loic Remy.  The Frenchman is the Magpies’ top scorer this season with 13 in 23 Premier League appearances.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has a current shot accuracy rating of 50.8% with 31 of a possible 60 shots finding the target. 

Vurnon Anita was Newcastles biggest attacking threat in their embarrassing 4-0 loss to Southampton.  The Dutchman made 25 attacking contributions (shots on target, passes, dribbles and crosses) The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Newcastle’s biggest creative attacking threat this season has been Moussa Sissoko.  The Frenchman made 23 attacking contributions against Southampton and has made an impressive 788 in total this season.

Cheick Tioté will be expected to cope with the in form Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata, the latter of which will be full of confidence following his goal against Villa last weekend.  The Ivory Coast international has won an impressive 90 tackles out of a possible 128; that’s a tackle win percentage of 70.3%. 

Manchester United will be full of confidence following their defiant display against European giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Although enjoying just 26% of the possession, the Red Devils took the lead when skipper Vidic headed home.  United could have been 2-0 at one point but Welbeck missed a one on one with the Bayern keeper.  David Moyes will be confident following the Reds’ determination midweek and their 4-1 rout of Aston Villa at the weekend.  The Reds are currently 7^th in the table and have not given up on their pursuit of European football next season.

Although he could only watch midweek due to being cup tied, United fans will be encouraged by the performance of new signing Juan Mata last weekend against Villa.  The Spaniard scored his first goal in United colours and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made 26 attacking contributions (shots on target, passes, dribbles and crosses).

Wayne Rooney once again played a central role in both United’s win against Villa and their defiance against Bayern Munich.  The England striker found the back of the net twice at the weekend, bringing his season tally to 15. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has a shot accuracy of 50.7%. 

David Moyes has suffered a series of defensive setbacks, the most recent being Rafael who limped off against Villa at the weekend.  United will be glad to see the return of Chris Smalling to sure up the defense. The England defender has been out with injury but returned to training ahead of the clash with Bayern Munich.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Indicator shows that he has won an incredible 40 out of a possible 43 tackles this season in the Premier League; that’s a tackle accuracy of 90%.