Crystal Palace vs Liverpool - Statistical Preview

Crystal Palace will be determined to put last weeks two nil defeat at Manchester City behind them as they entertain title hopefuls Liverpool.  Palace have experienced a serious turn around in fortunes this season; having looked destined for relegation earlier in the season. 

The Eagles are now 11^th in the Premier League and will be eager to inflict an upset on Liverpool to show they are capable of beating the big teams.

 Jason Puncheon’s recent form has been integral to Crystal Palace’s successful battle to beat the drop.  The Englishman is Palace’s top scorer with seven to his name in 32 Premier League appearances. He was the most accurate in front of goal last week against City with two attempts on target and has had 30 shots from a possible 55 on target in the Premier League this season.

The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he also leads the way in attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses).  Mile Jedinak will play an important role if his side are to contain Liverpool’s notorious attacking capabilities. Jedinak has won 128 challenges this season out of a possible 168 attempted and has 417 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, interceptions and clearances).  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has also committed the most fouls this season with 60 to his name.  Palace fans will be hoping that he does not give away too many opportunities the Liverpool. 

Damien Delaney has proved to be a bedrock in defense this season for Palace.  With 328 clearances to his name in 35 appearances, nobody can deny that Irishman will be heavily involved in keeping his side in the game. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he also has made 29 blocks and 79 interceptions this season.

 Liverpool will be eager not to give title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea anymore advantages when they travel to Crystal Palace.  They had looked certain to lift the title after an 11 game unbeaten record but Chelsea’s resolute defence proved too much last weekend.  As a result, Brendon Rogers’ side need to win every game and hope that both City and Chelsea slip up.

 Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge, Lewis Suarez and Steven Gerrard have scored 66 goals in the Premier League this season between them; more than double Palace’s team effort of 27.  With the Premier League no longer guaranteed, Liverpool need to score as many goals as possible if they are to cancel out City’s goal difference advantage.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Gerrard is the most accurate in front of goal this season with 31 from a possible 48 shots on target this season. The England captain will want to make amends for last week’s shock home defeat to Chelsea.

 There can be no doubts that Lewis Suarez will play a huge role this weekend against Palace.  Suarez has scored an amazing 30 times in 31 appearances but he is not just lethal in front of goal; the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 207 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, crosses and dribbles).

 Liverpool were caught twice on the counter attack last weekend against Chelsea and will be aware of this threat when they travel to Palace this weekend.  Jon Flanagan won five out of a possible five tackles last weekend against Chelsea with 11 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks and interceptions).