Sunderland will be hoping to get back to form this weekend by delivering their first victory in three matches. Sunderland will have reason to be optimistic coming into the match, however, having managed four points from their two games prior to last weekend’s defeat against QPR.
Sunderland will need their team firing on all cylinders, and Sebastian Larsson is likely to be the man to inspire them. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 268.3km already this term, also helping him to complete a squad best 467 passes in the opposition half. It is no surprise that the quality in his delivery has seen him complete a squad best 13 crosses; it’s no wonder he also has four assists to his name. It is this quality and hard work that he will need to continue to drive on his side.
At the back, the Black Cats will hope that Santiago Vergini can deliver another solid performance to help keep a clean sheet. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 46 tackles, racked up 83 interceptions and made 11 blocks. His reading of the play will have to be at its best this weekend to ensure he remains one step ahead of the dangerous Baggies front line.
Going forward, Sunderland will look to Adam Johnson to be the man to put the ball in the back of the net, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance index illustrates why. The English winger has netted four times this season, converting 25% of his 16 shots. He also has the ability to turn provider having completed a squad best 21 crosses, but he is 9/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
This weekend’s visitors to the Stadium Of Light will come into the match in good form, and are coming in search of back-to-back wins. The Baggies have only lost once in their last six matches, and will be looking to extend that to seven with victory this weekend.
Key to achieving that objective is their shot stopper Ben Foster, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal how good his form has been this season. Foster has racked up 66 saves already this campaign, making an average of 1.94 saves per goal conceded. He will hope to achieve consecutive clean sheets this weekend with what would be his fourth clean sheet in six matches.
At the back, Andre Wisdom has been in great form in his first season in the blue and white stripes of West Brom. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has had such a good season due to his work rate, having covered a squad best 217.8km. He has also racked up 29 interceptions and 62 clearances and will hope to add to both of those tallies with another fine display.
Up top, Saido Berahino has had a fantastic season that he seen him receive accolades from all sources. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that his 10 goals this season have come from 24 shots on target, converting 41.6% of those chances. He has hit a top speed of 33.69km/h this season, and that pace will see him pose a major threat to Sunderland’s back line. He is 47/20 to score anytime with 888sport.com.