STATS: Cuellars’ defensive work for Sunderland vs Holt’s on target shots for Norwich
Sunderland v Norwich, 13:30
– Sunderland fell to 3-1 defeat away to a rejuvenated QPR last time out, another Steven Fletcher goal proving not enough to knock the will from their opponents who battled back after falling behind. It was a result that put pressure on Sunderland to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle and they will looking to recover quickly at home this weekend.
– Steven Fletcher continues to be Sunderland primary threat of goal, despite increasing help from midfield from the like of Stephane Sessegnon and Adam Johnson. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he has an excellent shot accuracy rate of 75.5% from 49 attempts on goal, converting that sharp shooting into 11 goals so far this season.
– Some of Carlos Cuellars’ defensive work has been outstanding this season. The imposing Spaniard has an excellent tackle success rate of 86.8% from 53 attempted challenges.
– Pacy winger Stephane Sessegnon has been more than happy to test out opposition defences this season and Norwich’s back four will have to be aware of the threat he poses. He currently sits third on the EA SPORTS for dribbles with 39.
– Norwich battled to a 0-0 draw against Southampton last weekend, after Grant Holt saw a late penalty saved by Artur Boruc. Chris Hughton will be looking to see his side try and grind out another result this weekend to help ease any lingering fears of relegation around the club.
– Robert Snodgrass has been vital as a creative force for Norwich this season, consistently moving forward with purpose into dangerous attacking positions. He’s also found space to plays others into those positions, having completed a pass in the opponent’s half once every 4 minutes he’s been on the field this season.
– Look for defender Russell Martin to potentially be crucial to preventing the at times dangerous Sunderland attack from gaining any kind of momentum. He has one of the best tackle success rates in the Norwich squad, completing 68.2% of his 44 attempted challenges, conceding only 10 fouls.
– Grant Holt will likely lead the line for Norwich this weekend, having done so to great effect for much of the season to date. His 5 goals represents the highest total in the Canaries squad, bolstered by his solid on-target accuracy of 62.2% from 37 shots.