Preview: West Ham vs LIVERPOOL

Balotelli will be hoping to add to his mid-week goal against West Ham tonight

West Ham fought hard to earn themselves a point on Monday night’s fixture away at Hull to leave them with four points from six away from home. They are, however, pointless from their two games at home, where they were edged out by Tottenham and then Southampton. The Hammers will look to turn the Boleyn Ground back into the fortress that it has previously been for them, starting with three points this weekend.

Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem for the Irons and has been a responsibility that has been undertaken by a variety of players. Stewart Downing is one such player who has grabbed a goal this year and also laid on another goal as well. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index also reveals that Downing has hit a searing top pace of 35.1km/h, the fastest in the squad. This pace will pose a major threat to the Liverpool back line. He is 8/1 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Mark Noble has started the campaign in a very positive manner, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Noble has covered 46.51km in his first four games of the season; more ground than any other member of the West Ham squad. He has added an impressive 88.23% tackles to his hard work covering the pitch and has racked up six interceptions. On the ball, he is equally adept, having found the back of the net and also managing 119 passes in the opposition half, with only one other West Ham player within 50 passes of him.

At the back, Winston Reid has played every minute of the Irons opening four games in the campaign, and has looked an imposing figure. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he has won 100% of his tackles, made seven interceptions and also made four blocks. He also holds a squad best 39 clearances, but also showing his composure on the ball by completing 84.96% of his passes.

Liverpool’s early season form has been variable with two wins and two defeats from their opening four games, and they will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s home defeat to Aston Villa.

Replacing a talent like Luis Suarez was always going to be a difficult task, and requires people to step up to fill the void. Raheem Sterling has started the season in blistering form and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can show us exactly why. It reveals that he has not only scored twice and grabbed an assist, but defensively he has also won 80% of his tackles. It is on the ball where he really impresses though, and having completed 10 dribbles and hit a top speed of 34.2 km/h, the young England winger will have defenders back-peddling. He is 9/5 to score anytime with 888sport.com.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is ever dependable in the centre of the park, but the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index tells us that we should be focusing on the good work of his centre midfield partner Jordan Henderson. Whilst he hasn’t scored like his captain, Henderson has created two goals and completed a staggering 147 passes in the opposition half; nearly 50% more than Gerrard. He has also made eight interceptions and eight clearances whilst covering a squad best 46.05km. It is his engine that is getting the team going.

Since his summer switch from Southampton, Dejan Lovren has impressed for his new side as proved by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has completed a squad best 38 clearances whilst also managing 10 interceptions. He is equally assured on the ball having completed a squad best 246 passes with a 88.17% completion rate.

Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate team.

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