Amaze your friends in the pub by digesting a few facts ahead of the clash between Saints and Norwich V City at St Mary's Stadium.

Southampton play host to Norwich this weekend in a match that could see the Saints go 8th in the Premier League. Pochettino’s men will be confident after their victory away to Crystal Palace last weekend. Southampton took the lead through England international Rodriguez who capitalised on a poor headed backpass from Jason Puncheon to challenge Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni before finding the net. Fellow England hopefuls Ricky Lambert and Adam Lallana also looked impressive; with the pair brilliantly combining only for Lambert to hit the woodwork. Exciting England prospect Luke Shaw looked confident at full-back; comfortably dealing with the physical presence of Murray.

Jay Rodriguez’s winner against Crystal Palace last weekend was his 11th of the season, placing him as the Saint’s top scorer for this season so far. Following a defensive error from Palace’s Puncheon, the England hopeful demonstrated his ability to react quickly and mercilessly capitalised on the chance. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Rodriguez has a 41% shot accuracy rating this season.

Adam Lallana posed a constant attacking threat to Tony Pulis’ men. The England international has displayed impressive form this season, attracting the attention of Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson and almost certainly booking his place on the plane to Brazil. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Lallana made 42 attacking contributions (shots on target, passes, dribbles and crosses) against Crystal Palace; bringing his season total to an impressive 788. He is 14/5 to score at anytime with 888sport.com

The Saint’s defense looked to be comfortable in coping with Palaces’ attacking threat. José Fonte looked more than capable dealing with the host’s long balls and throw-ins. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that made 20 Defensive contributions (tackles, blocks, interception and clearances), bringing his season tally to an impressive 367; the highest at the club.

Norwich will be eager to put last weeks disappointing draw with Stoke behind them when they travel to Southampton this weekend. Chris Hughton claimed that his side kicked themselves in the foot after giving away a penalty, which leveled the game; before failing to take advantage of 10 man Stoke for the last 12 minutes. The draw keeps the pressure on Hughton and his men who are currently 15th in the League; 4 points above the bottom three. The Canaries face a bottom of the table scrap in four of their next five matches against struggling Sunderland, Swansea, West Brom and Fulham before ending the season against Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Canary fans will be hoping that midfielder Bradley Johnson leads by example this weekend after stating midweek that Chris Hughton’s men must raise their game against their league rivals. Heading in a Robert Snodgrass Free kick, Bradley Johnson put the Canaries ahead last weekend with just over half an hour left on the clock. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Johnson was by far Norwich’s biggest attacking threat, making 36 attacking contributions (shots on target, dribbles, passes and crosses). He is 13/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com

Robert Snodgrass once again demonstrated his impressive ability to create chances against Stoke with a trademark free kick that found Johnson. The Scotsman has proved to be an inspiring individual in attack, making 506 attacking contributions this season including 22 crosses; the highest at the club.

The Norwich defense looked to be comfortable in dealing with the Potters’ attacking threats, with Joseph Yobo making a total of 13 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, interceptions and clearances). Furthermore, despite clumsily giving away the penalty that would cost the Canaries 2 points and leave the Norwich faithful frustrated, The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Sebastien Bassong made 11 defensive contributions; contributing to a season total of 267; the highest at the club.

Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at
fantasy.premierleague.com
or with FIFA Ultimate Team for FIFA 14.

Photo: Action Images

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