Newcastle Vs West Ham - Premier League Head-To-Head Analysis

3. CENTRE-BACK: Mike Williamson (NUFC) Vs Winston Reid (WHUFC)

Mike Williamson is likely to be restored to the Newcastle United starting line-up for Sunday's match after making up with head coach John Carver. The Magpies boss accused Williamson of "deliberately" getting himself sent off against Leicester City, but he has now returned from his two-match suspension. Winston Reid, meanwhile, recently committed himself to West Ham United long term - even though Arsenal were said to be sniffing around the centre-back. Unfortunately for Williamson, there is very little comparison here - 18-cap New Zealand international Reid is undoubtedly the better player. In terms of the stats though, Williamson has made 30 Premier League appearances this season (26 as a starter, four off the bench), scoring once and assisting once. Reid meanwhile has played 29 times (28 times as a starter, once off the bench), scoring once but failing to assist at all.

However, when the defensive comparisons arise, Reid is better in just about every department: interceptions (1.6 to 1.4 per game), clearances (9.3 to 5.8 per game), tackles (1.4 to 1.0 per game) and blocks (1.0 to 0.6 per game). Williamson, however, commits half as many fouls as Reid (0.5 per game compared to 1.0), and he has received less yellow cards (five compared to 10) - although Williamson has been dismissed twice. In terms of technical ability, Reid can play on the deck and offers a calming reassurance to the rest of his defence - whereas Williamson is woeful in possession and just hoofs the ball downfield. Williamson has been in abject form and only gets into the Newcastle team due to the lack of alternatives, whereas Reid is a top-class Premier League centre-back.

Verdict: Reid - by a country mile. In some ways this isn't even a fair comparison because Williamson has been so woeful - but they will be playing in the same position on Sunday. Surely every single person who watches the Premier League would pick Reid over Williamson...