Sam Johnstone – Aston Villa
The young goalkeeper kept another clean sheet in midweek as Villa beat QPR 1-0. That was their fourth game running without conceding a goal. Johnstone had little to do during the game with the visitors having just one shot on target but he kept his concentration throughout. Again Villa conceded just one shot on target during the weekend game away at Burton Albion. This time, however, Johnstone was beaten and conceded the second goal in nine games. The game finished 1-1, leaving Villa 11th in the league courtesy of a fine run of form which has lifted them from relegation trouble.
Andreas Pereira – Granada
The attacking midfielder played the full 90 minutes of his side’s 3-1 home defeat to Valencia. The game appeared to be closer than the scoreline suggested, with Granada having much of the better play. Pereira was one of the better players for Granada, having two shots, one on target, and making five key passes.
He also played the full 90 minutes of Wednesdays 0-0 draw away at Deportivo. There were limited chances for both sides but, Pereira had two of Granada’s 10 shots, both, however, were off target. He has scored four times this season, putting him third on the highest scorers, one behind the joint leaders.
Adnan Januzaj – Sunderland
Januzaj was not eligible to play against his parent club but has played over 1500 minutes for Sunderland this season, assisting three times.