In this blog, we break down the standout performers, analyse the latest transfer trends, and reveal the early must-have picks for the upcoming Gameweeks of the 2025/26 FPL season.
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As shown in the image below, Gusto tops the Custom Stats xFPL table for Gameweek 11 with a score of 11.8. The right-back scored his only attempt from close range and also kept a clean sheet.
Enzo was heavily involved in Chelsea’s attack, registering five shots – more than any other player – with three on target and two chances created. The Argentinian international was unfortunate not to deliver any FPL returns, reflected in his xFPL score of 5.9.
Saka was among the weekend’s top performers, producing a 12-point haul. The England star took three shots in the box (one a 'big chance') and created two 'big chances' of his own, earning an xFPL score of 8.9.
Thiago continues to impress for Brentford. No player landed more shots on target (three), and two of his attempts were 'big chances', resulting in an xFPL score of 8.9.
Doku also caught the eye with an active display — three shots on target and three attempted assists — though a lack of 'big chance' involvement limited his xFPL score to 7.2.
xFPL is calculated primarily using expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA), which combine to form expected FPL involvements (xG + xA = xI), along with expected clean sheets (xCS). These values are based on underlying statistics — for example, shot type and location determine the probability of scoring, which contributes to xG. xFPL then combines these metrics, factoring in appearance and bonus points to produce an overall expected FPL point score.
As shown in the Transfer Analytics tool below, Mbeumo is the most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 12, with nearly 200,000 FPL managers adding him to their teams at the time of writing.
Thiago’s 13-point haul has made him another popular target, with over 100,000 new owners. Despite blanking against Brighton, Mateta has also attracted a similar number of transfers in. João Pedro’s recent goals have seen him emerge as a strong FPL option, while Rice remains in the top five transfers in despite failing to return against Sunderland.
Kudus and Gyökeres were both absent at the weekend, leading to a surge in sales. Woltemade’s assist against Brentford hasn’t been enough to convince managers to hold, while poor recent form from Reijnders and Grealish has also seen them among the most-sold players.
Looking at the top 10 forward transfer combinations, Woltemade to Thiago (21.4%) is the most common move overall, followed by Bowen to Thiago (10.0%). Mateta, João Pedro, and even Marc Guiu are among the most-bought forwards, with many managers shifting funds into midfield instead.
Among midfielders, the top 10 combinations are slightly more varied, but Kudus to Mbeumo (8.0%) leads the way. The Cameroon international features in nine of the top 10 most popular midfield transfer combinations, with Enzo, Gakpo, Saka, Reijnders, Grealish, and Ndiaye among those making way.
In defence, transfers are more evenly spread. Burn to Mukiele (2.2%) is the most common move, while Gabriel is the only Arsenal defender being brought in. O’Reilly, Virgil, Cash, and Richards are also attracting interest, as Timber, Calafiori, Diouf, Gvardiol, and James are being sold.
Thiago (60) and Welbeck (45) have scored eight goals between them this season and present intriguing budget options for FPL managers' frontlines.
As shown in the Player Heatmaps feature, Thiago has averaged 7.2 FPL points per game over the last six Gameweeks while Welbeck has also managed an impressive 6.5 over the same period.
Although they have scored six goals each, there is a clear difference in terms of the underlying numbers. Thiago has attempted 16 shots in the box compared to just six for Welbeck and has notched more than double the 'Expected Goals' (xG) tally (5.45 vs 2.25) of the former England international.
Welbeck does have the edge for creativity with seven attempted assists compared to just one for Thiago but as his 'Expected Assists' (xA) tally of 0.26 shows, these were all low quality chances created.
Based on these numbers, Thiago looks the better pick by a distance.
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