Popular Fantasy Premier League (FPL) options, Fernandes and Rashford have started the season poorly with the pair both blanking in their first two fixtures. FPL managers now have a difficult decision to make whether to part with either or both of the duo ahead of a good home fixture against Forest and in this blog, their numbers from last year, as well as this year, are compared and possible replacements are discussed.

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As the above images from the Fix Heatmaps feature shows, over the last 10 Gameweeks of the 2022/23 season, Fernandes outscored Rashford by eight FPL points but he averaged 4.8 points per game while the latter managed 5.4. They both bagged three goals with Rashford faring significantly better for Expected Goals (xG) (3.68 vs 6.01). In terms of creativity, Fernandes was significantly ahead with 47 attempted assists to Rashford's 12. These numbers are excellent for both players which explains why so many managers invested ahead of Man. Utd's kind run of opening fixtures.

A look at the numbers from the opening two games shows a similar trend with Rashford (1.38) faring better for xG than Fernandes (0.78). The Portuguese international is ahead for creativity once again with seven chances created compared to Rashford's three. The underlying numbers are decent for both players which indicates that returns might be around the corner. There is a possibility of Ten hag tactically tweaking his lineup for Gameweek 3, with Mount expected to miss out this weekend. Rashford has often been more effective playing on the left which is something the manager might look to accommodate with recent poor performances in mind.

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As the above image from our Fix Comparison Matrix shows, Mbeumo tops the comparison for FPL points (23), goals (three), shots on target (five) and 'big chances' (BC) (four) which include his two penalties.

Mitoma has also notched three returns with two assists and a goal, while the Japanese international is top for attempted assists and BC created. Brighton have scored eight goals over the opening two fixtures which means that managers can even consider a double-up with March. The right-winger currently leads the FPL points charts with 24 points.

Maddison is expected to miss out this weekend with a minor injury but his absence is thought to be short term, like Mitoma he has also notched two assists and is third in the comparison for chances created (eight). Spurs have a great run of fixtures and if he is back for Gameweek 4, it might be worth moving out one of the Man. Utd. midfielders after the Forest fixture for the new Spurs' playmaker.

Foden created a whopping seven chances against Newcastle last weekend and shone in the creative role in the absence of De Bruyne. He is joint-top with Mitoma for attempted assists (nine) and has had two BC involvements. Man. City have a great run of fixtures with them up against Sheff. Utd, Fulham and West Ham over the next three and with Mahrez and Gundogan gone alongside De Bruyne injury, Foden's place looks to be secure in the Man. City side for the time being.

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