1. xFPL review

xFPL explained : Expected goals (xG), assists (xA), involvements (xI = xG + xA) and clean sheets (xC) that were expected based on the underlying statistics (e.g. shot type and location). xFPL is the combination of these statistics and factors in appearance and bonus points to give an overall expected Fantasy Premier League (FPL) point score.

West Ham assets take up two of the top three spots for the first time in the xFPL table this season, as Chicharito and Anderson posted impressive underlying stats, with four and two shots in the box (SiB) respectively, to back up their FPL (Fantasy Premier League) returns. Aubameyang, who now leads the goal scoring charts took three SiB and also created two chances, indicating his haul vs Spurs was no fluke. Salah was particularly disappointing with zero shots in the box, and a low xFPL of 5.8. Hazard, who had one of the easiest fixtures on paper this week, posted a xFPL score of only 6.2, with two shots in the box and two chances created. Sterling continues to post impressive xFPL numbers, with a score of 8.4, beating Sané who could only manage 5.2, even though both took the same number of SiB (two).

2. Aubameyang vs Kane

With Agüero a doubt for the midweek fixture vs Watford, FPL managers are turning to North London for replacements, with Kane and Aubameyang the beneficiaries according to our Transfer Stats. Using the Fix Heatmaps feature, the two are compared over the last six gameweeks, and though Kane posts better underlying numbers, he has been outscored by Aubameyang six to three. Even though Kane has fired in 12 shots on target (SoT) compared to Aubameyang’s six, he has taken only one more SiB indicating that a large percentage of Kane’s shots are from long distance, which is backed up by his inferior expected goals stat. The Gabonese has also created more chances than the Englishman, and at 1.4m cheaper, looks a superior option given Arsenal’s goal scoring form.

3. Is it still worth holding on to Hazard and Salah

Both Hazard and Salah are seeing sales ahead of the gameweek fifteen deadline, largely for the Man. City mids, and using the Fix Comparison matrix, the underlying statistics are compared for the last four gameweeks. Sterling wins in every category except attempted assists, further emphasizing the merits of signing him for your FPL squad, but given his price tag of 9.4, Sané’s numbers are intriguing. He has attempted the same number of SoT as Sterling, Hazard and Salah and is only behind the Belgian in terms of chances created, despite seeing reduced minutes. With Mendy missing out long term, Sané’s spot on the left wing appears to be secure and over the busy December period he should see less rotation than Sterling, and with his more budget friendly price tag, represents a shrewd acquisition for your FPL squad.