1. xFPL review

xFPL is calculated primarily using expected goals (xG), assists (xA), which combine as Fantasy Premier League (FPL) involvements (xG + xA = xI), as well as expected clean sheets (xC). These numbers are a result of underlying statistics (i.e. shot type and location will give a probability of scoring = xG). xFPL is the combination of these statistics and factors in appearance and bonus points to give an overall expected FPL point score.

Mane tops the Custom Stats xFPL table with a mammoth score of 17.2. The Senegalese took seven shots in the box (SiB), four shots on target (SoT), registered three ‘big chances’ and also created a ‘big chance’. Grealish, H. Barnes and Lookman were the gameweek’s most creative players with five attempted assists apiece, notching xFPL scores of 7.9, 4.9 and 3.3 respectively. Watkins and Mane were joint-top for SoT (four), the Villa forward took four SiB and was afforded two ‘big chances’, registering an xFPL score of 6.3.

2. Budget midfielders deliver

It was a good week for budget midfielders with Soucek, Gundogan, Saka etc getting on the scoresheet and their numbers are compared for the last two gameweeks using our Fix Comparison Matrix. Averages are used since West Ham and Man. City played an extra fixture. Saka averages the most FPL points (11.0) but does not top the comparison for any of the underlying numbers. Gundogan averages 10.7 FPL points  and tops the comparison for goals (1.3), shots (4.0), SoT (1.7) and ‘big chances’ (1.0). Neither Foden nor Raphinha have registered a single ‘big chance’ over the last two gameweeks but the Englishman posts encouraging numbers with 2.3 shots per game and 2.7 attempted assists. Soucek comes in second for ‘big chances’ (0.7) but his low shot volume (1.3) indicates that although he gets few opportunities, they are often good opportunities.

3. Kane replacements compared

Kane suffered an ankle injury against Liverpool and using the Stats Sandbox feature the replacement options are compared over the last two gameweeks. Averages per game are used once again. Firmino averages 0.90 expected goals (xG) over the aforementioned period, he also leads the way for shots (5.5) and attempted assists (2.5.). Antonio comes in second for xG (0.72) and tops the comparison for xFPL (7.57) and ‘big chances’ (1.33). Watkins posts encouraging numbers as well with 2.33 SiB and 0.61 xG. Bamford’s numbers are on the decline, he averages just 0.5 shots and 0.02 xG over the last two gameweeks.