1. xFPL review

xFPL is calculated primarily using expected goals (xG), assists (xA), which combine as Fantasy Premier League (FPL) involvements (xG + xA = xI), and expected clean sheets (xC). These numbers are a result of underlying statistics (i.e. shot type and location gives 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.

Salah tops the xFPL table this week, with three attempted assists, three shots in the box (SiB) and two shots on target (SoT). The Egyptian scored his third penalty in the last four matches and spot kick duties remain a large part of his appeal going forward. Jesus scored from both his SoT, so he perhaps overperformed in terms of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points, whereas Sané owners can consider themselves unlucky not to be rewarded with more points, as the winger attempted two assists and four shots. Luiz’s xFPL score of 10.6 is more than double that of Alonso at 5.0, as the Spaniard continued to exhibit minimal attacking threat, with just one attempted assist and no shots. Robertson once again posted impressive numbers, with a xFPL score of 8.8, cementing his status as the best defensive option in the game.

2. Kane replacements

The injury to Kane at the end of the Man. United game looks like it will keep him out for a number of gameweeks, and his possible replacement options are put under the scanner using our Fix Comparison Matrix feature. Rashford beats the more expensive forwards for assists, shots and SoT, and appears to be the best option. For those who already own the Englishman, the comparison is a bit more tricky. Aubameyang plays Chelsea and Man. City in two of his next three games, and Jesus’ brace against Wolves could lead to Agüero being benched again for the Huddersfield game. Firmino could be a great option given Liverpool have three home games in the next four, and the Brazilian averages 3.5 shots per game, and leads the comparison for ‘penalty area actions’.

3. Move the cash to midfield?

The Kane injury and the form of Rashford gives managers the option to shift cash from their forward line to their midfield, and the top five projected mids as per our Fix Algorithm are put under the scanner using our Fix Comparison Matrix. Salah is in a league of his own and appears as close to ‘essential’ as it gets, and is hence excluded from this comparison. Hazard posts impressive underlying stats and has the highest points per game average, but Chelsea’s lack of a striker is clearly affecting his output. Spurs have the best fixtures in the next five and both Eriksen and Alli have stepped up in the past when Kane has been injured, so either appears worth a punt given Son’s absence as well. Mané is an intriguing option considering the Reds have three home games in the next four. Sané has posted superior numbers to Sterling in the last few weeks, and appears to be the best attacking option from the Champions given the rotation risk to their strikers.