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.

Son tops the Custom Stats table for gameweek 32 with an xFPL score of 13.2. The South Korean took a total of five shots and also attempted four assists, notching an xFPL score of 13.2. No player took more shots than Iheanacho (eight) or landed more shots on target (SoT) (three), the Nigerian was unlucky not to score more than six FPL points as his 8.4 xFPL score shows. Shaw was the gameweek’s most creative player with six attempted assists, none of these was a ‘big chance’ which is why he registered an xFPL score of just 4.2. Castagne also posted impressive numbers, the Belgian attempted five assists and also hit the woodwork, notching an xFPL score of 10.0

2. B. Fernandes vs. Greenwood

Greenwood notched his fourth goal in the last three gameweeks and his numbers are compared to the more popular B. Fernandes over that period using our Fix Heatmaps feature. In terms of goal threat, Greenwood beats the Portugal international for expected goals (xG) (2.36 vs. 0.76), shots (12 vs. nine), SoT (six vs. five) and shots in the box (SiB) (11 vs. three). A look at their creative numbers shows it is quite close there too, B. Fernandes has attempted five assists to Greenwood’s three but both have created the same number of ‘big chances’ (two). The youngster looks a great option for Man. United’s season run-in, alongside or instead of B. Fernandes.

3. Keepers compared

Several FPL managers were left without a goalkeeper in gameweek 32 with Mendy, Leno and Forster finding themselves on the bench. Using the Stats Sandbox feature, the defensive numbers of teams across the league are compared over the last six gameweeks to determine the best replacement options. Chelsea still post the best defensive numbers in the league, ranking first for SiB conceded (19) and xG conceded (2.98). Leicester’s numbers are encouraging, the Foxes are ranked second for SiB conceded (22) and xG conceded (3.85) which makes Schmeichel a great replacement, especially as Leicester are ranked fourth on our Fixture Analyser for the next three gameweeks. Wolves are top of the Fixture Analyser and also post decent defensive numbers, the Midlands side are ranked fifth for SiB conceded (37) and sixth for xG conceded (5.08), so Patricio could also be a great buy. If budget is an issue, Sanchez also appeals. Brighton are ranked fourth for SiB conceded (30) and xG conceded (4.89), while the Seagulls also rank third in the Fixture Analyser.