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.

The Wolves wingbacks top the xFPL table this week, with Jonny beating Doherty by just 0.4 points. The Spaniard attempted five assists to the Irishman’s two, but the latter took four shots in the box (SiB), one of which was deemed a ‘big chance’. Deulofeu  comes in at number three, and no player landed more shots on target (SoT) this gameweek than the Spaniard’s four as he racked up 17 points. Eriksen took more shots than any other player with nine, but only one of these was a SiB and he posts a xFPL score of only 7.6. Moutinho was the most creative player on show, with eight attempted assists.

2. The Liverpool defence

Liverpool kept their 19^th clean sheet of the season at Cardiff, and with a favourable run of fixtures to see out the season their defensive options are compared using the Fix Comparison Matrix. Alexander-Arnold registered an assist in gameweek 35, and the right-back beats Van Dijk and Robertson in every metric except minutes played. He has attempted more assists and shots than the other two combined and his total of 71 penalty area actions is more than any defender over the last six gameweeks. The young Liverpudlian is also the cheapest of the three and looks like a shrewd acquisition for the run in, as he has the attacking numbers to rival Liverpool’s frontmen.

3. The Battle for seventh

Watford and Wolves both picked up four points each this gameweek and only four points separate the two. Everton and Leicester are also in the battle for seventh place which potentially awards a Europa League playoff spot this season. Their assets are compared using the xFPL Custom Stats table for the last six gameweeks and it is Vardy who is the clear winner. The Englishman has scored six goals over the last six gameweeks, but faces Arsenal, Man. City and Chelsea over the next three matches. Sigurdsson’s statistics are also impressive, the Icelander has managed four Fantasy Premier League (FPL) involvements over this period, and only Vardy has landed more SoT from the players under consideration. Everton are in-form as well, with five wins in their last six and with Palace, Burnley and Tottenham to come their fixture list is far kinder. Deulofeu and Jota also underline their credentials as budget options off the back of their gameweek 35 hauls.