Defence

Man. City (26) and Brighton (43) are in the top four for shots conceded this season as per our Stats Sandbox which makes Cancelo, Dias, Duffy and Sánchez great picks this week against favourable opposition. No team has taken fewer shots in the box (SiB) than Norwich (36) while Burnley are second-bottom for goals scored (five). 

Only B. Fernandes (23) has created more chances than Alexander-Arnold (21) this season and with the right-back available again for Liverpool's trip to Watford, he is an automatic inclusion. 

As the above image shows, Villa have a 40% probability of a clean sheet in gameweek eight and Cash offers potential for returns at both ends of the pitch in the advanced wingback role he has been playing recently. 

Midfield

Salah is the captain choice for the majority of our Elite XI and as the below image shows, Liverpool and Man. City are projected to score the most goals in gameweek eight. The trio of Salah, Mané and Grealish make the XI as the best entry points into these prolific teams. 

Forwards

Antonio is the second most owned player in the Top 1000 as per our FPL Statistics feature and only Vardy (six) has scored more goals than his five. Meanwhile, only Liverpool (53) and Man. Utd (42) have landed more shots on target (39) than the Hammers this season.

As the above image from our Match Stats feature shows, over the last five matches Watkins leads the way amongst Villa players for Expected Goals (1.7) and shots on target (seven). At just 1.5% ownership, he is a great differential option this week.