In this blog, the underlying numbers for the various premium options in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) are compared to Saka using the Fix Comparison Matrix.

Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes is the most creative player in the comparison with his attempted assists per game (3.5) numbers eclipsing that of De Bruyne (3.0). He has also created more 'big chances' per game (1.3) than the Belgian international. The Portuguese international’s goal threat numbers are poor though, he is bottom of the comparison for shots (1.8), shots on target (SoT) (0.5) and 'big chances' (zero). As the below image shows, Man. Utd are fourth on the Fixture Planner for the rest of the season, despite the blank in gameweek 32. They also have another double gameweek yet to be rescheduled which will likely drop in gameweek 37. The Portugal international looks a great pick until the end of the season alongside Rashford.

Bukayo Saka

Saka's benching in gameweek 29 was supposedly due to illness and the 21-year-old is expected to return to Arsenal's lineup for the Gunners' remaining games. Several managers have got rid of the midfielder for other assets who doubled in gameweek 29 but moving back to him should very much be a consideration. He is second for shots per game (2.6) only to Kane (3.2) and third for SoT (0.9). De Bruyne (3.0) and Fernandes (3.5) are the only premium assets to have created more chances per game than Saka's 1.6.

Mohamed Salah

Salah's benching against Chelsea took many FPL managers by surprise and it remains to be seen if Klopp continues to chop and change his lineup since most of their attackers are now fully fit. The 2020 champions also only have the Premier League to focus on. The Egyptian international's underlying numbers are strong, he is top of the comparison for FPL points per game (7.5), assists (0.5) and SoT (1.2). He is also second for 'big chances' (0.5) and third for 'big chances' created (0.7). Liverpool are top of the Fixture Planner as shown in the above image, so while the fixtures and form warrant investment, the benching against Chelsea gives some cause for concern going forward.

Harry Kane

The second-highest scoring asset in FPL with 189 points, Kane trails Haaland by just 14 points and has been ticking along consistently despite Spurs' wayward form. The England captain has averaged 6.5 FPL points over the last six gameweeks and is top of the comparison for goals (0.8), shots (3.2), SoT (1.2) and 'big chances' (1.0). Several managers have been planning to sell the forward to raise funds down the line but that decision should not be taken lightly, keeping these numbers in mind.

Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne looked back to his best with a 13-point haul against Liverpool and despite limited minutes, the Belgium international is posting decent numbers with 3.0 chances created and 0.8 'big chances' created per game. He has also averaged 2.5 shots and 0.5 SoT per game and the reigning Champions look to be back to their attacking best. As the below image from our Stats Sandbox feature shows, only Brighton (2.41) have notched a higher 'Expected Goals' (xG) figure per game than Man. City 2.36 over the last six gameweeks.