FPL GW21 Fixture Wise Review | Players that Caught our Eye

Here in this blog, we review the stats and key numbers from FPL GW21 Saturday fixtures. This blog is written by @deevyaparekh. Check out the first part of the review where we review the New Year’s day fixtures from FPL GW21 ~ FPL GW21 Saturday Fixture Wise Review | Players that Caught our Eye

FPL GW21 Review

Chelsea (1.52) 2 – 2 (1.34) Liverpool

The African Cup of Nations departees in Salah, Mane (and Mendy) had strong showings in this hugely entertaining game. Salah (12.8, MID) had an xGI of 0.70 from 4 shots, 3 from inside the box including 2 big chances and 2 chances created. Mane (11.8, MID) did similarly well pouncing on a Chalobah defensive error to score while putting up an xGI of 0.59 from 2 shots, both taken from inside box including 1 big chance and 1 big chance created. Jota struggled in this game before being subbed off midway through the second half with Liverpool missing Firmino’s unique skillset in this game.

Christian Pulisic was employed in a fluid front 3 alongside Havertz and Mount in the disciplinary absence of Romelu Lukaku and was a lively threat before being moved to a wider wing-back role for the final 20 or so minutes. He had an xG of 0.83 from 2 shots, both inside the box and both big chances.

Mount (7.7, MID) is more nailed option in the Chelsea lineup and continued his impressive run of performances with 4 shots, 2 from inside the box, 2 chances created for an xGI of 0.37.

My highlight stat takeaway from this game is Marcos Alonso (5.7, DEF). The wing-back has the spot as it stands due to the unfortunate need for Chilwell to undergo season-ending surgery and with an expected 2 month lay off for Reece James, the more defensive Azpilicueta took over wing-back duties allowing Alonso to bomb on and attack more than he was in previous games as shown in his heat map attached below. The Spanish full-back got done in one v one for Salah to score his goal but he had a very solid offensive showing with 4 shots, 2 from inside the box, 2 chances created including 1 ‘big chance’ for an xGI of 0.40.

Everton (1.73) 2 – 3 (1.50) Brighton and Hove Albion

Game 1 of an Everton DGW underwhelmed in terms of points for the favorites but not in their underlying numbers. Calvert-Lewin started and encouragingly played a full 90 minutes, had a strong penalty box presence and put up encouraging numbers despite a hugely unfortunate missed penalty and 0 points for owners. The 7.9m FWD had a day-high xG of 1.01 from 4 shots, all from inside the box and 1 big chance (the penalty which makes up o.76 of his xG).

Budget option Anthony Gordon (4.5m, MID) stole the show with 2 goals but question marks remain around if he can hold onto his spot when Townsend is fully fit. An xGI of 0.48 for him from 5 shots, 3 from inside the box and 1 chance created.

My highlight from this game is popular FPL asset, Demarai Gray (5.5, MID). Back fit and with a quality striker to aim at, He may have created an xGI of just 0.28 which doesnt immediately standout but he had 2 shots from inside the box, created 3 chances and his heat map below shows he took up threatening positions close to goal especially for an asset as kindly priced as he is and with more Double Gameweeks upcoming for Everton. My second favourite Everton asset after Calvert-Lewin from this Everton team for a kind run of fixtures.

Brighton have a large set of injury concerns and that combined with rotation makes it hard to advocate for owning Mac Allister or Mwepu who both put up strong numbers this week.

Dan Burn (4.4, DEF) did manage an xG of 0.55 from 2 shots in the box including a ‘big chance’ further adding goal-threat appeal to his budget price in a historically solid defense.

Leeds United (1.68) 3 – 1 (1.13) Burnley

Leeds secured a win in a game with big implications at the bottom of the table with Burnley beginning to look in serious trouble.

Raphinha (6.5, MID) flattered to deceive producing a strong 0.44 xGI from 5 shots, 3 from inside the box including a big chance and 2 chances created but owners were on the wrong side of variance with a 2 point return. Nonetheless, the signs are encouraging.

Luke Ayling (4.3, DEF) did create 1 big chance for an xA of 0.35. Young Joe Gelhardt looked impressive when he came on and with the impending return of Patrick Bamford, its hard to advocate for Tyler Roberts (4.8, MID) despite playing OOP and producing strong numbers in this game and the same can be said for Dan James and the impact of their return on his output and minutes.

For Burnley, Max Cornet scored a great goal and looked great again but is now heading out to the African Cup of Nations. Chris Wood (6.7, FWD) was the encouragement in terms of underlying numbers with 2 shots, both from inside the box including a big chance for an xG of 0.63. With lots of Double Gameweeks upcoming and being on penalties, Chris Wood might yet emerge as a strong option as the season progress’ but needs to start delivering on his underlying.

Brentford (0.60) 2 – 1 (0.90) Aston Villa

Stats-wise, not much stands out about this game. Ivan Toney didn’t have the kind of goal threat we’d expect and Ollie Watkins missed out. Faith in Villa’s defense shouldn’t be much hampered despite conceding 2 as the underlying show they limited Brentford to just 0.60 however they did struggle to create much of their own.

Emi Buendia (6.2, MID) finally showed the numbers to back up what was expected of him in pre-season with 5 shots, 3 from inside the box, and 4 chances created for a game-high xGI of 0.54. Whether these increased numbers are a result of having Danny Ings as a central striker and Watkins’ absence remains to be seen.

Danny Ings (7.7, FWD) had an xGI of 0.42 from 5 shots, 4 from inside the box, and 2 chances created – impressive-looking numbers for him but again – needs to be monitored for if he can keep this up when Watkins returns and Villa play their favoured setup.

John McGinn (5.8, MID) picked up his 5th yellow of the season and is suspended for their next league game against Newcastle United but nonetheless it’s worth pointing out that the midfielder, in his box to box role, notched an xGI of 0.50 from 2 shots (none from inside the box) and 3 chances created.

Man United vs Wolves

Man United struggled at home against Wolves and deservingly lost to a Moutinho goal. Man United had an xG of 0.91 while Wolves had an xG of 0.87.

Podence impressed for Wolves with four shots, three on target, and an xG of 0.29. Saiss had a good shift as well at both ends of the pitch, hitting the post off a free-kick but sadly he’s AFCON bound. Full back Semedo too had a decent outing and also had two shots on goal with one on target, he also pocketed two bonus points.

For Man United, there was only one good chance in the game for Bruno who hit the post after coming in on as a sub. Ronaldo had a poor game having just two shots on goal for an xG of just 0.10. AWB, Sancho were all poor and Man united were comfortably outrun in the midfield. At the moment, Ronaldo seems to be the only FPL option from Man United.

Further Reads from ALLABOUTFPL Ahead of FPL Gameweek 22 :

FPL GW21 Saturday Fixture Wise Review | Players that Caught our Eye
What is FPL CUP? What are the rules? How to win the 2021/22 FPL CUP?
2021/22 FPL Chip Strategy: What to do with the Elusive Boosts

We have also made an elaborate guide covering every rule and chip available in FPL for the 2021/22 FPL Season ~ 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League Season Rules, Tips | The Ultimate Guide

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