I am generally someone who doesn’t pay too much attention to stats (although given my performance in FPL last season perhaps I should) but what I’m going to try and do with this section of the website is to combine my own ‘Eye Test’ with some stats to look at interesting and potential picks for us all moving forward.
So without further ado, here are five players who passed my ‘Eye Test’ during Gameweek 1.
Benrahma:
I was fortunate enough to select the Algerian at the start of the season so was absolutely delighted with his 12 points in Gameweek 1. Ignoring my potential bias, watching the match on Sunday and taking a look at his stats from the game highlight a very promising option for all FPL managers moving forward.
Along with his goal and his assist, the attacking midfielder registered an xG of 0.44, expected goals on target (xGOT) of 0.69 and attempted 3 shots and created 2 chances for team-mates.
With Antonio dropping back into the midfield to help bring others into play, it allowed Benrahma to push further forward. This was perfectly highlighted when Benrahma ran into the empty space in the box to head in from Antonio’s cross. A very good option, especially if you’re looking to transfer out a potentially injured Gundogan.
(An honorable mention for Pablo Fornals too – 5 created chances, 1 assist and 2 shots).
Moura:
Against a very strong Manchester City side (albeit seemingly not prepared for the new season as of yet), the Brazilian winger looked threatening throughout and no players in Sky Blue were able to cope with his pace, movement and trickery.
He had 3 shots, an xG of 0.21 and created 3 chances for team-mates. Additionally, he registered 10 ball recoveries too, meaning that his baseline bonus points were fairly strong. Son may have taken the plaudits, having scored the only goal of the game but I was most impressed with Moura. His stats and overall match rating also compared strongly against those of Deli Alli, who is valued at the same price.
With Tottenham’s fixture list improving over the next few gameweeks, he could be a very differential and interesting pick moving forward; especially with a current FPL price of just 6.5m.
Smith-Rowe:
I know what you’re all thinking, ‘but Maverick, Arsenal were crap and lost 2-0 to Brentford’; and yes, you’d be absolutely right.
But hear me out. If there was one single shining light (albeit fairly dim) that came from that match, it was the young Englishman, Emile Smith-Rowe. He created 2 chances, had 2 shots and had an xA of 0.37. From memory, he should really have done better with one of the chances he had so he could have been looking at some reasonable FPL points despite such an appalling team performance.
Yes, his next two games are pretty much the worst two you could ask for (Chelsea and Man City) but after that, the fixtures turn, so he’s certainly one to keep an eye on; especially given he’s only 5.5m.
Saint-Maximin:
There are two players from the Newcastle Utd – West Ham match last weekend in this article and there’s a very good reason for that; it was a fantastic match and one that highlighted several strong performances from attacking players.
The second on that list was Saint-Maximin. The Frenchman created 5 chances for team-mates, achieved 1 assist and had an xA of 0.37. Everything that Newcastle did well seemed to come through him and he certainly has the potential to continue this good form in the rupcoming gameweeks given Newcastle’s generally good fixtures.
Gross:
Despite playing at left-back, Gross managed 1 shot on target, 1 assist and 3 chances created for his team-mates in the game against Burnley.
He looked very threatening when going forward and certainly passed the eye test. Brighton have got some good games in the next few weeks so could be a decent differential moving forward, especially only priced at £6m.
FPL Maverick 