Get ahead of the Group Chat thanks to our new regular column from FPL expert Jonas Sand Låbakk.
By FotMob, in conversation with Jonas Sand Låbakk
Introducing our expert
Jonas is a 21 year old student who, like FotMob, hails from Norway, but unlike the frustrated Fantasy Premier League players in the office, he did something we could only dream of last season. He finished first, ahead of 11 million other managers in the 2023/24 season.
Who better then, to provide us with some expert advice each week.
The Eye Test vs. The Stats
As we approach each gameweek, I always like to compare the eye test to the stats from the previous gameweek (GW6). While statistics like expected goals (xG) and assists provide concrete data, watching games offers deeper insights into players’ overall form and influence. As we know, some players shine in the stats, but underperform on the pitch, while others catch the eye but don’t yet have the numbers to back that up. Balancing these approaches can help guide you to better FPL decisions and was a crucial part of my strategy last season.
Bukayo Saka (10.1m) played a really good game against Leicester City and was Arsenal’s main source for creativity – but unfortunately for owners in FPL, he didn’t get any returns. He accumulated a total of 1.08 xGI (expected goal involvements) and alongside that, he created four big chances. On another day he could have easily had three, maybe even four assists. Southampton are next up for the Gunners and after their heavy loss to Bournemouth on Monday night, I would not sell Saka under any circumstances ahead of gameweek 7.
Elsewhere, Spurs absolutely battered Manchester United last weekend! Dominic Solanke (7.6m) – as predicted in our previous column – came into his own, looking sharp, and getting himself in to good positions. He recorded a total of 1.34 xGI and had three shots in the box. With Heung-Min Son still injured, Solanke might even be Tottenham’s preferred penalty taker. Going forward, Spurs have some good fixtures coming up, starting with what looks like a leaky Brighton defence this coming weekend.
Long shot
Ipswich Town faced a tough run of fixtures to start the season but that that is easing now. Leif Davis (4.5m) is playing well going forward and contributes in terms of taking a few corners. In his last game he created three big chances and despite not returning offensively or keeping a clean sheet, he still got a bonus point. I don’t expect a lot of clean sheets for Ipswich, but Leif Davis definitely has the attacking upside and he showed that in the Championship last season, recording a whopping 19 assists. With him only being owned by 2.1% of the players in the game, I believe he can be a decent differential.
Upcoming games to follow
Gameweek 7 of FPL is a favourable one for a lot of the Big Six teams. Tottenham play Brighton who conceded 4.16 xGC last game. Liverpool play Crystal Palace who have been pretty underwhelming so far this season. Arsenal play newly promoted Southampton and Manchester City face Fulham at the Etihad. There are quite a few interesting players who I think have the potential to score highly in this round of games.
Kai Havertz (8.2m) scored a goal vs Leicester last week and tallied an impressive 1.93 xGI, and he has scored in all five of Arsenal’s home games in all competitions. He’s definitely one to watch despite their fixtures turning from gameweek 9 onwards when they play Liverpool, Newcastle, and Chelsea in consecutive rounds.
Rico Lewis (4.7m) played in a really advanced position against Newcastle, more advanced than any other Man City defender, but did not create any big chances and didn’t even get a return. If he starts, I think he can provide good value against Fulham.
My key men this week
As mentioned, Arsenal face Southampton at the Emirates this week and I have three Arsenal players in my squad: Gabriel (6.2m), William Saliba (6.0m) and Bukayo Saka (10.1m). I expect a clean sheet from Arsenal and hopefully Saka gets rewarded for his chance creation.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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