Big Numbers

FPL Gameweek 3 preview: The players and teams with eye-catching stats

Our Big Numbers piece looks at some stand-out player and team statistics ahead of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadline for Gameweek 3.

Alongside the usual stats from our Premium Members’ Area, we will also be offering some titbits supplied to us directly by Opta, our match data providers.

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2.30 expected goals prevented (xGP) by Alisson Becker (£6.0m) in the last two Gameweeks. This means that the Brazilian has let in 2.30 fewer goals than data collectors Opta anticipate he should have, based on the quality of shots faced. Of the four goalkeepers who kept two clean sheets so far this season, he has ‘prevented’ more goals going in.

10 chances created by Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) in the first two Gameweeks is the most that any Premier League player in any position has supplied during this period. Newcastle United’s set-piece-taking defender Matt Ritchie (£5.0m), intriguingly, is second on nine. Alexander-Arnold has also created two big chances, meanwhile, a tally that only Vladimir Coufal (£5.0m) can match among FPL defenders.

7 goal attempts by Brighton centre-back Shane Duffy (£4.1m) in his last two matches; Lewis Dunk (£5.0m) has had zero. All of Duffy’s efforts have been headers from inside the opposition area and have come from set plays, so it’s perhaps no surprise that Pascal Gross (£6.0m) can’t be bettered for successful corner-kicks in the division so far.

49 final-third touches registered by Nelson Semedo (£4.9m) against Spurs, a total that no other defender – or indeed midfielder – could top in Gameweek 2.

9 penalty box touches registered by Reece James (£5.6m) in Sunday’s 2-0 derby victory over Arsenal is the most that any FPL defender managed in Gameweek 2. His total of four shots against the Gunners was also unsurpassed among his FPL positional rivals.

28 penalty box touches, ten goal attempts, eight shots in the box and three big chances created recorded by Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) against Norwich and Burnley combined in the opening two Gameweeks, all totals that are unbeaten amongst FPL midfielders.

23 penalty box touches and 10 goal attempts recorded by Adama Traoré (£6.0m) in his last two league matches for Wolves, totals that none of his teammates can better. Traoré has had seven shots in the area in that timeframe, with only Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) and Sadio Mane (£11.9m) registering more among Fantasy midfielders. Adama tops the expected goal involvement (xGI) table among all midfielders (1.79); he didn’t have a single ‘big chance’ in 2020/21 but has had two already in his new role under Bruno Lage.

Muhammedosama FPL Content Writer - FPL Tips - FFS Affiliate Twitter : @FPLOsama

1,590 Comments Post a Comment
  1. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this team? Off to a flyer on 199 points overall with no chips used.

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Ayling
    Benrahma Salah Bruno Greenwood
    Antonio Bamford Ings

    Subs: Livramento, Gilmour, Tsimikas

    No idea who to captain though. Could be anyone tbh

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      great start man! team is looking good. most people seem to be going with one of bruno or Antonio but if I were you I'd be tempted by Bamford. he could explode this week

  2. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed
    Don't feel like there's an obvious move for me so here's what I'm thinking

    Sanchez 4.0
    TAA Shaw Dunk Tierney Tsim
    Salah Bruno Gundo Raph Benrahma
    Wilson Antonio Perica

    0.5 in the bank and 2FT
    Here are some options:
    A) Gundo + Tsim -> Greenwood + Livramento
    B) Gundo + Perica -> Gilmour + Bamford
    C) Gundo + Perica + Dunk -> Gilmour + DCL + Duffy + 0.7

    What do you think?

    1. Double Daka
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I still have Gundo too. I know he's gonna drop again but with KDB apparently still out he'll be on set pieces again. Surely he'll get something this week. Please!!! I've already used my FTs so I'm keeping but understand if you don't

      1. Double Daka
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Oh... and next GW Sarr and Saka will both be cheap, enticing potential replacements

      2. Neves say Neves
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        seems like he's gonna drop again tonight, trying to protect my tv!

        1. Double Daka
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          I'd go A then. Already done Tsim to Liv myself and pretty confident Greenwood will play against Newcastle

  3. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Is it worth going Tsimikas > Livramento now to save 0.1/0.2 or keep the FT until gw4 and see then?

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      its a popular move, probably worth doing if you have no other pressing issues

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Keep FT unless Livramento is needed in your starting XI.

  4. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Feel ahead of the curve having bought Kane last Sunday

    Shame it was for 12.4 🙂

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Nice, could do very well this weekend. At least he should actually rise when he's due to unlike Lukaku!

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I bought him last weekend when he was 12.4 too, and he dropped that night lol

  5. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts please. 2FT 0.5 ITB

    Sanchez
    TAA, Shaw, Ayling
    Salah, Fernandes, Greenwood, Raphina
    Toney, Ings, Antonio
    Foster | Veltman, Tsimikas, Brownhill

    A) Veltman/ Tsimikas -> 4.0/4.5 defender (which one?) roll the other transfer
    B) Toney & Brownhill -> Benrahma & 4.5 forward - leaves me with absolutely no bench this week

    Plan is to do Ings -> DCL next week

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks all

  6. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Kane hattrick against Watford incoming

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      😎

      1. FPL_trail_runner
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Ive made a full change around in opinion since his annoucement

        He is now in my WC as captain.

        Debating whether to also have Son

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Good man!

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      He LOVES playing against them as well

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Who's your kaptain?

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          😉

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No longer due for the weekend

    4. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Remember Cardiff?

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        I don't. What happened?

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Captain choice for the week a couple of seasons ago.
          Result. 0-0.
          Kane(c) fail

          1. Amartey Partey
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Epic fail

          2. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            It was 1-0 wasn’t it… Dier early goal, thought it opened the floodgates… but no

            Remember it all too well haha

            1. The 12th Man
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 7 months ago

              Maybe. I know Kane blanked. I had the armband on him.

              1. FCSB
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 7 months ago

                Me too, hard times

  7. james 101
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Talk me out of a -8 over two GWs to give me this team

    Sanchez

    TAA Shaw Cresswell

    Bruno Benrahma Greenwood Raphinha

    Antonio Kane DCL

    (Foster White Bissouma Tsimikas)

    - Kane joining this week and capping.
    - DCL in for zings next week.

    Current rank is around 24k.

    1. james 101
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Note. Didn’t realise Kane was playing this evening when I wrote this. Been a busy week!

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Why not DCL this week?

    3. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Good looking team. Losing Salah is always risky though.

  8. Kyle2210
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this W/C for this week:

    Sanchez (Foster)
    Reguilon Mings Shaw Livramento (Williams)
    Pogba Benhrama Bruno (Soucek) (Gilmour)
    Kane Lukaku Antonio

  9. Wolves42
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts on this much appreciated:

    I need to fix the big mistake of my GW1 draft - not having Antonio. I've got 2 FTs but would like to roll one if possible, so am leaning towards going Ings to Antonio despite the Brentford fixture, rather than axing Toney and downgrading somewhere to make up the cash. What do people think, too big a risk of Ings returning? Current squad is below for context. Thanks!

    Sanchez / Steele
    TAA / Shaw / Coufal / Tsimikas / White
    Salah / Bruno / Benrahma / Barnes / ESR
    Toney / Ings / Richarlison

    1. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      In general I would say, it is nice to save an extra transfer for next week, but not to the detriment of making the right moves you want done.
      However, you have Barnes, who could give you the cash you need for upgrading Toney.

      Moving Barnes before the Norwich game though? Another pickle.

      1. Wolves42
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        It is tricky - Barnes out would probably be the downgrade if I went that way, but transferring out a player who's against Norwich is asking for trouble. This is a problem of my own making and there's no right answer - ultimately though, after this week I know I won't want Ings, but Toney/Barnes have better fixtures so I can deal with holding them for a bit longer. The extra transfer to navigate internationals and Covid is the cherry on top.

        Will probably do it tonight to catch the Antonio price rise. Watch Ings haul on Saturday now!

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      What about ESR to 4.5 and Toney to Antonio

      1. Wolves42
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Doesn't work unfortunately, got nothing ITB. ESR to 4.5 makes me 0.9, Toney to Antonio costs 1.2.

  10. Muller Reus Corner
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    How's this WC looking? 0itb
    Sanchez, Gunn
    TAA, James, Semedo, Ayling, Livramento
    Salah, Greenwood, Benrahma, Raphinha, Bissouma
    Kane, DCL, Antonio

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Me, like a lot.

    2. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Beauty

    3. Athletico Underachieving
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Blinkin’ ‘eck that’s lovely on paper

    4. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Very nice

  11. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Worried that Dier may not start on Sunday now. That would leave me with only 2 defenders assuming Tsimikas and White won't start.

    1. On The Up
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Agreed a little worried

  12. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    toney and mahrez dropping like crazy

    1. Double Daka
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      That could be new wildcarders desperate to get Kane in all of a sudden

  13. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Kane rested for Watford haul.

  14. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    I’m all set to get Kane in, but playing more than 60 mins tonight is really making it feel too risky =[

  15. nolard
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    What's up with Shaw and all the transfers out?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      He has blanked twice - that’s all

      Still a fantastic pick. A season keeper. So the more fickle sellers the better

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No points.

    3. nolard
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Ah, the instant gratification army is out marching.

      Thanks all.

  16. brsauer
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Anything need to be done? 1 free transfer
    Do I need to bring in benrahma?

    Sanchez (Foster)
    Shaw TAA Coufal(Tsimik, White)
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Raphinha (Gilmore)
    Ings Antonio Toney

    1. Andy1
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I did this week. But I did have gundogan...

    2. Claudio555
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      You need to get Benrahma in, yes.

      1. brsauer
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        For raph?

  17. On The Up
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Does Dier playing tonight means he's first choice or benched?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      3 atb tonight so he was needed, maybe Nuno practicing it too.

      His possible replacement in a back four, Romero, also playing...

      1. On The Up
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        3 atb who?

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Dier, Romero, Davies.

          1. On The Up
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

          2. On The Up
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks

  18. oi no professionals
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Second FT left to use:
    A. Tsimikas > Livramento and bank the 0.1
    B. Manquillo > Livramento
    C. Roll it to next week and see if Tsi keeps his place

  19. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Have been busy and haven’t had time to catch up on BlackBox, I believe both az and mark made early moves, what were they?

    1. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Mark, Torres+Mahrez+Toney to Mbuemo+Sarr+Lukaku
      Az, Barnes+White to Benrahma+Livramento

  20. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else most likely steering clear of Kane / Son for the whole season? Nuno is a defensive manager and I can’t see Spurs scoring too many goals. Last year everything revolved around those 2 where as this year the goals will be more spread with Lucas, Alli, Bergwin, etc. Salah, Bruno and Lukaku are far far better options

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      No, they’ll just be better and score more on average under a better manager

    2. Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I think you will be the only one. I will have Son in nearly 50% of the time and Kane probably 20% in and out. Steer clear for the whole season? That's bold statement in GW3

    3. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Uncertainty about a Nuno team - OK; fair point. Not sure it's a reason to rule Son / Kane out for the season just yet.

      What has changed this year that will cause Lucas, Alli, and Bergwijn to eat into Son's / Kane's output, in your view?

      Son priced at discount to Salah, Bruno, Lukaku. What makes you certain they are far far better options?

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Mourinho built the entire team around Kane and Son. The others never got minutes and didn’t have as big a role in the side. Contrary to popular belief Mourinho isn’t necessarily a defensive manager. He wants his team disciplined but they score goals. Nuno looks like including Lucas, Alli and Bergwin and they’ll be more involved in the goals. Nuno always kept it tight at Wolves and so far at Spurs he looks the same. If they play with wing backs then those are great options but I’m not sold on Kane/Son at all

        1. Boxwoods
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          Impact of Nuno's tactics worth monitoring, for sure. I'm generally skeptical that Kane can recreate last year's heroics, and he is, of course, priced more dearly this time. Have started with Son and willing to give him some time to show whether he's looking worth it, but you raise some points that merit watching.

    4. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      PS - Spurs' manager for bulk of last season not the most attack-minded ever to steer a side.

    5. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Jimenez was awful under Nuno

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Jiminez was a budget striker not a premium competing with Salah/Bruno/Lukaku

      2. Pipermaru
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Huh? 181 and 194 points for 7-8m, seems pretty good to me.

  21. chewkie
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    White a good shout at 4.4? They have a great fixture run after this week and I have to believe they will get a little better.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Yep, canny move

  22. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Who’s everyone captaining, I can’t decide between:

    1. Antonio (CRY)
    2. Fernandes (wol)

    Is Antonio too risky and Fernandes the sensible choice, who will be most selected (C)?

    Cheers all

    1. Claudio555
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Probably Antonio

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      1. Home advantage sways it for me

    3. Double Daka
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Only one of them's a striker big on confidence right now playing at home for the league leaders in a local derby. What could possibly go wrong?

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        So true… hatrick incoming

    4. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Kane

  23. Claudio555
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Play Amartey (nor) or Ayling (bur)?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Amartey while you still have him

  24. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Watch Lukaku outscore Kane on the weekend 😆

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Get some money on it

  25. Dogs Of War
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Evening all

    Who to play this week:

    Livramento (new)
    Smith-Rowe (city)

    Pros/cons of each?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Liv - could get a CS, looks decent
      ESR - might not start, playing for Arsenal against City

  26. SMOOTH
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    mahrez and 4.5 fwd to dcl and bissouma for a -4?

    looking like a 0.3 swing tonight

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      I guess so

    2. Alton E.
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      How is it 0.3 swing?

      1. SMOOTH
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        sorry 0.2 - mahrez fall bissouma rise

        1. Alton E.
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 7 months ago

          I'm in the same boat with you. DCL is a great long term pick and i think i'm going to do it even though Mahrez could haul v Arsenal if he only plays enough. Not sure would i do it for -4 though

  27. Salah(c)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    So son is fit for the weekend?

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Of course , he was fit to play last game

  28. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Son due...

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Tomorrow morning.

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Congratulations!! What will u name him?

  29. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    GTG? 2M itb and 1 transfer that I would like to hold

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Digne
    Son(C) Salah Barnes Benny Raph
    Antonio Ings

    Ayling Veltman Scarlett

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Why no Bruno?

      1. Oldie99
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 7 months ago

        Started without him and sticking to the plan for better or worse

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 7 months ago

      Bootiful

  30. xtina
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 7 months ago

    Gundo -> Benrahma or roll FT?