Big Numbers

FPL Gameweek 36 preview: Key player and team stats

It’s a Double Gameweek 36 special of Big Numbers as we look at the key player and team statistics ahead of Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

These are a cherry-picked selection of Opta stats from our Premium Members’ Area, with the focus on the dozen clubs who play twice in the upcoming Gameweek.

Only subscribers can read the full article; those wishing to sign up to our site and continue reading, as well as see a list of the benefits that Membership brings, can do so by clicking here.



+9.20 expected goals prevented (xGP) by Jose Sa (£5.3m) in 2021/22, by a country mile the highest figure among Premier League goalkeepers. David de Gea (£5.1m) and Ederson (£6.1m) are next best on +1.70. The figure suggests that Wolverhampton Wanderers’ healthy clean sheet count has arrived more by luck than judgment, or rather the heroics of Sa between the sticks. As we discuss further down this article, those ‘xG’ figures do occasionally catch up with Wolves.

0.63 big chances created per 90 minutes by Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.4m) in 2021/22, the best rate of any player with significant game-time – regardless of position – in the Premier League. Only two assists have arrived for the right-back since Gameweek 23 but the rate of big chance creation has stayed pretty constant at 0.60 in that time, so the statistics would suggest he’s been a tad unfortunate. Andrew Robertson (£7.3m) has outscored his teammate by 94 FPL points to 60 over this period but again, the expected goal involvement (xGI) figures imply that Alexander-Arnold has still been the more threatening:

19 starts made by Joel Matip (£5.2m) since his last Premier League benching. The Cameroonian stopper was absent in Gameweeks 21 and 28 but was ill on both occasions, so he last was among the substitutes all the way back in November. The centre-half’s breathers have instead been coming in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup, and true to form, Jurgen Klopp again named Matip as a substitute in the midweek win in Villarreal.

14 shots in the box attempted by Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) over his last six appearances – that’s one more than Mohamed Salah (£13.3m) has registered over the same period. Alonso’s total of 15 chances created in his last half-dozen outings is also inferior to just two Premier League players, regardless of position. It’ll be rotation risk around the FA Cup final, rather than the eye-popping underlying stats, which will be the main downside to Alonso and other Chelsea assets in Gameweek 36.

915 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Haha Fernandinho

    1. Union_Jacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Why do you have a city player in your grav?

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        He's an FPL legend.

    2. BUZZBOMB
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Harsh on Ferdy. Less lolling mate.

  2. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Great save, rolling back the years, Thibaut

  3. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Fernandin doh!

  4. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    The bias on BT is off the scale atm.

    Yes I know they are similar for Liverpool, it's shite!

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Agree

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Always is … they were spurting over a Liv city final with 10 mins to go … always grates …

    3. Mr Arsenal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      They will probably have a go at Madrid for overcelebrating at the end of the game.

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      The commentator complaining the ref should let city play after Fernandinho and sterling went in high on tackles and complaining when Madrid players staying down

      Was a different situation when foden rolled around against atletico madrid and nearly caused a riot

    5. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      It's woeful stuff. Can't even watch BT anymore. Plus Robbie Savage is on their books.

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I usually turn off the commentary it’s atrocious

        No matter who they put on it’s just so bad. Don’t get me started on Glenn hoddle

        Then the half time break we are stuck with terrible pundits and presenters who think they are the star of the show

      2. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        And Chris Sutton

    6. thegame983
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I mean, does anyone actually want City to win this outside of city fans? I would have presumed they were pretty hated. Non Brit here.

    7. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Just makes it all the sweeter when their team melts down like this

  5. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    This has gotta go down as one of the greatest bottle jobs in European football. Ever.

  6. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Why end up light weight in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the Champions League semi final to give Jack Grealish a run out to get a few fouls?

    Pep's prepped it.

  7. Layifioren
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    This game has at least one more goal.

    1. yousunkmybattleship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      False

      1. Layifioren
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        What do I know, right? I expected Man City to go out firing and open up which might lead to their goal or a counter by RM. City looked absolutely toothless.

  8. FPL_ UP_Down
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    City will score!!

  9. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    i guess i didn't realize how much people don't like City on here.

    all the negativity seems a little sad to me.

    1. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Lol dry your eyes

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        cool will do!

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Plastic fans, plastic team

      1. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Plastic comment.

    3. Mr Arsenal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      People don’t like Pepe for trolling FPL players every week..

      1. Nanoelektronicar
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Pepe Mel?

    4. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Same whoever is playing to be fair.

    5. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I think the comments have been largely fair. Most shocked that City are now in this position. I think if City score you will see just as many positive comments

      1. RogDog_jimmy
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        hmmm - maybe. seems a lot of "city suck this was always going to happen" and "pep sucks".

    6. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Welcome to the Internet, full of sad people with nothing better to do.

    7. KanuLenoMeeMoCash
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I don't mind them...incredible team

    8. yousunkmybattleship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Pep out!!

    9. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      It's more like the total shock. It's unthinkable they let this one one slip away like this.

  10. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    More of the same please!!!

  11. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Foden looks like he’s going to cry..

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He's probably got himself in his bench boost team for 36.

    2. Mr Arsenal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He needs to do something about that haircut

    3. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He’s worried that his pugilist-specialist of a mother is going to thrash him within inches of his life

  12. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Foden in the wars, he'll sleep well tonight.

  13. FPL_ UP_Down
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ref seriously !!

  14. Neevesy
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Haha what an amazing game and what a hilarious ref

  15. Grande Tubarão
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    As a Man Utd and Real Madrid fan this couldn’t be any sweeter

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Well, presumably united being in the final rather than having been eliminated months ago would have improved it

      1. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        They take what they can get 😎

    2. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      If I were you I'd focus on your own teams troubles mate, at least city are in the CL Semis.
      From a Leeds United and football fan who would like the English team to win.

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I’m not English so feel no need to support the English soccer teams 😀

        1. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I thought you said that you supported Man Utd.

          1. Grande Tubarão
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Yeah, but I don’t feel the need to get behind City, Liverpool, etc

            1. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              The main reason, me thinks, is that it would have been the most painful final for a United fan if it had been City v Pool. The 2 teams United fans detest. You couldnt bear to see either of them win it.

  16. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    What's city's likely defence next week now with walker injured?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Ake/Zinc

    2. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Cancelo RB and Zinchenko LB

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Not a lot of options other than Ake unless Stones ok

  17. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Was tempted to take out Jesus and bring in Foden as part of a double swap. Might not bother now!

  18. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Ancelotti must be warm in that cardi/raincoat combo.

    1. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Cool as ice, needs to warm up.

  19. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Quality 3 mins of timewasting there

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Ederson was taking that over 1 goal kick in the 1st half

  20. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    No way City comes back from this. I'm staying away from their assets.

  21. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    What’s the point Zinchenko…

  22. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Think we can safely say there's nothing left to see here

  23. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Sterling really is hopeless- Until he came on I was seriously thinking of keeping him

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      So was I. He's hopeless.

    2. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yeah I had him on free hit and was thinking of him as a potential differential captain… might be rethinking that

    3. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yeah I'm now looking at moving to KdB.

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Probably for a -8 or -12 as well 😆

    4. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I had him on my FH and regretted every moment of it

  24. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    How much time wasting here too

  25. The Parrot
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    James + Foden + Mount + Kane to Matip + KDB + Son + Nketiah worth a -8??

    1. KanuLenoMeeMoCash
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      doubt it

    2. Union_Jacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      No

  26. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    How many times can you allow a player to go down and stop play as if he's going off and then come back on

    1. lilmessipran
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      As many as you want as long as you fill his pockets after

  27. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Only ake the potential worthy candidate to come on

    Pretty poor bench actually

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      It's in a game like this that you see where City need an out-and-out striker, they can control games better when ahead with this setup but when they're chasing it's harder for them

      1. circusmonkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Yes there were a few high balls at the end and Raz jumping for them.

  28. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Sad to see this happen to Pep.

  29. Superflymonk
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    The real kick in the nuts were the chances City squandered in the 1st leg, they shot themselves in the foot. And against a team like real madrid even a 2-goal lead isn't safe.

  30. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Madrid is doing what City should have done when they equalised at 90 minutes.