Optimized XI with new prices

In my very first article, I described you an optimized XI from the 18/19 season and compared it to points per million metric. I used a genetic algorithm to find a team that scored the most points in the last season within the budget constraint. That solution did not take into account the fact, that […]

Over/Underperformers – Defenders

After an article about xG, over/underperforming forwards and midfielders, it is time to look at the last position: defenders. Everything about xG was explained in those articles so I jump right to underperformers and overperformers from this position. I used data about Expected Goals and Assists from understat website. The chart below displays Expected Involvement […]

Over/Underperformers – Midfielders

I have already explained the concept of xG (Expected Goals) metric in one of my latest posts and examined overperformers and underperformers among forwards from the last season. So, if you are not familiar with the xG metric or you don’t understand the chart below, make sure you read those two articles, where everything about […]

Over/Underperformers – Forwards

In the one of latest articles, I focused on explaining xG metric (you can find it here). Now, let’s apply it into practice and look at some underperformers and overperformers based on this metric. Just to remind you, xG measures number of goals that player should have scored based on the quality of his chances. […]

Africa Cup of Nations

This summer, Egypt was destination not just for tourists from all over the world, but also for football fans from whole Africa. Continental championship Africa Cup of Nations took a place here and Mohamed Salah was supposed to lead his homeland to the African throne. Although Salah scored 2 goals in 4 matches, the reality […]

Salah vs. Mane

Salah (12.5m) vs. Mane (11.5m). Such a popular dilemma from last gameweeks of the previous season. However, with a little price difference between those two and Mane in AFCON final, many managers prefer Salah ahead of Mane from the start of a new season. There is a chance that Mane will not start in first […]

VAR = more penalties?

In 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, we all were witnesses how VAR (Video Assistant Referee) was helping referees to make right decisions on the pitch. And we all noticed that number of penalties awarded rapidly increased compared to previous world cups. In 2018 World Cup 29 penalties were awarded – more than in two […]

Pre-season friendlies

You can find here a list of all pre-season matches for every Premier League team, with the results, goalscorers, assisters to find out who is the most in form player for every team before the start of the 2019/20 season. ARSENAL 06.07. 16:00 (UTC+01:00) Boreham Wood 3:3 Arsenal (G: Smith T, John-Jules T. x 2) […]

Copa America

In the 90th minute of the final match between Peru and Brazil Richarlison confidently converted a penalty and secured 2 goal lead for Brazil and a trophy for his homeland. It was his only goal in three matches (he missed other three due to injury) at the tournament and was awarded with a yellow card […]

Gold Cup

The most popular FPL pick so far Raul Jimenez continued his amazing form even in the national jersey. With superb performance (5 goals and 2 assists in 6 matches) he helped Mexico to win the Gold Cup. With his ability to score against anyone, he could be a good pick despite his price tag and […]

Optimized XI for 18/19 season

A basic idea of FPL is to pick a team that will score the most points through the season. Because of many constraints, we have to deal with, it is not as simply as it sounds. Apart from constraints, there are many risk factors and uncertainties which make our decision-making process difficult as we try […]