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No matter the competition, finishing top in your respective fantasy football league is always tough. When it comes to the Premier League’s instalment of the game, there is so much information out there that it can become overwhelming for managers. From XG to aerial duels won, the emergence of new statistics has left many fans of the beautiful game wondering if it has gone too far.
Of course, statistics matter in general and enable people to take a deeper dive into their respective interests and make more informed decisions. For example, people with a passion for politics are always assessing the latest national statistics before putting forward any potential arguments. Likewise, gamers who are keen to establish a basic blackjack strategy look at the game’s statistical side to help them devise an effective formula. Statistics certainly matter, although there are some that are more important than others.
The same applies to Premier League fantasy football. The sheer amount of statistics that are dedicated to the modern game is astounding, although there is a strong argument to suggest that there are simply too many to follow. Many football fans agree, perhaps ignoring certain statistics that don’t really bring anything to the table. With that in mind, let’s take a brief look at five statistics that really matter.
Clean Sheets (CS) are always worth following
Given the points that can be earned through having a goalkeeper or a few defenders keeping a clean sheet, it’s always worth following the latest clean sheets (CS) statistics. Websites like FPL Analytics is an excellent resource here, enabling you to keep track of the teams with the most reliable defences. Consistently bringing in clean sheet points can really make a big difference to your overall rank come the end of the season.
Goals Scored Per Game (G/G) really matters
Particularly important when looking to add attacking talents to your squad, there is no use in acquiring players who turn out for sides that have poor figures when it comes to goals scored per game. Of course, Manchester City tend to top the rankings in this area, with the likes of Erling Haaland being a preference for many, but there are plenty of sides at different times throughout the season that offer better G/G than Pep Guardiola’s side, such as Arsenal.
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Ownership Percentage is important
Although the wider football community isn’t always right, they generally are. As such, seeing who your rival managers are opting to pick can ensure that you don’t get left behind. Ownership percentage will help you gauge different picks and see what the majority is going with, therefore providing you with a safer option. Alternatively, though, you can also gain an edge should you select a player with low ownership who then manages to shine.
Don’t ignore Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR)
Although in-form sides can beat any team given the momentum they have, certain opponents can provide sterner tests than others. In order to give you an insight into specific encounters, keeping tabs on Fixture Difficulty Rating (FDR) is highly recommended. Assessing the fixture schedule can help you plan ahead while also allowing you to gain a clearer idea of important factors like captaincy choices and the like. One thing’s for sure, you definitely shouldn’t ignore FDR.
Always look at Bonus Points System (BPS)
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While assists and goals scored clearly matter, it’s also worth keeping tabs on players who are doing well in the BPS rankings. From defensive actions to key passes, snapping up players who score high in terms of Bonus Points System can make a huge difference to your overall rank.
