Man. Utd vs Southampton

Man. Utd (12) and Southampton (13) took a similar number of shots but the hosts notched 2.5 'Expected Goals' (xG) to their visitors' 0.89. Poor finishing once again let the Red Devils down as they managed double the shots on target (SoT) (eight) that the Saints managed (four). The Touches and Passes being similar for both teams does indicate that this was a more even contest than the xG numbers suggest.

Sancho was top for xG (1.12) by a significant margin with the winger's goal from close range accounting for a large share of that. Maguire was second for shots (three) and the centre-back was unfortunate not to score with two of his efforts testing Forster. Ronaldo posted significantly better numbers than B. Fernandes, the former registered 0.41 xG compared to zero for the latter. In terms of creativity, although B. Fernandes created two chances to Ronaldo's one, the striker registered an 'Expected Assists' (xA) figure of 0.52 compared to 0.11 for the midfielder. Shaw was top for xA (0.75) amongst all players to feature in this match.

Burnley vs Liverpool

Liverpool registered 2.04 xG compared to 1.08 for their hosts which indicates they were good value for their win. However, a closer look at the numbers indicates that Burnley landed five SoT compared to four for Liverpool and both created the same number of chances (eight) so the Clarets did offer plenty to tempt Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers ahead of their consecutive double gameweeks.

Fabinho accounted for a massive 1.36 of Liverpool's total xG (2.04) with their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) returnees Salah (0.09) and Mane (0.43) enduring off days. The Egyptian in particular posted poor numbers with just one shot, zero SoT and one chance created. Jota played 23 minutes and registered the same underlying numbers as Salah. The fullback duo of Robertson and Alexander-Arnold were Liverpool's most creative outlets with two chances created each. Weghorst put in an impressive display with three shots, one SoT and two attempted assists. He was second only to Fabinho for xG (0.53). Unfortunately, he was subbed off with an injury and is currently a doubt for the weekend. Cornet registered an xG of just 0.05 with his new wing role diminishing his goal threat significantly.

Spurs vs Wolves

Wolves were deserved winners in North London with 1.91 xG to their hosts' 1.03. Both sides managed the same number of SoT (seven) but it appears that Spurs could not fashion many clear cut opportunities with an average of just 0.06 xG per shot.

Both Spurs and Wolves have a double in gameweek 26 and their assets deserve close scrutiny. Jiménez was top for xG (0.83) and also landed three SoT. He looks by far the best Wolves attacking asset with him and Dendoncker (0.79) accounting for a large chunk of their total xG (1.91). Semedo created two chances and looks the pick of their defensive options with doubts about Ait-Nouri's starting spot now that Marcal and Jonny are available. Kane was top for xG (0.55) amongst Spurs players but it took him eight shots to register that number which indicates these were all poor quality chances. Son was their most creative player with four attempted assists but these totaled only 0.24 xA which again emphasises Spurs' struggles to create high quality chances.

Watford vs Brighton

A look at the 'Team Stats' indicates that Brighton completely dominated their hosts and there were no indications of a new manager bounce for the Hornets under Hodgson. The London side managed just a solitary SoT compared to Brighton's six and registered just 0.50 xG compared to the Seagulls' 1.55.

Dennis and King both notched two shots apiece but neither managed to test the opposition keeper. Sarr was impressive off the bench and will be key to the Hornets' survival hopes, the Senegalese international registered three shots and landed Watford's only attempt on target. Webster was top for xG (0.85) but that number is slightly inflated as the second shot was just a follow up to the first and both were from close range. Maupay scored from one of his two SoT but registered just 0.18 xG.