Premier League GW18 � Saturday 21st December 2019
It's the final gameweek before the Christmas festivities and although you are probably getting ready for a multitude of celebrations, one must not forget the multitude of Premier League football that is on the horizon.
That's because between now and New Year's Day, there are no less than four gameweeks for you to test your FPL managerial acumen and just like in real life, this festive period can make or just as easily break your season.
This is the time of the campaign, when some extra research needs to be done and those killer stats will give you a huge advantage over your opponents. Therefore, with that in mind, its time for some perfect Christmas Dinner conversation and that means it is time for…..
Did You Know?
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Chelsea's last 8 away games (Premier League). Which would suggest that there could be goals in North London on Sunday, question is does Jose Mourinho manage to get the better of his former employers?
Manchester City have scored at least 2 goals in 15 of their last 18 matches (Premier League). Something that Leicester will have to be wary off this Saturday, as they travel to the Etihad and defeat for the Foxes, most likely hands the title to Liverpool before the New Year.
Talking of Liverpool, they have now gone 34 Premier League matches unbeaten. Do you know what, I'm going to nail my colours to the mast and say that they break Arsenal's record which stands at 49.
Watford have failed to win 20 of their last 21 matches (Premier League). You could argue that the rot set in at the tail end of last season, especially after the mauling that they were dealt in May's F.A. Cup Final. Nigel Pearson has a big task on his hands.
Not only that but - Watford have scored the fewest goals per game in the Premier League this season, with 0.53. Ouch.
Mat Ryan (Brighton) has made the most saves from shots inside the box in the Premier League this season, with 48. An impressive tally, although two Mat Ryan's probably wouldn't have stopped Wilf Zaha's effort on Monday night.
Manchester City have had the most shots on target per game in the Premier League this season, with 7. They were ruthless on Sunday against Arsenal and had they not taken their foot off of the gas in the second half, then that figure would have been a far sight higher.
Also, Manchester City have scored the most goals from outside the box in the Premier League this season, with 9. A tally that would have been 10, were it not for the fingertips of Bernd Leno on Sunday.
Manchester United have allowed their opponents the fewest headed attempts in the Premier League this season, with 18. Harry Maguire proving his worth at Old Trafford then.
Although conversely, Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) has had the most shots off target from direct free kicks in the Premier League this season, with 5. At least he's a better goalscorer than a free kick taker.
Newcastle United have attempted the fewest passes per game in the Premier League this season, with 310.29. Let's be honest Burnley vs Newcastle was hardly one for the ages now was it.
Bournemouth have made the most interceptions per game in the Premier League this season, with 14.29. A stat that certainly helped them on Saturday, as they got the better of Chelsea and ended their barren run of results. Could that be an important springboard for the Cherries?
James Maddison (Leicester) has attempted the most through balls in the Premier League this season, with 13. With service that good, you can begin to understand just why Jamie Vardy has been in such a rich vein of form as of late.
By comparison, Arsenal have attempted the most through balls per game in the Premier League this season, with 2.82. Which leads us nicely to the question: What does Nicolas Pepe do?
1010 minutes played, 2 goals. In summary not a lot.
Also, now that we are almost halfway through the season � it's time to rate your biggest FPL flops thus far. Will it be Pepe, Joelinton, Haller or someone else, please leave your horror shows in the comments below and most importantly have a fantastic Christmas!
