What to expect from the Gameweek 32 fixtures
With Gameweek 31 over half way through it’s time to turn our attention to Gameweek 32. With European football to be played ahead of the next deadline we take a look at what to expect from the Gameweek 32 fixtures.
Gameweek 32 see’s the clash of the teams at the top of the league, when Man City and Liverpool meet. It will also be a key week at the bottom of the table with Norwich playing Burnley and Watford and Leeds facing each other.
All of the stats in this article include data up to and including Gameweek 30.
Gameweek 32 fixtures: Newcastle v Wolves
There have been 13 previous meetings in the Premier League between Newcastle and Wolves. Both sides have won two fixtures each and there have been nine draws.
Four of the last five meetings between the two sides have finished 1-1, with Wolves victorious in the most recent fixture back in October.
Across these two teams Raul Jimenez is the tied top goal scorer with six, however he will be suspended for this fixture. Injured Callum Wilson is level with Jimenez with six goals this campaign. Hwang Hee-Chan is third with five goals. Daniel Podence and Ryan Fraser have the most assists so far this season, however they have only registered three.
On average this season Wolves create 1.1 chances per match, significantly more than the 0.83 Newcastle create on average. However Newcastle’s chances created stats have significantly improved since the arrival of Eddie Howe. The Magpie’s now create a chance every 7.5 minutes.
Defensively Wolves have kept 11 clean sheets this season, in comparison to just four for Newcastle. All of Newcastle’s clean sheets have come since Gameweek 15, with three coming in their last nine matches.
Gameweek 32 fixtures: Everton v Man United
There have been 59 previous meetings in the Premier League between Everton and Man United. United have won37 of these, Everton have collected three points in nine matches and there have been 13 draws.
Four of the last five fixtures between these two teams have ended in draws, including the reverse of this fixture in October.
Across these two teams Cristiano Ronaldo is the top goal scorers with 12. Bruno Fernandes is second with nine and Demarai Grey third with four. Paul Pogba is top for assists with 9, Fernandes is second with six and injured Abdoulaye Doucouré is third with four.
On average this season United create 1.97 chances per match, significantly more than the 0.85 Everton create on average.
Defensively United have kept 7 clean sheets this season, in comparison to just five for Everton. However Everton did keep a clean sheet in their last Premier League fixture against Newcastle.
Gameweek 32 fixtures: Arsenal v Brighton
There have been 9 previous meetings in the Premier League between Arsenal and Brighton. Both sides have won three matches and there has been three draws.
The last five meetings between the two sides have been very close. There was one draw and three of the other four fixtures were won by just one goal.
Arsenal are in a good run of form coming in to this match, having only lost once in their last five to Liverpool. However, Brighton have lost all of their last five Premier League matches.
Across these two teams Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe are the top goal scorers with nine. Neal Maupay is third with eight. Alexandre Lacazette is top for assists this season with 7, Saka is second with five. Pascal Gross comes in third with three.
On average this season Brighton create 1.28 chances per match, more than the 1.11 Arsenal create on average.
Defensively Arsenal have kept 13 clean sheets this season, in comparison to seven for Brighton.
Gameweek 32 fixtures: Southampton v Chelsea
There has only been 45 previous meetings in the Premier League between Southampton and Chelsea. The blues have won 25 times, Southampton nine and there have been 11 draws. In fact two of the last three Premier League matches have resulted in a draw.
Chelsea have won all of their last five Premier League matches. Southampton, who were previously win a great run of form, have lost their last three.
Across these two teams Mason Mount has scored the most goals with eight. Che Adams is second with seven and Armando Broja third with six. Mount is also top for assists this season with 7, Reece James is second with six. Mateo Kovacic comes in third with five assists so far this season.
On average this season Chelsea create 1.96 chances per match, significantly more than the 1.34 Southampton create on average.
Defensively Chelsea have kept 13 clean sheets this season, in comparison to seven for Southampton.
Gameweek 32 fixtures: Watford v Leeds
There have been 3 previous meetings in the Premier League between Watford and Leeds. Leeds have won all three.
Leeds have shown some new manager bounce under Marsch winning their last two Premier League matches. Watford won their last Premier League match however had been in disappointing form prior to that.
Across these two teams Emmanuel Dennis and Raphinha have scored the most goals with nine.Jack Harrison is second with five. Dennis has also returned five assists this season and is top level with Kiko Femenía across these two sides. Raphinha is third with three assists.
On average this season Watford create 1.31 chances per match, slightly more than Leeds who create 1.17 chances on average. However have scored five goals in the last two Premier League matches and so are in better attacking form of late.
Both sides have kept three clean sheets this season.
View from the community – FPL Reactions (Louis)
Two of the worst defences in the league battling it out in a relegation fight is enough to be interested in this match for most football fans. Personally I expect goals and lots of entertainment and you’ll see why.
Firstly concentrating on Watford. In the last six they’ve won three, lost two and drawn one , which is mildly impressive considering their 18th in the table currently. Unfortunately they’ve also conceded a massive 12 goals in that same six match period, two goals conceded on average per match.
The underlying stats also reflect that poor defence as in the last six matches they are:
- Third worst for headed attempts conceded
- Worst for crosses conceded on their left flank
- Fourth worst for chances conceded on their left flank
- Fifth worst for goal attempts conceded
There’s a clear weakness from Watford defensively from set plays, crosses and that weak left flank. We all know who this could benefit and if not you’ll soon see.
Leeds are another team who aren’t in great form with four losses in the last six matches. It’s also worth noting that they’ve won the last two matches on the bounce but still conceded.
Defensively one if not the worst team in the league currently. Conceding 17 goals in the last six matches averaging 2.8 goals conceded per match, a team to target.
Underlying stats don’t improve for Leeds. In fact they only back up their goals conceded rate because in the last six matches they’ve been:
- Fourth worst for goal attempts in the box
- Worst for goal attempts conceded outside the box
- Bottom for shots on target conceded
- Worst for big chances conceded
Raphinha £6.5m
Time is running out for Raphinha to repay his owners faith in FPL. There’s not many more suitable matchups than the one he goes into this week.
With Bamford back injured Raphinha will not only be expected to come up with the goods but it also means him taking penalties seems secure. An added bonus for owners if this is the case.
We’ve already discussed that Watford’s biggest defensive frailty could be from set plays, crosses from their left side and chances conceded from their left side. Raphinha plays on the right side and so will be attacking that weaker left side and also takes set pieces and corners. This game has massive potential for Raphinha for with those things in mind.
Cucho £5m
With the rise of Kane and big at the back money is getting tighter and tighter. At a cool 5 million Cucho is one of the most cheapest in form strikers in the league and that we are lacking.
Dennis and King have been way off the mark which has seen Cucho’s minutes increase over the last three games starting all of them. In fact Cucho has returned two double digit returns of 11 and 12 in those three games, a huge indicator of form.
We’ve already seen that Leeds are hugely weak at the back. They are worst for shots on target and big chances means there’s huge potential for Cucho to carry on that great form.
Form, price and opponent means Cucho becomes a very serious option for the game week ahead.
Gameweek 32 fixtures: Aston Villa v Spurs
There have been 53 previous meetings in the Premier League between Aston Villa and Spurs. Spurs have won 23, Villa 15 and there have been 15 draws. The last two fixtures between these sides both finished 2-1.
BSpurs finally broke their unwanted win, lose, win, lose pattern in Gameweek 30 with victory over West Ham. Villa come in to the match having lost their last two.
Across these two teams Son Heung-Min the top goal scorers with 12. RHarry Kane comes a close second with 12 and Ollie Watkins is third with seven. Danny Ings, Son and Kane are all tied for assists this season with five.
On average this season Spurs create 2.14 chances per match, very significantly more than the 1.07 that Villa create on average.
Defensively Spurs have kept 11 clean sheets this season, in comparison to nine for Villa.
View from the community – FPL Reactions (Louis)
At the time of writing this (pre Gameweek 31) Spurs have been on a very good run that’s seen them just behind Arsenal and sitting fifth. Chasing the top four winning will be a must every week, whereas Aston Villa are sitting ninth.
The Spurs attacking form has been strong. Scoring 16 goals in the last five matches and averaging 3.2 goals scored per match in that same period Contes men are flying offensively.
Defensively they’ve also been in good form, conceding only three goals in their last five. They have also kept three clean sheets they appear to be progressively solidifying their backline. However looking deeper into the underlying stats gives a different message, in the last six Spurs are the:
- Fourth worst for goal attempts conceded in the box (68)
- Fifth worst for goal attempts outside of the box
- Worst in the league for headed attempts conceded (20)
- Second worst for attempts from set plays conceded.
- Third worst for crosses conceded from their left flank
- Fifth worst for chances conceded down their left flank
Combined all of that with the fact that Man United managed to put three past Spurs and there’s a good chance of goals from the opposition.
The Aston Villa form has been tough to read. In the last five matches they’ve won three and lost two, the two being the last two on the bounce. Also keeping three clean sheets in that time as well against Brighton, Southampton and Leeds (weaker opposition) and conceded against both West Ham and Arsenal (stronger opposition).
In terms of the defensive underlying stats for Villa their good or mid table in the last six. However, when looking at their weakest area defensively they conceded more chances down their left flank. This could be largely due to the absence of Digne and replacement of Young.
Harry Kane £12.5m
It’s been a long wait for FPL managers since we had an in form striker and we finally have one. In the last six matches Kane has returned in five of those making the Spurs main man a must in those frontlines.
It’s also been a long wait since we had a captaincy debate. In those matches Kane has returned three double digit returns with Salah hitting one less. In fact Kane has returned 53 points and Salah only 44, and for that reason not only is Kane a must but he’s also a captaincy option to rival Salah.
If that wasn’t enough the underlying stats also suggest he’s in form, in the last six matches he is:
- Top amongst all playser for goals with 7.
- Joint first with Salah for goal attempts with 31.
- Top amongst all players for big chances total.
Kulusevski £6.3m
Doubling up on Kane and Son considering the price isn’t feasible especially considering Salah feels like a must and players like Cancelo and the Chelsea defenders also cost. Spurs are also in great firing form so finding an affordable double attack from them is also attractive. For these reasons and more Kulusevski comes into the fold.
We’ve already seen that Villa are actually weaker defensively on their left side and Kulusevski plays on the Spurs right side which means he’ll be attacking that wing. He’s joint third amongst midfielders with Saka for shots in the box in the last six matches. With his prominent runs and shots front his right side mean Villa could be troubled by him defensively.
In the last six Kulusevski has returned in four of those matches, impressive for a cheap midfielder. What’s even more exciting is that after only eight starts for Spurs he’s managed two double digit hauls already.
Coutinho £7.5m
In the last six matches Coutinho has managed two double digit hauls of 10 and 13 points, already a great sign of potential.
What’s interesting is that we’ve already seen Spurs defensively are the second worst for attempts from set plays in the last six. With Coutinho taking set pieces this hugely heightens his potential again.
With a NPxGI (non penalty expected goal involvement( per 90 mins of 0.49 the Brazilian is ahead of the likes of KDB, Raphinha, Kulusevski, Havertz and many more, this furthers his attraction.
Coutinho has the potential to hurt Spurs here and for me could be a great asset in this game with Villa looking to bounce back from their last defeat.
Gameweek 32 fixtures: Brentford v West Ham
The only meeting between Brentford and West Ham in the Premier League came at the London Stadium back in October. Brentford won that game by two goals to one.
Across these two teams Ivan Toney is the top goal scorer with 11 goals. Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen are tied second with eight each. Bowen also has the most assists this season with eight, Antonio has seven and Said Benramha is third with six.
On average this season West Ham create 1.53 chances per match, more than the 1.1 that Brentford create on average.
West Ham have kept seven clean sheets, one more than Brentford who have six.
View from the community
Ahead of Gameweek 31 Moyes stated:
Gameweek 32 fixtures: Leicester v Palace
There have been 19 previous meetings in the Premier League between Leicester and Palace. Leicester have won seven of the matches, Palace have won eight and there have been four draws.
The reverse of this fixture finished 2-2 back in October, indeed two of the last three matches in the Premier League have finished in draws.
Across these two teams injured Jamie Vardy is the top goal scorer with 10. Wilf Zaha is second with nine, just ahead of Connor Gallagher who has eight. Harvey Barnes has registered the most assists this season with six. Michael Olise and Kelechi Iheanacho are tied second with five each.
On average this season Leicester create 1.3 chances per match, just more than the 1.24 that Palace create on average.
Palace have kept eight clean sheets this season, in comparison to five for Leicester.
View from the community
Lots of FPL managers are considering Mateta as a cheap forward option for the run in.
Gameweek 32 fixture: Norwich v Burnley
There have been three previous meetings in the Premier League between Norwich and Burnley. Burnley have won two of the matches and there has been one draw.
The reverse of this fixture ended 0-0, however Burnley have won the other two fixtures by two goals to nil. Ahead of Gameweek 30’s fixtures both sides have been in poor form.
Across these two teams Teemu Pukki is the top goal scorer with eight goals. Maxwell Cornet is second with six goals and injured Ben Mee is third with three goals. Ashley Westwood is top for assists across these two teams with just three. Matthew Lowton and Teemu Pukki have two each.
On average this season Burnley create 1.07 chances per match, significantly more than the 0.55 that Norwich create on average.
Bunrley have kept seven clean sheets this season, in comparison to four for Norwich.
Gameweek 32 fixture: Man City v Liverpool
There have been 49 previous meetings in the Premier League between Man City and Liverpool. Liverpool have won 20 of the matches, City have won 11 and there have been 18 draws.
Two of the last four meetings between the sides have finished in draws. The other matches have also resulted in big victories for one of the teams
Ahead of Gameweek 30 Liverpool have won all of their last five Premier League matches. City had won three, drawn one and lost one.
Across these two teams Mo Salah is top for goals scored with 20. Diogo Jota is second with 13 and Sadio Mane third with 12. Trent Alexander-Arnold is top for assists with 11, followed by Andy Robertson and Salah who have 10.
On average this season Liverpool create 2.79 chances per match, more than the 2.24 that Man City create on average.
Both sides have kept 17 clean sheets so far this season.
Thinking about a new budget defender? We’ve taken a look at the best cheap defenders to own for the run in.
