Guess I can take solace in knowing that the key metric, VAPM numbers have been updated for GW6. Most notably this week has been in the increase in defenders above the baseline VAPM of 0.35. By the conclusion of the game week, 74 players are above the threshold and based solely on this metric are targets for transfers and wild cards. VAPM numbers are slowly decreasing overall, which is the expectation, as players put in more minutes and don’t have the returns to keep their VAPM over the median. As a reminder, this key metric uses 180 minutes and 4 points as the minimum qualifications to make this list. Players in bold are highlighted by position are currently at or above 0.35 VAPM. The GW6 list includes: 25 defenders, 26 midfielders, 13 forwards and 10 goalkeepers.
For the second week, Max Kilman (4.1) and Ben Chilwell (5.8) top the list. Keep in mind that Kilman has played the last three games, while Chillwell started the season injured. Both players have just 270 minutes. Not sure what will become of Kilman, as Marcal regains fitness picking up 22 minutes last weekend. Still not sold on Patrick Bamford (6 goal), but his hat trick against Villa saw him as the only green arrow in the top ten.
There are some newcomers to the VAPM list including Chelsea goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy (5.0), Scott Dann (4.5), Thiago Silva (5.5), Ademola Lookman (5.0) and Kasper Schmeichel. Serge Aurier (5.2), Kurt Zouma (5.1), Timothy Castagne (5.8), Mateusz Klich (5.6) and Sadio Mane (12.0) remain unchanged from GW5.
There are a few players in danger of slipping below that 0.35 baseline, the biggest name being Trent Alexander-Arnold. At 7.1, he continues to lose ownership and value, While he’s second to Andrew Robertson in total crosses (45) and second to Aaron Cresswell in chances created (12), its difficult to justify his price for a Liverpool team that is struggling defensively. While he’s only bagged a single assist, he still have some dead ball responsibility. While the Reds had just a single CS this time last season, TAA had 3 assists and a goal. One more game without a defensive or attacking return and its time to reconsider all their defensive options without Alisson in goal.
A player I will continue to hold for the short term, Raul Jimenez. While I did knee jerk him out ahead of last week from one of my teams, I held him in my 5-man defensive team. The Mexican forward has picked up two goals in his last two, now with four goals on the season, his VAPM is on the rise, now 0.41. Wolves have CRY/lei ahead of the break, followed by SOU/ars/liv on the other side.
Still not buying players like Patrick Bamford (1.05 VAPM), now with six goals or Ollie Watkins (0.57). Still feel they lack Premier League experience and are having some early season, Teemu Pukki success, but know they will drop off as the season rolls on. I feel both are risky transfers and it honestly feels like chasing points.
Finally, Wilf Zaha at Palace, the third highest rated midfielder based on VAPM, as he’s now at 0.82 after a goal and assist at Fulham. Now with five goals and an assist, he’s looking very good this season, even if his attitude is still terrible. Some may call it passionate. Palace still in an excellent run through the start of December and feel it’s 7.3 “Wilf” spent.
CONCLUSION
Do with metric what you will. Use it, ignore it, makes no difference to me, it’s just another way to break down numbers to give an idea of how players are doing week to week. Red arrows are going to be more commonplace that green arrows, but a good performance could potentially give a targeted player a small bounce. Remember that at the end of the season a VAPM of 0.49, give or take will probably lead each position. Good luck in GW7