Thread by @robmangunsong

A thread to think about why you'd want consider getting Conor Gallagher, or not, for the good run of fixtures the coming gameweeks. Especially with the injury blow to James McArthur. And the role of Luka Milivojević on Gallagher's performance.

#FPL #FPLCommunity

Conor Gallagher is on the rise. The England call up (& debut) was a result of a great season so far for the Chelsea loanee at Crystal Palace.

2 goals and 1 assist in GW10-12 has made many owners run to get him, especially with the good run of fixtures for Palace up to GW20.

Palace have 3rd best in attacking FDR according to @FFH_HQ and 5th best according to @FantasyFootyFix

https://twitter.com/MattWoosie/status/1463570810539581440?s=20

According to Matt Woosnam of The Athletic, McArthur's injury is more severe than Vieira initially suggested, with the Scotsman potentially out for up to eight weeks with a muscle tear picked up against Wolves.

McArthur's injury could play a significant role in Gallagher's productivity these coming gameweeks.

Gallagher has played 1048 minutes so far this season (12 matches), being subbed off 3 times. Impressive stats with 4 goals and 5 assists.

His 69 FPL points rank him 9th amongst all players, and 3rd highest midfielder behind Salah & Mane.

Palace have mostly played in a 4-3-3 system with Gallagher on the right side of the midfield and usually the most advanced midfielder.

McArthur occupies the left side on most occasions, and depending on the matchup Vieira has used Kouyaté or Milivojevic at the center.

After McArthur's injury, and the 3-3 vs Burnley, Vieira went to a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Villa with Gallagher playing behind Benteke.

While it is much known that whenever Milivojevic plays, he will handle (almost) all of the set pieces, instead of Gallagher, McArthur's role has also influenced Gallagher's performance in a good way.

On the left side is Gallagher's heat map and stats with McArthur. On the right side without McArthur.

Gallagher's goal threat with (1) and without (2) McArthur:

Minutes - Goals/90 - xG/90 - Shots/90 - Shots in Box/90

(1) 840 - 0.43 - 0.4 - 2.46 - 1.61
(2) 208 - 0 - 0.43 - 1.07 - 0.43

Gallagher's assist threat with (1) and without (2) McArthur:

Minutes - Assists/90 - xA/90 - Big Chances Created/90

(1) 840 - 0.43 - 0.15 - 2.46 - 0.21
(2) 208 - 0.43 - 0.43 - 1.07 - 1.3

Gallagher was more of a goal threat when McArthur is around but creates more big chances when McArthur is not around.

Now I will show you Gallagher's heatmap and stats with and without Milivojevic

Gallagher's goal threat with (1) and without (2) Milivojevic:

Minutes - Goals/90 - xG/90 - Shots/90 - Shots in Box/90

(1) 448 - 0 -0.13 - 2.01 - 1
(2) 600 - 0.6 - 0.49 - 2.1 - 1.65

Gallagher's assist threat with (1) and without (2) Milivojevic:

Minutes - Assists/90 - xA/90 - Big Chances Created/90

(1) 448 - 0.8 - 1.41 - 0.6
(2) 600 - 0.15 - 2.25 - 0.3

As you can see on the heatmap, Gallagher takes all corners when Milivojevic is not playing. He is takes good amount of shots with Milivojevic but not in good position, and chance creation is almost the same.

Now I will show you Gallagher's heatmap and stats with McArthur and without Milivojevic, and without McArthur and with Milivojevic.

Gallagher's goal threat with McArthur and without Milivojevic (1) and without McArthur and with Milivojevic (2):

Minutes - Goals/90 - xG/90 - Shots/90 - Shots in Box/90

(1) 533 - 0.68 - 3.26 - 2.36 - 1.86
(2) 141 - 0 - 0.21 - 0.64 - 0.64

Gallagher's assist threat with McArthur and without Milivojevic (1) and without McArthur and with Milivojevic (2):

Minutes - Assists/90 - xA/90 - Big Chances Created/90

(1) 533 - 0.17 - 0.79 - 0.17
(2) 141 - 0.64 - 0.62 - 1.28

Gallagher's goal scoring prowess seems to have diminished without McArthur and with Milivojevic. He is still creating chances but more big chances without McArthur and with Milivojevic.

With Eze coming back, it remains to be seen whether Vieira will stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation or back to 4-3-3. 4-3-3 without McArthur (Kouyate or Schlupp) seems to have weaken Palace. And the 4-2-3-1 resulted in a loss.

4-2-3-1 with Gallagher behind the striker would be great for him. 4-3-3 could mean he has to work more in the midfield, and with Milivojevic hogging the set pieces, Gallagher seems to be less interesting to own.

Conclusion : Gallagher can still be considered as a good budget midfielder with a good run of fixtures for the foreseeable future. Just keep an eye on his performance the coming gameweeks. Because the matches without McArthur and with Milivojevic haven't been great for Conor.

This is just my second thread ever. I have been intrigued in how Milivojevic and McArthur's roles and minutes are impacting Gallagher's performance.

Kindly RT and like this thread if you enjoy reading it, and hopefully of use of your research of good FPL assets.

Thank you @FFH_HQ @OfficialFPL for the FDR images, and @FantasyFootyFix for all stats and heatmaps

correction thanks to @sixtimesbc 🙏🙏

Gallagher's goal threat with McArthur and without Milivojevic (1) and without McArthur and with Milivojevic (2):

Minutes - Goals/90 - xG/90 - Shots/90 - Shots in Box/90

(1) 533 - 0.68 - 0.55 - 2.36 - 1.86
(2) 141 - 0 - 0.14 - 0.64 - 0.64

correction on xA/90, previously it was total xA

Gallagher's assist threat with McArthur and without Milivojevic (1) and without McArthur and with Milivojevic (2):

Minutes - Assists/90 - xA/90 - Big Chances Created/90

(1) 533 - 0.17 - 0.13 - 0.17
(2) 141 - 0.64 - 0.4 - 1.28