Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have had a roller-coaster ride in the 2025/26 season, with many favourites underperforming and lesser-known players grabbing the limelight.
After seven Matchdays, we have a fair idea of how teams line up and how their game flows. Below, SportsCasting takes a look at the players who have been on the receiving end of the most big chances and explains how the statistic can give you the edge going forward.
What Are ‘Big Chances’ and Why They Matter in FPL
According to Opta, a “big chance” is an opportunity where the attacking player is expected to score. Big chances include penalties, close-range opportunities with little defensive pressure, and one-on-ones with the goalkeeper.
In FPL, most managers tend to go for outright stat leaders, such as top goalscorers and highest assist providers. But these metrics are based on past performance, not necessarily indicative of future returns.
Not a single penalty, yet he’s in the Golden Shoe race. Erling Haaland is insane. 🤝🙌 pic.twitter.com/9M8GqpLl3u
— Muniir (@dripsciple) October 8, 2025
The big chance metric, meanwhile, shows who has been consistently getting on the end of opportunities. Even if they are not converting most of them at present, the law of averages comes into play and balances past deviations.
Thanks to this statistic, you can buy underperforming players for cheap, and then hopefully see them come good down the line. Buying players before they explode could keep you ahead of most reactive FPL managers.
Haaland Leads FPL Big Chances Statistic; Mateta is the Most Wasteful
Manchester City star Erling Haaland has been firing on all cylinders this season, scoring nine goals and providing one assist in seven matches.
The Norwegian has also been on the receiving end of a league-topping 14 big chances. With 70 points to his name after seven games, Haaland is the highest scorer in FPL this season.
Haaland scored the only goal as Man City beat Brentford on Matchday 7. Courtesy of his scorching form, he has seen his value rise in FPL price changes for Gameweek 8.
🇳🇴 Erling Haaland is the only player in the 21st Century to score five goals in three separate games ✋🤖 pic.twitter.com/r7SPzlDlVM
— LiveScore (@livescore) October 7, 2025
Crystal Palace star Jean Philippe-Mateta is the next on the list with nine big chances. Surprisingly, the £7.5 million forward has only scored two goals for Palace in the Premier League, which has prompted many Fantasy managers to sell him.
The surprise package of the 2025/26 FPL season, Antoine Semenyo, has had seven big chances. He has scored six goals and provided three assists in the English top flight, taking his FPL tally to a career-best 66 points.
🚨Antoine Semenyo: 🗣️
“I am an Arsenal fan, I don’t conflict the two with my job. It is always great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life.” pic.twitter.com/I86kDrZNLW
— AFC Xtra (@AFC__Xtra) October 8, 2025
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is next on the list, having had six big goalscoring opportunities. The Argentine midfielder has scored three goals and provided an assist, racking up 41 points in FPL.
With Cole Palmer dealing with injury concerns for the better part of the season, Enzo has operated in an advanced role. Once the Englishman returns to the fold, there is a good chance that the 2022 World Cup winner would return to his natural position in Enzo Maresca’s system.
Enzo Fernández: a FIFA world champion for club and country 🌎🏆 pic.twitter.com/uhRbjzEDTn
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) August 18, 2025
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has also had six big chances this season. The Swede has yet to live up to his lofty price tag, having only scored three goals. However, stats show that he has been occupying the right spaces, suggesting good things might be in store down the road.
FPL Players with the Most Big Chances So Far
| Player | Club | Big Chances | Goals Scored | Total FPL Points | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Man City | 14 | 9 | 70 | 61.0% |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | Crystal Palace | 9 | 2 | 20 | 10.0% |
| Antoine Semenyo | Bournemouth | 7 | 6 | 66 | 59.3% |
| Enzo Fernandez | Chelsea | 6 | 3 | 41 | 14.9% |
| Viktor Gyokeres | Arsenal | 6 | 3 | 26 | 26.7% |
Bottom Line
If you are someone who looks beyond the goals, Jean-Philippe Mateta’s numbers should encourage you. Owing to his poor form, his ownership is hovering around 10%, making him an excellent differential pick.
Of course, you may have to be patient with the Frenchman, as it could take him a while to start firing. Palace have a few decent matches coming up, and we are hopeful of seeing an uptick in his performance.
