Opta Analyst
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Arsenal Don’t Take Risks, and That’s What Makes Them So Strong
Arsenal have been criticised for years for playing too cautiously, but Mikel Arteta has built a team and a system that requires fewer risks and is still devastatingly effective. The post Arsenal Don’t Take Risks, and That’s What Makes Them So Strong appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Tottenham vs Aston Villa Prediction: Premier League Preview
We look ahead to Saturday's Premier League contest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our Tottenham vs Aston Villa prediction and preview. Both teams are looking to get their first top-flight win of the 2026-27 campaign. The post Tottenham vs Aston Villa Prediction: Premier League Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Brentford vs Chelsea Prediction: Premier League Preview
Chelsea will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday. The post Brentford vs Chelsea Prediction: Premier League Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
The 10% Club: Opta’s Best Under-the-Radar FPL Picks for Gameweek 5
The 10% Club is back again for Gameweek 5. Have you got any of these five under-the-radar gems in Fantasy Premier League? The post The 10% Club: Opta’s Best Under-the-Radar FPL Picks for Gameweek 5 appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Manchester United’s Alarming Start Under Eva Olid: What the Numbers Reveal
From a blunt attack to costly defensive mistakes, Chelsea's 5-0 thrashing exposed Manchester United's biggest problems. We dive into the data behind a difficult start for Eva Olid in England. The post Manchester United’s Alarming Start Under Eva Olid: What the Numbers Reveal appeared first on Opta Analyst .
FCS Football Week 3 Preview & Predictions: What’s Next in a Season With Everything?
The FCS Football Week 3 Preview & Predictions spans the nation for the best games and storylines. The season has enjoyed a banner start. The post FCS Football Week 3 Preview & Predictions: What’s Next in a Season With Everything? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Opening Assessment: What’s Sustainable (Or Not) in NFL Week 2 and Beyond
We’re diving into some eye-catching numbers to decide if certain developments will continue in NFL Week 2 and moving forward. The post Opening Assessment: What’s Sustainable (Or Not) in NFL Week 2 and Beyond appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Have Tottenham Changed Too Much Too Quickly?
After a massive overhaul of the squad this summer, Tottenham have made a dreadful start to 2026-27. Concern is growing that their new players are not going to gel quickly enough. The post Have Tottenham Changed Too Much Too Quickly? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Who Needs Julián Alvarez? Barcelona Cannot Stop Scoring Goals
Barcelona have scored lots of goals since Hansi Flick arrived in 2024, and despite missing out on a new striker in the summer, that has very much continued this season. The post Who Needs Julián Alvarez? Barcelona Cannot Stop Scoring Goals appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Revival: How Leeds Unlocked the Premier League’s Hardest-Working Striker
Most had written Dominic Calvert-Lewin's credentials as a top-flight striker off, but not Daniel Farke. The German has got the best out of his star man, and Leeds are reaping the rewards. The post Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Revival: How Leeds Unlocked the Premier League’s Hardest-Working Striker appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Who is the NFL’s Highest-Paid Player?
Some players had great timing, and some were just simply great all the time. We look at some of the highest paid players in NFL history. The post Who is the NFL’s Highest-Paid Player? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
The Premier League’s Worst Starts, and Why Coventry, Villa and Spurs Shouldn’t Panic Yet
Tottenham are yet to score, Coventry are yet to score or record a point, and Aston Villa are starting slowly again. But what does a bad start really mean, and can those teams learn anything from the slowest starts in Premier League history? The post The Premier League’s Worst Starts, and Why Coventry, Villa and Spurs Shouldn’t Panic Yet appeared first on Opta Analyst .
How a Year as Championship Underdogs Prepared Hull City for Unexpected Premier League Start
Few gave Hull City much hope of staying up in the Premier League this season, but they've taken eight points from their first four games. They appear to be thriving. The post How a Year as Championship Underdogs Prepared Hull City for Unexpected Premier League Start appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Is HBCU Football Actually a Big Four in 2026?
South Carolina State is nationally ranked and a SWAC trio is close behind. Have the four teams separated themselves in HBCU football? The post Is HBCU Football Actually a Big Four in 2026? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
WSL Team of the Week: The Opta XI from Matchday 2
We’ve curated our WSL Opta XI of Matchday 2 based on the performances that stood out most across the second round of fixtures. The post WSL Team of the Week: The Opta XI from Matchday 2 appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Europa League Predictions 2026-27: The Opta Supercomputer Projections
Ahead of the start of the league phase of the 2026-27 Europa League, the Opta supercomputer has run 10,000 simulations of the season. But who won the competition most often? The post Europa League Predictions 2026-27: The Opta Supercomputer Projections appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Top Teams Showcasing Their Strength in Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll
As top teams continue to win games - even against FBS opponents - there isn't a lot of movement in the new Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll. The post Top Teams Showcasing Their Strength in Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll appeared first on Opta Analyst .
SFA, Brungard, Niekamp, Holloway, Harper Earn FCS National Awards (Week 2)
Stephen F. Austin, Youngstown State's Beau Brungard and Illinois State' Tye Niekamp are among the Week 2 FCS football awards recipients. The post SFA, Brungard, Niekamp, Holloway, Harper Earn FCS National Awards (Week 2) appeared first on Opta Analyst .
WSL Matchday 2: The Opta Numbers That Defined the Weekend
From West Ham stunning London City Lionesses’ new-look stars to Manchester City’s set-piece masterclass, we use Opta data to uncover the standout performances, emerging trends and biggest numbers from Matchday 2 of the 2026-27 WSL season. The post WSL Matchday 2: The Opta Numbers That Defined the Weekend appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Six Knee-Jerk Reactions to Premier League Matchday 4
We’re back for our weekly review of the Premier League’s action with a bunch of hastily made conclusions. The post Six Knee-Jerk Reactions to Premier League Matchday 4 appeared first on Opta Analyst .
No Home Wins? 26-Year Premier League Wait Could End on Monday Night
No home team has won in Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign so far. Leeds are the final team standing between MD4 and a rare place in history. The post No Home Wins? 26-Year Premier League Wait Could End on Monday Night appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Gunners Fire Blanks: The Numbers Behind Crystal Palace’s Shock WSL Point at Arsenal
Crystal Palace picked up an outstanding point at WSL title challengers Arsenal on Sunday with a masterclass in resolute defending... and a bit of good fortune. The post Gunners Fire Blanks: The Numbers Behind Crystal Palace’s Shock WSL Point at Arsenal appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Man Utd 0-1 Man City Stats: Haaland Nets Controversial Derby Winner for 10-Man City
There were plenty of talking points as Manchester City earned a 1-0 derby win at Old Trafford. Re-live this Premier League game with our Man Utd vs Man City stats page. The post Man Utd 0-1 Man City Stats: Haaland Nets Controversial Derby Winner for 10-Man City appeared first on Opta Analyst .
FCS Quarterbacks Off to Fast Starts in 2026
The football winds up in quarterback hands on the majority of plays, and plenty in FCS football are taking advantage early this season. The post FCS Quarterbacks Off to Fast Starts in 2026 appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal Stats: Bruno Guimarães Back to Haunt Former Rivals After David Raya Penalty Heroics
Bruno Guimarães and Bukayo Saka scored the goals as Premier League champions Arsenal maintained their 100% start to the season, but they also had their goalkeeper to thank. The post Sunderland 0-2 Arsenal Stats: Bruno Guimarães Back to Haunt Former Rivals After David Raya Penalty Heroics appeared first on Opta Analyst .
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