Player absence and team performance in football
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PLAYER ANALYSIS
Using Form Lab Black’s player analysis tool we look at a three significant players who will be missing this weekend and see what their absence might mean. N.B. Appearances mentioned below relate to starting and completing an hour unless otherwise specified.
[Peter – Based upon my research over many years it’s possible to quantify the correlation between players and team performance, I’ll try and post about this at some point. This is why statistical analysis for teams is an important part of the modern game. I’ll always have a look at team news for a few clues]
Fulham v Man City
Sergio Aguero, Forward, Man CIty
Just as City were looking to turn around their away form they’ve lost their best forward for up to two months. Since he joined the club Aguero has played 31/46 away matches and they’ve scored 35% fewer goals per game when he’s been missing compared to with him. This has led to just five wins in 15 games and fewer than three match goals on nine occasions.
Stoke v Aston Villa
Gabriel Agbonlahor, Forward, Aston Villa
Villa have relied on their away form in the past couple of seasons but they’ve won only once in their eight away matches without Agbonlahor since 2012/13. [Peter – Benteke is struggling as well at the moment]
Verona v Lazio
Hernanes, Midfielder, Lazio
Hernanes is suspended and while Lazio have lost just 10 of 36 games with “The Prophet” since the start of last season they’ve lost 9/18 that he’s missed, including picking up just two points from seven away matches without him.
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