Key Takeaways
- Bruno Fernandes needs just one more assist to equal the Premier League single-season record held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.
- The Portuguese midfielder leads all creativity statistics this season, including chances created and expected assists.
- Curtis Jones has emerged as a surprise solution at right-back for Liverpool ahead of the Old Trafford clash.
The Manchester United captain moved within touching distance of a historic milestone after setting up Benjamin Sesko during Monday’s 2-1 victory against Brentford. Sunday’s encounter with Liverpool offers Fernandes the chance to draw level with Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City tally from 2019/20 and Thierry Henry’s Arsenal record from 2002/03. He requires just one more assist.
With four fixtures remaining this campaign, the 31-year-old is well placed to surpass both legends. Maintaining his current form through matches against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton would see him finish on 22 assists.
Fernandes has consistently created chances since arriving at Old Trafford from Sporting CP in January 2020. However, his current total of 19 assists represents his most productive season to date. The statistics reveal a significant gap between him and his rivals. His 19 assists are nearly double the next best players, Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, who both have ten.
The midfielder also dominates the charts for chances created, having fashioned 114 opportunities compared to 61 from Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Arsenal’s Declan Rice. He tops the rankings for big chances created too, with 28.
Set-pieces have contributed heavily to his success. Ten of his 19 assists have come from corners and free-kicks. By comparison, Henry managed only two from dead-ball situations during his record campaign, while De Bruyne claimed three. However, Fernandes also leads the league for open-play chances created, proving his versatility as a creator.
Assists depend on teammates converting opportunities. Yet Fernandes also ranks highest for expected assists, which measures the quality of chances provided. Since his debut, no Premier League player has recorded a higher xA total.
Liverpool know his threat well. In October’s meeting at Anfield, his exceptional volleyed cross with the outside of his right boot allowed Harry Maguire to head the winner. Another decisive contribution this weekend would secure his place in history and strengthen his case for Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, Liverpool may continue their experiment with Curtis Jones at right-back. The 25-year-old has started the last two matches in that position against Crystal Palace and Everton. He became the sixth different player to fill the role this season for Arne Slot’s side.
The head coach praised the midfielder for embracing an unfamiliar position. Jones has brought composure on the ball and completed 149 passes across both games, the most by any Liverpool player. His ability to drift into central areas has improved the team’s build-up play. Virgil van Dijk described his performance at Goodison Park as “outstanding” and a “game-changer” in possession.
Elsewhere this weekend, Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi faces Crystal Palace after scoring three times in his last four appearances. Arsenal host Fulham on Saturday evening, while Chelsea meet Nottingham Forest and Everton face Manchester City on Monday.