Metrics Glossary
The technical dictionary to understand the numbers behind modern football. Learn the advanced metrics used by Football Explorer to predict match outcomes.
xG (Expected Goals)
Expected Goals measure the probability that a shot will result in a goal, based on historical data (distance, angle, type of assist). It is the true thermometer of offensive danger.
Esempio / Utilizzo: If a team has an xG of 2.5 but scored 0 goals, it means they are creating a lot but underperforming (or faced an overperforming goalkeeper). It's a great indicator of imminent offensive breakthroughs.
xA (Expected Assists)
Expected Assists measure the probability that a key pass will become an assist, regardless of whether the striker actually scores. It isolates the passer's quality.
Esempio / Utilizzo: Midfielders with very high xA are the hidden playmakers. A high xA indicates a player ready to explode in terms of official assists.
PPDA (Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action)
Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA) quantifies pressing intensity. A low number (e.g., 8.0) indicates suffocating high pressing. A high number (e.g., 15.0) indicates a passive or waiting attitude.
Esempio / Utilizzo: If you love betting on possession or counter-attacks, crossing a team with 8 PPDA against a team that can't handle playing out from the back is a sure bet.
Match Momentum
The graph of offensive pressure over the course of the match, calculated by crossing passes in the final third, corners, and shots in the last 5-10 minutes.
Esempio / Utilizzo: Ideal for Live betting: a Momentum spike over 80/100 around the 80th minute often precedes a late goal.
Put these concepts into practice
Now that you know the vocabulary of data-analysts and professional bettors, apply them immediately to the real probabilities of today's matches.
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