xGD (Expected Goal Difference)
“xGD,” or “Expected Goal Difference,” is a football metric that calculates the difference between a team’s expected goals for (xGF) and expected goals against (xGA). It offers a comprehensive evaluation of a team’s overall performance by estimating the number of goals they are likely to score and concede based on the quality of chances created and faced. A positive xGD indicates that a team is expected to score more goals than they are likely to concede, highlighting their attacking prowess and solid defensive performances. Conversely, a negative xGD suggests that a team is expected to concede more goals than they are predicted to score, potentially indicating defensive vulnerabilities or inefficiencies in finishing scoring opportunities.