Spot the Differential – Gameweek 13

Another article-packed Friday finally comes to a close with our weekly look at a trio of overlooked options for the Gameweek ahead. With one of last week’s three, Jose Enrique, racking up an 18 point Fantasy Premier League (FPL) haul, our new protagonists have a lot to live up to…

Stephane Sessegnon

A total of 161 points in the previous campaign earned the Sunderland midfielder a starting price of 8.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) but it’s fair to say he’s yet to vindicate his hefty cost. Sessegnon’s attacking potential saw him rack up seven goals and 12 assists last season, meaning he played a part in 45% of his side’s league goals, but Steven Fletcher’s arrival has seen the former Wolves man take up the mantle of talisman instead.

Prior to last week’s trip to Fulham, Sessegnon had failed to find the net but a spectacular strike at the Cottage, in addition to a run of four home games in the next four, has brought him back onto the radar. Ahead of his side’s crucial run of games, Martin O’Neill has revealed an upturn in self-belief could be all the midfielder needs to reignite his under-par campaign:

“Sometimes we have had to wait some time to see that type of form. His goals don’t have to be spectacular but he should score more for the ability he possesses. There was frustration about his game because he got himself into some great positions. You would not believe he would be suffering any sort confidence because his training has been very very good. He is getting sharper which is important. He should be able to score double figures with his ability and something he should be putting into this thought process.”

There’s no doubt the Sessegnon is a real punt for those considering his acquisition but if he can maintain his level of performance from last weekend, there’s clearly potential for points. Now down to 7.3 in FPL, he is priced at 7.7 in the Sky Sports game and, with an ownership of around 1% in both games, he could prove a real differential for those who fancy a real flutter over the next few Gameweeks.

Nicky Shorey

Having managed just a single clean sheet all season, Reading’s defensive resilience is not much of a selling point for Fantasy managers. Shorey, however, more than makes up for his side’s inability to keep out opponents – over the last few weeks, he has even rivalled Leighton Baines in terms of creativity from the back, with an assist against Everton last Saturday long overdue.

The 2-1 triumph over the Toffees earned Brian McDermott’s side their first win of the season and will boost confidence ahead of a run of games which pits them against four of the bottom six in the next four, double Gameweek 16 inclusive. With a substantial share of corner kicks also boosting his appeal, Shorey’s constant supply from left-back could well harvest more points hauls if the Reading frontmen can convert even a fraction of the opportunities provided.

A cut-price cost of 4.1 in FPL and 4.0 in the Sky Sports game, with 1.3% and 0.7% ownership respectively, he’s one to mull over for those Fantasy managers seeking a way to free up budget at the back for pricier acquisitions further up the field.

Jack Wilshere

It’s not just Arsenal’s trip to Villa tomorrow that looks appetising; a strong upcoming schedule could well prove profitable for Arsene Wenger’s troops. With that in mind, we turn our attentions to their fit-again midfielder after he continued his impressive return from injury by notching the opener in the 2-0 Champions League win over Montpellier.

Granted, Wilshere’s deep-lying role in the doubt-pivot alongside Mikel Arteta means he’s unlikely to match the potential of Santi Cazorla, but could possibly mirror the Spaniard for value if he carries his eye for goal onto the domestic stage. While Theo Walcott and Gervinho may vie for the right flank role, Wilshere now seems to be an automatic first XI pick again and could be an intriguing mid-price midfield punt over the next few. Priced at 6.4 in FPL and 6.0 in the Sky Sports game, with an ownership of around 1% in both games, he’s a relatively budget-friendly alternative to Cazorla’s 9.4 and Walcott’s 8.7 FPL price tags.