Spot the Differential – Gameweek 38

One last throw of the dice. If desperate times call for desperate measures, then the “Differentials” offer a potential route to success. For the final time this season, we target two goalscorers in form, while our third contender looks set to lead the line in a must-win fixture that’s at the centre of Sunday’s one remaining issue.

Clint Dempsey

Tottenham’s American international will go into Sunday’s encounters with clear motivation and the incentive to seek out goals. Andre Villas-Boas’ outfit have to go for three points against Sunderland at the Lane to maintain their hope of edging Arsenal for the remaining Champions League spot.

Dempsey will surely retain a starting role having notched goal and assist returns in the vital win at the Britannia, with Villas-Boas singling him out for praise in his post-match comments.

While Gareth Bale is the obvious selection from the Spurs midfield and, along with Daniel Sturridge, the favourite for the Gameweek armband, Dempsey is a would-be replacement for those selling on the injured Eden Hazard, who are ready and willing to double up on a fully motivated Spurs outfit.

Gabby Agbonlahor

The Villa striker’s form has been nothing short of sensational in recent weeks, at times even overshadowing the contribution of the mighty Christian Benteke. The big Belgian is absent from Villa’s trip to the DW Stadium on Sunday through suspension, leaving Agbonlahor to carry the burden of grabbing the goals that will see Paul Lambert’s side end the season on a high.

Agbonlahor is more than capable: six goals in his last eight league starts have seen the fleet-heeled striker offer exceptional value for his 6.9 price tag. With the Latics defence struggling to plug the holes created by a raft of injuries, Agbonlahor will surely fancy his chances of adding to his tally, with Benteke owners perhaps considering a straight swap on the final day to capitalise on Wigan’s charitable back four.

Olivier Giroud

Back from a three-match ban following a rather harsh red card in the Gameweek 34 win over Fulham, Giroud is set to be thrown back into the mix at St James’ Park with Lukas Podolski likely to switch to the left-flank. Arsenal make the trip to the North-East needing three points to keep Spurs at bay as their North London rivals host Newcastle’s struggling neighbours, Sunderland.

Giroud has been a frustration this term, largely failing to fill the yawning void left by Robin Van Persie. He’s nonetheless sparked on occasions to feature as a cameo performer in our Fantasy seasons. He may yet be a factor on the final day.

At just 7.3 in the Fantasy Premier League game, Giroud is available in the mid-price and is set to lead from the front for a team that needs to fetch goals and with Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla providing a stream of ammunition. Once again, then, Giroud’s returns will come down to his ability to convert the opportunities that come his way with the Gunners surely set to go on the attack. As a side note, Newcastle have conceded nine goals in their last two matches in front of their own fans.