Spot the Differential – Gameweek 11

There’s just a few hours left before the deadline is upon us once again. All three of this week’s trio of overlooked alternatives are poised for a strong run of fixtures over the next few Gameweeks – a couple may appeal to those on the lookout for a Michu or David Silva replacement, whilst the third offers a real bargain option at the back…

Philippe Coutinho

A stand-out pre-season for Liverpool had Fantasy managers scrambling to find a place for the Brazilian after he finished the previous campaign in style. Coutinho looked poised to take the Premier League by storm but struggled to meet our expectations and by the time he limped out of the Gameweek 4 draw at Swansea, had failed to produce a single goal or assist from the left of a 4-3-3.

Handed a second-half sub role in last week’s loss at Arsenal, as Brendan Rodgers switched to a 4-4-2 in an attempt to stop the home side gaining an advantage on the flanks, Coutinho looks set to be unleashed from the start against struggling Fulham at Anfield tomorrow. It’s uncertain whether he will retain the left flank berth in a repeat of the formation utilised at the Emirates or whether Rodgers will bring the former Inter man into “the hole” – either way, though, Coutinho’s chances look enticing now that Luis Suarez is working in tandem with Daniel Sturridge in a front two.

Now down to 8.5 in Fantasy Premier League, Coutinho (who will set you back 7.8 in the Sky Sports game and 4.0 in the Sun Dream Team,) also has a trip to Hull and home games with Norwich and West Ham in the next five – a schedule which could belatedly see his season finally spring to life and justify summer show of faith.

Andre Schurrle

Surprisingly dropped to the bench for last week’s trip to Newcastle, the German’s stock rose without having to set foot on the St James’ Park turf. A hapless display by his team-mates allowed the Magpies to triumph 2-0 and with Jose Mourinho declaring post-match he made “11 mistakes”, it was no surprise to see Schurrle reinstated to the XI for the midweek Champions League clash with Schalke.

While he may not possess Juan Mata’s ability to pirouette or eye for a killer pass, Schurrle’s industry and willingness to track back, allied with a penchant for a long-range effort, makes him an ideal cog in Mourinho’s machine. The complacent nature of the Newcastle defeat may well be a turning point in Chelsea’s season – Mourinho admitted it was the first time his team’s performance has angered him since returning to the Bridge and Schurrle’s dependability could hand him the platform to nail down a regular role under the Special One.

At just 7.3 in FPL (8.0 in the Sky Sports game and 4.0 in the Sun Dream Team), Schurrle’s schedule over the next six (WBA, whm, SOU, sun, sto, CPL) could well persuade those looking for a route into Mourinho’s attacking options over the next few matches.

Ron Vlaar

Ann unexpected upturn in resilience at Villa Park brings the Dutchman into consideration this week. Typically so porous at the back under Paul Lambert, Villa have ground out three clean sheets in the last six Gameweeks and Vlaar has been the major beneficiary, registering six bonus points across that trio of fixtures.

While the midlands outfit toil up top, Vlaar could be poised for further returns as Lambert’s side prepare for an eye-catching of games that could bring extra investment their way. Tomorrow’s home clash with Cardiff is followed by games against West Brom, Sunderland, Southampton and Fulham and Vlaar, at a mere 4.4 in FPL (5.2 in the Sky Sports game and 2.0 in the Sun Dream Team,) may well be worth considering for those on the lookout for a real off-the-radar option.