Spot the Differential – Gameweek 34

There are two double Gameweek players among our Differential picks this afternoon, with Leicester’s veteran Argentine and Hull City’s January signing catching our attention. Manchester City’s marauding left-back completes our trio of potential difference-makers.

Esteban Cambiasso

Leicester’s recent reversal of fortunes can, in part, be attributed to the productivity of Esteban Cambiasso. The former Inter Milan stalwart has delivered the goods when the Foxes needed it most, tallying one goal and two assists during their trio of successive wins. With the attack-minded Riyad Mahrez losing out to Marc Albrighton on the right flank of late, Cambiasso arguably represents the strongest route into Leicester’s midfield. Indeed, over the last three Gameweeks, Cambiasso has engineered eight opportunities for his team-mates – only two midfielders have managed more.

Nigel Pearson’s men now embark on a double Gameweek (bur, CHE) that presents further chance to ascend the table. Although Burnley have only conceded six goals in as many outings, they’ll doubtless leave gaps at the back searching for their first goal in five matches – at this point, Sean Dyche’s side can’t afford to sit tight and need to go on the offensive. Having scored ten times in the last four, Pearson’s side will be optimistic of breaching Chelsea’s backline as they go on the offensive to secure their survival. Another real benefit to be gained from drafting in Cambiasso as a budget fifth midfielder is the Foxes’ favourable run-in. The East Midlanders cap off their campaign with three winnable home ties (NEW, SOU, QPR) and a trip to struggling Sunderland in Gameweek 37.

Dame N’Doye

Sourcing Hull City coverage for their double Gameweek (cry, LIV) is far from straightforward, but lead striker Dame N’Doye could be a profitable punt – particularly when you consider that the majority of managers are snubbing the Tigers’ budget options in favour of Leicester’s. The 5.5-priced frontman made a quick start upon his switch to the KC Stadium in the January transfer window, scoring in his first three starts. Goals have dried up since then, though the underlying stats still impress – N’Doye has fired 14 attempts over his last four matches, that’s the same number as Harry Kane, and a tally bettered by only three forwards.

Hull’s first test is a trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday, which N’Doye will no doubt relish after watching an out-of-form West Bromwich Albion side best the London club 2-0 last weekend. Granted, the Eagles’ offense has clicked into gear of late – tallying 11 goals in four matches – yet their rearguard failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous nine. While a home tie against Liverpool next Tuesday should prove a stern test of N’Doye’s credentials, the Reds’ back line revealed a vulnerability when they were breached four times by the Gunners in their last match-up. Recruiting N’Doye does come with the caveat that Hull’s fixtures beyond the double (ARS, BUR, tot, MUN), on paper, appear to offer slim pickings but as a one-week punt, he could be worth considering.

Aleksandar Kolarov

In light of Gael Clichy being ruled out of Manchester City’s home encounter with Aston Villa, Aleksandar Kolarov has a free run at the left-back berth again this weekend. The Serbian defender is set to be handed consecutive starts in the Sky Blues’ rearguard, having been recalled to the side for their 2-0 victory over West Ham United last time out. Famed for his free-kick prowess and long-range shooting, Kolarov posed a significant attacking threat against the Hammers, attempting three shots and executing six crosses throughout the 90 minutes. Furthermore, amongst defenders, only Robert Huth (by eight to seven) has produced more shots in his last four matches than the Serbian.

Despite struggling for form, City have notched clean sheets in four of the past eight Gameweeks. Their run-in (AVL, tot, QPR, swa, SOU) looks conducive to further shut-outs, too, with three winnable home ties and away fixtures against teams they typically dominate. Price at 5.7, Kolarov also carries the benefit that he’s the cheapest route into the champions’ defence and the most likely full-back to support the likes of Sergio Aguero and Jesus Navas on the counter. If Clichy remains sidelined for the run-in, Kolarov could prove a fine differential.