Spot the Differential

Spot the Differential – Gameweek 23

We call upon the services of three overlooked Fantasy options this Saturday morning as the minutes tick down to the Gameweek 23 deadline. Newcastle’s lone frontman earns the nod away to Watford, whilst we turn to Sunderland and Everton’s midfield ahead of plum home clashes with Bournemouth and Swansea respectively.

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Despite carding just one win over the last four Gameweeks, Newcastle have upped their level of performance game by game, culminating in a 2-1 victory over West Ham United in the previous round of fixtures. Excluding Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic (6.2) has arguably been the biggest catalyst for the Magpies’ improvement in the final third.

The Serbian frontman lays claim to a solitary goal in six outings, yet his underlying statistics highlight his latent potential. Since Gameweek 19, only Harry Kane has chalked up more attempts (18) than Mitrovic (17), while the Toon recruit ranks top – ahead of Sergio Aguero (14) – for shots inside the box (15) and joint-top for shots on target (eight). Added to that, only three forwards recorded more key passes (eight) during that timeframe, illustrating his creative qualities.

Considering that the Tyneside outfit ranked second for shots inside the box (41) and top for shots on target (24) over the last four Gameweeks, they’re well placed to punish a Watford team that’s reeling in the wake of four straight defeats. Beyond the Hornets clash, Newcastle travel to face an Everton unit that’s conceded more home goals (20) than any team in the league.

Adam Johnson

Having failed to make any noise on the Fantasy scene since the 2013/14 season, Adam Johnson (5.8) has thrust himself back into relevancy with four assists in three outings, putting him well on course to surpass a career-best haul of assists (nine). Although Sunderland continue to ship goals at an alarming rate, they rank joint-top for goals (eight) since Gameweek 20, paving the way for cut-price differentials like Johnson to emerge.

Over the last four Gameweeks, only seven midfielders tallied more key passes than Johnson (nine) and only three recorded more through balls (three), underlining his pivotal role in the Black Cats’ build-up play. Certainly, if Jermain Defoe can maintain his purple patch (five goals in three), there’s every chance Johnson will be the man delivering the crucial final ball.

Next up for the Wearsiders is a home clash against Bournemouth, who rank joint-fourth for goals conceded in road fixtures (21). Moreover, only Norwich City have surrendered more big chances (35) on their travels than the Cherries (32), which suggests that Sam Allardyce’s troops will be afforded their fair share of scoring opportunities at the Stadium of Light.

Kevin Mirallas

In light of Gerard Deulofeu’s rise to prominence and Roberto Martinez’s propensity for rotation in wide areas, Kevin Mirallas (6.8) struggled for pitch time in the first half of the season, managing just two starts.

However, the illusive winger looked close to his best against Chelsea last Gameweek, expertly lashing home his second goal in three outings and employing his lively dribbling skills to outfox a dazzled Blues’ rearguard. Indeed, during yesterday morning’s press conference, Roberto Martinez lavished praise on the Belgian’s recent showings, raising hopes that he can nail down that left wing berth from here on in.

Illuminating the Belgian’s rich potential for attacking returns, Philippe Coutinho was the only midfielder that racked up more attempts (12) than Mirallas (nine) across their last two outings. Furthermore, the former Lille recruit ranks fourth for shots inside the box (five) and joint-top for shots on target (five) from that perspective. Taking the campaign as a whole, Mirallas possesses the third-best shot frequency (one every 22.1 minutes) among midfielders who’ve recorded 20 or more attempts.

For all the Toffees’ defensive travails, they netted seven goals in their last quartet of match-ups and rank second for home goals (23) ahead of a home encounter against Swansea City, who’ve posted just one clean sheet on their travels. Everton then welcome a Newcastle side that’s allowed the joint-fourth-most goals in away fixtures (21), so the stage could well be set for Mirallas to grace the scoresheet and help fire the Toffees up the table.

960 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one please guys!

    KDB, Ozil, Mahrez, Payet, Alli

    Please help with this Dilemma

    1. Coaly
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Alli

    2. Licious Lizard
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez imo.

    3. Tangerine
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Still stuck on Alli/Mahrez myself. Heart says Alli head says Mahrez.

    4. Apaway
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Got exactly the same dilemma. Benched Alli in the end

    5. Xhaka Kahn't
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Payet

    6. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      honestly the way southampton have played lately it wouldnt be too crazy to bench ozil for a game.

  2. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Bellerin to Daniels gives me enough to do Ozil to Sanchez with .1 to spare.

    1FT left this week - do I use it on Belle to Daniels and start him?

    Or save and do both after today's games??

    1. Licious Lizard
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Of course if you want Daniels, you should get him this week against Sunderland. I don't think Bourn will keep a cleanie and how many PK's can they actually get 😉

      Save FT imo, so you have 2 if DGW will happen soon. You are not going to do Ozil ->sanchez anyway now I assume

      1. Coaly
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks - yeah likely to look to get Sanchez next gw depending on how he does

        1. Licious Lizard
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          Yep. I am monitoring him myself and Ozil could be an "easy" way to get him. Not sure if I want to get rid of Ozil just yet. Sanchez really has to show some major threat.

  3. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play Koscielny or Daniels?

    1. ZLNR
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Kosc

    2. Filthbomb
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I am playing Daniels and benching Koscielny

    3. Two is a Kompany three is a…
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      both

  4. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Any Butland owners think it's time to jump ship?

    Suggestions? Also have Henny..

    1. matija
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      I have the same problem. I have Rudd and Butland and don't know whom to pick

    2. Licious Lizard
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Not really actually. Stoke have been doing okay defensively. I wouldn't say it was Unrealistic that they kept it clean against a misfiring Leicester. After ManU and Everton the fixtures could bring a few cleanies as well. I am keeping at least.

      + there is a smaaaaaaaall chance they will get a dgw soon 😉

  5. t4thomas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Is Cathcart going to keep it clean?

  6. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Kasper Toby, Bellerin, Moreno. Mahrez, Özil, Payet, Barkley. Lukaku, Ighalo, Aguero.

    Bench: kdb, Smith, Dann. Butland (gk). Gtg? Its kdb versus Mahrez that feels tricky.

  7. SweeSwee
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Looks like price trackers are pretty unreliable this week. Dissappointing Mahrez hasn't dropped and Aguero hasn't risen.

    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Mahrez dropped.

  8. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play 2:
    A) Ivanovic or Bellerin or Shawcross
    B) Sigurd or Arnie

    1. Ejaaz11
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Play bellerin and arnie

      I have a feeling that he's gonna punish all those guys who transfeered him out this week...

  9. mayofc2000
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Hi Guys

    (1) Is it worth changing KDB to Barkley or Payet for -4pts?
    (2) Any 3 defender from Moreno, Monreal, MCauley, Baines, Targett

  10. matija
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Play
    A)Butland or B)Rudd

    and bench one

    1) Cresswell 2)Sagna 3)Mahrez

    1. Rabbinton
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Cresswell

  11. Rabbinton
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Butland
    Bellerin Alder Ake
    Ozil Alli Mahrez KDB
    Aguero Kane Lukaku

    Henno Stanislas Simpson Ward

    Looking ok? right bench?

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Like me, you have Leicester v Arsenal defence

      If consider Simpson over Bellerin

    2. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      Simp 1st sub

  12. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all

    Gtg?
    Should I play Monreal over Huth?

    DDG
    Huth Toby Evans
    Mahrez Ozil Mirallas(c) Payet
    Kane Aguero(vc) Ighalo

    Ruddy Alli Monrral Kolarov

    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      (c) and (vc) swap in order.

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 2 months ago

        I'm 600k +

        Might as well punt, season is over

        1. Acquafresca
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 2 months ago

          I'm 400k. #NeverSayNever.

          DGW Bench boost with 15 DGWers and triple captain Kun. Anything is possible.

          1. Hibbo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 2 months ago

            This.

  13. ZLNR
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Butland

    Koscielny - Sagna - Alderweireld

    Alli - Ramsey - Özil - Mahrez

    Kane - Aguero (C) - Lukaku (vc)

    Schmeichel - Gosling - Azpilicueta - Dann

    I've missed all the Kun vs Kaku debates that have inevitably been raging on so far this morning what do we reckon?

    1. Aguero
    2. Lukaku

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      2

  14. Acquafresca
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Bellerin vs Simpson choice bound to end in tears..

  15. Krul Runnings
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else considering benching their Spurs defender?

    Surely Palace score today at the 6th time of asking?

  16. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who to Play ?

    A- Zomua v.s Aesenal (A)

    B- Cresswell V.s City (H)

  17. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Mahrez vs Kdb.

    Who will score more today?

    Its either one of them or Smith.

  18. immaldo
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench?
    A. Sagna
    B. Fuchs
    C. Mahrez

    1. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 2 months ago

      B

  19. Nick12345
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench????

    Evans — Daniels — Vertonghen — Bellerin — Targett,
    Arnautovic — Mahrez — Firmino — ozil — payet,
    Kane — Lukaku — Aguero

  20. The one and last
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 2 months ago

    Ideas to improve defence? 2FT, 0.1 cash
    Creswell, Moreno, Evans, Williams, Simpson,