Spot the Differential – Gameweek 35

Our usual pre-Gameweek search for some overlooked Fantasy games brings Tottenham’s raiding left-back onto our radar. We also call upon Newcastle’s resurgent Frenchman and scour the Leicester frontline as Claudio Ranieri shuffles his pack to cope without the suspended Jamie Vardy.

Danny Rose

Give that he boasts a points-per-game average (5.0) that ranks third among all defenders this term, it’s somewhat surprising that Danny Rose (5.1) sits at a modest 2% ownership. Now that Spurs are fighting on a single front, the rampaging left-back looks a very likely starter and furnishes us with the joint-cheapest route into a Lilywhites rearguard that’s delivered four clean sheets in five outings prior to West Bromwich Albion’s visit.

Looking at Rose’s creative output, he’s notched two more assists (seven) than any of his counterparts. Furthermore, Cuco Martina was the only defender that racked up more key passes (nine compared to eight) across his last six appearances. With regards to the left-back’s goal threat, Rose has fired off shots at a greater frequency (one every 81.5 minutes) than Toby Alderweireld (92 minutes).

Bearing in mind that the Baggies have posted blanks in four of their last five outings, Spurs’ backline will be disappointed if they’re breached at White Hart Lane. Combing deeper into the stats, the West Midlanders charted bottom for shots on target (nine) in their last six and rank bottom for shots on target in road ties (37). They’re tasked with besting a defence that’s surrendered four fewer big chances (13) than any side on home turf.

Moussa Sissoko

Shifted into the number-ten berth for double Gameweek 34, Newcastle’s new captain Moussa Sissoko (5.6) has upped his output with a goal and assist in showdowns with Swansea and Man City.

The industrious Frenchman has profited from a shift in gears on Tyneside that has seen them chalk up seven goals and the joint-sixth-most shots on target (18) in four outings, renewing our interest in their attacking assets.

Taking the season in its entirety, only six midfielders have mustered more key passes in away matches than Sissoko (28), which bodes well before the Toon’s trip to Liverpool. In addition, the former Toulouse recruit has accrued 11 more penalty-box touches (21) and three more shots inside the box (six) than any Newcastle midfielder during their previous six fixtures.

Although a duel at Anfield promises to be a serious challenge, the Reds’ Europa League clash against Villarreal five days later may well prompt Jurgen Klopp to rest a selection of his first-teamers. It’s also worth noting that for all the Merseysiders’ attacking verve, they were only able to secure shut-outs in three of their last 14 match-ups.

Leonardo Ulloa

Having been utilised as a substitute frontman in seven of Leicester’s last eight outings, Leonardo Ulloa looks likely to be the prime beneficiary of Jamie Vardy’s suspension this weekend. In a Gameweek where six teams are without a fixture, the 5.2-priced Foxes frontman could prove a valid short-term option, particularly for those managers still with a wildcard to wield.

Exploring the statistics, Ulloa has recorded four goals in 881 minutes this term, giving rise to a short-conversion rate (19%) that’s not all that dissimilar from Vardy’s (21.2%). Considering that the Foxes’ supporting cast crafted more big chances (13) than any team across their last four matches, there’s certainly scope for the ex-Brighton target man to exert his influence. Moreover, Ulloa will also be hoping to hang onto spot-kick duties in Vardy’s absence, having converted a last-gasp penalty against West Ham after Riyad Mahrez was replaced late on.

Next on the agenda for Claudio Ranieri’s men is a home tie against Swansea City, who slumped to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United last time out. Furthermore, the Swans rank sixth for goals conceded (27) and have managed just a single clean sheets on their travels, exposing a lack of resolve that the hosts’ clinical offense is more than capable of exploiting.