Spot the Differential – Gameweek 2

Following a successful opening weekend for two of our three differential picks, with Nathan Redmond and Gaston Ramirez registering a goal and an assist respectively, we’re now backing Man City’s rejuvenated winger and two fresh faces at Swansea and West Brom to shine.

Raheem Sterling

Having struggled to make an impact in his first season at the Etihad, Raheem Sterling has looked a player reborn under new City boss Pep Guardiola. After winning the penalty which Sergio Aguero converted in the 2-1 win over Sunderland last Saturday, he also claimed two assists in the 5-0 victory against Steaua Bucharest in midweek.

Currently sitting in just 2.4% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squads, Sterling, who is available at a very reasonable 8.0, looks primed to continue his good form as the Citizens travel to the Bet365 Stadium tomorrow to take on Stoke.

The Potters took a point from their opening day clash at Middlesbrough, but will once again be without the injured Jack Butland this weekend. Mark Hughes’ side have failed to register a shut-out in their last eight matches with the England keeper on the sidelines, so Guardiola’s men look to have a good opportunity to continue their scoring form against veteran Shay Given tomorrow afternoon.

Sterling appears to be benefitting from Guardiola’s tactic to move his full-backs into central midfield areas, allowing the former Liverpool player the chance to take on his opponents in a one-on-one situation with plenty of room to work in. With the 21-year-old’s confidence seemingly back, he may again prove central to the City attack.

Fernando Llorente

Following a hugely encouraging Premier League debut, which saw the Spaniard register four of his six goal attempts on target, more than any other forward, Fernando Llorente looks a great option ahead of Hull’s visit to the Liberty Stadium.

The former Sevilla striker, whose current ownership stands at just 3.5% in FPL, is one of several interesting mid-priced forwards available at 6.5, and appears assured of a starting berth against the Tigers after Swansea boss Francesco Guidolin revealed club-record signing Borja Baston will miss tomorrow’s match due to a thigh injury.

The Welsh side appeared to play to Llorente’s strengths in their 1-0 win at Burnley, registering 28 crosses, only bettered by Southampton’s 31 in Gameweek 1, seeing the Spanish international register four headed goal attempts. Standing at six foot five inches tall, the likes of Modou Barrow, Wayne Routledge and Jefferson Montero will surely continue to search for their new striker in the box given his obvious height advantage.

The fact that Gylfi Sigurdsson should return to Swansea’s starting XI tomorrow should also see improved quality coming from set-pieces, providing another possible source of joy for Llorente.

Having earned the assist for Leroy Fer’s winner last weekend, the Spaniard should be presented with another solid opportunity to get amongst the points against a Hull side that allowed four big chances in their 2-1 win against Leicester, the joint highest number allowed in Gameweek 1, along with Bournemouth.

Matt Phillips

Arriving from QPR this summer, Matt Phillips appears to be the ideal wide man for West Brom. The Scotland international is capable of delivering real quality into target man Salomon Rondon, while he also possesses a reasonable goal threat, having scored eight goals in 44 matches in the Championship last season.

In his last Premier League campaign in 2014/15, Phillips created a chance every 54.9 minutes, better than the likes of Sadio Mane (56.2), Ross Barkley (62.6) and Yannick Bolasie (64.2) – players who have all had a season registering at least nine assists over the last two campaigns.

Tomorrow, the 5.5-priced Phillips, who is owned by just 0.3% of FPL bosses, will face an Everton defence that is likely to still be a work in progress, with new manager Ronald Koeman operating with a three-man defence in Gameweek 1. Of the eight chances the Toffees conceded against Tottenham last weekend, six came down their left side, so Phillips, who should start on the right wing for Pulis’ men, may be able to cause some problems up against Leighton Baines.

For a team not known for its attacking play, the Baggies totalled a respectable 13 goal attempts in their opening day victory at Crystal Palace, and with Saido Berahino and Rondon showing signs of a partnership developing, Phillips could also benefit and emerge as key to his side’s prospects in the final third.