Spot the Differential – Gameweek 6

After last week’s selections Marko Arnautovic and Troy Deeney delivered goals, we’re backing two in-form attacking options from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, along with an Arsenal starlet, as handy differentials in Gameweek 6.

Marcus Rashford

While it’s been a difficult few weeks for Man United, the form of Marcus Rashford has certainly been a major plus.

The 6.8-priced forward scored their only goal in Sunday’s disappointing 3-1 defeat at Watford, while he emerged from the bench during Wednesday night’s EFL Cup clash at Northampton to register a goal and assist in what turned out to be a comfortable 3-1 victory.

His performances mean he’s expected to be named in the starting XI for today’s home clash against champions Leicester City, most likely in a wide left position, with the freedom to get into the box at every opportunity.

Rashford, whose current ownership in FPL is just 4.5%, looks a great value option to cover the United attack, with the England international averaging a goal attempt every 24.4 minutes so far this season, better than the likes of Chelsea’s Diego Costa (28.8).

The match-up against the Foxes isn’t overly favourable, though, with Claudio Ranieri’s men allowing the fourth fewest number of shots (28) from inside the box so far this season.

Nonetheless, Leicester have conceded six goals in their two away matches this season and appear to be missing the ball-winning ability and work-rate of the departed N’Golo Kante, particularly on their travels.

With Rashford currently brimming with confidence, he looks worthy of serious consideration, then, although it’s worth bearing mind United’s forthcoming fixtures (STO, liv, che) are toughening up.

Heung-Min Son

With so many midfield options to choose from, Heung-Min Son wasn’t really expected to be a key contributor for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

But the South Korean stole the show on his first appearance of the season. Having registered a 19-point haul in the Gameweek 4 victory at Stoke, he also impressed in last weekend’s 1-0 win against Sunderland, again operating on the left of the attacking midfield trio, and crucially played all 90 minutes for the second successive match.

Son was an unused substitute against Gillingham in the EFL Cup in midweek, so is expected to retain his spot in the starting XI for the trip to Middlesbrough, one of three favourable away match-ups (mid, wba, bou) for Spurs over the next four Gameweeks.

The former Bayer Leverkusen player is available at just 7.4 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and is currently sitting in just 1% of squads.

Over the last two Gameweeks, he impressively ranks second among midfielders for total goal attempts (10), shots inside the box (eight) and penalty box touches (19). Those numbers are superior to his team-mate Dele Alli, who has also started both matches and is more expensive at 8.3 in FPL.

He’ll face off today against a ‘Boro side that has conceded five goals in their last two matches, although it’s worth noting Aitor Karanka’s side have allowed the fewest big chances (four) among all 20 clubs so far this season.

Alex Iwobi

While it’s Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla that usually dominate our thoughts when assessing Arsenal’s midfield options, there is certainly value to be found elsewhere – particularly in the case of Alex Iwobi.

The young Nigerian attacker is available at just 5.8 in FPL and has a meagre ownership of just 0.7%.

Iwobi gained Arsene Wenger’s trust towards the end of last season, starting eight of their final nine league matches, and registered two goals and two assists.

He began this campaign with an assist in the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool and following a thigh injury, regained his place in the starting XI against Hull City last weekend, delivering an 11-point haul after providing two assists and a couple of bonus points.

The 20-year-old has impressively averaged a goal attempt every 26.5 minutes this season, better than any other Arsenal midfielder, while he has registered a key pass every 31.8 minutes, which is superior to all Arsenal midfielders bar Mesut Ozil (31.4).

Iwobi looks set to keep his place in the starting XI for this afternoon’s home encounter against Chelsea. He’s up against a Blues defence without captain John Terry that has shipped four goals over the last two Gameweeks, indicating that Iwobi could be a worthy gamble.

The midfielder would represent outstanding value if he can cement a starting role, with the Gunners facing very favourable fixtures (bur, SWA, MID, sun) following today’s London derby.