Spot the Differential – Gameweek 13

Both Harry Kane and Patrick van Aanholt delivered the goods for last week’s selections, and now we’re turning to an in-form Gunner, Crystal Palace’s jet-heeled wide man and a hidden gem in the Watford defence to flourish this time around.

Olivier Giroud

Having scored three times in as many appearances off the bench over the last trio of Gameweeks, Olivier Giroud is clearly coming into form following an injury disrupted start to the season.

Handed a start at home to Paris Saint Germain in midweek, the Frenchman’s converted spot-kick took his tally to five goals in as many matches in all competitions.

Although Giroud – who sets us back 8.9 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) – is perhaps a risky pick, we reckon the recent downturn in form from Alexis Sanchez will persuade Arsene Wenger to continue with his compatriot up top against Bournemouth tomorrow.

The Cherries had conceded eight goals in their previous three away matches prior to last weekend’s 1-0 win against Stoke City, and could prove to be the ideal opponents for Arsene Wenger’s side as they look to get back on track following two draws in the league.

Giroud’s disrupted start to the campaign means he’s sitting in just 1.9% of FPL squads, and while he is a rotation risk, the fact Arsenal face West Ham United, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace in their next seven makes him an interesting option.

He has impressively averaged a goal attempt every 18.3 minutes over the past three Gameweeks, far superior to Sanchez (40.7), and with penalty duties also to bear in mind due to the continued absence of the injured Santi Cazorla, those looking for a differential in attack may need to look no further.

Wilfried Zaha

One midfielder who has been quietly producing a steady stream of points over the past four Gameweeks is Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha.

The winger has produced an assist in each of his last four appearances, and has created an impressive 11 chances over the same period.

He also leads all midfielders for successful dribbles with 27, helping him accrue two bonus points over the past month.

Available at just 5.3 in FPL, Zaha is certainly offering great value, and looks to have a pretty kind fixture this afternoon, with Palace travelling to face bottom side Swansea City.

The Swans have conceded seven goals in their last four matches, and have let in 12 goals in their six home matches so far this season.

Palace also face Southampton and Hull City over the next three Gameweeks, fixtures that appear relatively favourable in regard to Zaha’s immediate prospects.

Allied to his assist potential, Zaha has also demonstrated a reasonable goal threat in recent weeks, managing seven shots from inside the box over the last four Gameweeks, while he ranks second for touches inside the box among midfielders over the same period with 27.

With his ownership in FPL currently at just 2.9%, Zaha could be the perfect option for those looking for a Joe Allen replacement, or Fantasy managers who are thinking of cutting ties with Ilkay Gundogan, who has emerged as a rotation risk following the return of Yaya Toure.

Daryl Janmaat

While Jose Holebas has undoubtedly been the main attraction in the Watford defence so far this season, his team-mate Daryl Janmaat could be set to emerge from his shadows over the coming weeks.

Janmaat broke his duck for his new club in the 6-1 thrashing at Liverpool earlier this month, and also picked up an assist in the 3-1 win over Man United back in September.

The Dutch international now looks to be engrained as Walter Mazzarri’s first-choice at right wing-back, and has posted some impressive underlying statistics over the past few weeks.

Most significantly, Janmaat, who is priced at 4.8 in FPL, has registered four total goal attempts since his return to the Watford starting XI in Gameweek 11, ranking him joint-second among defenders, while he’s also produced seven crosses.

So given that attacking threat, and the fact the Hornets have only conceded two goals in their last four matches, Janmaat looks to have plenty of upside ahead of tomorrow’s home clash against Stoke City.

The Potters suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth last time out, and without the suspended Joe Allen, may find it difficult to break down a resolute Watford rearguard.

That potential to deliver points at either end of the pitch, allied to a ownership of just 0.2% in FPL, certainly makes Janmaat an intriguing option ahead of what is a generally a promising run of fixtures for the Hornets over the next month or so.