Spot the Differential – Gameweek 33

Although only one of our Gameweek 32 choices delivered immediate returns – thanks to Marc Albrighton for his goal in Leicester’s 4-2 defeat to Everton – we’re hopeful that our latest selections can fare better this time around.

An in-form Everton midfielder takes top billing, while a forgotten man at Stoke City and a returning Crystal Palace defender also gain our seal of approval.

Kevin Mirallas

Following an impressive performance in Everton’s win over the Foxes last weekend, Kevin Mirallas presents an intriguing differential option ahead of Burnley’s trip to Goodison Park this afternoon.

The Belgian produced two assists for the Toffees last time out, and over the last two Gameweeks since returning to the starting XI, he has created more chances (seven) than any other Everton player.

He has also hit the target with all three of his goal attempts over that period, while no other Toffees asset has registered more penalty box touches than his 11.

Available at just 6.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Mirallas looks very kindly-priced ahead of the favourable match-up against the Clarets.

Sean Dyche’s side are still searching for their first away win of the season, with the underlying statistics highlighting their struggles on the road.

Burnley have faced more shots (314) and shots on target (108) than any other away side so far this term, while they have conceded 96 chances down the right wing in away matches – again, more than any other side on the road.

That could play into the hands of Mirallas, who is likely to be deployed down Everton’s left.

The Toffees have been in outstanding form at Goodison Park of late, winning their last seven matches and scoring 26 goals in the process.

So Mirallas, who is owned by just 2.5% of FPL managers, could be worth a gamble as a double-up option alongside Romelu Lukaku to take full advantage of Everton’s convincing home form.

Marko Arnautovic

Stoke City entertain Hull City today and we’re backing Marko Arnautovic to enjoy a fruitful afternoon at the bet365 Stadium.

It’s the Tigers’ defensive numbers over the last six Gameweeks that offer real encouragement that the Austrian can return to form.

Hull have conceded more goals (14), shots inside the box (61) and big chances (16) than any other side over that period.

They also lost 2-0 to the Potters when the two sides met earlier this season.

Although Arnautovic has failed to register any attacking returns over the last four Gameweeks, his underlying statistics suggest points are just around the corner.

The midfielder has created eight chances over that spell – more than double any other Stoke player – while he also leads the way for total goal attempts (11) and shots from inside the box (eight).

Arnautovic has endured a frustrating campaign so far, tallying just five goals and three assists, which explains why his current FPL ownership stands at just 1%.

But with further favourable matches against Swansea City, West Ham United and Bournemouth over the next four Gameweeks, he looks to have the platform to flourish as a differential during the run-in.

Priced at 7.1, the Austrian is probably unlikely to attract much investment given the Potters don’t face a double Gameweek, but as a short-term punt for those Fantasy managers who still have their Wildcard to play, he could just be worth a roll of the dice.

Patrick van Aanholt

Something of a favourite in these parts, Crystal Palace’s Patrick van Aanholt is among our selections after the defender returned to full training this week following an ankle injury.

While he’s not certain to come straight back into the starting XI for the home clash against Leicester City given that the Eagles have won three of their last four matches with Jeffrey Schlupp at left-back, the upside offered by the Dutchman means he may just be worth the risk.

Van Aanholt, who saw his price in FPL drop to 4.9 this week, produced a 15-point haul in his last appearance at Selhurst Park, bagging a goal, clean sheet and full bonus points in the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

That was his third double-figure score of the season, illustrating his ability to plunder big points in favourable home fixtures.

The visit of the Foxes to south London may not initially appear that kind, given the champions have won five of their six league matches under manager Craig Shakespeare.

But after rotating his side at Everton, he could well do similar this afternoon ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.

That could play into the hands of the in-form Eagles, who have kept clean sheets in their last three home encounters.

So with the ability to garner points at both ends of the pitch, and with the lure of two matches in Gameweek 34, albeit against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, the 3.3%-owned van Aanholt offers plenty of potential over the next few Gameweeks.