Spot the Differential – Gameweek 38

With this afternoon’s Fantasy Premier League deadline edging ever closer, it’s now time to reveal our final differential selections of the season.

There are no second chances after today – our options simply must produce in a one-week scenario, so we’ve turned to three forwards with potentially prosperous home fixtures in the hope they can deliver big hauls to provide a final push.

Daniel Sturridge

For those Fantasy bosses really prepared to roll the dice, Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge looks the perfect route on offer.

The Reds forward is sat in just 1.6% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squads, and crucially, Jurgen Klopp’s side go into the final day with plenty of motivation, with a victory at home to Middlesbrough guaranteeing them a top four finish.

Liverpool should also be full of confidence after dispatching West Ham United 4-0 last weekend, with Sturridge a key figure on his return to the starting XI.

The England international opened the scoring at the London Stadium and produced four goal attempts in total, with three arriving from inside the box, while also creating two chances in an effervescent display.

Sunday’s showing reminded us that, on his day, Sturridge is an explosive Fantasy asset, with all the tools to hit the double-figure mark.

Sturridge could also hardly ask for a more favourable match-up to end the season.

No side have conceded more goals than Boro (11) over the last four Gameweeks, while they also rank first for the most shots conceded inside the box (52) and big chances allowed (12) over the same period.

Steve Agnew’s men also have nothing to play for, with relegation back to the Championship already confirmed.

Available at 9.7 in FPL, Sturridge looks to tick all the differential boxes. And placing the captain’s armband on the Liverpool forward could certainly pay off handsomely should he get the opportunity to build on his display against the Hammers.

The potential return to fitness of Roberto Firmino presents a caveat and makes the move something of a gamble. However, after such an impressive performance with a front two last Sunday, Klopp will surely be tempted to preserve Sturridge and strike partner Divock Origi for Boro’s visit, regardless of the Brazilian’s availability.

Sam Vokes

At the other end of the price spectrum is Burnley’s Sam Vokes, who sets us back just 5.7.

The Wales international has been in convincing form of late, scoring four goals in his last four Gameweek starts, and enjoys his own favourable match-up at home to Liverpool’s victims last weekend – West Ham.

As mentioned, Slaven Bilic’s men really struggled in their 4-0 home defeat last time out and will travel to Turf Moor without the significant influence of centre-back Winston Reid.

The New Zealand international is one of several key absentees for a Hammers side that has managed just two clean sheets on their travels all season, so Vokes looks to have the ideal platform on which to maintain his late-season momentum.

The Clarets forward has registered an impressive 30 penalty box touches and 11 shots from inside the box over his last three appearances, and with his confidence levels sky-high, is primed for another strong showing.

Over 34,000 FPL bosses have already drafted in the target man prior to today’s deadline, but he’s still only owned by 3.0%.

Vokes looks unrivalled as a final-day acquisition for those seeking goals on a budget.

Charlie Austin

While Sturridge and Vokes have form heading into Gameweek 38, it’s reputation and a promising home fixture against Stoke City that sees Southampton’s Charlie Austin get the nod as our final selection.

The Saints forward returned from a shoulder injury as a late substitute in the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough last weekend, and following another disappointing outing from Manolo Gabbiadini in the goalless draw against Manchester United, Austin should see some minutes this afternoon.

Taking a chance on the English striker clearly comes packaged with plenty of risk given that he hasn’t started a match since Gameweek 14. But his pedigree, along with the fact he’s only sat in 1.8% of FPL squads, does make him an intriguing option.

Despite a lengthy absence, Austin is still Southampton’s second leading scorer this season with six goals.

His appeal is also boosted by Stoke’s disappointing form heading into the final day.

The Potters have won just one of their last 10 matches and have conceded eight goals in their last four encounters.

With Austin’s outstanding predatory instincts on offer and Southampton’s dire need for a final day cutting edge, it may be worth taking a gamble on the 6.3-priced forward as the ultimate Gameweek 38 punt.