Spot The Differential – Gameweek 6

Two of the biggest names in Fantasy football claim top billing as we unveil our latest trio of differentials ahead of Gameweek 6.

Joining the star midfield duo is an emerging prospect from Everton who could just be the budget enabler we’ve been waiting for in attack ahead of a fantastic run of fixtures for the Toffees.

Alexis Sanchez

Our headline selection needs little introduction.

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez was top of the overall Fantasy Premier League standings last season with 264 points, but has endured a difficult time ever since.

Linked with a move away from north London throughout the summer, he was also handed an extended rest period due to Chile’s participation in the Confederations Cup.

But having got 90 minutes under his belt against FC Cologne in the Europa League – when he scored his first goal of the season – and a further run-out against Doncaster Rovers in midweek, he looks primed to start against West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

That’s also partly due to the fact that Danny Welbeck has been ruled out with a groin injury, freeing up a spot for the 2.4%-owned Sanchez.

Arsene Wenger’s side have been impressive on home soil so far this season, scoring seven goals in their two matches at the Emirates.

They also have a strong home record against the Baggies, winning the last six home meetings and scoring 13 goals.

Now down to 11.9 in FPL, gambling on Sanchez now could prove to be a game changer – should he be able to instantly recapture his form of last season.

The upcoming fixture list is very kind for the Gunners, with further favourable home encounters with Brighton & Hove Albion and Swansea City to come over the next five Gameweeks.

For Fantasy managers seeking an explosive differential to kick-start their season, they don’t come more combustible than Sanchez.

Philippe Coutinho

Another big name back in our thoughts is Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.

The subject of major interest from Spanish giants Barcelona over the summer, Coutinho is another player to have suffered a disrupted start to the campaign.

But his performance in the 1-1 draw against Burnley and the midweek EFL Cup tie at Leicester City, hinted that it won’t be long before we see the Brazilian return to his best form.

He produced seven shots and created five chances against the Clarets, despite playing as part of a three-man midfield.

With Sadio Mane remaining suspended for this evening’s trip back the King Power Stadium, the 3.5%-owned midfielder could even be pushed forward to the left of the front three.

Now available at just 8.8 in FPL, Coutinho can provide outstanding value.

He totalled 13 goals and eight assists from just 28 starts last season.

No team has registered more penalty area shots (59) than Jurgen Klopp’s side, and the match-up with the Foxes looks promising.

They rank third for the most shots conceded so far this season, with 85, and have only managed a single clean sheet.

Cheaper than both Mane and Mohamed Salah, and with such low ownership, Coutinho could be a gamble worth taking heading into Gameweek 6.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

After scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Sunderland in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, we’re backing Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin against Bournemouth this afternoon.

The England U21 international was withdrawn after 66 minutes in midweek, suggesting that he’s been earmarked to start against the Cherries.

Despite playing just 267 minutes of Premier League football this season, Calvert-Lewin’s underlying statistics are hugely impressive.

No Toffees player has produced more close-range efforts (seven) than the young forward, while he’s also level with Wayne Rooney for key passes (seven).

He’s already produced two assists this season, with his pace looking crucial to an Everton attack which can, at times, lack dynamism.

The match-up with Bournemouth looks very enticing.

The Cherries have conceded more shots on target (31) than any other team and lost 6-3 on their last visit to Goodison Park.

Priced at just 5.0 in FPL, Calvert-Lewin may emerge as the budget forward we’ve all been waiting for if he can establish himself as a regular starter.

Gameweek 6 also marks the beginning of a hugely promising run of fixtures for Ronald Koeman’s side.

Owned by just 1.9% of FPL managers, Calvert-Lewin offers a significant upside which may well make him a risk worth taking.