Spot the Differential – Gameweek 3

A trio of in-form midfielders have caught our eye this week as we turn our attention to possible differentials ahead of the Gameweek 3 deadline.

Kevin Mirallas

Having carried his pre-season form into the Premier League campaign, registering a goal and assist over the opening two Gameweeks, Everton’s Kevin Mirallas will today come up against a Stoke side that has conceded five goals in their first two matches – the joint-highest number, along with Liverpool, so far.

The Belgian has shone in a more central attacking midfield position in the 3-4-2-1 formation used by new Everton boss Ronald Koeman, but also impressed in a more familiar wide role in the 4-2-3-1 system used by the Dutchman during last week’s win over West Brom.

Mirallas, whose current ownership in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) stands at 3.4%, has impressively hit the target with all three of his goal attempts so far this season, while he’s also registered a trio of successful crosses.

Priced at 6.5 in FPL, Mirallas looks likely to secure a starting berth against the Potters given his early season form, and the fact he was an unused substitute during the 4-0 EFL Cup victory over Yeovil Town in midweek.

Stoke arrive at Goodison Park having allowed five big chances in their first two matches, the joint-third highest total, while they’ve also allowed 17 shots inside the box, only three behind Burnley and Middlesbrough, who have conceded the most.

With Everton looking rejuvenated under their new manager, and with Romelu Lukaku perhaps being handed his first league start of the season this afternoon, Mirallas should have a good chance of getting amongst the attacking points once again, offering a cheaper Toffees’ alternative to the popular Ross Barkley in the centre of the park.

Nolito

After making a sensational impact off the bench last weekend, scoring twice in Man City’s 4-1 victory at Stoke, Nolito, who is currently sat in just 4.1% of FPL squads, looks an intriguing option ahead of tomorrow’s home clash against West Ham.

The 29-year-old attacker arrived from Celta Vigo this summer having registered an impressive 12 goals and seven assists in 29 league appearances last season, and with new City boss Pep Guardiola currently favouring a 4-1-4-1 formation, it’s Nolito, valued at 9.0 in FPL, and fellow winger Raheem Sterling (8.0), who currently look to offer better value than Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.

De Bruyne and Silva are playing slightly deeper in central midfield in the current system, with the wide players pushed high up the pitch on the flanks. All three of Nolito’s goal attempts this season have come from inside the box, and his impressive record over the last few years illustrates a real quality in front of goal.

West Ham arrive at the Etihad in despondent mood, having been knocked out of the Europa League by Astra Giurgiu on Thursday night, and continue to have injury concerns over a number of key players.

Having only played an hour of City’s 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday night, Nolito looks set to start on the left wing against the Hammers, and with City so impressive as an attacking unit against Stoke, taking a punt on the overlooked Spaniard could pay off handsomely.

Adam Lallana

While it was Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho who dominated out thoughts during pre-season when it came to Liverpool midfielders, it’s Adam Lallana who looks to be providing the best value right now.

The England international sets us back just 7.1 in FPL, and appears poised to gain a third consecutive starting berth against Tottenham today, with Coutinho, Emre Can and Divock Origi all doubts.

Lallana, whose 11-point haul in Gameweek 1, thanks to a goal and assist, saw him rise 0.1 in price, is currently owned by 8.9% of FPL bosses, and has somewhat surprisingly registered more shots from inside the box (seven) than any other midfielder over the opening two matches.

While a trip to White Hart Lane presents a difficult match-up for the Liverpool attack, it’s the Reds’ away form against some of the Premier League’s “big names” under Jurgen Klopp that gives us cause for optimism.

Convincing 3-1 and 4-1 victories over Chelsea and Man City respectively last season and the 4-3 triumph at the Emirates two weeks ago have seen Klopp’s men produce devastating spells of counter-attacking football.

It’s possible we could see history repeat itself this afternoon, then, and if that’s the case, the underlying statistics suggest Lallana may be able to continue outperforming his mid-price valuation.