Spot the Differential – Gameweek 22

After Mesut Ozil and, more significantly Peter Crouch with an 11-point haul, produced the goods last weekend, it’s time to unveil our latest cast of differentials as we head into Gameweek 22.

This time around, we’ve turned to a trio of midfielders who could be set to profit from favourable fixtures this weekend and beyond.

Kevin Mirallas

Having registered two goals and two assists over the past four Gameweeks, Everton’s Kevin Mirallas has catapulted himself towards the front of the queue among mid-priced midfielders.

The Belgian has been one of the major beneficiaries from the move to a 3-5-2 formation by Toffees boss Ronald Koeman, and looks a great option priced at 6.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

That’s primarily due to the perfect blend of both form and fixtures, with Everton remaining in the midst of a very kind run (cpl, sto, BOU, mid, SUN) of matches.

Although Mirallas has been transferred in by over 28,000 FPL bosses this week on the back of a 14-point haul in the 4-0 win over Manchester City, he still boasts an ownership of just 2.4%.

His impressive production is certainly not a big surprise when we begin to analyse the underlying statistics. Mirallas has recorded 11 goal attempts over the last four Gameweeks, with six of those arriving from inside the penalty area.

Although Romelu Lukaku and Leighton Baines have been generating the most transfer traffic this week from an Everton perspective, it’s Mirallas, who may just come up with the goods in the clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Dusan Tadic

While Southampton’s Dusan Tadic has been one of the disappointments of the season thus far, the Serbian’s recent performances suggest he may be on the cusp of a return to form.

Tadic has registered just one goal and three assists this term, dropping in price from an initial 7.5 to 7.0 in FPL.

But with Sofiane Boufal out injured, Tadic has reclaimed a regular starting berth over the last three Gameweeks and has registered 10 goal attempts, with six of those arriving from inside the box.

The Southampton midfielder will come up against Leicester City at St Mary’s this weekend, with the Foxes one of only two teams, along with Burnley, who are yet to win on their travels.

Leicester have conceded 21 goals in their 10 away matches so far, and head to the south coast having triumphed in just one of their last six.

It looks a good opportunity for Tadic to get back on track, then, with his pedigree, having scored eight goals and tallied 13 assists last season, in little doubt.

Southampton also face Swansea City, West Ham United and Sunderland in their next four, so Tadic, who is sitting in just 1.3% of FPL squads, could be worth a gamble for those Fantasy managers who are looking to take a risk in midfield.

Nacer Chadli

Although Matt Phillips has stolen the limelight over the last month, it may not be time to write off Nacer Chadli just yet.

The Belgian international started the season with a bang, totalling four goals and two assists in his first five matches, but has failed to produce any attacking returns since, with a period on the sidelines due to a knee injury, setting him back.

It may be a case of fixtures leading to form in the case of Chadli, though, with Tony Pulis’ side hosting Sunderland this afternoon, while their upcoming schedule (mid, STO, whm, BOU, CPL) remains hugely favourable right up to Gameweek 27.

The Sunderland match-up, in particular, is very appealing given that only Swansea City have conceded as many goals as the Black Cats (12) over the last four Gameweeks.

Chadli also has penalty duties in the locker, often a decisive factor when selecting transfer targets.

So while his recent lack of form is a clear concern, it’s unlikely that a player of Chadli’s ability will continue on such a barren run.

With his current ownership standing at just 1.3% in FPL, now might just be the time to roll the dice on the Baggies midfielder.