Spot the Differential – Gameweek 18

Another packed Friday comes to an end as we brace ourselves for the frantic festive schedule. Once more, we roll out a trio of overlooked alternatives for your consideration ahead of Saturday morning’s deadline…

Ashley Young

It’s something of an understatement to say Ashley Young didn’t have the best of starts to the current campaign. A single assist in eight appearances over the first 14 Gameweeks was indicative of his disappointing displays for United, as the former Villa man failed to give any indication he was worthy of our attentions.

Indeed, from a Fantasy perspective, United’s midfield has been hugely frustrating. The league leaders may have scored 10 more goals than any other side yet their top scoring Fantasy Premier League (FPL) midfielder is Michael Carrick, with 40 points – three more United defenders have exceeded that score, despite the Red Devils managing a mere three clean sheets. It’s been all about Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney for Sir Alex Ferguson’s table-toppers so far but Young has crept onto our radars after registering an assist in each of his last three Gameweeks and offers an alternative route into Ferguson’s flourishing attack.

The Red Devils roll up to Swansea, having scored three or more goals in five of their last six on the road and priced at 8.2 in FPL and 8.3 in the Sky Sports game, with an ownership of less than 2% in both games, Young could be one to consider for those Fantasy managers still deliberating over a replacement for the suspended Marouane Fellaini.

Edin Dzeko

The City forward may not be too enamoured with his “supersub” tag but, unfortunately for Dzeko, it’s one that his displays have merited. Four of the Bosnian’s six goals this season have come after he climbed off the bench, compared to two strikes in five starts – a crucial factor in his selection for this Gameweek’s article.

Earlier today, Roberto Mancini spoke of his intentions to rotate his team across the festive period as the champions brace themselves for four fixtures in 10 days. With Mario Balotelli ruled out through illness and perhaps uncertain to feature on Boxing Day, the City boss is likely to be careful with the game time of Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Dzeko against Reading tomorrow – the chances are that even if the latter doesn’t start the game, he should see some action.

Bearing in mind the Royals have shipped 13 goals in their last four, the potential for Fantasy points is enticing for the hosts. Dzeko needed only five minutes’ game time to score against Fulham in Gameweek 6, just 12 minutes to bag a brace against West Brom in Gameweek 8 and 18 minutes to notch at home to Spurs in Gameweek 11 – even if Mancini starts with the Argentine pair, then, Dzeko could still prosper if let loose for half an hour or so. Coming in at just 7.3 in FPL and 8.3 in the Sky Sports game, Dzeko’s mid-price FPL valuation and ability to produce from the bench means it would be far less of a blow if Mancini chooses to omit him from the City starting XI.

Victor Moses

Another winger who has failed to produce this term, although the arrival of Rafa Benitez seems to have boosted Moses’ chances. The former Wigan man was rarely afforded an opportunity under Roberto Di Matteo but has started the last two league games at the expense of Oscar in the attacking midfield three behind Fernando Torres.

Handed another chance to impress in the midweek Capital One Cup trip to Leeds, he duly delivered with a goal and assist to vindicate his new manager’s faith. As the fixtures pick up pace, Moses perhaps has the advantage of being a little fresher than many of his team mates – with just four league starts all season, fatigue certainly won’t be an issue. With the Blues looking to continue their recent goalscoring form as Villa pay visit on Sunday, Moses – at just 6.2 in FPL and 6.9 in the Sky Sports game, and with an ownership of around 2% in both games, is a definite gamble but one that could pay off if Benitez keeps faith in his abilities over the festive period.