Frank Lampard, Cesc Fabregas Robin Van Persie and Rafael Van Der Vaart should all return to action in some form this weekend, and I may finally get the chance to blow some of that cash currently sat in my bank. All this talk about differentials is making me very tempted to ignore the clamour for Fabregas and chuck Lampard straight into the mix too, regardless of Chelsea’s recent form. In fact sod it, I might get both, it is Christmas after all.
For those of you sensible enough not to have stockpiled enough cash to fund a large family through University (a bit of politics there), we’ve picked out some more differentials of the slightly cheaper variety to ponder over…
Aleksander Kolarov
Although he is fairly well known around these parts already since featuring in our full Watchlist article, Aleksander Kolarov is still owned by just 1.5% of all managers, a surprising statistic considering the attacking threat he poses on the left flank. Considering City’s defensive form and the potential he has shown in his limited game time so far, Kolarov looks to be one of the best value defenders in the league at just 5.7m, offering a substantial discount over the likes of Baines and Ashley Cole.
With eight clean sheets so far, City lead the league in terms of shut outs over the course of the season, but more impressive than that is their recent form; in the last seven league games, they have kept four clean sheets and let in just a single goal in the other three. It’s easy to see the benefit of having a city defender in your side then, but where Kolarov really stands from the likes of Kolo Toure or fellow differential Jerome Boateng, is at the other end of the pitch. Kolarov is top of the defenders in terms of attempts on goal in recent games and is also taking corners regularly; the only other defender to be doing so currently is Leighton Baines.
Jordan Henderson
Sunderland’s second top scorer in the FPL game was another to be highlighted in our pre-season ‘Breakouts’ article but so far this season, his attacking threat has been limited. Since moving to the right flank against West Ham however, he has looked a much improved fantasy prospect and his match winning performance in that game saw him pick up his first league goal of the season and all three bonus points. A quick glance over the filtered OPTA stats, available soon to members, show that in the two games since moving to the flank, he has delivered six key passes and 13 crosses, clear signs that he is also likely to chip in with assists in games to come, on top of the goals he has promised.
Sunderland face a Bolton side that have kept just a single clean sheet all season, so goals look more than likely, and the 1.1% of FPL managers that have invested in the young England star will be looking at this weekend’s game as probably his best chance so far to provide a bumper return.
Somen Tchoyi
After just failing to make the differentials last week, Somen Tchoyi has shot up to the top of the pile this week with a very attractive home fixture, and recent quotes from Roberto Di Matteo which suggest that he may be played as a lone striker against local rivals Wolves. The tall Cameroonian playmaker has looked very strong in centre midfield in recent games, and is currently West Brom’s second top scorer with 3 league goals despite only playing 332 minutes so far this season. It is no surprise then, that his manager may look to him for goals this weekend if Peter Odemwingie fails to return from injury.
Tchoyi is owned by just 0.1% of fantasy managers, a tiny amount in comparison to his team mate Chris Brunt who is currently owned by 6.6%. While Brunt offers a slightly more proven option in midfield, Tchoyi’s goal threat and potential Out Of Position role make him an excellent differential for this week.
Hugo Rodallega
Having dropped nearly 1.0m in price since the start of the season, the Wigan frontman is starting to look like a decent budget option up front, especially considering his lone striker role and the recent form of wide players Nzogbia and Cleverley. Rodallega’s returns so far this season have been disappointing after a decent haul last term, but with an excellent run of fixtures coming up, we should see him back firing on all cylinders once more. Add in his set piece and penalty duties and he could be a real bargain at just 5.6m.
Wigan face Aston Villa at home this weekend, and will fancy their chances or grabbing a few goals considering Villa’s woeful away record this season; The Villans have picked up just four points from a possible 24 on their travels, and let in 18 goals.
Almost making it this week was ‘Old Glass Legs’ himself, Mr Robin Van Persie, who looks set to play a part in Arsenals home fixture against Stoke, although doubts over his starting role meant he was just a bit too risky. John Mensah looks like excellent value in the Sunderland defence at just 4.4m and will be hoping for another clean sheet at home to Bolton this weekend, and finally Luke Varney, whose 2 goals and 5 bonus points in Blackpool’s last three games make him a great bargain pick at just 4.6m.
