We’ve been spoilt for choice this week; double fixtures for Wolves, Bolton, Stoke and Fulham in addition to decent match-ups almost across the board, means we’ve had lots of potential targets to choose from – whittling them down to just four has been tough. After much deliberation though, the “Differentials” selection is here, with just hours to spare on another gameweek deadline…
Kenwyne Jones
Stoke’s excellent form and their double fixture make them a rich source of differentials this week, and while Jon Walters’ brace in the FA Cup semi-final will have alerted many Fantasy Managers to his out of position potential, there is no doubt over who is the main man in the Stoke attack. Since the return to fitness of both Etherington and Jermaine Pennant, Kenwyne Jones has become the focal point of a formation that relies on the width provided by the two wingers, and he looks to be Stoke’s best source of goals at the moment.
This chalkboard of the Tottenham game highlights the different roles played by the two strikers; the only time Jones touched the ball in his own half was to help defend a corner, in contrast Walters is expected to drop much deeper and help bring the ball forwards. The result of this is that Jones should always get more chances on goal, and the OPTA stats certainly back this up; Jones has had 14 attempts on goal in his last four games, over double that of Walters.
John Flanagan
The ongoing injury problems of Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly forced Liverpool to throw 18-year-old John Flanagan in at the deep end against Man City two weeks ago, but after a faultless display in that game and again at Arsenal the following Monday, he looks almost certain to start again this afternoon. Beyond that, his place in the side will depend on the fitness of Glen Johnson, but considering Dalglish previously shifted Johnson to left back to accommodate Martin Kelly, Flanagan could well hold down a starting role for the rest of the season.
As highlighted in Sir Paulos’ excellent technical area article, Flanagan is more of a traditional tough tackling full back than an attacking wing back, but with Liverpool lacking any real width from the wings, he will still be encouraged to get forwards and his link up play with Dirk Kuyt could still see him pick up attacking points and Bonus.
Liverpool have conceded just twice in their last five at Anfield, so with two home games against Birmingham and Newcastle coming up next, Flanagan looks excellent value at just 4.5, and is currently owned by just 0.1% of all managers making him a big differential.
Gael Kakuta
Kakuta will have been frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities since arriving on loan from Chelsea, but a decent performance against Man United last weekend and the news that Damien Duff is still rated as a major doubt with an Achilles problem, means he could keep his starting role in midfield for both Fulham’s games this week.
Kakuta’s full debut last week was a little nervy, but he grew into the game and showed enough attacking intent to suggest he could get in the points this week. Three key passes and two attempts on goal in a game are decent stats for a midfielder in any situation, but particularly impressive when they come at Old Trafford.
Of all the double gameweek teams, Fulham have probably the easiest fixtures and considering Wolves and Bolton conceded eight goals between them last weekend, Fulham’s attacking players look like a good source of points. Clint Dempsey looks the safe option, but with Kakuta available at a cut price 5.1 and with ownership of just 0.1%, he could be a decent pick for those looking for a riskier alternative.
Hugo Rodallega
With their horrific run of fixtures now behind them, Wigan will be desperate to take advantage of their easier run in to the end of the season. Victory over Blackpool last weekend saw them move out of the relegation zone, and with another big game this afternoon against Sunderland, they have a great opportunity to put some distance between them and the bottom three. Sunderland’s recent form has been woeful, picking up just one point and conceding 23 goals in their last nine games, so there has probably never been a better time to travel to the Stadium of Light.
While Charles Nzogbia is the obvious target from the Wigan lineup, Hugo Rodallega also looks a strong option after an excellent performance last weekend, where he picked up a goal and maximum bonus. The two seem to have developed a strong partnership up front and it seems unlikely that either will be rested at such a crucial point in the season, so at 5.4 Rodallega could prove to be a reliable source of points if you’re looking for a budget striker.
Best of the Rest
Mark Schwarzer looks the pick of the goalies this week and with just 3.4% ownership, his differential appeal makes him a decent investment. Jermaine Pennant also looks good value at 4.8 if funds won’t stretch to his pricier team mate, Matt Etherington. Finally, Adlene Guedioura looks like one to keep an eye on after a strong attacking display last time out, although his position in the side still looks too risky to take a punt this week.
