As we count down to the final deadline of the season, it’s time for another round of ‘Differential’ picks and it’s all about the one-week wonders. None of these picks are ever going to top the Captain’s poll but if you’re happy to take a risk or two, then there is nothing sweeter than an unexpected win. Can you imagine the look on your rivals face as your Anderson (c) pick helps you snatch mini league victory with a 93rd minute winner? He who dares…
Anderson
As entertaining as they are to watch, there is a very good reason why Blackpool are battling relegation. 74 goals conceded in 37 games is an average of two goals a game, which is quite frankly awful. In contrast, Man United have scored 74 goals in their 37 games. Statistics can often be misleading but in this case, they’re so blatant that it’s very hard to see United getting less than a couple of goals here, and Anderson could well be in the mix.
Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday that Anderson will definitely be involved, and logic would suggest that he will line up as an attacking midfielder playing off the main striker. The game against Bolton last weekend demonstrated what can happen playing 4-4-2 against Blackpool; Bolton were overrun in midfield and it was only a tactical shift at half time that allowed Bolton back into the game. Ferguson will surely go with three in the middle then, probably as a 4-5-1 with Anderson behind Berbatov or perhaps 4-3-3 with him on the wing. Either way, he will play a key role in their attacking play and looks a great option for one week only at just 5.5.
Younes Kaboul
After their surprisingly easy victory over Liverpool last week, Spurs go into this afternoon’s match against Birmingham knowing that a win will be enough to guarantee European football next year. They’ve struggled defensively this season, but the clean sheet at Anfield last weekend will give them confidence going into what should (on paper at least) be a fairly routine encounter over a side that has won just twice on their travels all season.
Dawson is probably the obvious pick from the Tottenham back line but Younes Kaboul also offers a decent alternative if funds are tight, and his current role at full-back should see him get involved in the attacking play from wide areas considering Birmingham’s usual tactics of playing a narrow midfield.
Brett Emerton
Blackburn go into their final game of the season against Wolves with the threat of relegation still a very real possibility for both sides, and whichever way the result goes, we can expect an open game with plenty of chances. Brett Emerton might well be worth a punt if you are looking to free up some funds to use elsewhere, and with a goal and an assist in his last two games, he looks a bargain at just 4.2. The Australian veteran has hit a rich streak of form recently and Blackburn manager Steve Kean was full of praise for him this week…
“Brett is playing really well, not only is he chipping in with important goals, he is also going past people and putting dangerous crosses in”.
The OPTA stats back up this observation; he is the leading Blackburn midfielder in all of the key areas over the last two weeks – attempts on goal, key passes (assist attempts) and crosses into the box so with an ownership of just 0.9%, he could be a decent differential, especially if rivals have any Wolves players in their side.
Shola Ameobi
With Newcastle and West Brom both sitting comfortably in mid-table, lazy TV pundits are bound to trot out the old ‘planning the summer holiday’ routine but the truth is, the dead rubber matches like this one can often surprise. Both teams are in a good run of form and a potential ninth place is up for grabs with a win here. When you also consider that Newcastle have scored four or more goals six times at home this season, there is the potential of a big return.
Shola Ameobi has been blighted with injuries for the majority of his career, and although he has managed to avoid any serious problems this season, he’s been a bit too unreliable to merit any serious investment from Fantasy Managers. Long-term potential is irrelevant now though, so if you’re looking for a one-week punt on a striker, Ameobi will be on penalties and could prove to be a steal at just 4.1.
Best of the Rest
Almost making it this week was Stoke winger Jermaine Pennant, who has returned 31 points in his last three games. He faces a late fitness test but could still be worth a punt if you can handle the risk. Newcastle defender Steven Taylor also looks like a good pick having scored in his last two games, and is a good cheap option at 3.9 along with namesake Ryan. Finally, Zavon Hines could earn another start for West Ham having played 90-minutes last week, and will fancy his chances of scoring against Sunderland as the Hammers look to cheer the Upton Park faithful.
