You know the drill. The Scout Selection Committee picks three players and Big Dunc’s way with words tempts you with our Friday night trio. Dunc is unavailable for selection this weekend, so I’ve stepped into the breach to deliver this week’s Differentials piece in his absence. Here’s who we have for your consideration…
Steve Morison
We’re backing the Norwich striker heavily this weekend. Drafted in to the “Ones to Watch” section of our official Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Scout article, he gets the nods here for his performances over the last few gameweeks.
The Welshman has found the net in each of his last three games, scoring against Blackburn, Aston Villa and Arsenal, and while the Canaries seem incapable of picking up a clean sheet, he’s been the one consistent source of points in Paul Lambert’s side of late.
Between gameweek 10-12, only Robin Van Persie has scored more goals than Morison, an indication of his form right now. Up next? A home clash with a QPR side that have conceded 11 goals in their last three road trips. Priced at 4.9 and with an ownership of just 1.3%, Morison looks good value to extend that scoring streak at Carrow Road tomorrow.
Phil Bardsley
Back in the Sunderland fold after a season blighted by both injury and suspension, Bardsley‘s presence in the Black Cats’ back line adds a definite solidity. A look at his four ninety-minute appearances so far this term shows just 2 goals conceded for Steve Bruce’s side, despite away clashes against Liverpool and Man United.
With Kieran Richardson shifted further forward, Bardsley seems to have been instilled as the first-choice left-back once again. His performance in the goalless draw at home to Fulham last week was encouraging from an offensive point of view, too, with plenty of goalscoring opportunities produced for team mates.
Wigan roll up to the Stadium of Light on something of a downer after last week’s controversial home draw with Blackburn and the Latics will hardly take heart in their away performances to date. Roberto Martinez’s side have netted just twice in six away games this season and Bardsley, priced at 4.8 in FPL and owned by just 2.1% of Fantasy managers, could prove a decent differential ahead of tomorrow’s Wearside showdown.
Theo Walcott
Ultimately, it may prove a false dawn but (whisper it) there’s a suggestion that Theo Walcott has developed a consistent streak of late. Prior to gameweek ten, the Gunners winger had never scored or assisted in consecutive weeks but he’s now achieved that feat twice in a row.
A goal in the 5-3 romp at Chelsea was followed by assists against West Brom and Norwich and, as Arsene Wenger’s side start to shift through the gears and climb up the table, Walcott is beginning to produce the goods with something akin to regularity.
Given his “previous”, there’s every chance he could crash and burn at home to Fulham tomorrow but with Robin Van Persie’s current form, any pass to the Dutchman’s feet is liable to result in an assist. With Gervinho providing plenty directness on the opposite flank, Walcott is no longer the only real source of pace up front for Arsenal and has almost doubled his haul for the season in those last three fixtures. Priced at 8.8 he’s hardly a cut-price option but with just 3.6% ownership and up against the attack-minded John Arne-Riise tomorrow evening, he may well prosper as the Gunners go looking for their sixth win in seven.
