Due to popular demand, the Differential extends back to its former glory with three players back on the menu offering “off the wall” alternatives for the Gameweek and beyond. Low ownership, high potential. You know the drill…
Arouna Kone (6.5 / 0.4%)
Similar to Swansea new boy Michu, the Wigan forward arrived on the back of a strong season in La Liga last term, with 15 goals to his name for Levante. Handed his first start in Gameweek 2, Koné’s instant impact may indicate Roberto Martinez had found a critical piece of the puzzle that had previously been missing from the Latics’ attack.
Although an FPL price of 6.5 and 7.7 in the Sky Sports game aren’t cheap for a Wigan striker, Koné has quickly emerged as a viable differential amongst the low price forwards. With Dimitar Berbatov’s surprise move to Fulham creating some uncertainty for Mladen Petrov and the ever-steamrolling Michu bandwagon leaving complications for those unwilling to double up on the Swansea attack, a reasonable run of fixtures (STO, mun, FUL, sun, EVE) suggests Koné could be set to prosper as Wigan seek to build on last week’s success at Southampton and avoid the need for yet another late season relegation scramble.
While all indications coming into the season indicated that Koné would take the lead role, it is worth noting for those looking long term that the Ivorian could yet face competition for the lone forward role under Martinez, with Mauro Boselli and Franco Di Santo also continuing to show strong form. At a price of 5.0, midfielder Shaun Maloney is also worthy of mention and another look for those focused on buying a budget piece of the Wigan attack.
Jan Vertonghen (6.5 / 3.0%)
As discussed in a prior Scout Report, Vertonghen arrived at Tottenham with great expectations and little doubt that he possesses the physical abilities necessary to carry out Andre Villa-Boas’ new system. Yet, many were thrown for an early knee-jerk when the Belgian was benched for the opener at Newcastle.
Thankfully, order was quickly restored with the summer signing from Ajax seeing a full 90 minutes last week. And, with Younes Kaboul now facing a four-month absence following knee surgery, Vertonghen again looks secure for a regular position in the centre of Tottenham’s defence. While I have never understood Tottenham’s preseason search for a new shot-stopper, the impending arrival of Hugo Lloris looks set to challenge if not replace the age-defying Brad Friedel. Whether the edge ultimately falls to Friedel and experience or to Lloris and speed and agility off the line, Vertonghen should be in line for defensive returns given the upcoming fixtures (NOR, rdg, QPR).
In addition, Vertonghen’s eight goals last season for Ajax present legitimate reason to be optimistic over the prospects for attacking returns. With the Belgian water already sparking a few bandwagons this season and last, Vertonghen looks a reasonable bet to join the likes of Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard and Marouane Fellaini in our Fantasy affections.
Emmanuel Adebayor (9.6 / 4.5%)
Yes, we’re all still wary of the progress being made by Andre Villas-Boas at White Hart Lane but, after his recent transfer dealings, there’s little doubt that he’s now crafting his squad to his liking we expect results to follow. Adebayor was clearly a crucial component and, having rubber stamped his permanent move from Man City, the Togo striker is now back on our Fantasy radars. We’ve ranked him highly in the Watchlist off the back of his forthcoming fixtures and consider that, if you’re reluctant to turn to Gareth Bale, then Adebayor offers effective coverage of Tottenham’s goal potential.
Right now, only 4.5% of FPL managers have taken note, which puts a player who notched 17 goals and 12 assists in the differential bracket. We can’t be certain but we’d expect him to start this weekend against Norwich: it’s a risk but early adopters could reap the rewards. Returns this weekend and we’ll surely see his ownership creep towards a more generous percentage as the Bale vs Adeabyor vs no Spurs coverage argument begins in earnest.
