Spot the Differential – Gameweek 37

Our trio of overlooked alternatives are all set for a couple of fixtures in the final double Gameweek of the season. We turn to both Manchester sides for a couple of fit-again big-hitters, whilst West Brom’s summer signing from Sunderland also earns the nod as the Baggies’ bid for survival steps up:

David Silva

Passed fit by Manuel Pellegrini earlier today, the playmaker’s return may well prove decisive as City attempt to close in on the title. Prior to being stretchered off with an ongoing ankle problem in the Gameweek 35 win over West Brom, Silva had served up his best displays of the season – delivering three goals, four assists and 10 bonus points in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game over his previous six appearances.

A mass exodus has quickly seen his ownership plummet across the Fantasy games, however, with only 5% of FPL managers currently holding the 9.5-priced Spaniard ahead of City’s pair of games against Everton and Villa. Whilst there still may be some concerns over his game time, if Silva can replicate his recent form in the double, he could be a devastating differential, either as an alternative to (the 37%-owned) Yaya Toure or as part of a City midfield double-up, as Pellegrini goes on the attack in order to overtake Liverpool at the summit.

Available for 8.4 in the Sky Sports game and 5.5 in the Sun Dream Team, Silva also has a potentially decisive home clash against West Ham on the final day of the season to further his appeal.

Robin van Persie

Back in full training after a number of weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury, the United forward’s acquisition doesn’t come without risk. In his Friday morning press conference, Ryan Giggs conceded it’s uncertain whether Van Persie will be ready in time for today’s home game against Sunderland, but with a midweek showdown against Hull also on the horizon, optimism still surrounds his double Gameweek prospects.

As last week’s demolition of Norwich showed, Giggs is determined to go on the offensive after a series of negative displays under former boss David Moyes dented the Red Devils’ Fantasy assets for the vast majority of the season. With Wayne Rooney doubtful due to illness and a groin problem, Van Persie could potentially be handed the lone forward role, with Juan Mata tucked in behind – a scenario that could see him rack up the returns over his couple of fixtures. Alternatively, he may be afforded a pair of sub appearances off the bench, though even with limited game time, the Dutchman – priced at 13.5 in FPL, 10.0 in the Sky Sports game and 8.0 in the Sun Dream Team, – has the potential to deliver.

Stephane Sessegnon

Whilst West Brom boss Pepe Mel continues to chop and change his preferred lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Benin international’s security of start in “the hole” behind in undoubted. Sessegnon has chipped in with a couple of goals in his last eight appearances but, as yesterday afternoon’s Members article alluded to, he’s been more than a little unlucky not to add to that tally.

The Baggies have struck a rich vein of form in recent weeks ahead of their trips to Arsenal and Sunderland, with two wins and a couple of draws in the last five taking them to the brink of survival. Encouragingly for Mel, his side have already drawn with the Gunners and swept aside the Black Cats this term, with Sessegnon amongst the scorers in a 3-0 win over his former club.

Available for 6.4 in FPL, 6.7 in the Sky Sports game and 3.5 in the Sun Dream Team, he may well be worth a flutter for those backing the midlands outfit to prevail.