Spot the Differential – Gameweek 9

This week’s trio of overlooked alternatives offer an option in all three outfield positions. Everton’s fit-again full-back is joined by a couple of options from Tottenham and Swansea who are starting to show signs of the form that made both players must-haves in the second part of 2013/14.

Seamus Coleman

Back in the Everton starting line-up last weekend after recovering from injury, the right-back wasted no time in reminding us of his attacking sensibilities. Coleman’s strike against Villa took his tally to two goals, an assist, a pair of clean sheets and a single bonus point in just four starts for the Merseysiders this term.

Whilst Leighton Baines has deservedly earned plenty of new owners on the back of some superb displays down the left, his fellow full-back has remained firmly under the radar as a result of a stint on the sidelines. Sitting in just 5% of FPL sides, Coleman – who was rested for the midweek Europa League trip to Lille – pays visit to a Burnley side with just two home goals in the first four in front of their own fans so far.

After that one, the Toffees face Swansea, West Ham, Sunderland and Hull in the subsequent five and if Coleman can continue to rack up the points at both ends of the pitch, it won’t be long before he’s rivaling Baines for our affections once again.

Wilfried Bony

Fantasy royalty in the second half of last season, the Ivorian has found himself amongst the also-rans in a sluggish start to his second year at Swansea.

With just a single assist in the first six matches, Bony dropped down to 8.2 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game before notching in back-to-back matches in the last two Gameweeks, as he starts to finally rediscover his form.

Up next for the Ivorian is a plum home clash with Leicester this weekend before a tricky run of fixtures (eve, AR, mcy) which is likely to deter many from investing. It’s worth noting, though, that Bony netted against all three of those opponents last season – indeed, eight of his 17 goals arrived against the top eight teams, highlighting the fact that, when he’s on form, the 4%-owned frontman can deliver the goods regardless of fixture.

Oscar

With Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard for company in the Chelsea midfield, the Brazilian’s had his work cut out to impress us. Slowly but surely, though, Oscar is becoming an increasingly influential player for the league leaders, with a 13-point haul against Palace last weekend underlining his Fantasy potential.

The 8.3-priced midfielder has now delivered two goals, a pair of assists and four bonus points in his last four starts for Jose Mourinho’s side, with a series of display that are strengthening his chances of a regular starting berth.

Named in the Blues’ XI in four of the last five now, Oscar has produced more shots inside the box (eight) in his last four appearances than any other midfielder, offering a real threat as Mourinho’s men square up to United’s obliging backline on Sunday. With home clashes against QPR and West Brom in the subsequent three, allied with a visit to Liverpool’s dodgy defence, the 3%-owned South American may well be worth considering a value route into the league leaders’ attack.