Spot the Differential – Gameweek 26

Our usual Saturday morning scour for a trio of overlooked Fantasy options brings Sunderland’s new playmaker to the fore. We also call upon Everton’s resurgent wide man and the Hammers’ lone striker ahead of very favourable encounters with West Brom and Norwich respectively.

Wahbi Khazri

Afforded his first start since teaming up with Sunderland in the January transfer window, Wahbi Khazri (6.0) proved the catalyst for their two-goal comeback at Anfield last Gameweek with a brace of assists. In the wake of Jeremain Lens’ hernia injury and the departure of Adam Johnson, there will be greater emphasis on the French-born Tunisian to showcase his creative flair, given that Johnson fashioned key passes (one every 42.1 minutes) at a much quicker rate than the rest of their midfield contingent.

Khazri is an unknown quantity on these shores, yet he was making waves in Ligue 1 prior to his switch, placing second – behind Angel Di Maria (10) – in term of assists (seven). Moreover, the ex-Bordeaux recruit had racked up the fifth-most key passes among midfielders in France’s top tier, rendering him a savvy addition to a Black Cats outfit that ranks second-bottom for chances created (192) this term.

Next on the Wearsiders’ agenda is a home clash against Manchester United. Although the Red Devils have proven impenetrable at times on home soil, it’s a different story altogether on their travels, with just a single shut-out in their last seven road trips. Furthermore, only Spurs (12) found the back of the net with greater regularity than Sam Allardyce’s troops (11) across the past six Gameweeks, boosting Khazri’s chances of kicking on from his Anfield display.

Enner Valencia

Everton and Man City both have blanks in Gameweek 27, which presents a dilemma for Fantasy managers in possession of Sergio Aguero and Romelu Lukaku. Although few will be willing to part with the former, many will considering Jamie Vardy (three in three) as a straight swap for the latter, given that Leicester City host Norwich City that weekend and are guaranteed a fixture in Gameweek 30 by virtue of their FA Cup exit. Sticking with this train of thought, Enner Valencia (5.9) – who’s notched four goals in five and enjoys a home encounter against Sunderland in Gameweek 27 – also courts our attention.

Over the last two Gameweeks, only Diego Costa mustered more attempts (10) than Valencia (nine), while he ranked joint-sixth for shots inside the box (five) and passes received in the final third (27). The Hammers as a unit racked up three more key passes (36) and one more attempt (43) than any team during that time frame, underlining the effectiveness of their supply lines.

Taking one step back from the Irons’ aforementioned home tie against a Black Cats side that rank top for goals conceded (49), they duel with Norwich City at Carrow Road this Gameweek. Valencia will certainly be savouring the opportunity to tackle a Canaries rearguard that shipped a whopping 13 goals over the last four Gameweeks and has allowed six more big chances (62) than any team throughout the season.

Aaron Lennon

Having not reached the five-goal mark since the 2008/09 campaign with Tottenham Hotspur, it’s fair to say that Aaron Lennon (5.6) isn’t renowned for his finishing prowess. Nonetheless, the diminutive winger is arguably enjoying the best attacking form of his career to date, with four goals and two assists arriving in his previous six starts across all competitions. As such, we’re intrigued by his short-term potential at the 5.6 mark.

Among the league’s full roster of midfielders, Gylfi Sigurdsson was the only man who mustered more shots on target (four) than Lennon (three) over the last two Gameweeks. The former Leeds United academy product profited from the fact that the Toffees ranked top of the league for big chances (eight) during that period, giving rise to the best goal haul (six).

Considering that the Merseysiders have generated momentum with back-to-back 3-0 victories, we’re confident in their ability to punish West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park. Everton chart second – behind Manchester City (34) – with regards to goals scored on home turf (27), with no side able to match their 14.4% shot-conversion rate. In addition, the Baggies have recorded the joint-fewest clean sheets (two) since Gameweek 11, offering further hope that the Toffees’ supporting cast can trouble the scoreboard.