After two of our differential picks, Marko Arnautovic and Fernando Llorente, struck gold last week, we’re hoping for more of the same ahead of the disrupted
Gameweek 28.
An in-form Hammer takes star billing ahead of a trip to struggling Bournemouth, while under the radar midfield options from Hull City and Liverpool have also caught our attention.
Manuel Lanzini
While big things were expected of West Ham United’s Robert Snodgrass following his arrival from Hull City in the January transfer window, it’s Manuel Lanzini who has shone brightest since the departure of Dimitri Payet.
The Argentine has been directly involved in 50 percent of the Hammers’ goals since Payet left to return to Marseille, totaling three goals and a trio of assists over the last seven Gameweeks.
Lanzini has impressively fired in 12 goal attempts over his last four appearances, bettered only by Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho among midfielders.
So ahead of the afternoon’s trip to Bournemouth, Lanzini, who costs just 6.4 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), looks a great differential option.
The Cherries have failed to keep a clean sheet since their last victory, away to Swansea City in Gameweek 19, and have conceded more goals (21) than any other team since.
Slaven Bilic’s men also face further appealing match-ups at home to Leicester City and Swansea City, along with an away trip to Hull, over the next five Gameweeks.
So Lanzini, who is currently sitting in just 1.6% of FPL rosters, looks an intriguing option, not just for the disrupted Gameweek 28, but also for the upcoming period.
Kamil Grosicki
With an assist in each of his last two Gameweek appearances, Hull City midfielder Kamil Grosicki appears to be gaining momentum ahead of this afternoon’s vital home clash against Swansea City.
The Poland international has started all four matches since joining the Tigers from French side Rennes in January, and looks set to be a pivotal figure as Hull battle to avoid relegation.
Since making his debut in Gameweek 24, Grosicki has impressively produced more shots on goal (nine), created more chances (six) and supplied more crosses (34) than any team-mate over the subsequent four matches.
Available at just 5.5 in FPL then, Grosicki could provide Fantasy managers with solid value, bearing in mind that the Tigers also face further favourable home match-ups against West Ham, Middlesbrough and Watford over the next seven Gameweeks.
Today’s clash looks particularly promising for Grosicki, given that Swansea will be without regular right-back Kyle Naughton, who misses out with a hamstring injury.
So Grosicki, who’s played on the left wing in his last three appearances, may gain more joy against the veteran Angel Rangel, who’s expected to deputise for Naughton.
The Swans, meanwhile, have struggled on the road this season, managing just one clean sheet. They have also conceded more big chances (37) than any other side in away matches this term.
With an ownership of just 0.2% in FPL, Grosicki has the potential to emerge as a key differential not only for today, but for the rest of the run-in.
Georginio Wijnaldum
While Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana have all enjoyed spells this season as the leading option from the Liverpool midfield, recently it’s been Georginio Wijnaldum who has been forcing his way into the conversation.
Impressively, the Dutchman has produced two goals, an assist and five FPL bonus points in his last four appearances.
Bearing in mind that the Reds host Burnley at Anfield tomorrow, it’s Wijnaldum’s home form, like last season – where he scored all 11 of his Premier League goals for Newcastle United at St James’ Park – that is once again set to prove crucial to his appeal.
Wijnaldum, who sets us back 7.5 in FPL, has delivered attacking returns in each of his last five home matches, registering three goals and two assists, averaging 8.2 ppg.
Burnley’s record on their travels merely heightens Wijnaldum’s appeal. Away from home, the Clarets have mustered a single clean sheet and conceded more shots inside the penalty area (157) than any other side.
With further home fixtures over the next four Gameweeks against Everton and Bournemouth, Wijnaldum could prove to be a handy differential beyond this weekend, then, with Liverpool’s schedule during the final months of the season also generally very favourable.
So for those looking to make up lost ground in mini-leagues, a punt on the 1.4%-owned Wijnaldum could pay off handsomely.
