With Fantasy Premier League managers preparing their second Wildcard for Gameweek 36, our three “differential” choices are aligned to offer potential as one-week options and beyond.
After Daley Blind produced 14 points in Double Gameweek 34, we’ve switched sights to home in on attackers from Manchester United and Manchester City, while we’re also backing a Bournemouth forward to maintain impressive form against basement dwellers Sunderland.
Anthony Martial
After accumulating 17 points in double Gameweek 34, Manchester United’s Anthony Martial looks well placed for this weekend’s home clash against Swansea City.
The French international produced a goal and assist playing as a lone striker in the 2-0 win over Burnley last weekend, and given that he is perhaps unlikely to start against Celta Vigo in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, he may get the nod to spearhead the attack against the Swans on Sunday.
The Welsh outfit have struggled on their travels of late, losing their last six away matches and conceding 11 goals in the process.
Over the course of the season, they have allowed more big chances (44) than any other team away from home, while they also suffered a 3-1 defeat to United in the reverse fixture.
So Martial, who sets us back 9.2, should be blessed with the opportunities to add to the four goals and five assists he has racked up so far this term.
Found in just 2.5% of FPL squads, he boasts a strong Gameweek 35 fixture and, depending on Jose Mourinho’s thinking in terms of his first XI for the European stage, Martial could even stick around to play a major role in the double Gameweek 37.
Benik Afobe
The blistering form of Joshua King has meant that Benik Afobe has largely been ignored by Fantasy managers, despite returning three goals and three assists over the last seven Gameweeks,
The Bournemouth forward boasts an ownership of just 2.8% and is very kindly priced at 5.6.
Over his last seven Gameweek starts, Afobe has produced 14 shots from inside the box, ranking him sixth among FPL forwards, while he is also joint-third for chances created over the same period with eight.
Throw in the fact he faces a favourable-looking trip to Sunderland this afternoon and there looks to be every chance the Cherries striker will deliver further attacking points at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats have conceded eight goals over their previous four Gameweeks, including five in their last two home matches.
They also suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in midweek and have to chase the win today to preserve any hope of top-flight survival – that may well leave the door ajar for a confident Bournemouth.
King and Afobe have combined to score 15 of Bournemouth’s last 19 Premier League goals, indicating that the option to double-up on both attackers could pay off handsomely.
The Cherries also have a favourable Gameweek 37 fixture against Burnley, ensuring that Afobe can appeal as a non-Double Gameweek asset for those seeking to free up funds in Bench Boosted line-up.
Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian returned from a foot injury in Manchester City’s goalless draw with Manchester United and is now firmly back on the radar for the run-in.
Jesus took the Premier League by storm before succumbing to injury, producing three goals and an assist in his first two Gameweek starts, claiming maximum bonus points in both matches.
Pep Guardiola’s side travel to Middlesbrough tomorrow, with Jesus a clear and potentially explosive differential for those willing to adopt him early.
Boro have conceded more goals (10) than any other team over the last four Gameweeks, and have struggled at home against the top six sides, conceding at least two goals against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal.
Kindly priced at 8.6 – compared to 12.8 for Aguero – Jesus could be a crucial figure during the run-in, with City’s remaining schedule, including a double in Gameweek 37, presenting obvious appeal.
Jesus is currently owned by just 0.9% of FPL managers but there is no question that this will rocket should he deliver profit on Teesside.
It would be a risk to move now, but with Aguero spurning nine attempts in Thursday’s 0-0 stalemate, there is every chance that Pep Guardiola will hand Jesus more pitch time at the Riverside Stadium.
As demonstrated by his disallowed goal in a five-minute cameo against United, Jesus does not need long to make an impact.
