Spot The Differential – Gameweek 11

Both of our midfield selections picked up assists last week, so we’re hoping for further attacking returns from two more middle-men for Gameweek 11.

They’re joined by a Liverpool striker who has the platform to maintain his fine form in a favourable away fixture.

Daniel Sturridge

With goals in each of Liverpool’s last two matches, Daniel Sturridge suddenly looks an enticing short-term option for the Reds’ trip to West Ham United.

The England international has looked sharp in his recent outings and will be expected to retain a starting role with Philippe Coutinho is ruled out, and Georginio Wijnaldum is a major doubt.

Following back-to-back 3-0 victories in all competitions, the Reds travel to east London in confident mood to face a side ravaged by injuries and suspensions in defence.

Winston Reid and Aaron Cresswell may recover to start, but Pablo Zabaleta is suspended, while Jose Fonte, Sam Byram, James Collins and Michail Antonio are all ruled out.

Sturridge’s underlying statistics match up to many of the leading premium options when he has been on the pitch.

He is averaging a shot every 19.2 minutes, which is superior to both Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero (20.1) and Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku (24.3).

Liverpool ran riot on their first visit to the London Stadium last season, with Sturridge scoring the opening goal in an emphatic 4-0 win.

Given the current fortunes of both sides, a similar outcome could be possible this evening.

The caveat is, of course, Sturridge’s security of start and – in the mid-term – his propensity to sustain injuries.

But risking the 0.8%-owned forward might just be the bold move required to take advantage of a Gameweek when four of the top six teams go head-to-head.

For those with the Wildcard already booked in for the break, Sturridge looks the perfect pre-refresh gamble.

Son Heung-min

Having started Spurs’ last four home league matches, we fancy Mauricio Pochettino will hand another opportunity to Son Heung-min against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

With a switch to a more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation possible against the Eagles, the South Korean could line up on the left wing, or even behind Kane in a 3-4-2-1 if Christian Eriksen is deployed deeper.

In Spurs’ previous Premier League outing at Wembley, Son scored in a thrilling 4-1 victory over Liverpool. Indeed, his underlying statistics in home matches are impressive.

The midfielder is second to only Harry Kane (12.7) in terms of minutes per chance among Spurs players, registering a shot every 25.8 minutes.

That’s better than both Dele Alli (32.1) and Eriksen (39.9).

Sunday’s match-up could hardly be more favourable.

No team has conceded more big chances (20) and shots on target (34) than Palace in away matches.

A popular Fantasy option last season when he totalled 14 goals and nine assists, limited pitch-time this campaign means that Son resides in just 1.3% of FPL squads.

But like Sturridge, as a one-week acquisition, the 7.9 signing offers significant potential.

Confidence is sky high among Pochettino’s side, and based on his home performances, taking a chance on the Spurs midfielder could pay off handsomely for Gameweek 11.

Demarai Gray

A change in manager could help Leicester City’s Demarai Gray emerge as a leading budget midfield option.

Handed a start on the right wing by new Foxes boss Claude Puel, the 5.3-priced wide man produced a sensational performance in the 2-0 win over Everton.

He scored his first goal of the season and completed all three attempted dribbles.

Despite limited starts, Gray has caught the eye over his 315 minutes played this season.

His average of a shot every 39.4 minutes ranks just behind Riyad Mahrez (38.9 minutes) and above Jamie Vardy (46.1).

And in terms of minutes per chance created, Gray’s average of 63.0 is superior to both Mahrez (64.8) and Vardy (109.5).

Puel’s first away match comes against Stoke City in today’s early kick-off.

The Potters have struggled defensively at the bet365 Stadium, conceding nine goals in their last four home matches.

Despite a clean sheet at Watford last week, Stoke have conceded the most penalty area shots (44) and big chances (11) over the last four Gameweeks.

The hosts could also be without influential captain Ryan Shawcross, who is again an injury doubt with a thigh problem.

Gray’s eye-catching display last weekend has seen over 21,000 swoop to secure his services, yet he is still owned by just 0.9% of FPL managers.

The 21-year-old’s week could hardly have gone any better so far, with a man of the match performance on Sunday followed by a new four-year contract with the Foxes.

Full of confidence and facing an erratic Stoke side, Gray can add further gloss to those dream-like seven days.