Two players who scored in midweek and now face favourable home fixtures have taken our fancy in our latest differential picks.
We’ve also been drawn to a West Ham midfielder whose improved performances of late suggest he could return to haunt his former club later today.
Shinji Okazaki
Following a sensational display in Leicester City’s 4-1 win over Southampton, Shinji Okazaki is our headline selection ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace.
The Japanese international produced 16 points via two goals, an assist and maximum bonus, which tied for the highest individual score of Gameweek 17.
Despite being limited to just nine starts this season, the 5.2%-owned forward has still produced an impressive six goals and two assists.
Interestingly, he is averaging a shot every 37.5 minutes, which is superior to team-mate Jamie Vardy (53).
The in-form Foxes face a favourable match-up in today’s early kick-off.
Only Stoke City have conceded more big chances (26) in away matches than the Eagles (24), while Roy Hodgson faces a defensive injury crisis, with Mamadou Sakho, Joel Ward and most likely Timothy Fosu-Mensah all sidelined by injury.
Meanwhile, no team has scored more goals over the last four Gameweeks than Leicester (10).
Available at 5.4 in Fantasy Premier League, Okazaki has the potential to be an absolute steal.
He scored in a 3-1 win for the Foxes in the corresponding fixture last season, and given his current form, looks an outstanding differential option.
Marko Arnautovic
Returning to the bet365 Stadium for the first time following his summer move to West Ham United, we’re backing Marko Arnautovic to produce against his former club Stoke City.
The Austrian netted his first Hammers goal in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Chelsea and has been their chief goal threat over the last four Gameweeks.
He has produced more shots (eight) and three times as many penalty-area efforts (six) as any other West Ham player.
He is also ranked top for penalty box touches over that period, with 21.
Stoke’s defensive struggles make this fixture a promising one for David Moyes’ side.
The Potters have conceded more goals (36) and allowed more big chances (42) than any other team this season.
They have won only one of their last seven encounters and are currently just two points above the relegation zone.
Following a slow start to his career at the London Stadium, Arnautovic appears to be finding his feet at his new home.
Priced at 6.8 and sat in just 0.6% of squads, he represents a major differential.
For those maverick Fantasy managers out there, the West Ham midfielder could represent the ideal punt for Gameweek 18.
Jesse Lingard
Flourishing in a No 10 role for Manchester United, Jesse Lingard looks a great option for Sunday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion.
The England international has produced double-digit scores in each of his last two away appearances, totalling 27 points.
His underlying statistics over the last four Gameweeks are particularly eye-catching.
No team-mate has produced more penalty-area efforts (eight) over the four matches, while he has received four big chances, with no other Man United player managing more than one.
Lingard has also emerged as the stand-out creative force, leading the way for key passes with seven.
Setting us back just 5.9 in FPL, the midfielder is a hugely enticing budget option.
Sunday’s match at The Hawthorns could be very profitable for the Man United attack.
The Baggies have conceded 11 goals in their last five home matches, shipping at least two goals on four occasions.Â
Jose Mourinho’s side, meanwhile, have scored seven goals in their last two away trips.
The Red Devils also benefit from a very kind upcoming schedule, further boosting the appeal of the cut-price midfielder.
With an ownership of only 2.1% in FPL, and given his growing influence, Lingard can be an effective differential fourth or fifth midfield option for the festive period.
