Marko Arnautovic delivered for us last weekend, and we’ve turned to a trio of midfielders at different price points for our latest differential choices.
The cheapest looks set to offer some out of position potential in south Wales tomorrow, while Man City and Chelsea midfielders have also caught our eye for Gameweek 19.
Bakary Sako
Christian Benteke is suspended for Crystal Palace’s trip to Swansea City tomorrow, which sets up Bakary Sako looks an excellent one-week option.
The Mali international has scored as a substitute in each of the Eagles’ last two matches and looks likely to partner Wilfried Zaha in attack at the Liberty Stadium.
Like Zaha, Sako has impressively been able to adapt to playing as a centre-forward and Roy Hodgson was effusive in his praise for the 29-year-old attacker in his pre-match press conference.
The trip to bottom side Swansea looks very favourable for an in-form Palace side unbeaten in their last seven encounters.
The Welsh club, who parted company with Paul Clement on Wednesday, have conceded more shots on target in home matches (46) than any other side.
Palace, meanwhile, sit third behind Manchester City (18) and Liverpool (12) for big chances over the last four Gameweeks, with 11.
Unsurprisingly, Sako has a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) ownership of just 0.1%.
Available for just 4.9 and classified as a midfielder, he represents a terrific cut-price option for Gameweek 19.
For those maverick managers willing to roll the dice on transfers, Sako looks a very tempting option given his recent form, the strength of the fixture and his tiny ownership.
Willian
Found in just 7.3% of FPL squads, Chelsea’s Willian is another in-form player who looks set to benefit from a team-mate’s weekend suspension.
The Blues midfielder produced a stunning 16-point haul in the champions’ last away match, when they won 3-0 at Huddersfield Town, thanks to a goal and two assists.
With Alvaro Morata banned for tomorrow’s trip to Everton, the Brazilian is likely to line up alongside Pedro and Eden Hazard in attack once again.
Over the last two Gameweeks, no Chelsea player has created more chances than Willian (nine). He has also registered a team-leading six shots over that period.
Priced at just 6.7 in FPL, Willian was also on the scoresheet in the midweek Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth.
While tomorrow’s trip to Goodison Park will be no pushover, his recent performances suggest that the Brazilian can enjoy another strong away day on Merseyside.
They also won the corresponding fixture 3-0 last season, with Willian on the scoresheet that day.
Ilkay Gundogan
Man City boss Pep Guardiola was unsure on David Silva’s return against Bournemouth tomorrow, which suggests that Ilkay Gundogan will get another run-out in midfield.
The German international costs a mere 5.3 in FPL and faces a plum home fixture with the struggling Cherries.
Eddie Howe’s side have conceded 10 goals in their last five matches and – among others – could be without injured defender Charlie Daniels for the trip to the Etihad.
They also have a wretched record against the Citizens since earning promotion to the Premier League, shipping 17 goals in five meetings.
Bournemouth lost the corresponding fixture 4-0 last season, with Gundogan on the scoresheet.
The City midfielder enters tomorrow’s clash full of confidence after producing a goal and an assist in the 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
He also supplied an assist in the midweek cup win at Leicester to maintain that trajectory.
After the Cherries’ match, City face favourable trips to Newcastle United and Crystal Palace before entertaining Watford on New Year’s Day.
With the omens for goals looking strong, a cheeky punt on Gundogan (0.6% ownership) could produce spectacular rewards for those brave enough to take the risk on a cut-price route into the league’s most potent attack.
