Fantasy squads are stretched with both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United missing their fixture in Gameweek 21, so we’ve opted for a mix of players across the positions for our latest differential selection.
Favourable match-ups draw us to a Watford defender and a forgotten Manchester City midfielder, while Huddersfield’s in-form forward has the platform to deliver on recent investment.
Marvin Zeegelaar
After returning from suspension in Watford’s 2-1 win over Leicester City on Boxing Day, Marvin Zeegelaar’s stock is back in the ascent for Gameweek 21.
The defender shone prior to receiving a three-match ban, with his two assists against Newcastle United in Gameweek 13 the high point.
Indeed, between Gameweeks 12 and 16, Zeegelaar created two big chances, more than any team-mate. No Hornets player registered more successful crosses than Zeegelaar (five) during that period, making the left-sided defender an intriguing budget option.
The Dutchman is available at just 4.4 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), and enjoys a plum home fixture against bottom side Swansea City this afternoon.
The Welsh outfit have failed to score in three of their last five away matches and are the lowest scorers in the top flight, with just 11 goals.
They also have a vulnerability down their right flank that Zeegelaar, along with Richarlison, can exploit.
Swansea have conceded more chances down that side (55) than any other away club.
The combination of his attacking threat and the strong possibility of defensive returns makes the 0.7% owned Watford defender a worthy gamble for Gameweek 21.
Laurent Depoitre
The burly Belgian has emerged as one of the leading budget forward options and can get back among the goals against a Burnley side hit by injuries and suspensions.
The Clarets will again be without the banned James Tarkowski, while Stephen Ward is again set to miss out at left-back.
Despite conceding just 11 goals on their travels, Sean Dyche’s side have allowed more goal attempts (198) than any other team in away matches.
That will offer encouragement to a Huddersfield side that have scored in each of their last six at the John Smith’s Stadium.
After only coming on as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City, we’re backing Depoitre to return to the starting XI later today.
The forward, who sets us back 5.4 in FPL, has three goals and two assists over the last four Gameweeks.
In addition, he boasts a goal involvement rate of 64%, highlighting his influence when on the pitch.
Still owned by only 6.5% of FPL managers, Depoitre can help free up crucial funds both in midfield and defence.
With the fixture list remaining kind over the medium to long term, the Terriers striker can deliver not only today, but also in the weeks to come.
Leroy Sane
Okay, so the Manchester City midfielder may still be sat in 14.2% of FPL squads, but having seen his ownership halved since Gameweek 13, he is now edging into differential territory.
After playing just seven minutes as a late substitute in the 1-0 win over Newcastle on Wednesday night, we believe the German international will come straight back into the starting XI for tomorrow’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Sane has enjoyed a strong campaign to this point, totalling six goals and eight assists.
He has averaged 5.5 points per match, and having peaked at 9.0 in FPL, the winger is now back down to his starting price of 8.5.
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez shone in the Gunners’ 3-1 victory on Thursday night, and Sane’s pace and directness could cause similar problems for the Palace defence.
Roy Hodgson’s side have conceded 11 goals in their last six home matches, and given the short turnaround for the Eagles, face a difficult challenge to recover in time.
With his minutes managed, Sane could start against both Palace and Watford over the coming days. But if you’re planning double Gameweek investment after this next round of fixtures, taking a one-week gamble on Sane to deliver at Palace looks a viable tactic.
