Spot the Differential

Fit-again Pereira can return to 2019/20 form in Castagne’s absence

Gameweek 23 is almost upon us after another quick turnaround, which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some more differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Leicester City, Burnley and Newcastle United, who we think have the potential to make an impact.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Ricardo Pereira

  • FPL ownership: 0.2%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: wol | LIV | avl | ARS | bha

Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) is showing signs that he is almost back to full-fitness, as he completed his first 90 minutes of the season against Fulham on Wednesday night.

Benefitting from Timothy Castagne’s (£5.7m) injury, which is set to keep him out for a ‘short period of time’, the 27-year-old started at Craven Cottage and even had a goal ruled out in the second half for offside.

The numbers caught the eye, too.

Pereira finished the match with 23 final-third touches. Amongst team-mates, only James Maddison (£7.3m) had more, and for context, his colleague on the opposite flank, James Justin (£5.1m), had nine. He also racked up more penalty area-touches, take-ons and crosses than the English full-back during the match, which is encouraging. 

The return of several injured players, including Çaglar Söyüncü (£5.3m) and of course Pereira, has given the Foxes a boost ahead of a testing run of fixtures, which sees them take on Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal before the end of the month. However, it’s worth pointing out that two of the next three are on the road, where Leicester have won 26 points so far, their second highest total in a Premier League campaign after their 2015-16 title win.

Now almost up to speed, Pereira is surely a must-start for Brendan Rodgers side, and with his ability to bomb forward like a winger, could be an effective differential in the coming weeks.

“He’s one of the top full-backs in the Premier League. We lost him in a game in which he was outstanding. We’ve gained in two ways because it allowed James Justin to come in and grow. Now, to have Ricky back with all of his qualities. He’s not there yet but he’s getting up to speed. We’re really strong in that area of the field.” – Brendan Rodgers

Ben Mee

  • FPL ownership: 1.9%
  • Price: £4.9m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: BHA | cry + FUL | WBA | tot | ARS

English centre-back Ben Mee (£4.9m) has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders in recent seasons, and could be a solid differential given Burnley’s schedule which now includes a Double Gameweek.

The Clarets started the season slowly going seven games without a win, but saw their performances improve once Mee returned to the starting XI following a thigh injury. Since then, the solidity Sean Dyche’s side are renowned for has returned, and resulted in seven clean sheets in their last 17 attempts in all competitions.

Despite just two of those shut-outs arriving this year, it’s worth pointing out that their recent schedule has been tough, with each of their last six league opponents all in the top 10. However, they now have a run of winnable matches against teams in the bottom half, which includes an appealing Double Gameweek 24 against Crystal Palace and Fulham. 

Encouragingly, they have already kept clean sheets against their next four opponents earlier in the season, too.

Captain Mee also carries a bit of goal threat from set-pieces, which has already seen him score against Sheffield United and Aston Villa this term. That could be important too, given that Brighton and Palace often look vulnerable defending crosses into the box, and while clean sheets remain the most likely source of points, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he were again to take advantage from a dead-ball situation in the coming weeks.

Ryan Fraser

Sterling's away form and low ownership can do real FPL damage
  • FPL ownership: 0.2%
  • Price: £5.6m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: SOU | che | mun | WOL | wba

Despite a stop-start season at Newcastle United, largely due to injury, Ryan Fraser (£5.6m) has impressed in recent matches.

That upturn in form has coincided with Steve Bruce’s decision to switch to a 4-4-2 diamond formation, which has seen the Magpies take more shots than any other side since Gameweek 20.

Operating in a more advanced role alongside Callum Wilson (£6.8m), the more ambitious approach is getting the best out of Fraser, who ranks joint-top for chances created among all Premier League players over the last three matches. He’s also created three big chances, a total only Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m) can match, and whipped in a massive 36 crosses.

The 26-year-old’s appeal is further boosted by this weekend’s opponents Southampton, who following their heavy midweek defeat at Old Trafford have now conceded 15 goals in their last four league matches. It’s also worth noting that they’ve given up 21 chances from their right flank during that time, only Burnley have allowed more, which is relevant with Fraser often drifting into those areas, where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot.

Fraser has had a testing start to his time in the North East, but can provide a genuine threat for Newcastle when fully fit, and could be a nice pick-up for those on the lookout for a real midfield differential in Gameweek 23.

858 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fero1905
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Right now my Team for tomorrow. I need some Suggestions please

    MARTINEZ
    TAA SHAW STONES CRESSWELL
    MADDISON SALAH FERNANDES
    WATKINS ANTONIO (C) BAMFORT

    SANCHEZ / GÜNDOGAN/ CANCELO/ SAKA

    Would you play saka for any Player in the team?

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No but I'd probably play Cancelo over Stones. That's what I'm doing.

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cancelo over Stones, Gundo should also play, maybe over TAA

    3. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not over anyone in your first XI

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shouting is not recommended.

    5. Fero1905
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thank you guys

  2. kime67
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    i have no idea who to bench.

  3. Fodderx4
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play 1
    a) Robbo
    b) DCL

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL if have to choose

  4. Arsenal97
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench (need 3):
    Dias
    Stones
    Justin
    Shaw
    Soucek
    Gundogan

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stones Shaw Gundo?

      Hard choice

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not Gundo - rest in the lap of the gods

  5. mwa1t
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this madness?

    Martinez
    Coufal Mee Dier Bednarek
    Salah Grealish Maddison Bruno Son
    Watkins

    DCL, Dias, Brewster on the bench. Feels crazy to bench DCL and Dias. Fixtures are so unpredictable this week

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dias over Bednarek imo

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm benching DCL and Stones. Not madness. Just got to make the least worst choice.

    3. Jimmy Boy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dias over Bednarek imo, did you have him for the -7?

      1. mwa1t
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No he was on the bench thank god

  6. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Dias Coufal Chilwell
    Grealish Salah Son Bruno Gundo
    Bamford Antonio
    (Steer DCL Stones Mitchell)

    0.9ITB & 2FT

    a) Mitchell > Lowton
    b) Mitchell > Rudiger
    c) Chilwell > Shaw
    d) Chilwell > Alonso

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would maybe give Chilwell one more game. Imagine how you'd feel if he lines up at LWB against Sheffield United. Do Mitchell to Lowton to prevent burning a transfer.

  7. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Current team:

    Martinez
    Cancelo - Dias - Coufal
    Gundo - Salah - Bruno - Barnes - Soucek
    Antonio - BamBam

    Button - Mitchell - Alioski - DCL
    1FT, 4.0M ITB

    Should I:

    A) Hold
    B) Upgrade Mitchell/Alisoki
    C) Button --> Pope

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hold. It will feel good post deadline when you see 2FTs available.

    2. FATGFC
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'd hold it - but also, I'd play Alioski over Coufal...

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Im debating Alioski over Dias tbh

        Coufal has Ful, could be a good game for attacking returns

  8. winchester
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good day lads! Have 2ft and 0,3m itb Wildcard, bb, tc available. Kane back next gw? keep or sell? what would you lads do with this lot? cheers guys!

    martinez (martin)
    dias cancelo dallas coufal (taylor)
    salah bruno son soucek gundo
    bamford (adams kane)

    martin+kane -> pope+antonio ?

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I sold Kane this week. Even if Kane is back, it's against City, so might as well be out for aother GW

      1. winchester
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        cheers! then i guess best is to sell get him out. what do u think about the transfer then?

        1. Scholes Out For Summer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Good as any!

  9. JP\'s
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to captain Fernandes or Bamford?

    1. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bruno

  10. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Lowton is 100% nailed & fit right?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

  11. Steager
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Just seen Steve Bruce presser, apparently most of their defence is out. Their defence is not great with everyone fit so thinking

    Wilson to Ings.

    Also gets you Ings for Southampton double in GW25.

    Thoughts?

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Saints also struggling atm

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Saints could double in 26 and 27 too!

  12. Plagued by indecision
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I'm going TAA > Rudiger. Leaves me with

    Martinez
    Cancelo / Justin / Rudiger
    Salah / Grealish / Bruno(c) / Gundo / Saka
    Bamford / Antonio

    Subs: Button / DCL / Stones / Bednarek

  13. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Seems like i need to sell cresswell for burnley defender for their dgw? The rest are rudiger shaw stones and dallas..

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would most definitely not sell the highest scoring FPL defender with Fulham up next. Very bad decision

      1. Letsgo!
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Nono for gw24 just because of burnley dgw and afterwhich westham fixtures turn tough

  14. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Coufal to Mee this week
    B) Coufal to Mee next week, burn a FT this week 🙁
    C) Coufal to a 1-week punt (Alonso, Cresswell etc?) this week, then Mee next week

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      find another use for your FT. Coufal has Sheffield

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Have said on previous posts - moot point. I won’t be playing Coufal in GW24 regardless of what happens this week, given my other defenders/options available.

        So with that in mind, what would you do? No other real use for FT this week

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C still, remember Shaw and AWB also

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers, and fair points yeah - looking at them in for Digne soon, but for a one week punt EVE doesn’t seem the best fixture to target.

        Would you take the risk with Alonso? Straight swap to Cresswell? Anyone else?

    3. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A. Gives you 2FTs to play with next week and I assume you already have 3 City. That will give you 4 DGW players already with 2FTs in your pocket. The world is your oyster then!

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Fair - though I’d have 2FT anyway next week with any of the moves, as I have 2 just now! Though obviously with C, one of those would be booked for Mee in.

        Thing is, I’m pretty happy with team already. 3 City, Areola, Digne, soon to have Mee. Already have a benching headaches that will leave 2 of Watkins Bamford Soucek benched - made worse if I decide to get DCL for one of the former 2...

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Think of the ranking boost by burning a FT!!!

      Alonso could be fun - marginal danger I suppose of benched minutes

  15. Champione
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play on of each category

    A) Martinez (ARS)
    B) McCarthy (new)

    1) Targett (ARS)
    2 Lookman (WHU)

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I fancy Southampton to bounce back and Lookman to get on the scoresheet. Don't think Villa will keep a CS
      B+2

      1. Champione
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        cheers, tempted by that risky approach

        1. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          No probs, some help below?

  16. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez - Button
    Cancelo - Chilwell* - Dallas - Coufal - Ferguson
    Salah - Sterling - Bruno - Grealish - Gundogan
    DCL - Bamford - Brewster*
    2FTs, £2.5itb

    Brewster + Chilwell > Antonio(C) + Shaw for free

    Yay or nay?

    1. Jimmy Boy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good, which two will you bench though?

      1. Stormbringer22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Benching DCL & Coufal

  17. jlut
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best non-MCI DEF?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Shaw

  18. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed (Cheers Dakes)

    Haven't a clue who to give the armband to. I know I’m in a decent position at 89k OR but I’m still chasing my main ML.

    Son has the clear fixture winner and bookies odds but awful awful form and team around him atm.

    Bruno has blistering form and a pretty decent fixture. Looks safest choice.

    Antonio has good form but hasn’t scored in 3 matches and a v good fixture. Would be the most differential captain of the 3.

    What would you do?!

    Currently have it on Antonio but with Lingard firing maybe his potential is diluted.

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Im going with Antonio

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You got all 3 also?

        V tough one!

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Don't have Son, but I am leaning towards Antonio over Bruno. I am chasing quite a bit with my poor OR. I think Everton can be stubborn against Utd. I think Son will score, but I don't think he will haul. Antonio has been due for a while now

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You don’t think Antonio will be giving some of that goalscoring potential up to Lingard now?

        1. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I think that will only help him. They can help each other. Don't think it will be Salah & Mane situation

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Hope you’re right. Think I’ll go for it. Haven’t gone against the most popular pick for a while!

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Surely Lingard helps him. No returns last time out without him

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Helps him assist. Not sure if it’ll help him score

        1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Its all points. Id take 8 from a captain every week

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Fair point!!

    4. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm caught between Bruno, Son and Antonio too. Actually think Bruno's 17 pointer was quite fortunate. I don't think Antonio's potential is diluted with Lingard. Lingard actually turned two ok passes into assists! I'm going to hate myself for it but at the moment I'm leaning towards Son.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I think I’ll go maverick and just stick with owning Son being enough and go for Antonio!

    5. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I've got it on Antonio, think overall Lingard could be a good thing for him

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Think I may do same. GL!

    6. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bruno wasn't on the scoresheet until Southampton went down to 9 men, need to take that into account.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeh it’s true but not sure EVE will give him a huge amount of trouble!

        1. Gross Blank Point
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Go for it then! Changing your initial (c) choice because of what others say rarely goes well.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            My original choice was Son. This morning I switched to Antonio. Actually haven’t had it on Bruno at all!

            1. Gross Blank Point
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              You thought he was the safest choice though, if that's what your head tells you then hit that button and leave it.
              Anyone tells you otherwise is just guessing. I'm going Antonio for no other reason than I just brought him in and I want the gamble to pay off lol

  19. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need help on this one
    A or B

    Team A-
    Mccarthy, Steer
    Robbo, Justin, Dallas, Rudiger, Mitchell
    Salah, Sterling, Bruno, Soucek, Alzate
    Ings, Wilson, DCL

    Or

    Team B-
    Ederson, Steer
    AWB, Justin, Dallas, Rudiger, Dunne
    Salah, Sterling, Bruno, Maddy, Burke
    Antonio, Wilson, DCL

  20. abhirup780
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play one
    Lowton (BHA)
    Dias (liv)
    Coufal(ful)

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Coufal

  21. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Might just have a cover bet on a Son brace and keep Trash I mean Rashford

  22. JP\'s
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to start

    DCL or Lowton?

    1. Pauntley
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL for me

    2. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would start Lowton. Burnley has a good chance of a clean sheet. Manchester United was solid on the back against Arsenal and Southampton.

  23. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this team good to go and have the right bench?

    Pope (Mc.Carthy)
    Coufal, Dias, Mee (Stones) (Digne)
    Fernandes (C), Raphinha, Salah, Soucek (Foden)
    Antonio, Bamford, Calvert-Lewin

    Thanks!

  24. Pauntley
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play Calver Lewin or Gundogan?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundogan

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo. I'm benching DCL. Keep him fresh for the DGW 🙂

      1. Pauntley
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks both

  25. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Playing Cancelo so play:

    A) Stones (liv)
    B) Digne (man)

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stones

      Can't see Everton keeping a CS against United.

    2. Pauntley
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne for attacking returns

    3. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne. It will be more exciting.

    4. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stones

  26. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Looking at the Transfers In (round), there doesn't seem to be much DGW planning. Not one Burnley player for example. Are most people just waiting until next week to do DGW transfers?

    1. Releasebreaks
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DGW has been announced just yesterday

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pope rose last night

      1. PogChamp
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I forgot Pope.

  27. FallingDuck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT 7.7 itb

    Martinez

    Cancelo - Cresswell - Stones (Coufal, Mitchell)

    Grealish - Salah - Fernandes - Gundo (Romeu)

    DCL - Bamford - Antonio

    Any improvement I can do for 1 FT?

  28. Releasebreaks
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 1

    Mee (BHA)
    Dias (liv)
    Justin (wol)

    getting hard this decision, but might bench Justin

  29. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What defender would you take for a one week punt?

    Dare I say Alonso? Or is Chilwell too much of a risk?

    Any others? Relaxing Coufal for a week before then swapping to Mee for the DGW (don’t fancy Burnley CS v Brighton this week)

    (And before anyone says - yes I’m selling Coufal. I couldn’t play him v SHU in 24 anyway...)

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Whoops, replacing**

  30. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2FT 5.0 ITB. Thoughts?

    Martinez
    Cancelo • Coufal • Dallas
    Salah • Bruno • Son • Grealish • Gundo
    DCL • Antonio(C)
    (Steer / Stones / Mitchell / Brewster)

    A) Mitchell to Mee and play over Dallas
    B) Brewster to Bamford and play over DCL

    Will be getting the other next week anyways with Pope

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B