Spot the Differential

Advanced role boosts Pereira’s differential potential

Double Gameweek 26 is almost upon us 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, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, 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: 0.9%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW26-30 fixtures: ARS + bur | bha | SHU | – | MCI

We’ve been big on Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) for a while now, having included him in this column ahead of Gameweek 23.

Now, having impressed last weekend in a more advanced role, we think he’s worth talking about again.

Against Aston Villa, Pereira and his team-mate Timothy Castagne (£5.7m) were both fit enough to start for the first time this season. That saw the Belgian slot into the back four with the Portuguese international pushing ahead on the right-wing in a 4-2-3-1.

It was the first time Pereira has started as a winger under Brendan Rodgers, and he looked comfortable throughout.

Pereira finished the match with 33 final-third touches, more than any other player on the pitch. He also racked up three shots, twice testing Emiliano Martínez (£5.3m), and often moved infield leaving Castagne to supply the width down that side.

The new setup certainly makes sense, as Rodgers can keep Castagne at right-back where he feels he is more effective, while also taking advantage of Pereira’s attacking instincts. 

However, at this stage we should point out that doubts around James Maddison’s (£7.3m) availability may see the 27-year-old revert to a more traditional full-back role this weekend, or even as a wing-back in a back three. That’s something to monitor, but regardless of where he ends up, we think Pereira has the potential to make a real impact in the coming weeks, and with an ownership of just 0.9% could be an effective differential.

Matheus Pereira

  • FPL ownership: 1.6%
  • Price: £5.4m
  • GW26-30 fixtures: BHA + EVE | NEW | cry | – | che

West Bromwich Albion have improved significantly in their last two outings. 

Just a week after they should have beaten Manchester United, they dominated Burney last time out despite playing with 10-men for over an hour. 

Finally, it looks like they are able to compete at this level, and with an appealing immediate schedule which sees them take on Brighton and Hove Albion, Everton, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in the next three Gameweeks, several differential options have emerged.

That includes playmaker Matheus Pereira (£5.4m).

The 24-year-old has now started back-to-back games after being dropped in Gameweek 23, and though he hasn’t returned, he has been posting some eye-catching numbers. Since being restored to the side, Pereira leads the way amongst team-mates for shots, chances created, crosses and final-third touches. He’s also been taking corners and free-kicks, and crucially, should be on penalties too having twice converted against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

The Brazilian can operate in multiple positions up front, but has recently found himself out wide in Sam Allardyce’s 4-3-3 formation. The system is designed to get the best out of new signing Mbaye Diagne (£6.0m), and by having a proper target man now leading the line, set-pieces and crosses from open-play will be more important than ever.

Pereira, who is owned by just 1.6% of FPL managers, adds creativity to Allardyce’s team and has perhaps been a little unfortunate not to return in recent matches. However, with some promising fixtures to come he now has the potential to kick on, and could be a solid differential in the budget midfielder category.

Bertrand Traoré

  • FPL ownership: 0.8%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW26-30 fixtures: lee + shu | WOL | new | TOT | FUL

Jack Grealish’s (£7.6m) absence at Aston Villa will be a huge miss, but the performance of Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) in the second half against Leicester City at least offers hope that he might be the one to step up.

The Burkina Faso international scored straight after the break, and has now been directly involved in eight goals (five goals, three assists) in the Premier League since making his first league start back in November. Interestingly, only Grealish has been involved in more for the club during this period with 10.

If we zone in on Traoré’s performances since the turn of the year, it reveals his growing influence. 

Since Gameweek 17, he ranks second amongst team-mates for shots in the box, big chances, take-ons and crossing. In fact, his expected goal involvement (xGI) total of 2.98 is actually more than Grealish, and only behind forward Ollie Watkins (£6.5m).

Aston Villa now have a Double Gameweek 26 against Leeds United and Sheffield United, who are both among the bottom six sides for goals conceded this season, with 43 and 41 respectively. They then take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park, before another possible double and importantly a match against Tottenham Hotspur in Blank Gameweek 29.

Traoré has the ability to create something out of nothing, and given the fixtures, might be the player to get Villa back on track.

1,564 Comments Post a Comment
  1. arkom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    When Villa vs Everton is most likely to be played?

    1. Matsy123
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      28 most likely from what I've seen on here

  2. Ginola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    I'm still undecided about doing Bamford > Watkins for -4. How sure are we that Villa will have a DGW28?

    1. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Think I read Ben Crellin its about 50-60% chance of it being 28 atm

    2. URMothersLover
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      keep the bam, good chance he will outscore Watkins.

    3. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      The unscheduled Villa DGW should not affect your decision when considering a - 4 (unless price changes are an issue). You could always just take the - 4 ahead of GW28 if confirmed.

      So base your decision on the upcoming GW only.

      1. Ginola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Good advice, thanks!

  3. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    6 core players enough for GW29 if we think we can attack 33 better?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Yup

  4. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Lowton to Konsa for free?

    1. URMothersLover
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      side ways move, i dont think villa are that good and if you already have martines u fine.

    2. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Konsa as gives you extra player in 29

    3. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Oops sorry misread (to not or).

      Save the transfer not worth it IMO

  5. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Sterling and Watkins
    Or
    Kane and Barnes

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Got B but can go either way TBH, whatever you've got with lowest costs/hits

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      B

    3. Matsy123
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      B

  6. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    So depressing cannot bring in these differentials for free and obviously will not want to take hits. FH last minute folks?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      noted 😉

    2. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Why no hits?

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Removing template DGW players ... unless replacing injured and non-playing ones that's fine otherwise rarely paid off

        1. FourLokoLeipzig
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Ah, fair enough. Wish I were in that position!

  7. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    News conferences to come today:
    1pm - Klopp, Parker, Santo, Mourinho
    1:15 - Dyche, Hodgson
    1:30 - Hassanhutl, Tuchel, Guardiola, Wilder
    2pm - Rogers

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Praying for nothing spectacular, transfers done and dusted last night 🙁

    2. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Gonna have to hold off transfers for couple more hours then!

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Yeah May as well. Waited all the way through the European fixtures.

        1. Rolls-Royce
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Same. Also lost some values in Grealish/Antonio but worth playing it safe at this point of time.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            Yeah I only just noticed that I’ve lost 0.2 on Grealish.

            1. Magic Zico
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Guys live a little 😛

  8. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    If I want Kane I need to sell Sterling.

    So to keep 3 City, I'd need to get either Foden, Mahrez or Dias (to go with Cancelo and Gundo).

    What would you do?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Foden Kane higher ceiling but with risk of minutes for Foden

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      You need a safe choice , so Dias. I might be doing the same swap myself

      1. Benjustjamin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Dias

  9. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Have this for a -4. Is it Good to go?

    MARTINEZ, JOHNSTONE
    DIAS, CANCELO, AWB, LOWTON, MITCHELL
    SALAH, FERNANDES, GUNDOGAN, BARNES, Raphinha
    DCL, KANE, Bamford

    Bench boosting this seem sensible?

    1. faux_C
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I would

    2. Matsy123
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Yes

  10. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    First ... dial up 😉

    1. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Haha

  11. Ronny Sandstone
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    If you had to lose 1 of...

    Son, Sterling, Salah

    Who?
    (Allows me Kane TC and a defensive upgrade)

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Sterling but it’s a horrible decision

    2. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Salah.

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Sterling

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Sterling

    5. URMothersLover
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Son, if you have kane

      1. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        This. "had" being the operative word.

        1. Ronny Sandstone
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Was leaning Sterling myself, seems quite mixed response hmmmm?

          Just feel I want Kane as it's less of a headache using the TC this week, but this decision is a killer

          Cheers guys

  12. SuperDan
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Pick one:

    A) Dallas > Dunn
    B) Dallas > Aina
    C) Play Dallas on BB

    1. SuperDan
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Dunk*

    2. Matsy123
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      C

    3. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A is a non-starter this GW.

      C for me

  13. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    This -12 worth??

    Justin, Mee, Grealish, Ings, Antonio to Mitchell, Konsa, Lookman, DCL, Kane

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      How many of them are starters for you?

      1. TheDragon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Not sure I’ve ever taken a -12 but it does look like it should pay for itself comfortably

  14. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    On BB with FH still intact.

    Getting drawn in by the DGW.

    I have Bamford. If that makes any difference.

    a) Raphina > Matheus Pereira (-4)
    b) Raphina > Foden (-4)
    c) neither

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      C - chillax

    2. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      c

    3. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A

    4. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      C

  15. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Great post tom... Tempted to get perreira on WC this week

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Yeah. 3 home games and Newcastle in 28
      I can't fit him atm sadly

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      On WC I would get differentials ... I run out my FT and WC 🙁

  16. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Any pertinent news come through from the pressers so far?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      The ones that matter are about to start.

    2. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Grealish probably back against Shu or Wolves to punish sellers who punted for Barnes.

      1. Toothless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Form:
        Grealish - 4.0
        Barnes - 7.5

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Barnes used to be a punt. Not any more.

        1. Utopsis
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Barnes is as streaky as they come

        2. Utopsis
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          The only thing in his game stopping him from being world class is consistency

  17. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Pick one option from A and B please:

    A1) Lookman + DCL
    A2) Barnes + Diagne

    B1) BB with Areola, Bamford, Raphinha, Dallas (-4)
    B2) don't BB, use TC (DCL or Salah)

  18. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    This is my current team atm: 1FT 1.5ITB

    McCarthy, Forster
    Shaw, Stones, Mee, Tark, Dallas
    Salah, Bruno, Sterling, Son, Raphinha
    Bamford, Watkins, Brewster

    should I WC this? or save it ? Still Have BB and TC

    Cheers

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      It's okay for this week if you're fine with fielding a few sgw players.

  19. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    On a WC:
    Martinez / 3.9
    Digne / Cancelo / Dallas / White / ***
    Salah / Bruno / Barnes / Gundo / Raphinha
    Kane / DCL / Watkins

    6.0 ITB for a defender

    A) Stones
    B) Pereira
    C) other

    B/C allows to do Salah to KDB for 27

    1. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      b

      1. Captain_Shirokov
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        wouldn't go with Salah on a WC though

  20. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Jota back in training, too risky as a dgw punt?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Just a bit

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Yes, defo won't start vs shieffeld..

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      when he's fit though, it will be the excuse i need to ditch salah and free up cash ... even if jota is a 5th mid option

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Yeah same, went a period without Salah when Jota did well and it worked out fine.

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Great news, get into template Jota in next few weeks 🙂

  21. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Would you do Mee to Digne - 4?

    1. onceuponatyne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I would.

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      No

    3. GinjaWhinja
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      This is my biggest dilemma right now.

      Digne would be gold, if Everton had a decent keeper.

      They can't keep a clean sheet to save their lives, which is really necessary for big hauls. Do I see that changing anytime soon? I'm not sure I do, even despite potentially 2 upcoming DGWs.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      That’s what I’m thinking of doing.

      1. Zlatan F.C
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Let's say Mee gets one clean sheet so that's 6 points + 2 for the spurs game + 4 points for the hit. That means Digne needs 12 points to make up for that. So digne needs two clean sheets atleast. Do we think he will get that? Let me know if my math is wrong

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Digne is going to have possibly another dgw (28).

          1. Utopsis
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            "Possibly".

            Plenty of tine to bring him in for 28 anyway.

            1. Zlatan F.C
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              But wouldn't it make sense to bring him in now if you want him for GW28?

              1. Utopsis
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Not for another DGW player, and for - 4 to boot. Unless you strongly feel, as you say, that Digne will score 12pts+ (remembering that Burnley can keep CSs against anyone bar City!)

                If not, could just wait a week and get him for free

    5. FPLTEAR
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Probably worth the risk long term if Everton get the DGW put into 28, although Everton do hate keeping clean sheets so quite dependent on attacking returns

    6. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Nope

  22. Johnny too hotty
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    after some really good advice, my WC team with no FH is as follows.
    I do have 1.2 ITB for any upgrades you can suggest, bearing in mind im planning for 29 too.

    Martinez
    Digne Raguilon Dias
    KDB Bruno Barnes Raphina
    DCL Watkins Kane

    Dallas, Coufal, Bissouma

    1. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Any reason for Watkins over Bamford?

      1. Johnny too hotty
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Watkins has 2 games this gameweek...

        1. Johnny too hotty
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          i could do martiniez to Ederson for the exact dosh?

  23. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Picking diffs is a lot easier when you don't have to pick them for your team in real life 😉

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Correct. Traore looks interesting pick though. Started to consider him over Barnes. Villa has poor form and it's scary though, but extra dgw is tempting. And he gas caught my eye previously.

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Back to the template 😛

    2. gedda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Haha this made me giggle. It is for us sad people who are chasing a ML lead that is too far away!

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I am surprised that since being more active-ish in this forum my team have looked template-ish consistently. In previous few seasons I was always jumping into 1-2 differentials like these. Is that too much of information & stats and the like, probably. Will rethink the way I play the game next season 🙂

  24. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Completely stumped this week, what would you do? 1FT 0.8 ITB, no FH so trying to think ahead for gw29 as I currently only have 5 playing

    Mendy Meslier
    Stones Mee Mitchell Vestergaard Coufal
    Salah Sterling Bruno Grealish Gund
    Ings Bamford Antonio

    Considering taking a hit to switch Grealish & Ings > Kane & 5.5?

    1. The-Red-1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Raphina as the 5.5?

  25. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Which scores more:

    A) Mee (tot + LEI) + Bruno (mci)
    B) R. Pereira (ARS + bur + bha) (-4)

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      B hopefully

  26. Toothless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Not expecting any further injury news on Cavani, considering:

    Cavani -> DCL (-4)
    Bamford -> Kane (-8)

    Want DCL, Kane is cause I'm scared of not owning.

    Anyone considering same or want to talk me out of it?

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      DCL -4

    2. Wicked Weapon
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Not keen on hits personally but it could easily work out in your favor in a DGW. I just simply did Cavani to Kane for a FT, already have DCL and Bamford.

  27. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    KDB TC?

    1. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Risky but could be massive

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Massive gamble.

    3. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      If you're chasing in your MLs, go for it.

  28. Big Hands Barry
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    A) play Raphinha (AVL)
    B) Ings to Watkins -4 (lee, shu)

    1. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A

  29. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Do you think Maddison to Barnes is worth a -4?

    Or play Maddison with Raphina in reserve?

  30. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Martinez
    Stones,Mee,Wan-Bissaka
    Salah.Gundogan,Son,Bruno(VC)
    Bamford,Watkins,Kane(c)

    Peacock-farrel, Dallas,Rapinha,Mitchell

    Already did -4 hit

    Peacock-Farrel to Pickford for another -4 and BB.
    Y/N..?