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. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    1) Johnstone or Areola for dgw26 only?
    2) Konsa, Targett or Dier for gw26/29? already have martinez if that makes a diff. Villa might have a dgw28

    1. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Areola an Targett for me

    2. noone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Johnstone
      Dier

  2. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    A or B

    A Foden

    B Gundagon

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

      B

  3. Master Frieza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Anyone considering Ross Barkley ?

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

      Never crossed my mind. B Traore is the pick of that midfield

    2. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      No, rather traore

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

    Which scores more this week
    A) TAA + Dallas +4
    B) Ricardo Pereira + DCL

    Would be transferring TAA and Antonio to Pereira and DCL for -4 if B

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

      B

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

      B

  5. noone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Is this really the week to play TC? Is there any possible juicy DGW coming up later in the season? I'm out of BB.

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      How many more juicey options could you want?!

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

        True! Haha

  6. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    If you captain Kane aren’t you worried about people who TC him?

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

      No - his EO will barely be above 100

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      That applies to literally every player in the game. You can’t make people not TC, so why worry...

      Literally out of your control, just captain the player you think will do the best in your team

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

      Strange comment

    4. alsybach
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      What ARE you banging on about!?

    5. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Strange logic

    6. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Bizarre comment

    7. Stamford Bridge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      How much more worried would you be if you didn't captain him then? Or heaven forbid you didn't own him at all. Yep, no point in playing anymore.

  7. Redranger
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    A or B?
    A) Mee > Pereira
    B) Raphina > Barnes

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

      A

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Can you do A with Digne?

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

        Yeah, I can. Cost no problem, just worried about how leaky Everton can end up being

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      And then Mee will get a CS and a goal

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

        Yep most probably. Shipping Mee probably not worth a -4 is it?

        1. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          I don't think so. I've Tarkowski and I'm keeping him in my BB.

  8. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Thoughts on Son+Ings >> KDB[TC]+Kane?

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

      Good if you're chasing. if leading the ML, maybe not TC KDB

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

      Wow - confident in Kevin starting both and playing well? He hasn't look quite there in the glimpses of him I've seen since he came back

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Throwing it out there as an idea 🙂

        Could also do the same moves with Salah

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      If you want to TC city, I would be inclined to use it in 27 against Utd and Soton. You also get more time to assess KDB.

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

        This is very good advice. After seeing minutes and starts in 26 we may be better placed to guess who starts in 27

  9. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Is Forster worth a punt over Fabri as bench fodder? McCarthy isn't in great form and could possibly be dropped and also Soton have a lot of injuries

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      What does injuries in other positions have to do with goalkeeping pecking order?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        The injury comment was more stating that it makes them defensively vulnerable. Soton have lost Romeu, only one fit senior CM and one fit senior FB

        1. Marcin the Pole
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          And that makes you want to own their GK?

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            haha probably not when I start putting my thoughts down in writing. Forster is a great shot stopper and could be worth a punt as bench fodder when Soton have an "easy" game on paper

  10. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Grealish to Barnes and have no Spurs player and spare a FT? That's what I'm about to do

    The team:
    2ft - 0.0 itb

    Martinez
    Shaw, Dias, Mee, Coufal, Dallas
    Grealish, Salah, Bruno, sterling, Gundogan
    Watkins, Antonio, Bamford

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Looks good

  11. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Lookman or Matheus Pereira?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Lookman for me

      1. Dele
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Looking to the last double Pereira hauled! Is he nailed?

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Wouldn’t know. Wouldn’t trust WBA

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Pereira seems to have bigger hauls in him

    3. uhahpaulmcgrath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      lookman plays in BGW

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

        Yes it’s a tough choice. However WB have decent fixtures in GW27 and 28 whereas Fulham do not

  12. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    How's this WC team? Still got BB left and no idea when I'll use it..

    Ederson
    Cancelo, Targett, Digne
    Salah, Gundogan, Barnes, Bruno
    Kane, Diagne, DCL

    Areola, Saka, Dallas, Dunk

    1. La Di Da
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      You should play it next week and use your WC to have 11 DGW this week plus 4 good subs to BB next week (e.g. Leeds players would be fine)

  13. pwill40
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Triple C decision time... (don't have the players for a bench boost)

    a. Fernandes
    b. Sterling
    c. Sterling -> Debruyne (-4)
    d. Sterling & DCL -> Kane (TC) & Barnes (-8)

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

      A/C

    2. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A

  14. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Thoughts on Vardy on a FH?

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

      Won't start both but always capable of points off the bench and has a great record vs Arsenal.

    2. noone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I thought about getting him and TC him, but he played yesterday so went with Kane

  15. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    To TC Kane or to TC Bruno?

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

      Kane

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Thanks!

    2. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Kane I reckon

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Cheers!

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Bruno.

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        I was set on Kane, but Spurs have been abismal against teams who wait. And Bruno is United's points. Eh... I don't know.

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

    Feel like bringing in Mahrez (C) and Vardy this GW and taking it back to 2016

  17. TUCHELSEA
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Maddison > Pereira.

    Yay or Nay...?

  18. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Captain

    A. Bruno
    B. Salah
    C. DCL
    D. Son

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      C

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

      B

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      C, just

    4. Slurpy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A

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

      A

    6. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Cheers everyone

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

    I feel like I have the most template team of the DGW, maybe no Salah is the only issue.

    Martinez
    Digne Cancelo Stones
    Bruno Gundo Son Barnes Raphinia
    Kane DCL

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

      Jeez if i do my template move I am one player (Tark for Stones) from that

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

        I would like to make some moves but it would come with -4 which seems risky. And risky moves haven't paid off in large part this season.

    2. built_this_city
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Same team but instead of Digne, Barnes, Raph - i've got Salah, Lookman and AMN

  20. Guybrush Threepwood
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Should I do Salah and Bamford to Barnes and Kane for free? Intention would be to TC Kane if so.

    Team currently looks like this:

    Leno (McCarthy)
    Stones, Cancelo, AWB (Lowton, Bednarek)
    Salah, Son, Fernandes, Gundogan (Soucek)
    DCL, Watkins, Bamford

    2FT, 0.3 itb

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

      Who would you bench out of Salah, Son, Bruno, Gundo, Barnes, DCL, Kane and Watkins?

      1. Guybrush Threepwood
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        I wouldn't have Salah if I made the move, he'd be replaced by Barnes

  21. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Best move for a hit?

    A. Tarko >> Digne (-4)
    B. Soucek >> Barnes (-4) (Bench Bamford)
    C. Son >> Salah/KDB (-4) (Son bang out of form)

    Pope
    Dias, Cancelo, Tarko
    Son, Bruno, Gündo, Raphina
    Kane, DCL, Bamford
    (McCarthy, Dallas, Coufal, Soucek)

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

      C seems sideways. both might end up scoring similar with the hit.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        You like A or B?

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

          Tricky because I have both. Fancy Barnes with his form atm.

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            Yeah. Just means double Burnley defence against Kane, Son and Barnes then! So a bit messy

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      No hit

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

      Can't do C with KDB as you have max City

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Good point MS! Worth it with Salah? Or go for Digne or Barnes?

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Problem I have with the Barnes move (which I slightly prefer) is then benching Bamford and playing double Burnley defence against Kane, Son and Barnes. Bit of a mess

  22. CrazyNeighbourhoodFC
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    WC activated: Already have 11 DGW players for GW26 and 3 players for GW29 on board, 5.3ITB

    Can’t decide on A) Saka or B) Soucek for the last spot, both could deliver occasionally and have ok fixtures till the season end

    A) or B)? Your view please, thank you!

  23. Pulp Minion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    I need another transfer to bring in Kane:

    1) Soucek -> Reed
    2) Robertson -> Digne (play Rafhiana)
    3) Soucek -> Smith Rowe (play Rafhiana)
    4) Robertson, Soucek -> Digne, Lookman (-4)

    1. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      2

    2. Muzzy87
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      2 for sure

    3. Pulp Minion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Thanks for replys!

  24. lekalatch
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    BB for me this week, but my team is not ready to go.

    Martinez
    Dias Cancelo Shaw Pereira
    Salah Son Barnes Gundo
    Kane Bamford

    McCarthy - Ings Raphinha Struijk

    1ft, 0.5itb.

    What should I do?

    A) Ings --> DCL/Richarlison
    B) Bamford --> Watkins
    C) Ings + Bamford --> Watkins + DCL/Richarlison (-4)

    1. Muzzy87
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      C - likely Villa Everton double soon as well

  25. built_this_city
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Maitland-Niles.... he beats one, he beats two.....

    Only the keeper to beat

    GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

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

      -2 points for an own goal

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

        haha

  26. Sho-kun
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    sterling not nailed?

  27. Muzzy87
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Already done Antonio & Grealish > DCL & Barnes,

    Want Kane but will have to sacrifice a big name to get him. Is the below worth it?

    Bruno & Adams > Kane & Traore (-8)

    If so - is it worth bench boosting Pope, Mee, Lowton, Bamford

    Any suggestions welcome!

    Martinez, Pope
    Cancelo, Stones, Digne, Mee, Lowton
    Bruno, Salah, Son, Barnes, Raphina
    DCL, Bamford, Adams

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

      I definitely would not get rid of Bruno. Maybe Salah or Son? Or just take a -4 to get rid of Adams.

  28. E25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Taking Soucek out for a hit on BB. 6.5 budget:
    A) Pereira
    B) Lookman

    GW29 is obviously a consideration favouring Lookman, but I see Pereira with the higher ceiling in 26...

    1. Muzzy87
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I think Lookman. Would Pereira outscore Lookman by 4pts to justify the future transfer needed?

      1. E25
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        I think he has the potential on pens to outscore him but 10+.... but thats very wishful thinking also.

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

    Shaw has been outperforming Wan-Bissaka recently.
    I'm tempted to trf W-B to Shaw for a hit?
    Shaw seems more involved

    1. Muzzy87
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Seems a waste to me

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I wouldn't take that hit

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

      Too sideways if not on WC (I have AWB too , he can also haul on his day)

    4. alsybach
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Errrrrrm no

    5. MHG
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Thanks!

  30. alsybach
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Let’s hear it for the Kane-less in here!!!

    YAY!!!