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. Lazaretti
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Any news on A. Barnes?

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

      He is fine , isn't he?

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

        Dont know, last week he had some injury

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

      out

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

    Worht doing a -4 here to get 10DGWs?
    1FT. 0.0 ITB

    A) Play Dallas
    B) Coufal > Targett (-4)
    C) Smth else?

    Ederson
    Cancelo, Dalls, Lowton
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Rash, Gundo
    Bamford, DCL

    Steer, Struijk, Coufal, Brewster

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

    Pope > Martinez (-4) until gw29?

    1. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Yes if including GW29 as he plays.

  4. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Have you any preference?

    A. Grealish/Mee>Barnes/Digne (-4)
    B. Ings/Grealish/Mee>Kane/Barnes/Aina (-8 need to do latter to afford)
    C. Steer/Ings/Grealish/Coufal>Martinez/Watkins/Barnes/Digne (-12 & BB)

    Pope
    Cancelo, Dias, Mee, Mitchell
    Fernandes, Salah, Gundogan, Raphinha (single)
    DCL, Bamford (single),
    Steer, Ings, Grealish, Coufal

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A or C

  5. FPL Froggies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Tottenham and Arsenal both playing their second leg of Europa League at home makes AVL - EVE impossible to happen in GW28?

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

      Read below.

  6. Max City
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Repost and rephrase:

    For a hit (taking out Tarkowski):

    A) Shaw
    B) Digne
    C) Pereira
    D) none

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Tarko has a DGW?

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

      All good options if you are intent on getting rid. Probably Digne for me.

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

      D

    4. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      D

  7. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Is Villa vs Everton in 28 looking less likely for some reason? Saw it being discussed a couple pages back.

    What’s reduced the probability?

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

      I think the reason people thought it was less likely is because the draw had Spurs & Arsenal both playing at home at the same time.

      That isn't allied (in the same City) as per Europa League rules so one of the two would have had to move their fixture to Thursday, meaning AVL/EVE could be put that week.

      But the rules dictate that can change now, so instead one is playing their home fixture away - meaning both can play on Wednesday & the other slot is still open for EVE/AVL to be played.

      At least that's my understanding up to now.

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Cheers Hazz, very helpful....thanks

  8. Podorsky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Any Spurs fans out there, Is Aurier a threat to Reguilion and how nailed on is Requilion? He looked very attacking when I watched him last time.

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      No

      Aurier will come back into right back and replace tanganga in the first choice eleven

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

        Great thanks, is he nailed on or does he have issues with the special one?

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          No issues, rested mid week, nailed.

    2. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I've just brought Reguilion in. Think they've missed him and he'll play.

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

    Would you start Dallas or Ogbonna->Pereira/Mings for a hit?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Again this really depends on your 29 plans, if you plan not to fh in 29 then ogbona to Mings seems a bit sideways seeing as he also has a game then

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

        Cheers.Ogbonna is probably out for 2 months.

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Argh nice one mate I didn’t know that, makes sense then, I’d go target tho

          1. ppv
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            Targett links up very well with Grealish usually so maybe not

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

            cheers

  10. icanseethroughyou
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Pope, Forster
    Maguire, Justin, Digne, Dias, Saiss
    Sterling, Fernandes, Foden, Maddison, Raphinha
    Ings Bamford BDR

    A. For -8:
    Pope -> Martinez
    Maddison -> Son
    Ings -> DCL.

    Captain DCL

    B. Other FTs?

    C. Wildcard?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      C

    2. icanseethroughyou
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      That should have been TC DCL!

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

        Bold, why not Sterling or Fernandes TC?

        1. icanseethroughyou
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Fernandes may still be an option, think DCL has better fixtures tho. Do you like the -8 moves?

  11. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Am i the only one that feels Gundo wont deliver points this DGW? And it wont be all his fault. Rested, subbed, KDB returning, blew his chance to be on pens, played midweek, level of expectation, all of the above.

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Yep, you should put him third on your bench to avoid disappointment

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I am scared to go without him again

    3. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Pens haven't affected his output so far given he's rubbish at them.

      Sometimes the obvious solution is the right one.

    4. Maddamotha
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Not expecting much tbh. Expect him to be benched one as well.

  12. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Salah or Vardy plus cash?

    Why so love for Shaw when their fixtures are not that good.

    Isn't Digne a better alternative especially if Everton ends up with a double in GW 28?

    1. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I think most going for Shaw over Digne do it for budgetary reasons. Shaw is brilliant value and tight fixtures for United often mean fewer goals.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Form, that's an unlikely if.

    3. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Eye test. Shaw's attacking numbers have been amazing for his price. It's not his fault a lot of his chances created aren't being finished

  13. Liastro ⭐️
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Have BB, TC, and WC available.

    I’m not sure on the best strategy, any advice at all?

    1FT, 0.0m in bank

    Pope*
    Taylor* Cancelo* Dias*
    Salah* Fernandes* Son* Gundogan*
    DCL* Watkins* Bamford

    McCarthy - Dallas Raphinha Coufal

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Defensive transfer and ride it on. Rank ?

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

    KDB fully fit. I want him .

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

      That, and 4 home games in 2 weeks......

  15. hjc13
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Had been all set to bench boost for this gameweek until recent grealish / Justin injuries so team as follows now

    Pope
    Shaw digne stones
    Gundo son salah barnes
    Watkins Kane DCL

    Bench McCarthy grealish Dallas coful

    Think leave bb for now ? No FT transfers and brought in Digne for hit so far

    Thanks

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

      Skip BB

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

    Current bench:

    - Sanchez (wba)
    - Raphinha (AVL)
    - Rudiger (MUN, liv)
    - Dunk (wba)

    Worth a BB?

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Yes

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Yes

  17. FULLSERVICECOVER
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    who scores more this double gw?
    A. watkins
    B. stones

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

      Watkins 8 Stones 5

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

        Cant ask for a more accurate reply than that to be fair!

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

    Team,

    Would you do A or B for this week:

    A: WC
    Martinez, Johnstone
    DIAS, AINA, STRUIJK, ELMO, Stones
    Fernandes, BARNES, KDB, Saka, Son
    Bamford, KANE (C), Watkins
    (8 players for GW29)

    B: Hit + TC
    Martinez, Johnstone
    Mee, Lowton, Mitchell, PEREIRA, Stones
    Fernandes, Salah, Gundo, Saka, Son
    Bamford, KANE (TC), Watkins
    (5 players for GW29, will have to FH)

    Thoughts? Cheers!

    /G

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

      B save w/c

  19. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Tierney anyone?

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Considered and put off with no DGWs and fixtures.

      Will probably get for BGW29...

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

    Dont have Kane...so TC is going to....
    A) Bruno
    B) DCL

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

      no kane either, so far bruno (c) dcl (v/c)

  21. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Players I don’t have and are a concern:

    GKs - None
    Defs - Cancelo, Dias
    Mids - Son, Barnes, KdB, Sterling
    Fwds - Vardy, Watkins

    Any of them must have essential?

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

      Essential, probably not.. Dias, KdB, Barnes will do well for sure. Vardy always ticks along and Watkins is a key piece for GW29 barring injury in my opinion.

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I don't think anyone is essential

      If you have Stones, you should cover the defendes

      Barnes KdB Sterling & the forwards are certainly not essential. Son is a good option this week but if you have someone like salah instead of him you'll be fine

      GTG

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Cheers both, useful feedback, thanks....

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

      I think Stones will be more heavily rotated than Dias/Cancelo. I don’t think either are essential, but having one of them may be.

    5. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Cancelo will haul again

  22. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    afternoon, thoughts on raph and ings to barnes and watkins -4?
    cheers

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

      Its a popular move anyway. Will probably pay you back. If it wasnt a DGW, id be holding Raph but i did a similar move so i can see the logic.

  23. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Afternoon all!

    Have 2FTs and 1.0itb, I was thinking of doing Pope + Raphinha > Areola + Barnes. Will be using BB this week.

    Martinez Pope
    Dias Stones Digne AWB Dallas
    Salah Bruno Son Gundo Raphinha
    Bamford Watkins DCL

  24. Aurora
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    How nailed is James Rodriguez to start both matches?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      More likely to get injured.

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

    Hm TC on DCL or Bruno?

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Can’t decide. Bruno is the safe option

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

        Has CHE tho, what you make of that?

        1. Igz08
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          0-0 vs Chelsea and could easily smash Palace. I’m leaning to DCL or Gundo tho . Am worried around my rank (18k), captaining Bruno is almost a must

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

            Hm yea. Is DCL fit for both games tho?

  26. NFZM
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Is the consensus that Gundog and Cancelo are both likely to only play one of the doubles?

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Where is this coming from? Gundo seems a permanent fixture in the team sheet

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      One could start both.

    3. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I think they'll both start both games.

  27. TheBabyfacedAssassin
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Play Mee or Raph?

  28. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Dallas out for which dgw defender? 5.9m itb

    A) Zinchenko
    B) Targett
    C) Dier
    D) Holgate
    E) Other

  29. Apwilkin
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Is this lot worth a BB?
    Mccarthy Bamford Raph Coufal

    My gut says probably not. Should just stick with the TC on Kane?

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      its marginal but when else are u going to play it ?

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

      No. Both McC and Couf staring down the barrell of a 2.

  30. gorzal10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    A) Dallas -> digne/perreira (-4)
    B) El mohamady -> digne/perreira (-4)
    C) Raphinha -> Barnes (-4)
    D) no hit

    BB now, no FH for gw29

    1. Igz08
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      B looks nice