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. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/56120263

    Interesting article on Rashford (And James Weir!)

    Is it just me or does it seem like he's been around for about 7 or 8 years, instead of it being 5 years to the day since his debut as an 18 year old?

    He's in good company too - only Rooney (22 yrs 157 days) & Ronaldo (22 yrs 341 days) got to 50 premier league goals for Man Utd before him (23 yrs 56 days) age-wise - although Rooney had a few for Everton by that stage as well obvs

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Rashford is a funny one. Has everything in his locker to be an absolute world beater, but had too many quiet patches for me. Feels like he would benefit massively from working under someone like Pep (look what he managed to get out of Sterling, who isn't as good technically as Rashford).

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

    On BB:

    A) Soucek -> Lookman (Max 6.7)
    B) Cavani+Son -> Kane+Barnes (-4)
    C) A+ B (-8)

    (have DCL)

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

      I'd be tempted by both. Lookman has a 29 fixture as well as the double this week and Soucek won't get much against City, probably.

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

        Thanks

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

    Always play the double gameweeker

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

      *looks at Ings stinking out my team*

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

        aha was straight out of my team

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Bamford is going to wreck a fair few people's heads operating to that mantra this week

      Could go large vs. Villa - deifnitely has the previous for it

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

        Would you start Bampot or Raphine?

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Definitely both!

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

      Raphinha v Lowton ... still DGW-er?

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

      What if it's Tarkowski vs Raphinha?

      That's not so easy...

    5. Chief Break-Everything
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Mitchell & Decordova Reid instead of Dallas & Raphinha?

  4. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Is the consensus to keep or sell Grealish? He has a BGW fixture still.

  5. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Lee Bonfield has transferred OUT Calvert-Lewin!

    https://twitter.com/Prem_Tipster/status/1365266326797828097?s=20

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

      Here we go 😆

      Everton involved in FPL-gate2

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I'd say that's an error with the bot - no way they've made that transfer with those fixtures - asking for trouble shirley

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

        Agreed, but who's this 'trouble' you're asking for?

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      He is coming back from a hammy injury so he could of felt a twinge or tightness during training?

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

        Except Ancelotti said yesterday he has trained normally

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Jesus there'll be war if that's the case... people are (probably justifiably) hitting & plenty will triple captain

        Scenes

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Fake account

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        It's a joke because Lee Binfield is one of those Twitter idiots - he said he was going to captain someone and then captained someone else and all the FPL_bellcheeses jizzed their pants over something pointless.

      2. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Looks like it's a fake account, yes

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Plus they can't know pre-deadline either...

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

      Why change a winning team?

    7. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Impossible to know before the deadline

    8. beetlejuice
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Is he not the guy saying one thing in his podcasts and doing the opposite just to troll? I interpreted this tweet as being sarcastic.

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

        Yep that's the guy

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

      Isn't that the guy who did the opposite of what he "adviced" his followers, so it's a joke

  6. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    A or B for this GW?
    A. Raphinha (AVL) + save FT
    B. Konsa (lee, shu)

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

    I've somehow ended up with Siggy. 2 decent fixtures, but limited minutes. Siggy->Lookman worth a -4 (or any other options up to 5.8)?

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

      Definitely not worth a -4

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

        Thanks. Tempted to agree. Siggy likely to get on both games I think.

  8. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo stones mee
    Salah Bruno son raphinha gundo
    DCL Bamford
    (areola dallas ings coufal)
    What are the weak links in this team?
    A) mee
    B) ings
    C) no Kane

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

    In the light of the article headline, which scores more:

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

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

      A

  10. tom2224
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Cavani + Grealish > Kane + 6.0 Midfielder for a -4?

    My midfield is Salah Fernandes Gundogan Raphinha
    Not sure who to put in for 6 mil, any ideas?

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

      Lookman? Like that move

      1. tom2224
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Yes could be the one actually! I really wanted Barnes but unfortunately 0.9 short.

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

      Foden, should get three out of four games.

  11. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Mee to Stones/Shaw worth a hit?

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

      Yes

  12. AppleDunk
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Bench one pls.

    A) Bamford
    B) Raphina
    C) Gundogan

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

      A?

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

        On him at the moment. Cheers.

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

      it's a toughy alright ... bamford ... just ...

    3. Arlo
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Have to play c) surely & then just a toss up.

      I'd probably go Bamford as well

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

    Any news on Cavani?

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

      He did not play a single minute for a while. Better to sell him. For sure he ll not get too much time, maybe 10 in the first 60+ in the second.

  14. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Anyone who has BB yet not playing this GW? When do you plan to play it?

  15. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Holgate or Aina?

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

    Pep's comments make me wanna:

    Cancelo to Aina
    Son to KDB

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

      What did he say?

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

        Just said KDB's 100% fit and ready.

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

          Oh okay, nothing bad about Cancelo?

  17. Bony-2012
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Trying to fit in 4 premiums for WC.
    0.1 ITB
    Martinez, 3.9
    Diaz, konsa, el Mo, burn, struijk
    Salah, son, Bruno, Barnes, gundi
    DCL, Kane, Brewster.

    Good to go or drop a premium?

  18. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Hello guys. What would you do here? Bench boost, triple captain and wildcard intact.

    Pope
    Dias, Cancelo, Shaw
    Fernandes, Salah, Gündogan, Barnes, Son
    Watkins, Bamford

    Subs: Meslier --- Ings, Dallas, Bernardo --- 1 FT, 0.6 ITB

    A) Get Kane by downgrading Son or Fernandes
    B) Ings & Bernardo -> DCL and Targett (-4) and bench boost with Meslier, Targett, Bamford and Dallas
    C) Ings, Bernardo & Meslier -> DCL, Aina & Martinez (-8) And use bench boost with Martinez, Aina, Bamford and Dallas

  19. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Raphina -> Matheus Pereira (-4) worth it? On BB

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

      i'd take that gamble (assuming you don't need/want raph for BG29)?

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Yeah, I do have my FH for that GW.

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

      Prefer Lookman tbh

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

      i think pereira could be a really good differential this week ... i doubt there would be a better time to take a punt on him.

  20. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Rashford Brewster Mee to Jorginho Kane Stones -8

    Good moves? Can play Bamford or Jorginho and will use TC on DCL

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

    Johnstone
    Cancelo Stones TAA Tarkowski
    Salah Bruno Gundo Raphinha
    Kane (TC) Bamford
    (Pope Soucek Coufal Brewster)

    A) Bamford -> DCL
    B) TAA Brewster -> Digne DCL (-4)

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I'd do B if you don't have FH for 29.

  22. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Barnes or Watkins? Barnes looks better but Watkins has 2 extra fixtures and a far better double. Leeds and Sheffield will have goals. Arsenal and Burnley will be tight low scoring games for Leicester.Thoughts?

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

      Long term Watkins short term Barnes i guess

  23. Park the bus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Assuming anyone thinks I should sell Salah to fund a move to Kane for a -4, my options for my FT are as follows:

    a) Mee -> Targett
    b) Mee -> Dier
    b) Ings -> Watkins
    c) Fabianski -> Martinez
    d) Fabianski -> Lloris

  24. OptimusBlack
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    On my WC and i want to get one of Periera or Tarore as a punt instead of Gündogan ?
    Yees do it
    Noo Keep Gundo

  25. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    try again, any feedback would be appreciated.

    Martinez
    Stones Shaw Rudiger
    Salah Fernandes Barnes Gundogan
    Kane(TC) DCL Bamford

    Areola Raphinha Dallas Burn
    0ft 2.1m

    Really tempted to do salah to KDB for a hit?

  26. Andrew
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Good enough for the DGW I've taken a -4 so far :-

    Pope*
    Cancelo* Stones* Lowton* Mitchell*
    Salah* Bruno* Son* Gundogan*
    DCL* Bamford

    10 DGWers plus Bamford

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

      Pretty good

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

    Who will score more points?

    A) Mee +4
    B) Barnes

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

      i hope to hell barnes!!! i think barnes will score more.

  28. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    So many good TC candidates, potentially a good BB opportunity and what not. With so many options to choose from this week, it's actually getting more tougher for me to choose one as the deadline approaches. Still undecided if I should use the TC or BB chip this week. Sigh.

  29. Chrisscfc
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    mee&soucek - Digne/Ricardo & Barnes? -4?

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

      Yes, with Digne.

  30. arndff_
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Who would you start this GW?

    A) Mee (tot, LEI)
    B) Dallas (AVL)

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

      A

    2. sentz05
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Mee

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

      Mee. There is a reasonable chance of 1 clean sheet, and Mee isn't without threat from a set piece .... but two bites is better than 1 ultimately. ...

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

      I'm not feeling a clean sheet from Burnley in either one of those matches.........Dallas also provides some cover in case Leeds go bananas against Villa