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. Slurpy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    TC bruno and a tenner on Kane to score 2+ goals?

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

      If I only knew if Bruno gonna have a dodgy peno vs CHE

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

      The other way around?

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

    Meslier,Button
    Cancelo,Coufal,Mee,Mitchel,KWP
    Salah,Son,Bruno,Gundo,Maddison
    Antonio,Bamford,Cavani

    These transfers seem reasonable? Thx
    2FT (-8)

    1) Cavani ---> DCL
    2) Mee/Coufal ---> Dias
    3) Meslier ---> Martinez
    4) Maddison ---> Barnes

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

      Dont think you need to make transfer no. 4.

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

    Start 1 from each please:

    A) Mitchell
    B) Lowton

    1) Bamford
    2) Raphinha

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

      B2

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

      B1

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

      B2.

      Otherwise will sink your battleship.

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

    Are we good to go? TC is on!

    martinez
    digne stones mee
    salah bruno son gundo
    kane dcl bamford

    forster raphina dallas coufal

    1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      On who?

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

        Thinking Harry over penandez.

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

      Looks good, gl!

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

        Cheers, you too!

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

      Only 2 city? Moved one out for digne?

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

        Sold Sterling for son to fund ings to Kane. Nervy times.

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

    Best replacement for mee. No FH for 29
    A) maitland-niles
    B) shaw
    C) targett
    D) tosin
    E) burn (play dallas this week)
    F) keep

  6. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    TCaptain?

    A. Son
    B. Bruno
    C. DCL

    1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Draw a name out of a hat. Bruno is probably safest if say but any of them could haul

  7. jb1985
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    why is captain choice so tough this week, feel Salah, Fernandes, Kane and DCL can all easily land 15-20+ points this week. Currently on TC Kane.

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Why? Because there's a lot of DGWs...

      1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Also, the most consistent players have slightly harder games and the less consistent players seem to have easier fixtures.

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

      Answered your own question - lots of very good options. Good luck 🙂

      1. jb1985
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Does anyone know how up to date is the ownership bit on the official site for a player? Out of the 4, Kane is lowest owned at 29.3%.

        Salah - 41.8%
        Fernandes - 60.4%
        Kane - 29.3%
        DCL - 39.7%

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

      FOMO makes it tough, otherwise its simple 😉

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

    Anything else worth a -4? On BB with 2ITB and already on a -4;
    Martinez Areola
    Digne Cancelo Shaw Stones Rudiger
    Bruno Son Barnes Gundogan Raphinha*
    Kane DCL Bamford*

    Raph and Bamford the only 2 SGW players.
    Bamford > Watkins worth a -4?

    Or GTG?

  9. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Bale or Traore?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Bale

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Yeh its the fun pick.

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

      2012 is that you?

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

      Probably Traore

    4. jb1985
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Bale, Feel he is starting to pick up a bit of consistency now.

  10. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    KDB or Sterlo?

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

      😮

      Foden 😉

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        😛

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Sterling

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

      I'd prefer Sterling

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

      I'd take Shelvey before Sterling.

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

      I think Kdb

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

      KDB

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

    Cavani news anyone?

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

    Would you bench Bamford (single game) or Lowton (double game)?

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

      Bamford

  13. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Worth holding onto bench boost and playing another week if convinced rival will captain Kane too? am 40 points behind and my rival will be bench boosting this week

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

      This week is probably your best chance to BB if you still have it

  14. M_Rega96
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Lost on previous....

    Think I’m going to take a -4 to get out Lowton (already have Pope)

    Is it worth it? And to Cancelo or Pereira? Only have two city currently (Sterling and Stones)

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

    1) Keep my current team and do 1 or 2 transfers (-4) :
    Martinez (McCarthy)
    Konsa, Stones, Cancelo, (Justin, Dallas)
    Sterling, Fernandes, Son, Raphinha (Grealish)
    DCL, Bamford, Cavani

    2) First WC draft :
    Martinez, (Areola)
    Konsa, Stones, Cancelo, Targett (Dallas)
    Gundo, Barnes, Fernandes, Son (Raphinha)
    Kane, Vardy (Bamford)

    3) Second WC draft :
    Martinez (Stier)
    Konsa, Stones, Targett (Struijk, Mitchell)
    Salah, Fernandes, Gundo, Barnes, Son
    DCL, Vardy (Bamford)

    If I WC, the question is more : Do I sacrifice my team to have the magic 5 in the middle and especially Salah or not ? ^^

  16. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Any Reguilon love on WC ?

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

      decent pick

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

      No 🙁

    3. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Yes

  17. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    A. Sterling, Watkins, TC Salah
    B. Gundogan, Kane TC -4 Salah VC

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

      I'm not sure Salah is a good pick. Liverpool are a mess, just lost Henderson (the only leader they have left).

      Don't fancy them v Chelsea. Only plus is that Sheff Utd defence is in tatters.

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

    A) Digne
    B) Pereira?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Both

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

      My decision as well and I've landed on Digne

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

    Does Henderson news make Salah even less appealing (must do)?

    Tempted to ditch him for a hit, but struggling to know who I'd go to. Would basically be KDB (doubts on game time, does he even have pens anymore) or Son?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Would be keeping Salah, neither of those appeal to me, especially not for a hit

  20. 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) Ings, Son & Bernardo -> Kane, Matheus Pereira, Ricardo Pereira (-8)
    B) Ings & Bernardo -> DCL and Targett (-4), Bench boost
    C) Ings, Bernardo & Meslier -> DCL, Aina & Martinez (-8), Bench boost

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

      I'd just save FT + TC Fernandes

      OR

      Ings to DCL for free. (Maybe TC DCL)

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

        This

  21. footballcandy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    A: Play H. Reed with DGW (old bench fodder def mid always nailed)

    B: Or one of Dallas / Raph

    I'm fielding 10 DGWs atm + Kane TC.

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

    Cancelo and Dias to play ___ minutes? Go

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

      Dias 90
      Cancelo 0

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Cancelo 90
      Dias 90
      Shelvey 0

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

        This

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

        🙁

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

      I'm convinced in my head that city will play Stones/Dias and Stones/Laporte

      Might go with Cancelo just on that logic but really not sure

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

        Cancelo to miss both games?

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

          no chance of that

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

        DIAS = 180
        Cancelo = 90

        (I also have them both)

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

      i really think cancelo COULD start both and be brought of early for both.

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

    On BB (have DCL)

    1) Cavani and Son -> Kane and Barnes (-4)
    2) Soucek -> Pereira/Lookman/Traore and hopes Cavani are fit
    3) Cavani and Soucek -> Watkins and Barnes (-4)

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

    Worth bringing in any Fulham player for this weeks double as i don't have a FH for 29?

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

      yeah sure, few good picks, Aina probably.

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

        Yeah i'm probably bringing in Dier in defence, and thinking none of their attackers is actually worth it.

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

      Lookman

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

        Good shout he's easily benchable until 29 too

  25. hustler7
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Which of these do you prefer for the coming GW? Both will be -8. WIldcard also in tact.

    A) Triple captain chip

    Pope
    Rudiger Dias Cancelo
    Salah Barnes Bruno Gundo
    Kane (TC) DCL Bamford

    McCarthy Mitchell Dallas Soucek

    B) Bench boost

    Pope
    Dias Cancelo Konsa
    Salah Barnes Bruno Gundo Son
    DCL Cavani

    McCarthy Dallas Bamford Rudiger

    The suspense is killing me!

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

      TC chip for sure.

  26. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Dallas to Stones worth a minus 4?

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

      No

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

      No

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

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Robertson
    Salah Fernandes Gundogan Raphinha
    Bamford DCL Kane

    Pope Soucek Coufal Ferguson

    1FT, 0.8itb

    1. Ferguson >> Konsa [10DGWs] (play Bamford, bench Raphinha)
    2. Robertson >> Digne [9DGWs] (play Bamford and Raphinha)
    3. Save FT

    Thanks

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

      3

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

    G2G? Team selection and subs right?

    Pope
    Dias Stones Shaw
    Salah Fernandes Gundogan Raphinha Lookman
    Kane (TC) Bamford
    ------------------------------------
    McCarthy Ings Dallas Coufal

  29. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Who to bench out of Raphinha and Bamford?

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

      Flip a coin!

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

      Raph

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

    TC?? -

    A) Kane
    B) Bruno
    C) DCL