Gameweek 16 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is almost upon us, which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some more differential options.
This time, weโve selected low-owned picks at Everton, West Ham United and Manchester United, 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.
ABDOULAYE DOUCOURE
- FPL ownership: 1.6%
- Price: ยฃ5.4m
- GW16-20 fixtures: cry | che | LEI | bur | NEW
Abdoulaye Doucoure (ยฃ5.4m) has impressed under Rafael Benitez this season, bagging two goals and four assists in just 11 starts. As a result, the 28-year-old is averaging 4.6 points per match, which is more than team-mate Demarai Gray (ยฃ5.5m) and only fractionally below Jarrod Bowenโs (ยฃ6.5m) 4.7 total.
Having missed a run of four matches from Gameweek 9 onwards with a broken metatarsal, he has since returned to Evertonโs engine room alongside Allan (ยฃ4.5m). During that period, he has registered six shots in the box, a figure only Diogo Jota (ยฃ8.0m), Mohamed Salah (ยฃ13.1m), Hakim Ziyech (ยฃ7.3m) and Gabriel Martinelli (ยฃ5.2m) can better amongst all midfielders.
The Toffees have been plagued with injury problems all season, with some of their most influential players – including Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ยฃ7.9m) – all spending time on the sidelines at various points. However, the crisis does now seem to be easing, which coincided with an important 2-1 win over Arsenal on Monday night, when Doucoure was a little unfortunate not to produce an assist, with Richarlisonโs (ยฃ7.4m) goal from his pass narrowly ruled out for offside by VAR.
Now, they take on a Crystal Palace side who have had real issues defending set-pieces in 2021/22, which could be good news for Doucoure, one of Evertonโs key aerial threats, while between Gameweeks 18-26, they sit top of our Season Ticker for ease of fixture.
Doucoure was predominantly used in a deeper midfield role last season, but has thrived after being handed more attacking responsibility by his new manager, and could be an effective differential in the coming weeks.
VLADIMIR COUFAL
- FPL ownership: 3.9%
- Price: ยฃ4.7m
- GW16-20 fixtures: bur | ars | NOR | SOU | wat
Vladimir Coufal (ยฃ4.7m) has been a solid performer for West Ham United since joining from Slavia Prague in 2020, and is now back in the starting XI after losing his spot through injury and the fine form of Ben Johnson (ยฃ4.0m).
The right-back has now started back-to-back Premier League matches, which has seen the Hammers beat Chelsea and draw with Brighton and Hove Albion. During that time, amongst all team-mates, only Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio (ยฃ7.9m) have attempted more shots in the box, while his three successful crosses is a team-leading total. Thatโs important, too, given that this weekendโs opponents Burnley have allowed 184 crosses from their left flank this season, at least 18 more than any other side.
This season alone, David Moyesโ team have managed league victories over Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, while they are also through to the last-16 of the UEFA Europa League after topping their group. Now, they have the opportunity to kick-on, with one of the kindest fixture schedules on offer, with games against Burnley, Norwich City, Southampton and Watford before the end of the year. In fact, they will face only one side currently nestled in the top six right up until March.
Having dropped ยฃ0.3m from his initial starting price, Coufal now offers a cheap route into West Hamโs defence, and could be a solid set-and-forget option given their appealing fixtures.
HARRY MAGUIRE
- FPL ownership: 4.9%
- Price: ยฃ5.4m
- GW16-20 fixtures: nor | bre | BHA | new | BUR
Harry Maguire (ยฃ5.4m) has endured a difficult start to the season at Manchester United, but the appointment of Ralf Rangnick could prove a turning point.
In his first game in charge, the German tactician opted for a 4-2-2-2 formation, with Scott McTominay (ยฃ5.4m) and Fred (ยฃ4.9m) effectively screening the back four. As a result, United conceded just eight shots and 0.75 expected goals (xG), while they also kept their first Old Trafford clean sheet since all the way back in April, ending a run of 15 games without one there.
As for Maguire, he remained assured and composed throughout, with his distribution from the back particularly impressive. In fact, the England international played 15 successful passes into the final third on Sunday, more than any other player on the pitch, which could be key moving forward, with a new, more direct approach being implemented.
The schedule should also allow Maguire to thrive. On paper, the fixtures for Rangnickโs first couple of months are about as good as it gets, especially in December, with no matches against the current top six to worry about. Looking further ahead, itโs notable just how appealing that run is, right through until March, with just one game against West Ham United the only red blob on our Season Ticker.
With uncertainty around who will be Unitedโs long-term first-choice full-backs, Maguire could be a solid under the radar pick, with an ability to contribute points at both ends of the pitch.
