As we continue our countdown to gameweek fifteen, it’s time to take another look at the players that can make a difference on a budget. The Scout Selection Committee has been locked in debate and out of it comes another set of ‘Differential’ picks.
Even our friends at Paddy Power seem to agree with our selection this week, with two of our picks making the top five most likely to score list. I’ve been confident before of course. In fact I’m confident every Saturday morning, it’s Saturday afternoons that are the problem….
Danny Welbeck
Man United’s injury list just keeps on growing and with Nemanja Vidic and Javier Hernandez also ruled out this week, Ferguson has been rightfully cautious in easing Danny Welbeck back into the side. After starting on the bench against Basle on Wednesday however, the young England star is expected to lineup against Wolves this weekend, and priced at just 6.6 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, with a great run of fixtures coming up, he looks like an outstanding Fantasy prospect.
Last week’s injury to Javier Hernandez is expected to rule out the Mexican until the New Year, meaning that Welbeck may only be an option for four or five games, but with favourable opponents in those matches and the January wildcard offering a ready-made exit strategy, he’s well worth considering as a short term punt. Welbeck’s current ownership of just 2.3% makes him a huge differential if your rivals are still clinging onto Rooney, and at just over half the price, that extra cash could be a key factor in the run up to Christmas.
Craig Bellamy
The issue with Craig Bellamy has always been his game time, and although his ability to complete 90-minutes is still a concern, it appears that Bellamy has now shrugged off his ‘super-sub’ label and has been picking up some regular starts. Ignoring the Man City game that he withdrew from at the last minute, Bellamy has now started Liverpool’s last three games and even made the starting lineup against Fulham on Monday, despite Carroll and Suarez also taking their place on the teamsheet.
If he can keep his run of starts going then Bellamy’s Fantasy potential is obvious; his pace and movement clearly suits Liverpool’s style of play and is always a threat when coming inside from a wide position.
Back in the 09/10 season, when he last played consistently in the Premier League, Bellamy picked up 10 goals and 10 assists – perhaps a bit low by Van Persie’s standards, but still excellent returns for a mid-priced striker. Priced at 7.4 and owned by just 0.5% of all managers in the FPL game, Bellamy has the potential to provide some strong differential returns over the next few weeks, starting with profitable fixture this weekend at home to QPR.
James Morrison
One that has perhaps gone unnoticed in recent weeks is Scottish International James Morrison. The tricky winger has been in great form and although his recent FPL scores are average at best, he’s been the biggest threat of any West Brom midfielder in recent weeks, and his performance statistics suggest he could be in line for some decent returns now that fixtures are easing up.
Zoltan Gera’s season ending knee injury has also seen Graeme Dorrans emerge as a differential option, but it is still unclear whether Hodgson will switch back to a front two of Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long. Morrison is also very capable of playing the support striker role if needed so with him looking more assured of starts he seems the better option right now. At 5.3 and ownership of 0.4% he looks decent value over the long term, and with Wigan and Blackburn up next, it could be a great time to take a punt.
