With 2017 upon us many Fantasy managers are looking to refresh their squad, as they look to steal a march on their mini-league rivals and climb the tables.
For some this will be via the second wildcard, which became available this month. For others a few hits or timely transfers will be taking place.
Already this week, festive fixture stars such as Tottenham’s Dele Alli and West Brom’s Matt Phillips are dominating the transfers in table.
But for this article I thought I’d take a look at some of those players who still have a relatively low ownership, of below 10%, and are being overlooked by the majority of managers.
As well as low ownership, another key driver for my selections is fixtures, with the schedule falling particularly kindly for Bournemouth, West Brom, Everton and Crystal Palace in January.
With that in mind here are five of the best post-festive differentials to consider drafting in for the New Year
Charlie Daniels
Cost: 5.2
Ownership: 9.5%
Next four fixtures: hull WAT CPL eve
For around a month now I’ve been urging Fantasy managers to consider Bournemouth defenders as key differentials. Slowly but surely some are cottoning on that Eddie Howe’s side is set up to get the most out of the attacking talent of the Cherries’ backline.
With two of his four double digit scores coming over the festive schedule Charlie Daniels has climbed to third in the Fantasy Premier League’s overall defender standings, yet surprisingly some consider his 5.2 price tag too expensive. With such a kind fixture list and a 2016/17 CV that features three goals and as many assists as well as bonus points on six occasions, he looks ideally placed.
A less explosive option but far cheaper alternative is Nathan Ake (4.4) who only has one double digit FPL haul this season, but has played far fewer games than Daniels. Indeed he has already matched the right back’s goal and assist tally and has a higher points per match average. For those looking for a budget alternative to Daniels the on loan Chelsea man looks ideally placed, especially since he is incredibly still in only 9.5% of teams and is among the game’s cheapest starting defenders.
Junior Stanislas
Cost: 5.1
Ownership: 1.2%
Next four fixtures: hull WAT CPL eve
I’m sticking with Bournemouth with my next selection of Junior Stanislas, who given he has a higher points per match average than Roberto Firmino, Matt Phillips and Mesut Ozil, is surprisingly still in less than 2% of teams.
Injuries have been an issue for the winger, who has only started 11 Premier League games. But when he gets the opportunity he takes it. Over those starts he has amassed two double digit hauls, scored three goals and registered six assists, two over the festive fixture schedule.
His 21 point FPL return at home to Hull in Gameweek 8 was particularly eye-catching. For those looking to invest immediately it is worth reiterating that the Tigers are his next opponent.
He also has form over his side. Over Gameweeks 19-20, when he made his first starts after recovering from a long injury lay off, he matched Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic for goal attempts and shots in the box and created as many chances as Red Devil Paul Pogba and West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet.
Leighton Baines
Cost: 5.4
Ownership: 8%
Next four fixtures: MCI cpl stk BOU
Cast your mind back a few years and revel in the legend that is Leighton Baines. The indie-pop loving left back’s 2010/11 tally of five goals and 11 assists was just an indicator of his potential as a Fantasy asset. Overall FPL point finishes of 177 followed in 2012/13 and he notched 169 in 2013/14.
In his prime this Fantasy beast’s price peaked at 8.1.
Fast forward to this season and the sideburned full back is at it again, with two goals, two assists, as well as four clean sheets to his name across just 14 starts. In terms of points per match only Marcos Alonso can beat his 5.1 average among defenders.
Once the Manchester City game is out of the way he looks ideally placed to take advantage of a fixture run that goes into February too with encounters against Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
Penalties are also key to his selection in this list, after he has once again emerged this season as the Toffees number one penalty taker.
Chris Brunt
Cost: 5.0
Ownership: 2.4%
Next four fixtures: tott, SUN, mid, STK
With Gareth McAuley’s hefty 27.8% ownership his West Brom team mate Chris Brunt is being overlooked. This makes him an ideal asset for those looking to rise up the rankings. He boasts a higher points her match rate than McAuley and at home especially is a better prospect.
Over the Baggies last five home games Brunt has accrued 39 FPL points, compared to his fellow Northern Ireland international’s 18.
With home ties against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in February, as well as Sunderland and Stoke visiting the Hawthorns in January, Brunt is another ideal differential for the New Year.
Yohann Cabaye
Cost: 5.6
Ownership: 1.2%
Next four fixtures: whu EVE bou SUN
Crystal Palace assets hardly endeared themselves to Fantasy managers in their 2-1 defeat at home to Swansea in Gameweek 20. With the Sam Allardyce revolution yet to get into its stride at the south London club their assets will continue to dip below the radar.
But if you believe that fixtures can eventually trump form then Yohann Cabaye is another kindly priced differential that your rivals are likely to overlook. After February 4’s Sunderland game at Selhurst Park, Big Sam’s troops take on Stoke and West Brom away and also host Middlesbrough.
With penalties still up for grabs at Palace the smart money is on the Frenchman snatching spot kicks, especially as he took them before Christian Benteke became number one following his move from Liverpool to the Eagles. Since then the Belgian has missed two.
Cabaye has also taken on a more attacking midfield role under Big Sam, topping the Eagles shots on target table since Gameweek 18 and scoring one of their two festive goals. In addition, along with Jason Puncheon, he has retained corner taking duties.
If Allardyce can effectively play the percentages in the New Year I believe Cabaye will be the key player to prosper.
