Spot the Differential

Bowen can exploit Liverpool defence ahead of West Ham fixture swing

Differentials did a lot of the talking in Gameweek 6, with the likes of Vladimir Coufal (£4.5m), James Ward-Prowse (£5.8m) and Diogo Jota (£6.3m) all registering attacking returns for their owners.

There’s no shortage of candidates to consider this week either.

This time, we’ve selected differentials from West Ham United, Leeds United and Chelsea who we think have the potential to make a big impact in Gameweek 7 and beyond.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Jarrod Bowen

  • FPL ownership: 2.2%
  • Price: £6.3m
  • GW7-11 fixtures: liv | FUL | shu | AVL | MUN

Since his January arrival, Jarrod Bowen (£6.3m) has proven to be a hit in East London.

The 23-year-old racked up a combined five attacking returns in 11 Premier League starts last season, as David Moyes’ side narrowly avoided relegation. His post-lockdown performances against Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United caught the eye, as he emerged as one of West Ham United’s key players.

Despite a testing opening schedule in 2020/21, Bowen has already netted three times, averaging just over five points per game, and ranks in the top 10 midfielders for shots in the box, big chances and expected goals (xG). 

While a trip to Anfield in Gameweek 7 is hardly the most enticing of matchups, the Reds are struggling for numbers at the back and have at times this season looked vulnerable down their left-side, conceding 17 chances from that flank compared to 10 on the other. That boosts Bowen’s appeal, having started on the right-wing in all six appearances so far. 

However, their main threat on Saturday may arrive from set-pieces. In the absence of Virgil van Dijk (£6.4m), Everton were able to capitalise from a dead-ball situation in the Merseyside derby, and it’s surely something the Hammers will look to benefit from too. That’s important with Bowen on most corners and a share of free-kicks. 

Bowen and West Ham have been in good form this season, and with a promising run of fixtures from Gameweeks 8 to 20, could be set to make a real impact. Getting on one of their key men a week early could prove a shrewd decision.

Illan Meslier

  • FPL ownership: 4.0%
  • Price: £4.5m
  • GW7-11 fixtures: LEI | cry | ARS | eve | che

After becoming Leeds United’s first-choice goalkeeper in the second half of last season, Illan Meslier (£4.5m) has gone on to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young prospects.

Despite having already faced Liverpool and Manchester City, the 20-year-old ranks joint-fourth in the goalkeeper standings, behind only Emiliano Martínez (£4.8m), Karl Darlow (£5.0m) and Kasper Schmeichel (£5.5m), two of whom have benefitted from penalty saves.

The Whites defence did not make the best of starts back in the top tier, conceding four goals at Anfield and three against Fulham. However, since Gameweek 3, they have become more resilient at the back and conceded just two goals across their last four games. No team has given up fewer over the same period. 

The Frenchman has secured clean sheets in the victories over Sheffield United and Aston Villa, as well as making key saves throughout. In fact, his shot-stopping abilities have helped him collect an additional save point in four out of his six fixtures so far, as well as three bonus points. 

The immediate fixtures look promising for Leeds defensively: Monday’s opponents Leicester City have scored just one goal in their last three matches, with Crystal Palace and Arsenal to follow. They also welcome West Ham United, Newcastle United and Burnley to Elland Road before the end of the year.

Meslier is becoming a reliable figure who has settled extremely quickly in the top tier, and could be the pick of the budget FPL keeper options right now.

Christian Pulisic

  • FPL ownership: 4.0%
  • Price: £8.3m
  • GW7-11 fixtures: bur | SHU | new | TOT | LEE

Christian Pulisic (£8.3m) is still looking for his first league goal of the season, but having got off the mark in Europe in midweek, it is surely only a matter of time before he opens his account.

Chelsea strolled their way to victory on Wednesday night with a comfortable 4-0 Champions League win over Russian side FC Krasnodar. 

Arriving from the bench with just 19 minutes to go, Pulisic’s strike capped off a productive evening for Frank Lampard’s attacking assets, and offered a glimpse of what might be to come now everyone is fit and firing.

It’s easy to forget just how much of an impact Pulisic made upon the Premier League’s resumption back in June. The United States international produced a goal or assist in seven of Chelsea’s final nine league fixtures, and went on the score in the FA Cup final too. 

It’s the kind of output that suggests a big season lies ahead, and now looks like the time to invest.

If the Season Ticker were to focus solely on the next three Gameweeks, Chelsea would be top of the pile. Heading to Burnley in Gameweek 7 is far from straightforward, but the firepower at Blues’ disposal should be enough to see them off, while it’s worth noting Pulisic scored a hat-trick on his last visit to Turf Moor.

Timing is key for Pulisic, but now up to speed he could prove the difference maker at Chelsea, and be an effective differential moving forward. 

1,212 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Saiss James Justin Mitchell
    Salah Son Rodriguez Grealish Podence
    Kane DCL Brewster

    £2.1itb 1FT

    1. Do I hold or spend the £2m?

    2 I presume I bench Mitchell and Brewster, but who should be 1st bench spot, Podence?

    Thanks for your time

    1. ZakyJ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I could do
      Podence > Zaha
      Or
      James>Chilwell

    2. SharkyT
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hames to Rashy MBE?

  2. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Quick captain vote?

    1. Mane
    2. Salah
    3. Son

    Rank is like 3.xm (yuck).

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If that's your rank then Mane could be good, especially down West Hams right side

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah I'm struggling this season. Worst start I've ever had.

        Thanks!

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          You can still pick it up. I was around 300k at Xmas last season and finished 6 points off top 10k with a failed TC. Just need a few differentials and good captain picks.

          1. Dirty Harry
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Yeah that's true. At the moment Mane and Bamford are my differential in my MLs so hoping they can keep the points coming in.

            Other than that team has been good on paper but just terribly unlucky

    2. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      3.

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mane

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

      Forget rank, it doesn't matter at this point. Pick the best player. I think it's one of Mane or Salah. Quick trip into members area says WHU have conceded almost double the chances from their right side (Mane's side) while conceding more crosses from the right (TAA).

      I'd captain Mane if I had him.

  3. Frucke
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Son or Salah for cap then?

    1. FabzGuitar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah (C) & Son (V)?

      1. Frucke
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes currently on that. do ypu think brighton will play with the backline high? Like southh did

        1. FabzGuitar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Just feel like Salah will want to score especially after last week. Usually blanks and then does something the week after.

          1. Bagayokeso
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Classic FPL, seeing patterns that don't exist

            1. Frucke
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Haha

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Son - Brighton highline to be picked off by Kane and Son

      1. Frucke
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Ty. Hm. My vice cap usually scores. Maybe just go with Son

  4. FabzGuitar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    For the the next 6 game weeks:

    A) Patricio to McCarthy
    B) Keep

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C - upgrade reserve keeper to Meslier and rotate for fixtures

  5. DagheMunegu
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    have 2 ft but I really don't know what to do. Would you burn it ?
    0 itb

    Martinez
    Taa Robbo Zouma
    Salah Son Pulisic Trossard
    Watkins Kane DCL

    Button Lamptey Stephens Branthwaite

    1. SharkyT
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe look a week ahead and and transfer one of your subs.

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      TAA & Trossard to Dias (or Cresswell or other) & Zaha

  6. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anything needed or gtg?

    Martinez
    Reguilon Chilwell Robbo
    Son Salah(v) Rodriguez Zaha Grealish
    Kane(c) DCL

    Martin Kilman Mitchell Brewster

  7. dbeck
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Narrowed down to these two options, which one shall i pull the trigger on:

    A) Soucek to Lookman and roll a FT
    B) Trent and Soucek to Chilwell and Bowen/Foden

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Keep Soucek

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        ok so C is Trent and Brewster to Chilwell and Adams/Bamford, I take it that gets your vote?

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm thinking of upgrading Soucek from first bench to starting 11 with good fixtures coming up.

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        ideally i want to keep but Lookman is way more attacking, with A i can always revert back or do something with that spot next week with 2ft, Bowen becomes a option

        Im struggling to spend my 1FT so figured just do one move

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would not be getting rid of Soucek with the fixture swing

  8. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Might only have two defenders starting frm these this wk.

    Robbo/Saiss/Reguilon/ Dallas

    Mitchel on the bench.

    1. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What formation are you playing and who are your other subs?

  9. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Quick poll:

    Captain Salah or Kane?

    1. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

    2. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

  10. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez (forster)
    Robbo Chillwell Saiss (Lamptey Mitchell)
    Salah Son Grealish Zaha (Bissouma)
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Team looks good but OR 2.8 mil. Would I move up the ranks eventually?

    1. Ode
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good team. Still early gameweeks, 1 good week can mean 1m jump in rank

    2. MarcusAurelius
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Great team so you would think so. Depends on captain choices

  11. Blue Star
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Quick one here:

    Werner to Kane (-4) ; exact funds.

    Yay or Nay?

    1. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yay

    2. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      100%

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      not for me. unless you are absolutely set on Kane captain then it can pay off. what is the other half of the transfer?

      1. Blue Star
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        TAA to Chilwell which I've already done.

        I'd usually leave it a week but have feeling Kane captain this week is the way to go! Thanks for your reply!

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Werner may be rested so yes

  12. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kane or Salah captain?

    Leaning towards Kane currently...

    1. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      kane

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      i'm on kane

      1. CheesyZoot
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Seems right

  13. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Good chance of Saiss coming on if he is benched?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why would he be benched?

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      yeah as he covers a couple of positions.

      i think he starts.

    3. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why do people think he will be benched I don’t understand he has been on of the best def

    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not necessarily

  14. lalua
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    guys - can bring Pulisic in for Podence for free. would you?
    any concerns with him playing this week and next?

    1. Ode
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Get him now, got a rest in europe and scored a hattie last season against Burnley

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      As a Podence owner I would do this move in a heartbeat.

  15. Takedog1
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    whats the planned week for eveybody wc?

    im itching to get kane in my team but its going to cost me about a -8 and needing to take out stewrling or salah for it.

    surely not worth it?

    maybe sterling?

  16. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA, Dier, Saiss, Ayling
    Salah, Son, Rodriguez, Podence
    Kane, Jimenez

    Steer, Soucek, Justin, Brewster

    £1.7m ITB and 1FT.

    A) Justin to Chilwell
    B) Dier to Chilwell
    C) Podence to Foden
    D) Save

  17. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Barnes better do something this week. Tired of him stinking up my team...

    1. Captain Vantastic™
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is he nailed on?

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      he'll do something alright. tamely hit a shot straight to the keeper, or wildly scuff one 10 yards wide.

    3. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Barnes is a really really casual pick Brosstan, gotta get him out

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yea he's my biggest mistake this season. Listening to articles on here like a casual instead of following my professional intuition

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          You should just get Grealish and leave him in for months

          1. Brosstan
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I have Grealish since before the Liverpool game

            1. Qaiss
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              I've had him since GW2 as well, talisman

              1. Brosstan
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                🙂 mid price midfielder triple up with Grealish Zaha Barnes has worked out 2/3 to be fair. But Barnes is a pain

                1. Qaiss
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  you could keep Barnes for 1 more and then perhaps stretch to Ziyech next week or down to Foden

    4. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I doubt it, good chance he'll be gone from my team before he's even had the chance to kick a ball

  18. Ode
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    !!!WARNING!!!

    I’m captaining Salah this gw. My biggest captain score this season is 7.

    1. Frucke
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hahahaha ty

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      You'll do well. Salah the man now as Liverpool ain't keeping CS with VVD and Fabinho out.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        #LOGIC

      2. MarcusAurelius
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Can’t see that as a good thing. Surely that means Liverpool have more defending to do and less attacking.

  19. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Need to sell Davies..was thinking Coufal but obviously a poor fixture this week.

    A. wait until next week and hope Mitchell plays
    B. Do Davies > Coufal this week
    C. Another player in

    1. gg8
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Martinez
      Saiss Chilwell WP
      KDB Son Salah JRod Podence
      DCL Kane

      Brewster, Justin, Ferguson

      2FT - 0.0ITB
      any ideas? Looking at Brewster and Podence but not much money to work with, happy to take a hit for the right players

    2. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      davies definitely not playing this week?

      1. Feed tha Sheep
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Can’t see it unfortunately

  20. BigKeith
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2ft 0.1itb need to use a transfer what would you change?

    Martinez (Steer)
    Mitchell Robbo Dallas (Lamptey, Dunne)
    Son Salah Grealish Pulisic (Mendy)
    Maupay Kane DCL

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Maupay to Mitrovic/Bamford (one week punt) and then get Antonio after that?

  21. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Your predictions for Villa-Southampton?Tough game.

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      1-0. But don't know which way.

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      0-2

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      1-2

    4. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2-2

    5. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2-1

    6. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      1-1

    7. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      3-3

    8. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      cheers all

  22. BlzE_94
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    GTG?

    Martinez
    Chilwell Targett Kilman
    Mane Sterling Son Grealish
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Bench: Forster, Lamptey, Bissouma, Struijk

  23. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Agüero and Dunne ➡️ Ings and Chillwell -4?

    My defense is Lamptey Dunne Saïss Mitchell Targett (lol)

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Can also afford any striker in the game

    2. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good god yes

  24. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Captaining Son who is in one of his greatest purple patches and plays a Brighton side that can be a bit naive in matches vs the top 6. Digne out for Chilwell. Good luck all, will try and help with as many questions as I can now.

    Martinez
    Chilwell Saiss Kilman
    Salah Son(c) Rodriguez Grealish
    Kane Jimenez Ings

    Button Justin Bissouma Ferguson 0FT 0.3 ITB

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good luck Miguel your tempting me with Son!

      1. SackWenger
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Son Miguel

  25. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Good chance Chilwell comes on if benched?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Prob not - all attacking players and mids not fit so most subs will be focused on changing them instead of defenders

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        *are fit

  26. abhirup780
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    CA : "Jonjoe Kenny is back, James will not be available and Lucas and Richarlison are suspended"

  27. Joey Tribbiani
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    dcl out? wow

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      what is this?

    2. Rashleigh Runabouts
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Really?

  28. Feanor
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Get Saiss in for Digne, or save the transfer?

    My defense with no transfer would be Chilwell, Justin, Gabriel or Mitchell

  29. Woody01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez / Nyland
    Saiss / Digne / Chilwell / James / Mitchell
    Zaha / Salah / James R / Son / Podence
    Kane / DCL / Brewster

    Already done Castagne > Chilwell however tempted to take a -4...

    A) Podence > Graelish (great fixtures)
    B) Hold for now

  30. abhirup780
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    CA: "James has a little problem and he needs to rest and will be back for the next game"

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lol