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. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    choose 1 to play this week:
    A Barnes
    B Podence

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Do you wanna be dissapointed early or have hope till monday and then be dissapointed?

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  2. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Do we think antonio is a hold for now? Or transfer to Bamford?
    Would have to play one of bissouma, C.Taylor or Mitchell

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Hold until gw8 news.Bissouma.

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

  3. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Damn it I'm 0.2m off

    Jrod/Robbo➡️Rash/Chilwell

    Thats if Jrod is out..

    1. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rash & Dias.

    2. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Zouma

  4. Dog and Fox
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone got a link to clean sheet and scoring odds for this gw? Thanks

  5. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Mccarthy
    Robbo, Saiss, KWP
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Podence, Pereira
    DCL, Werner

    4.0, Mitchell, Davis, Ferguson,

    2FT 2.4ITB, any suggestions?

    1. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      upgrade davis/ferguson
      leeds/villa def? bamford/c wilson etc

  6. BigKeith
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Maupay and Lamptey>Adams and Kilman to start saving for the fixture changes?

  7. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who are the weak links in this side?

    Martinez Steer
    Chilwell Saiss Lamptey KWP Mitchell
    Salah Son Pulisic Grealish Bissouma
    Kane DCL Maupay

    1 FT, 1.8 ITB

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Saiss and Mitchell under rotation risk/potentially losing their spot but I’d wait on that. Other than that I too have Pulisic and Maupay and I’m probably shipping Maupay this GW. I have a very similar team and I think you’re G2G.

      1. merin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks! Who are you getting instead of Maupay? Wilson?
        And are you planning on doing something about Pulisic?

        1. Drogba Legend
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Considering Antonio, Wilson, Adams and evening Battsuyai as a punt. Back to back assisted and good fixtures after Wolves. Not sold on Bamford yet nor Watkins.

          1. merin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Not sold on Bamford yet either. Antonio is out this week. But Maupay->Antonio might be one of my transfers next week for sure. Wilson also looks very good, with both form and fixtures on his side...
            Not interrested in Adams, for now at least.

    2. Heisenberg W. W.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bamford for Maupay imo

  8. JURGENAUT
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys I’m stuck here following all the doubts on Saiss and Mitchell

    Here’s my team:

    McCarthy
    Robbo / Saiss / Mitchell
    Salah / Son / Zaha / Grealish
    Kane / Ings / DCL

    Forster / Justin / Lamptey / Stephens

    0.2itb & 1FT

    I don’t know what to do, I got two playing defenders on the bench but both have very difficult fixtures. What would you do here?

    Thanks

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would wing it this week. Or Saiss to AST defender.

    2. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’d save

    3. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      just play and hope, mitchell a doubt, wolves always sneak a goal
      maybe justin?

    4. COYR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Justin covers one of those 2 absolutely fine. I'd start him ahead of Mitchell

  9. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any help appreciated. 2FT:

    Ryan
    Robbo - Chillwell - Saiss
    Salah - Son - Grealish - Pulisic
    Maupay - DCL - Kane (C)

    Steer - Dallas - Stephens - Douglas

    A) Save 2FT
    B) Maupay > 6.5 forward or under
    C) Maupay + Ryan out for Adams+Mendy
    D) Pulisic > 8.3 mid or under
    E) Maupay + Puli > Zaha and 6.8 forward?

    Cheers!

    1. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ryan -> Martinez if you have a spare 0.3m

      1. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. Would have to drop someone else. 0 ITB

    2. merin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Stephens Ryan -> Bissouma Martinez

      Maupay -> Antonio next week if he's fit

  10. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Punting on Mitrovic for a week. Wish me luck!

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

      A lot of luck needed for that one!

    2. NIKO.
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I couldn’t wait to punt him out of my team 😆
      Good luck

    3. Rashleigh Runabouts
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      GL

  11. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    All GTG here?

    1 FT 0.1M ITB
    McCarthy (Button)
    TAA Saiss Justin (Mitchell Taylor)
    Salah Son Sterling ASM (Bissouma)
    Werner DCL Watkins

    Salah for (C)?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ASM to Soucek. Fancy him from now on. Especially against and VVDless Liverpool defence.

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

    Either of these worth a hit for a 2 week punt, then WC in GW9...

    A. Sterling + Maupay —> Kane + Grealish
    B. TAA + Werner —> Chilwell + Kane
    C. Neither

    Fear Werner may be rested this week, and wouldn’t mind captaining Harry

    1. merin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      b

  13. MESSINHO
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA - Saiss - Chilwell
    Salah (C) - Son - JRod - Grealish
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

    Subs: Forster - Mitchell - Lamptey - Stephens

    2 FT 0.6 ITB

    I don't want to lose Maupay yet. What would you do here?

    A) Stephens -> Bissouma
    B) Mitchell -> Kilman
    C) Other

    Thanks guys!

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. merin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A to free up cash for upgrades next week

  14. Saka_me_sideways
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start out of these two?

    A: Barkley (SOU)
    B: Soucek (liv)

    Looks a no brainer for Barkley, but soucek’s aerial presence could finally pay off against a Liverpool with no VVD.

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Saka_me_sideways
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks guys, I’ll stop over thinking it

  15. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Joao Cancelo should be a starter right?

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say he starts 65 to 70 percent of the league games

    2. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      he will be rotated, Dias much safer

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

      Far from it, steer clear

  16. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Good to go here?

    Martinez
    Robbo Saiss Ayling
    Salah(C) Son Rodriguez* Grealish
    Kane(VC) DCL Bamford

    (Steer Bissouma Justin Digne*) 0.2itb

    Any news on Hamez? If he's out Im considering Ziyech for a hit.

    1. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ziyech probably not starting this weekend.

  17. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Even in a seasom of huge hauls

    Jiminez cant even get a double digit score

    Very disappointing. SOLD

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Indeed, sold last week.

      1. King Kun Ta
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        +1

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

      Jimi isn’t a haul player you should know that

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rarely does. His best asset is his consistency of 8’s or 9’s. I feel it maybe your loss long term.

    4. seewhyaxe
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd take 8-9 points every week from him

  18. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    1FT. 0.3 ITB.

    GTG and roll FT?

    Martinez
    TAA Semedo Dallas
    Salah Grealish Son JRod
    Maupay Kane DCL

    Steer Bissouma Kilman Lamptey

    1. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely save. g2g

    2. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save

    3. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Id save. Though Semedo is shocking to watch, I think he's days are already numbered.

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

        Bit harsh, who would they even play there anyway

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Maybe. He's very frustrating when you're a Podence/Jimi owner. Always going one step too far.

          1. SmasherLagru
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Gtg

  19. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Great stuff Tom, Bowen & Pulisic already on the ever-increasing Midfielder watchlist.

    Barnes has been disappointing, hopefully, it becomes a bit clearer after this weekend if the optimal move is an upgrade, downgrade or sideways shuffle.

  20. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play 3 of:

    A) Kilman (CRY)
    B) PVA (wol)
    C) Ayling (LEI)
    D) Trossard (tot)

    1. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      ABD

      1. SmasherLagru
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Acd

  21. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    If Podence scores tonight il hate him forever

    1. Rashleigh Runabouts
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm probably keeping him 1 more week, so you'll be OK! Just hope he starts.

  22. tinear
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    TAA to Chilwell or save?
    Play Mitchell, Ayling, or Lamptey?

    1. Couch Potato
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have the exact same dilemma!

      1.Gonna give TAA one more chance

      2. Ayling

      1. tinear
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Reason for keeping TAA? Chilwell is better value imo although I dont need to make anymore transfer with the money saved now

        1. SmasherLagru
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          Because its shu

          1. tinear
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            Sheffield Utd?

            1. SmasherLagru
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 5 months ago

              Yes

              1. tinear
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                Shu vs City no?

              2. tinear
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 5 months ago

                I don’t get it

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

                No west ham sorry

  23. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2 FT's £0.0 ITB any suggestions?

    Martinez
    Dallas - James - Reguilon
    Son - Sterling - Salah - Grealish
    Wilson - Kane - Watkins

    Subs: Forster - Justin - Lamptey - Bissouma

    1. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lamptey to a cheap defender.

  24. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to do? 2ft and 0.1itb

    Martinez
    Robbo KWP Kilman
    Salah Son Pulisic Hames Grealish
    Kane DCL

    Forster; Ayling, Lamptey, Brewster

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Lamptey/Ayling to Coufal maybe

      1. MESSINHO
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This, but Lamptey has Burnley next week. Ayling -> Coufal.

  25. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Podence to Bowen or Foden or keep?

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Keep 1 more gameweek. Then move to Bowen

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think he still starts this week. Decent fixture to hold.

    3. Rashleigh Runabouts
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think I'm keeping 1 more week as trying to roll the FT. But Foden is tempting me.

  26. FPL_BUCCANEER
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Justin Mitchell
    Salah(C) Son JRod Soucek
    Kane Werner DCL

    Steer Lamptey Taylor Bissouma

    1FT 0.2ITB

    G2g? Any thoughts?
    Thanks guys.

  27. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    All set???

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

    Martin Kilman Mitchell Brewster

  28. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Do you thinks it's worth to sell Werner for Ings?I think Ings is a very good pick with high chances to score vs Villa and Newcastle next.Werner played 90 minutes in Europe and Burnley's defence was really good against Tottenham.

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

      Don’t see Werner doing well against deep lying defences, may even be rested

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I think your logic is decent here.

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

    4. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      cheers

  29. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Still can't decide who to captain - Salah, Sterling or Son!

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

      O harry

    2. FPLMACKEM
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It's a tough one this week. Too many good options. I'm going for Salah. Good luck with whoever you choose.

    3. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Salah for me

      Sterling may well work but costly on EO basis if fails and Salah does well

    4. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      son for me, salah leading in polls, bookies, went salah over son last week, salah poll leader then, son had trickier game still scored...w ham may be tougher than brighton? brighton more attacking, may play into kane/sons advantage? tough call still

  30. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Good day!
    Have a pretty solid situation for next week, but with 2 FTs, i have to spend at least one, any advice on where?

    Martinez
    TAA/Chilwell/Dallas
    Salah/Son/Pulisic/Grealish
    Wilson/DCL/Jimenez

    Button/Lamptey/Ward/Gordon
    0.5 itb

    Maybe just a conservative Ward > Coufal?

    1. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      similar team {also 2ft{except i have robbo, instead off taa, and kane instead of jimi !
      ward/gordon to coufal, still have 2ft for next gw
      i would have to do dallas/kwp to coufal ready for next week

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        keep dallas, leeds are suprisingly good in defence, and he may be useful in some fixtures, also crazy attacking

        1. Gizzachance
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          my thinking to, kwp done ok to, cant do mitchell to coufal unfortunately,depends who i wont most over the next coming weeks, cheers