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. Stevie G
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who is the best striker to own for next 3 GWs?

    a) Ings ( avl, NEW, wol )
    b) Adams ( avl, NEW, wol )
    c) Bamford ( LEI, cry, ARS )
    d) Jiménez (CRY, lei, SOU )

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

      A

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

      Ingsy

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

    Will James rodriguez play in this week?

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

      No

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

      Doesn't look like it

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

      no

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

    I have to take a hit here don’t it? Still have a wild card though. Have had Antonio from the start and really wanted to keep him for the change in fixtures. With him and JRod being out the natural hit move would be Bamford and Son. Thoughts?

    1.4m in the bank.

    Leno
    TAA Chillwell Lamptey
    Salah Pulisic Foden JRod
    DCL Kane Antonio

    Nyland Mitchell Soucek Douglas

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

      you could just do JRod to Grealish/Zaha and save the hit (play Soucek).

      the hit looks a good option too though.

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

        Yeah that’s a good shout actually. Am keen to see the developments on Antonio.

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

          With price moves of Antonio and Son, would mean I have to miss out on Son is the other thing. Decisions decisions.....

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

    How long James out for? 1 week?

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

      Yup

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

      According to Ancelotti, Yes

  5. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Nice to have a Friday deadline. Looking forward to my Podence 3 pointer and Jimmy's 8 point haul.

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

      LOL

    2. StayoutheSpiceZone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I have them both at the moment. I am thinking of moving them on! I don't fancy them this evening.

      What do you think the score will be?

  6. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play Bale (BHA, wba) or bring in Rashford (ARS, eve)?

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

      Rashford

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

      Bale may see another benching

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

      too early to bring bale in

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

        I brought him in on wildcard 2 weeks ago

  7. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    After doing a thorough analysis on who the best captain option is for this week I came to the conclusion that it doesn't matter because my vice captain will get more points

  8. Return of the FF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Gang...

    Marti / Mccarthy

    Robbo, Ward, Dallas, KWP, Bernado

    Salah, Son, James, Grealish, Jorginho

    Kane, Bamford, DCL

    1 FT, 0.9 itb...

    Roll FT? Or James to...

    A. Foden

    B. Puli

    C. Zaha

    D. Barnes

    Thanking you.

  9. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have exact funds for James to Ziyech.. would you do it?

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

      Yes

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

      Not certain Ziyech starts... Mount and Pulisic probably come so only one spot left between Ziyech and Havertz

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

      Assuming you own Grealish?

      1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes

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

    I have to put either Barkley either Wilson on the bench. Who'd you put on the bench?

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

      Wilson i guess, tough.

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

      Yourself, shouldn't have put yourself in this situation in the first place

    3. Couch Potato
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What's the rest of your team?

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

        button/mccarthy
        webster/mitchell/TAA/KWP/dier
        barkley/zaha/salah/son/havertz
        DCL/ings/wilson

        I'm slowly transitioning to playing 5-2 in front, so in next GW probably wilson will be transffered out. Or do you think that's a mistake?

        1. Couch Potato
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I also have Wilson, and have no plans to get rid of him at the moment. He's well capable of a decent day v EVE.

          In your situation, I'd play 343 and my decision would be between Barkley/Havertz.

          All boils down to whether you like SOU or bur as the better fixture. I'd go for Barkley SOU myself, Turf Moor normally is a tough place to go.

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

    Martinez
    TAA Robbo Ayling
    Salah Son Pulisic Trossard
    Jimenez DCL Watkins

    4.0 Soucek Lewis Taylor

    A) Trossard to Foden
    B) Pulisic, Watkins to Brewster, Fernandes (play Soucek as 5th mid for their good games)
    C) Watkins to Wilson/max 6.9 fwd

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wouldn't wanna do B this week when they have good fixtures.

  12. Kasper the ghost keeper
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) Rodriguez -> Rashford
    B) Wickham -> Wilson/Adams
    C) Justin -> Chilwell

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

      C

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

      All good options, A if Rodriguez is out

  13. The Assassin-Faced BabyDave
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    This Rodriguez injury is a bit of a ballache. Ziyech?

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

      Yaaaay let's do it.

  14. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Now Castagne Hamez are out, forced to use FT. Which one from A and B folks?
    A. Dallas Coufal Creswell Dias
    B. Foden Bowen Zaha Pulisic

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably Coufal and Foden/Pulisic

  15. ragsyboys
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Why does everyone think that Chilwell is going to be rested ?

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

      Not everyone ...

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

      Coping non owners

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

    is gomez a decent option purely for clean sheet?

    also wilson or adams?

    on wc

  17. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Grealish or Zaha in for JRod?

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

      Grealish

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

      zaha has great fixtures

  18. Noob
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Feels like the hardest choice so far this season - essentially boils down to whether I have more faith in TAA or Werner..

    Team:
    Martinez / Steer
    TAA/Saiss/Lamptey/James/Mitchell
    Salah/Son/Foden/Podence/Burke
    Kane/DCL/Werner

    Option 1:
    TAA + Podence -> Chilwell + Grealish

    I shipped Trent prior to the Leicester haul last season and am so hesitant to do so again - but Liverpool looking at less clean sheets than last season and it will be tough for Trent to match his attacking output. Fabinho out feels like the clincher..
    But... it's Trent

    This option will mean James/Chilwell/Werner all being in my first XI as I will likely risk James starting.

    Option 2:
    James + Podence + Werner -> Chilwell + Grealish + Bamford (-4)

    Go with form? Werner's heatmap is worrying and I don't think Burnley/SHU/Newcastle are necessarily great fixtures from an attacking POV and they follow this with tougher games. Leeds had TWENTY shots in the box last game - why fight form?

    Any thoughts appreciated!

    1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Chelsea have great fixtures, Werner should give decent returns over the run

  19. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have exact funds to do Digne + Jrod —> Chillwell + Pulisic -4.

    Very tempting

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

      I'd do that

    2. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Like it!

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

      Can't afford Jrod to Puli by itself?

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

        Sadly not

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

      Gotta be done. Will recoup the points this week and will probably be a while before the former 2 get a chance to make you regret it.

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

        Only thing I dont like about it is if I bring Chillwell in I then have to bench Ayling or Saiss who both look good this week

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Saiss could be dropped for Marcal/Kilman anyway

  20. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hamez to
    A) Foden
    B) Pulisic
    C) Zaha,
    D) Rashford

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

      B or D

      1. cheeky moses
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        agreed, but tricky to pick one of those two

  21. wslnpt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Do we think Cancelo is nailed?

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

      No

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

      No, Mendy and Zinchenko also options

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

      Far from it

  22. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    a) R.James to Chilwell
    b) Podence to Zaha

  23. cheeky moses
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hamez to:
    A) Rashford
    B) Puli

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

      B

    2. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      hold. But out of those two Puli

  24. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chelsea presser done?

    Safe to pull the trigger on Castagne to Chilwell?

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

      Was yesterday. I'd say it is safe.

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

      Would do it next week incase Chilwell gets his rest

  25. NULL-X-VOID
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I am defo not going to ship Jamez out. A leaky Utd, Fulham, Leeds and Bur, I can clearly see a good haul in 2 out of those 4.

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

      He may not have a good ball for 2 out of those 4

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        He's going to be back for the next game. Worth keeping him, at least to me, with those teams

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

      IB between ManU and Fulham - I've traded him up to Rashford who will be against a leaky Everton defence and then has WBA (and only 1/4 of the ownership)

  26. Tricky FC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Foden to pulisic
    Or james Rodriguez to pulisic

    Both are -4 hits. Have had foden rise 0.1 since i bought
    James Rodriguez risen 0.3 since i bought

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

      id sell jrod

  27. afs2239
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I have a lot of players playing vs each other
    Trossard vs Aurier
    Zaha vs Semedo
    Justin vs Ayling
    Also laca is bad, brewster same
    Should i use wildcard or just my ft

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wont use my WC for one GWs issue

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

      Hard to say without seeing your whole team. Who are your other 7 players?

  28. SM001
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Auba, Jimenez & TAA to Fernandes/Rashford, Kane & Chilwell (-4) ???

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  29. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I can play Kilman or Dallas from the bench, or do Rodriguez to Zaha for free. What's the best option?

    1. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hold Hamez, he would be back for the Utd game and then they have fulham and Leeds, all three are potential haul games

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

        How are Leeds and United potential haul games? They will be very tough for Everton imo

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

      Kilman or Dallas are more than enough cover

  30. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) TAA + Maupay > Coufal + Kane (-4)
    B) Jimi > Kane (free)

    Had built towards doing Jimi to Kane this week but Jimi making me doubt myself with his recent displays... But then selling TAA for a hit seems a risk.

    1FT 2.5ITB
    Martinez
    TAA Saiss Justin
    Salah Son Bruno Podence
    Jimi DCL Maupay

    Steer Struijk Reed Mitchell

    Thanks!