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. teneighty
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ancelotti on James: "He had a little problem."
    James: *pouts* "It's not that little...."

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

      I'll show myself out.

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

      Talking from experience are we?

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

      Will Smallbone has a thigh problem

  2. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Saiss and Lamptey --> Chilwell and Coufal for free?

    I like Saiss but he's competing with Marcal/Kilman and his fixtures turn after this week. I don't trust Brighton for clean sheets at all despite their underlying numbers.

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just Lamptey to Coufal for free and hold the other FT? See what happens to Saiss tonight and reassess.

      1. dbeck
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        agree, saiss isnt an issue yet, he could be but deal with it when you have to imo

      2. Hulk Smash
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Problem is then I could have both Jrod and Saiss not playing this week with Coufal (LIV) / Taylor (CHE) / Bissouma (TOT) coming off the bench

  3. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Could Ancelotti be trolling again?

    1. All Hail K
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      If he is I will go to his home and break all his spaghetti.

    2. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nah, the official Everton page has posted it

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

    Best striker for the long run?

    Not Kane or Werner.

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

      I like Ings, DCL will keep ticking along once James/Digne are back

    2. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ings seem to be ticking along nicely.

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

      Ings

    4. Tingate
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd say Danny Ings, can score against anyone the way Southampton have been attacking.

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

      DCL

    6. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ings gets my vote too.

      Probably Vardy next.

  5. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed. Pages flying as per deadline day!

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

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

    Steer Struijk Reed Mitchell

    Thanks!

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

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

    2 FT

    A) Holding > Dallas/Coufal/Targett?
    B) Sell TAA also and upgrade Holding?

    McCarthy
    TAA - KWP - Justin
    Mané - Salah - Son - Zaha
    Wilson - DCL - Jimé

    Nyland* - Stephens - Mitchell* - Holding*

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Just A then re-evaluate with 2FTs next week.

  7. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Werner + Taa ---> Kane + Chilwell for a hit ?

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm considering similar but can't decide if selling TAA for a hit is asking for trouble...

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

      Considering the exact same transfer

    3. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      but I heard Chilwell might be benched as he is tired... Lampard hinted there might be changes because of tired players

      1. VinMar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        I did this move thinking werner was gonna be benched, but who knows

  8. Noob
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 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. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm a bit worried about Chilwell not starting, do we have any new about that? Lampard hinted there might be changes because of tired players

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

        You won't find out anything more than what you already know, at least Lampard doesn't trust any other left backs unless Azpi moves across there.

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

    Bamford or Adams?

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

      Adams

      1. All Hail K
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Bamford. Guess you're no better off now.

  10. Timon
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Should hold on to Trossard for one more week?

    Or switch to Bowen?

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Bowen looks a lot less appealing without Antonio in the side. And he plays Liverpool this week so it can probably wait.

  11. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Help please

    Is this team G2G or are there any other changes that you would make to it

    Martinez

    Chilwell Semedo Keane

    Son (c) Havertz Grealish Lookman

    DCL Kane Jimenez (vc)

    Areola Trossard Dallas Lamptey

    0FT No WC 2.1 ITB

    Any ideas would be welcomed

  12. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start Taylor or Bissouma for Rodriguez?

  13. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Where is this Chilwell news coming from?

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      What Chilwell news?

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      What Chillwell news?

      1. Zlatan F.C
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Being rested

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

      The forums

  14. BlzE_94
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play Targett or Lamptey (Have Martinez in goal)

  15. wattalowz
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you wildcard with Digne VVD Castagne and JRod in your team? (Unlucky I know)

    Would have to take a hit Just to get a starting 11 which would still include Bissouma (tot)!

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It depends if you want to keep Digne and Jrod long term as they're only out for a week but it justifies wildcarding

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

    Jrod➡️Bowen for free.

    Jrod/Robbo➡️Rash/Diaz - 4

    Jrod/DCL➡️Rash/Wilson - 4

    Getting sick of Everton and their injury problem's of late.

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

      I went with Hames+DCL to Rashford+Bamford

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

        Have Bam and Kane.

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Rashford's a good pick but I don't like the other moves to fund it. Anyone else you can downgrade?

  17. afs2239
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    My ft
    LACA - - - > UP TO 8.4
    OR SHOULD I MAKE A HIT
    TO GET INGS OR KANE

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

    Hames to ->

    A) Pulisic
    B) Zaha

    Has to be A, right?

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  19. screamer73
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Need suggestions. Have 2 FTs. Anything worth addressing?

    Martinez
    Saiss, Chilwell, Reggie
    Salah, Rodriguez, Son, Grealish, Pulisic
    Kane, DCL,
    (4.0, Lamptey, Webster, Mitchell)
    0.0 ITB

    1. screamer73
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Brewster, not Webster.

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd want Mitchell first sub. I'm looking to get rid of Lamptey too.

  20. The Wanton Trader
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    McCarthy
    Robbo/Chilwell/Reguilón
    Mo(c)/Raz/Bruno/Grealish/Trossard
    DCL/Bamford

    Button/Brewster/Kilman/Ferguson

    G2G guys...?

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nice,G2G

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks pal

    2. Wicked Weapon
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good bar another monster haul from either Kane/Son or at worst both.

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Big sofa time!

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

      No Kane or Son is only concern. Quite an expensive defence too so maybe look at downgrading so you can get Spurs cover

      1. The Wanton Trader
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, I may bite the bullet and try and squeeze them in soon.
        The trouble is I’ve likely missed the boat as their fixtures will be turning soon. 🙁

  21. Wicked Weapon
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    2FT and 0.7 ITB

    Martinez Johnstone
    TAA, KWP, Saiss, Justin, Taylor
    Sterling, Salah, Bruno, Soucek, Bissouma
    Wilson, Jimenez, Bamford

    What's better ?

    A) Sterling > Son (followed by Soucek to Zaha/Grealish for GW 8 onwards)
    B) Jimenez + TAA > Kane + Zouma

    Any other suggestions are welcome as well

  22. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hit it with Hamez out?
    Bruno + Hamez > Rash + Pulisic(-4)

    Will have enough for Justin > Cresswell next GW

    Martinez
    Chilwell - Justin* - Ayling (Lamptey - Mitchell)
    Salah(C) - Son - Bruno* - Hamez* - Grealish
    Kane - DCL (Brewster)

  23. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What are most people doing with Rodriguez? He'll go down in price tonight, wont play this weekend and has tough fixtures on GW 8 and 12 onwards so maybe worth getting rid? Zaha?

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

      I'm gettin Pulisic, most probably.

    2. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'm keeping him. Utd's def is not looking strong, then they have Fulham and then Leeds.

    3. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Sold for Rashford - EVE def not looking strong and then they have WBA and SOU

  24. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I unfortunately have to get rid of James as I also have Digne, Saiss, and Mitchell and I need to have 11 players lol

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

    How many cs do you see Burnley gettin in the next 6gws

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      1-2

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

        Was thinkin taylor to coufal next week

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

    J Rodriguez to:

    A Rashford
    B Pulisic/Havertz
    C Zaha
    D Other

    Salah Son Foden Anguissa rest of midfield

    1. H-SF
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I can't afford Rashford and am going to Pulisic

  27. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed:

    What would you do with this lot? Any urgent changes of save the FT to roll it to next week?

    Martinez (Steer)
    Trent - Saiss - Taylor (Lamptey & Dallas)
    Salah - Son - Zaha - Podence (Burke)
    DCL - Jimmy - Kane

    0.6m ITB & 1FT.

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

    Captain Son or Mane if you are chasing ?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Mane

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      son for me.

    3. BlzE_94
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I have both and going with Son

  29. TheOneAndOnly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    J Rod >

    A) Rashford
    B) Bruno

  30. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    James to
    A) Zaha
    B) Foden
    C) Ziyech
    D) Save

    1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save would mean having to play Justin

    2. korbendallas82
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      save

      1. korbendallas82
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        a if rested