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. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I really like Bowen, but I'm not sure there's room in the midfield for him. There are just too many good players there...

    Salah, KDB, Son, Bruno, Pulisic, Grealish, Rodriguez, Zaha, Rashford, Ziyech

    I'd rather have a 6.0m forward and a 8.0+ midfielder, than a 6.0m mid and a 8.0+ striker.

    1. Call Me Old Fashioned
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Agree, Ings is the only 8-9M striker I would want. Why did I sell him and keep Mitrovic to get in Kane 🙁

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

        I kept Mitrovic instead of Adams. I have a feeling Mitro is doing nothing against West Brom.

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

      Jiminez Ings Martial Werner etc all good striking options if you’re willing to have patience. My point being there’s arguments for both combinations that you mentioned, I think he’s a great shout but likely have some bias.

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I disagree. Depends on the combination. There are really good options on every single price bracket both for mids and forwards. Besides you cannot have certain combos in midfield; you cannot have KDB + Salah+ Bruno + whatever.... it does not work like that

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Sure, you should look at each case in isolation. But I'm struggling to see an instance where I'd rather a premium forward and budget mid over a premium mid and budget forward.

        If you think the likes of Werner, Ings, Jimenez, Bowen can be better value than the likes of Pulisic, Grealish, Zaha, Rodriguez, Bamford, Antonio then go right ahead.

        I don't think it's even close personally.

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

    Not owning j rod all season finally a couple of good weeks

  3. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Would you do James to Chilwell (-4) or just leave it and do it for free next week?

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

      Leave this week - James very likely to start

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

    Ziyech, Havertz or Werner?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Werner

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

      Werner

    3. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Think Ziyech will be benched this GW.

      Go Pulisic.

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      My personal order:

      1. Pulisic
      2. Ziyech
      3. Werner
      4. Havertz

      The Chelsea attack is really fluid. They all switch positions often, so Werner ends up wide a lot. He's just as much a midfielder as the first two, just more expensive, doesn't get CS pts, and scores less for a goal.

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

      Werner of those

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

    Rodriguez to Ziyech worth a punt?

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Di you buy Hamez for 7.5?

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

        +1

      2. adstomko
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah that's my issue

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

    Any changes to be made here:
    Thinking to stick. Would’ve liked Chilwell and Pulisic but would mean to transfer out Fernandes and KWP.

    McCarthy
    Ayling - TAA - Justin
    Salah - Son - Fernandes - Barkley
    Maupay - Kane - DCL

    Bench: KWP, Mitchell, Bissouma

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

    so is this a good move guys? 2 FT 2.4 ITB

    Saiss + JRod to Chilwell + Rash?

    Ryan Button
    Saiss Robbo Dallas Lamptey Ferguson
    Salah Son grealish jrod soucek
    dcl kane brewster

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

      Seems a good move to me

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

    In light of Rodriguez news what to do?

    2FT 0.5 ITB

    Martinez
    Robertson, Semedo, KWP
    Salah, Son, Rodriguez, Grealish
    Kane, DCL, Maupay
    4.0 | Bissouma, Lamptey, Mitchell

    Just Rodriguez -> Pulisic? Will only lose 0.1 of value

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

      Great move

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

        Thanks - think just do that 1 transfer?

        Pulisic is nailed right?

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

          Yup just the one move.

          Pulisic should start vs Burnley after being benched midweek

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

      I've replaced him with Zaha - the problem with Rodriguez I'm not sure he's up to the gruelling schedule of the Premiership.
      I can see him being injury prone and can't be relied on week in week out.

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

        Why Zaha over Pulisic?

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          I’d imagine price, I think I may go Zaha aswell, can’t get pulisic unless a -4..

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

          Price although I'm not convinced about Chelsea at the moment.

  9. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Better transfer

    A) Trossard to Foden
    B) Watkins to Wilson

    1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A.

    2. MGMT
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      None

  10. SharkyT
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    GTG?

    *1FT 0.3ITB*

    Marty
    TAA Robbo Justin Targett
    Soucek Salah Fern Son
    DCL Kane

    Steer Brewster Mitch Stephens

  11. 2999 - Lady of Legend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Should be a high scoring weekend.

    Looking forward to long overdue megahauls from Salah, TAA & Mitro!

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      23 incoming

    2. Forgetmeknot
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Do you remember last week!?

      1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Sadly yes!

  12. Takedog1
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    does gomez take vvd place?

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

    Whom would you bench out of Saiss (CRY) or Ayling (LEI)

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Asking. Palace attack not great

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ayling

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ayling

  14. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Digne to pva or too early ? Thanks

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

      I have pva for 2 gw and only got 1pt. Would suggest to wait till he nailed his place

  15. Knallie
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) play Kilman or Justin?
    B) captain Kane or Son?

    Martinez
    Chillwell Saiss Kilman
    Salah Mane Son Rodriguez
    Kane(c) DCL Bamford

    Justin, OriolRomeo, Mitchell

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

      Kilman with Justin first sub.

      Captain Kane

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

        Was on that on both counts 🙂

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

    Play one:

    A) Targett
    B) Lamptey

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Targett

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

      A

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  17. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Best one week punt?

    A) Mitrovic
    B) Watkins
    C) Bamford
    D) Adams

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C could be best value this year the way Leeds attack.

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

      Still C

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

      Yeah C,Lei defense with many injuries.

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

      A, but I don't fancy 1 week punts.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        2 FT, no fires to put out

    5. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks guys

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

    With this James injury, choose one to play:

    A. Brewster vs City
    B. Coufal vs Pool
    C. Bamford (-4) vs Leicester

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      C) as best option long term

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

      c) Fofana, Evans and Fuchs sounds like a vulnerable defence

  19. shiraz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Lucky i have 1 more ft. Hamez to

    A. Foden
    B. Rashford
    C. Any other below 10m

    Thanks

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

      B

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

        Thanks mate

    2. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B.

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

        Thanks mate

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Close, but A to be prepared ahead of City run of fixtures

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

        I am looking adding foden in soon by upgrading my 4.5 mid and downgrading my forward before gw 10

  20. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    So with JRod out with a bruised ball sack I am thinking of getting rid of Everton assets for now. What do you think of these for -4?

    DCL to Kane
    JRod to Soucek (or any 5.3 or less, Lookman maybe?)

    1. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      jeez not soucek

  21. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Start Mitchell or Lamptey or make a hit to get James out??

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

      No hit, mitchell

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

    Ok to hold here, and right bench/order? (1FT, £0.5M itb)

    Martinez
    Chillwell, Robbo, Saiss
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Pulisic, Trossard
    Kane, DCL
    (Forster, Mitchell, KWP, Brewster)

  23. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Need a Digne replacement. Apparently Chilwell should be the obvious choice, but rumours about he might get rested. Really need replacement to start, as defencce otherwise weak. Other alternatives could be KWP, Cresswell, Dias. Choice of

    A) Chilwell
    B) Dias
    C) Cresswell
    D) KWP
    E) Hold, and play Lamptey

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A...

    2. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why wouldn't you consider Zouma?

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

        Txs good shout, will have a look

    3. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I did to Coufal...
      But upgrade in midfield incoming next GW.

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

    Thoughts appreciated on this conundrum:
    a) JRod to Foden
    b) JRod to Pulisic
    c) JRod to Rashford
    d) Brewster to Wilson (bench JRod)
    ???

    1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C.

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

      A

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

      Do you have Zaha or just not considering?

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

      Went with Rashford but was tempted by Mahrez

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

    Anyone fancy a punt on Maddison?

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

      ...

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

      Nope, just had his first start of the season

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

    What's most pressing here, want to dump some of my Wolves assets after this GW, Jimmy > Ings? Or hold for another week, also feel like I need some city coverage so possibly Podence > Foden if I downgrade Jimmy instead of getting Ings in.

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

    0.6m ITB & 1FT.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Save

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

        cool thanks mate, captain who do you reckon?

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

      I am looking at shipping out both jim and saiss after gw 9. Would suggest to hold, especially for jim. But podence to foden look like a great move

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

      Why would you want to get rid of Jimmy? if you played FPL last couple of years, you know that Wolves "red" fixtures are actually green fixtures for Jimmy. Top 6 teams are the ones where he gets his (few) double digit hauls

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

    Captain Kane or Salah??

    1. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      kane or son has to be

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

        Why's that

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

      Salah from those two

  28. Forgetmeknot
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Trossard -> Pereira get anyone’s nod of approval?

    Will wildcard in 2 weeks so targeting Fulham’s defence.

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

      I went for lookman but i still perfer Bowen at that price

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

        Already have Mitrovic and couldn’t look myself in a mirror if got double Fulham attack.

        I like Bowen too but do t think I’d get him this week facing liv (am 0.2 short anyway)

  29. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Zaha has great fixtures

    Should I do on a FT

    Rodriguez -> Zaha ?

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

      Not away to Wolves. Give it another week to assess best options and see if Rodriguez returns to play against United.

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        What if you have no one decent to replace Rodriguez on the bench??

  30. Pukkipartyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    DCL -> Ings? (Free)