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

    DCL can’t create a chance for himself and I don’t know how he’s going to get any service without Digne, J.Rod or Richarlison. Who else tempted to ship?

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

      very tempted

    2. Jones Town
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yep I'm thinking of using him to fund my move for Rashford (see below)

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

        Yeah me too.

        Jrod/DCL
        ➡️Rash/Adams - 4

        But after utd Everton have 3 great fixtures

    3. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He’s in the firing line. But keeping for another week

      1. veedub1989
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Same

    4. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I've seen worse arguments!

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

      Its literally one game

    6. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’m gonna keep but certainly not expecting much this week.

    7. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Its not like there isn't other guys in that squad that cant take a free kick or corner kick guys. Im sure he will get chances. The question is, will he take them.

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

      I will keep DCL and ship out hamez, just becaise i have 2 ft and don't want to waste it.

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

      Got rid of him this week for that very reason.

      I'm happy to have Rodriguez recover on my bench. Pulisic brought in for Trap Townsend and Castagne out for Trent.

      Took a huge punt on Grant (WBA) as he has Fulham this week and Sheffield Utd at the end of the month. Rest of my team can cover him for the games against Spurs and Utd.

  2. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    In order to get Kane, Robbo ->
    A) Coufal
    B) Kilman

    1. Poison Apple
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A. But only if free

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

        Yes for free

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

    Afternoon all. Save FT?
    Martinez
    Kilman, Saiss, Chilly
    Son, Salah, Grealish, JRod
    Kane(c), Ings, DCL
    Forster, Konsa, Cresswell, Bissouma

    1. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      JRod is injured

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

        Yeah just realised...thanks!

  4. zizoo10
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would Dunne > 4.0 Williams (predicted to start @ CB for Liverpool) be a dumb move? Would let me roll FT again (have 2) while solving a potential no show in defence this week, however I lose a 3rd pool spot down the track

  5. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Rolling FT here to make 2/3 next week. Best choice?

    McCarthy
    TAA Coady Dallas (Bavies Lamptey)
    Salah Son Pulisic Podence (Bissouma)
    Kane DCL Adams

    1m ITB.
    Planned moves are TAA and Pulisic out to Sterling/KDB and a 5.2/5.1 defender. Considering a hit for Podence out too.

  6. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I quite fancy getting Rashford in for Rodriguez after that explosive showing mid-week, but need a downgrade somewhere to fund it. Have 2 FTs... I think maybe DCL to Bamford/Watkins/Adams? Bad move? Any other routes?

    Martinez - Forster
    Robbo - Chilwell - Lamptey - Mitchell - Dallas
    Salah - Son - Grealish - Soucek - Rodriguez*
    Kane - DCL - Maupay

    0.1 ITB

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

      Good moves imo

      1. Jones Town
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Ta

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

          could also downgrade Maupay to Brewster i guess and alternate him and soucek

    2. Sean
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not easy to get DCL or JRod back in for their GW 9-11 run then, would hold onto DCL personally and go JRod to Pulisic and Maupay to Bamford

      1. Jones Town
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks, good alternatives

  7. 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. Hold
    2. Podence > Zaha
    3. James > Chilwell
    4. Rodriguez > ?

  8. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bale to Rashford for 1 FT?

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes.

    2. Jones Town
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Definitely

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

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

    OR 2.8mil
    Where am I going wrong ?

    1. AD105
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing wrong with that team at all mate

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

    Digne + Jrod (-4) -->

    A.) Pulisic + Dias (have chilwell)
    B.) Rashford + 4.8

  11. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Can any help please what transfers would you make with this team?

    What transfer should I make to this team?

    McCarthy, nyland
    TAA, Justin, holding, Kwp, Mitchell
    Salah, Son, Barkley, bissouma, Harper
    Kane, Werner, Calvert-lewin

  12. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Has anyone else rotated Kane/Son for the armband these last couple weeks?

    For the last two game weeks, I have rotated my captaincy between my Spurs forwards and so far it's worked.

    GW5 - Kane (C) 16 points Son (A) 13 points
    GW6 - Son (C) 11 points Kane (A) 5 points

    I'm planning to continue to do this for the next two, maybe 3 game weeks where Spurs face BHA (Kane), wba (Son), MCI (Kane).

    Spurs play on the counter-attack more when they are away from home, and this favours Son, while Kane's home form favours him for these games.

    SON KANE
    H GW1 (EVE) 2 2
    A GW2 (sou) 24 21
    H GW3 (NEW) 1 5
    A GW4 (mun) 18 16
    H GW5 (WHA) 13 16
    A GW6 (bur) 11 5

    Dubious over GW9, but I will see how City's form is before the deadline.

    1. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe this is easier to read:

      H GW1 (EVE) SON 2 KANE 2
      A GW2 (sou) SON 24 KANE 21
      H GW3 (NEW) SON 1 KANE 5
      A GW4 (mun) SON 18 KANE 16
      H GW5 (WHA) SON 13 KANE 16
      A GW6 (bur) SON 11 KANE 5

    2. Good Times
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lovely breakdown!

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

      I like it!

  13. 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) Rodriguez to Pulisic
    E) Save

  14. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I have Son already but Is it really worth getting Kane only for two gw's? Cant keep two spurs attackers for their tough fixtures. Got 2.4m

    Martinez
    Taa - Saiss* - James* --- Mitchell* Lamptey (tot)
    Salah(c) - Son - Havertz - Barnes
    Jimmy - DCL - Watkins

    A: Jimmy >> Kane
    B: James + Havertz >> Kilman + Sterling (-4)
    C: James + Barnes >> Ayling + Rashford (-4)

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Fixtures are a poor guide this season and Kane and Son won't be too troubled by seemingly tricky fixtures if they keep up current form.

  15. Hect.OR 98th
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I've got the exact money and 1FT for JRod to Pulisic. Worth doing?

    Could do

    A. JRod to Pulisic
    B. JRod to Zaha
    C. Play Mitchell/Anguissa/Lamptey and save the transfer.

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

      A

    2. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ziyech better option.

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

        Is he going to start though?

        1. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          After the game he had on Wednesday, I'd be surprised if he didn't.

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

      Same situation here. I'm going A.

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

        Except I have 2 FT.

  16. FCRS BGD
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hi guys

    In fpl Draft , who would you pick
    1) Jesus
    2) Antonio?
    Thanks

    1. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      How are either of these players still available?

      Antonio for sure.

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

        I have Antonio, but he is injured. Thinking to replace him with Jesus who seems to be getting back from injury.

      2. FCRS BGD
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

  17. Nolberto Solano
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Castagne & JRod out for Chillwell & Foden for a -4?

    1. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why not.

  18. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who is best to bring in out of Coufal or Masuaku?

    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Coufal probably the most secure.

  19. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Arrgg can't decide between Watkins, Adams and Bamford!

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

      Bamford

      1. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        AlaBAMa all the way.

      2. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That's the player I want but he had the worse fixtures. Just so annoying.

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

      Adams

    3. Jones Town
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ha was just about to ask same thing... I've got Grealish so think I'm ruling out Watkins and then maybe just about leaning towards Bamford, who is obviously the focal point of that attack whereas Ings clearly is at Saints?

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

      Tight call between Adams and Bamford. For me, fixtures swing it for Adams

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

        Mitrovic is also an option. He has the best stats of them all and a decent next 3 fixtures. Also on pens unlike the other options.

  20. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FT, 0 ITB. Nothing major required
    a) Maupay -> Bamford
    b) Maupay -> Wilson
    c) Maupay -> Mtirovic (short term - next 3 nice fixtures)
    d) Other? (also own Saiss, Mitchell)

  21. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play Bissouma (tot) or do Ferguson -> Kilman and play him?

    Already own Saiss

  22. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Choose one:

    A) Rodriguez (7.5) -> Ziyech
    B) DCL (7.7) & Podence > Bamford & Ziyech

  23. Kuyt Hero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have 2 FTs

    A) JRod to Grealish and roll the other one

    B) JRod to Rashford and Robbo to 5m defender?

  24. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    DCL + JRod > Rashford + Bamford for -4

    Yey or Nay?

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

      Nah, keep 1 from Eve

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

        Rod > Zaha ?

  25. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) DCL + JRod > Rashford + Bamford for -4
    B) JRod > Zaha for free

    Martinez
    Robbo TAA Saiss
    Salah Son Rodriguez Barkley
    DCL Kane Maupay

    Cheers lads

  26. King of Kings.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Repost:

    Jrod to Pulli & DCL to Bamford for -4 ?

    Getting ahead of the curve and dumping DCL before he tanks without supply this weekend. Not sure it's worth a hit though. Not enough funds to do the straight James to Pulli swap.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No. DCL scored last season without great supply.

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

    Do you see Zaha getting anything out of tonight's game?

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

      A penalty

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No

    3. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yep.

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

    Got 2 FT. My plan was to do Maupay to Mitrovic as a one week punt before getting Antonio. But with the uncertainty regarding the duration of Antonio's injury, I am now considering Bamford instead. Thoughts?

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

      Bamford makes sense.

  29. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    People selling DCL is actually quite amusing

    Look at his fixtures after next week. Digne and jrod will also be back by theb

    Will be quite expensive to get him back in

  30. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    -4 team... JRod out for another -4? Or just hope Davies / Mitchell get some gametime?

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Saiss, Justin
    Salah(C), Pulisic, JRod*, Son, Grealish
    Kane(v), DCL
    (Nyland, Davies, Mitchell, Davis)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Or WC?