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. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Really stuck between Rashford, Pulisic and Zaha. Who to go with ?
    Have a feeling that Rashford scores against Arsenal, but will shift to RW next week on.
    Pulisic seems strongest to me right now

    1. The Prophet
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Maybe just Pulisic over Rashford this week.

    2. H-SF
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      I'm going pulisic because I can't afford Rashford

      1. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Even I've got Pulisic in...let's hope he returns big

    3. Warby84
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Can’t afford unless a -4

  2. Fernando Torres
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Best midfielder under 9.5m???

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Under? Son is 9.5

      1. Fernando Torres
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        I've got Son and Grealish. Can be 9.5m or less

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Rash if you can afford

    3. djoker_nole
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Robbo/TAA

      1. SmasherLagru
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Rashford

  3. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Guys sorry to ask again. Play one.
    A, KWP
    B, Brewster.
    C, Struijk

    1. The Prophet
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      A

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Hi mate. C if he’ll play?

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Thanks mate.......GL this wknd.

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 days ago

          Yeah. Another unlucky annoying blow with JRod as already on a hit. Bad season matey

          1. SmasherLagru
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 2 days ago

            A

  4. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Bottomed. Pages flying...

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

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

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      WC I would sort McCarthy, Davies, Saiss, Justin, Mitchell, JRod, Davis

  5. zizoo10
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 days 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.

    1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      I think youll find its the wrong williams on fpl
      Rhys hasnt been added has he ?

      1. zizoo10
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        You sir are absolutely correct, luckily I didn’t pull the trigger

  6. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Chances of both Saiss and Kilman playing? Wanted to keep Rod and DCL

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      I think 1 gets dropped

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

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

        That way don't have to play botj

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 days ago

          Tricky. Why not just switch Saiss out?

          1. Von Lipwig
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 2 days ago

            Hmmm. I wanted Creswell next week, Can't afford an upgrade without taking a minus 4... But Saiss + Maupay > Bamford + Chilwell for -4 an option.But will Kilman play?

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 2 days ago

              Just go Cresswell now. Might get set piece points

  7. The Prophet
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Lads,

    Trent/James to Chilwell/Pulisic worth a 4 point hit going forward or have I lost my head??

  8. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    is Bowen Fit to play , is he right choice for short term ?

  9. DycheDycheBaby
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    a) JRod/DCL --> Rashford/Adams for -4 (I have Ings as well)
    b) JRod --> Zaha

    1. Von Lipwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Good question! I had so wanted to keep a FT this week. Leaning towards A, but with Bamford. Don't trust Wilfred

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Same bit annoying with JRod really. I can't do Bamford as 0.1 out.

        1. Von Lipwig
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 days ago

          So annoying

  10. adstomko
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    If you bought Rodriguez at 7.5m, would you sell?
    A) Yes
    B) No

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Yes. What difference would profit make if you're upgrading?

    2. MESSINHO
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      It depends on other factors too. I have 2 FTs, weak bench, so I'm selling. He'll drop to 7.9 for sure, so it will be 0.2 loss, which is not a big issue for me.

  11. cheeky moses
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Got 2FT and 2.0 ITB,

    A) Hamez to Rashford (roll 1 FT)
    B) Hamez and DCL to Pulisic and Ings

    1. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      A

  12. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Damn it...

    Play Dallas (for Jrod) and roll ft for Rashford nxt wk??

    1. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Yeah i'd do that

  13. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

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

  14. BrutalLogiC
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    ditch jrod then because he's deffo out?

  15. Amey
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Any palace fan around cam tell whether Eze would start this GW or not ??

  16. toonstar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    What to do here? Got 2 FT. Suggestions please...

    McCarthy
    Chilwell Saiss Cash
    Salah Son Pulisic Grealish
    Kane DCL Maupay

    Bench: Ryan, Jorginho, Justin, Mitchell

    Replace Maupay with someone, or something else?

    Or is this G2G?

    Cheers All

    1. zon
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Anything itb? Maybe Cash -> Konsa/Targett to free up cash ( pun unintended)

      1. toonstar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Haha - nah nothing ITB.

        Mitrovic for Maupay?

        Ta for response

  17. djoker_nole
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Martinez
    Saiss Robbo Coady Ayling
    Salah Son Zaha
    Bamford Jimmy Kane (c)

    good to go?

    Would you start Jorginho over Ayling?

  18. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Try help others out too guys

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Hway the lads Rafa. Some town Newcastle. Bob Trollops is a mighty pub.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Haha aye

  19. Botman and Robben
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Used my 1FT for JRod -> Zaha

    GTG?

    Martinez
    TAA Semedo Dallas
    Salah Grealish Son Zaha
    Maupay Kane DCL

    Steer Bissouma Kilman Lamptey

    1. djoker_nole
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      would start Kilman over Dallas personally

  20. SoapAFC
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Are those who got jrod at 7.5 getting rid? Seems like a player you'd want again, but for he has to drop .3 to be able to buy him back

    1. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      I'm leaning towards holding. They have some good fixtures after United.

    2. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      He has a bad injury history. Might not return as scheduled. Get him back in with 2 FT or taking a hit if you need to. Plenty of options this season.

  21. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    McCarthy
    TAA, Dier, Saiss, Ayling
    Salah, Son, Rodriguez*, Podence
    Kane, Jimenez

    Steer, Soucek, Justin, Brewster

    £1.7m ITB and 1FT. Worried about Saiss being dropped but want to keep this week to see.

    A) Justin to Chilwell
    B) Dier to Chilwell
    C) Podence to Foden
    D) Rodriguez to Pulisic
    E) Save

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Rodriguez to Grealish.

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Thanks, good suggestion

    2. djoker_nole
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      D

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Cheers

    3. zon
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      James to Rash, play Soucek

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Annoyingly £0.1m short to get Rashford in

      2. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Who would you play Soucek over?

  22. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Maupay + DCL > Bamford + Vardy
    For free
    Yaaaay
    Nope

  23. Boomerang V
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Hamez to: (already own Salah, Grealish and Son)

    A) Zaha -4
    B) Pulisic -4
    C) Havertz -4
    D) Other? -4
    E) Keep and play Justin alongside Chilwell, Saiss and Ayling

    Note: Mitchell is my other defender who is flagged. There are rumors Chilwell might be rested and Saiss might be dropped. If two of Mitchell, Saiss and Chilwell miss out I'll run out of players.

  24. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Werner and podence to Kane and bissouma?

    Leaves soucek as 4th mid.

    Thanks

    1. 420king
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      I don't know, I'd love to have Kane but the move looks sideways this week.

  25. 420king
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Martinez
    Robertson, Chilwell, Dallas
    Salah, Son, Rodriguez*, Grealish, Zaha
    Kane, DCL
    (Forster, Lamptey, Brewster, Ferguson)
    2FT 0.0 ITB

    Only wanted to use 1FT but I don't see anything obvious...

    What about Rodriguez and DCL to Rashford and Bamford/Watkins? Only losing 0.1m on each.

    1. Bumbaclot
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Probs would hold DCL

  26. Fernando Torres
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    A) Rashford + Wilson
    B) Zaha + Ings
    Which is better long term

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Grealish and Ings?

  27. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Predicted wolves line up at the back tonight?

    1. GreennRed
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      I know the Euro millions numbers....

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        hah

    2. JIMMY TUGGINS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Not sure but gotta think Ait-Nouri is knocking on the door with their lack of creativity, heard he's an amazing prospect.

  28. olelukoje
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Was almost certain to do Mitchell > Chilwell this gw, but with James R. out I am not sure if I should swap to Rashford instead.

    What do you guys think?

    2.5 itb and 2 ft
    Saiss-Robbo-Konsa in D +
    Soucek-Ayling-Mitchell on bench

  29. Boomerang V
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Is Pulisic in rotation (rest) risk?

    1. JIMMY TUGGINS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 days ago

      Did you read the article that you're posting on?

      1. Boomerang V
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 days ago

        Ha. I didn't. I might bring him for Hamez. I got trolled by Zaha many times before

        1. JIMMY TUGGINS
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 days ago

          Puli looked very sharp when he came on midweek.

  30. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 days ago

    Which is best gents?

    A) Play Bissouma (tot)
    B) Ferguson -> Kilman (CRY)

    Already own Saiss