Spot the Differential

Overlooked Fornals can benefit from West Ham’s appealing fixture run

It is Gameweek 8 in Fantasy Premier League and ahead of our second international break of the season, we’re back with three more differentials for you to consider.

This time, we’ve selected assets from West Ham United, Southampton and Chelsea who we think have the potential to make an impact.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Pablo Fornals

  • FPL ownership: 1.5%
  • Price: £6.4m
  • GW8-12 fixtures: FUL | shu | AVL | MUN | lee

After a challenging first season in East London, Pablo Fornals (£6.4m) has emerged as one of West Ham United’s standout performers in recent weeks.

The Spanish midfielder is beginning to show the level of performance many fans expected upon signing from Villarreal, with two goals and three assists so far this season. It could have been more too, having hit the woodwork against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

One reason behind his improved form is David Moyes’ 5-4-1 setup, which has enabled the 24-year-old to occupy a more central role. Regularly drifting inside from the left-flank, which in turn creates space for Aaron Cresswell (£5.1m) and Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m), he often finds himself in the half-space where he is at his best. Fornals’ defensive work is also an underrated part of his game, which will ensure new signing Saïd Benrahma (£6.0m) faces a tough task to dislodge him from the team.

Despite a testing fixture list that has seen the Hammers take on six of last season’s top-eight in their opening seven matches, only seven midfielders have registered more shots in the box than Fornals, while his expected goal (xG) total also ranks in the top 10.

West Ham now sit 14th in the Premier League with eight points and a positive goal difference. Next up is Fulham and Sheffield United, and there is optimism that they can build on their start and now start climbing the table. 

Available for just £6.4m, Fornals is coming into form just as West Ham’s fixtures ease, and could be an effective differential for Gameweek 8 and beyond.

Che Adams

  • FPL ownership: 3.0%
  • Price: £5.8m
  • GW8-12 fixtures: NEW | wol | MUN | bha | SHU

With Danny Ings (£8.4m) facing up to six weeks on the sidelines following knee surgery, the onus is on Che Adams (£5.8m) to step up and take on the scoring responsibility.

Adams had to wait a while for his first Southampton goal, but has since repaid the faith shown to him by his manager with six goals in 15 Premier League appearances since the restart. 

This season alone, the Saints forward has registered 13 shots, with 12 of those efforts arriving in the box. He also ranks joint-fourth amongst forwards for chances created which has led to three assists.

Those numbers suggest he could carry the burden up front, but it is still unclear who will partner him in Ralph Hasenhüttl’s 4-4-2. Shane Long (£5.2m) or Michael Obafemi (£4.7m) may provide cover, but it could be that Theo Walcott (£5.8m) is deployed in an advanced role.

Southampton sit fifth in the Premier League having won four of their seven games, knowing a win against Newcastle United later on will see them go to the top of the table. Bearing in mind how inconsistent the Magpies have been this term, the Saints will head into the game with confidence that they can get the job done, and if they are to do that, there is a good chance Adams will be involved.

Mason Mount

  • FPL ownership: 4.8%
  • Price: £6.8m
  • GW8-12 fixtures: SHU | new | TOT | LEE | eve

Mason Mount (£6.8m) may get less love than some of his more popular teammates, but the 21-year-old has a huge influence on the way Chelsea play.

The England international was excellent during the Blues’ 3-0 win over Burnley last weekend, which coincided with Frank Lampard moving to a 4-3-3 formation. N’Golo Kanté (£4.9m) screened the back four, with Kai Havertz (£8.4m) and Mount playing either side of him in the no. 8 roles. 

It enabled them to completely dominate midfield with 64% possession, while Mount led the team for shots and chances created, as well as having more touches in the opposition half than any other player.

It is also worth noting that he took all of Chelsea’s corners at Turf Moor, despite Hakim Ziyech (£8.0m) and Ben Chilwell (£5.9m) being on the pitch, one of which resulted in Kurt Zouma (£5.3m) heading home.

Ominously for Saturday’s opponents Sheffield United, Chelsea are starting to click. Rennes, Burnley and Krasnodar have all recently been dispatched, 10 goals scored without reply.

Rotation at clubs involved in European competition is always a concern, but with Mount’s positional flexibility and pressing ability, he could be one of the ‘safer’ routes into Chelsea’s midfield and should not be overlooked.

730 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sarri-ball
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Im 75 points behind rival having terrible season.

    This week only can augbam captain match kane?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      So early in the season and Auba has been poor. Stick with Kane captain and pick a different week to go differential

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

      Don't worry about leads right now. He's gained that on you in just 7 weeks, you have 31 to make it back.

  2. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Chilwell Konsa Kilman
    Barkley Zaha Son Rashford Salah
    Jiminez Kane

    Steele Brewster Mitchell Branthwaite

    Jiminez and Branthwaite to Wilson and zouma?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      transfers look good

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

        This

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

    Surely if you still have him, you have to keep James Rodriguez for ful LEE bur (gws 9-11)?
    Assuming he is fit of course

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

      Absolutely

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      100%

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

      Yes

    4. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      10000%

    5. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      For sure. I'm looking to bring him in if declared fit

  4. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Ah crap, I didn't realise Pereira was dropping last night. Should have done my transfers yesterday 🙁

  5. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How’s it looking?

    Martinez
    Robbo, Chilwell, Lamptey
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Zaha
    Kane, DCL, Maupay
    4.0 | KWP, Bissouma, Mitchell

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      excellent

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Very good - I think Zaha will do well.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      GTG

  6. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play 2:

    A) Robbo (mci)
    B) Lamptey (BUR)
    C) KWP (NEW)
    D) Dallas (cry)

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

      A & B for me

    2. Count Your Blessings
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      BADC

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      AB

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

      A B

  7. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Surely I'm not the only one going into this weekend without Kane, I'm scared

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      season over

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

        I’m not captaining him and already I’m scared

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

      You must be the bravest person on this site

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

      I feel a hat-trick is coming. Something is telling me that this could be a TC week.

      1. Custard Gannet
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        We all said the same thing against Cardiff a couple of seasons ago and he produced a whopping 2 points.

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

          yeah Kane can do that to you (like all players can).

          I do fancy a major Kane haul this weekend though.

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

      I am with you.. this is the week to gain some ground on the casuals by capping Chilwell.

    5. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just captain Son you'll be fine he has the better away record anyway

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

    2 FT's £0.0 ITB any suggestions?

    Martinez
    Lamptey - James - Reguilon
    Son - Sterling - Salah - Grealish
    Wilson - Kane - Watkins

    Subs: Forster - Justin - Dallas - Bissouma

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I don't see anything pressing. Maybe use 1FT for Justin to WHU 4.5 def instead of burning FT.

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This is only really thing I can see too. Rest looks v good

  9. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FT made - good to go?

    McCarthy
    TAA | Justin | Chilwell
    Salah | Son | Grealish | Soucek
    Mitrovic | Kane | C.Wilson

    4.0 | Bissouma | Mitchell | Targett [3.5m ITB]

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      GTG

  10. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Start Justin over Taylor and Bissouma?

    1.5itb 1ft
    Martinez
    Ayling Chilwell Justin TAA
    Grealish Salah Son Rodriguez
    DCL Kane (C)
    (Peacock Taylor Bissouma Vassilev)

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, but I would put Bissouma first sub over Taylor.

  11. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Why isn’t Bowen rising?

    1. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      In a unwanted relationship?

  12. Agger
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah our for Aubamayeng conformed. I will captain him for the Villa game.
    Wildcard will be active tonight.

    Good luck everyone

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

      Out*

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

      I'd back Salah vs City over Auba vs Villa. Auba has been completely anonymous for a while now.

    3. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      one does not simply remove Salah

      Villa defensive stats are still v good

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Interesting move. Auba has not shown anything to suggest he is worth (C). GL

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

      Seeing as most people are ranked like 3 million, I’ll take my own advice and take the risk. 28k currently

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

        You be should always take your own advice

        But doing well over a total sample size of 7 gameweeks does not automatically mean you are an FPL genius and people at 3m are useless

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

          I'm at 34k so maybe i'll be passing him after that move! 🙂

      2. Joey Tribbiani
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I understand, thats what I do aswell.
        Im only 20 points behind you, beware 😉

    6. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      riskyyy

    7. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why even post here if it's only your own advice you're looking for?

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

        He wasn't asking, tbf to him. But yeah, to then insult everyone disagreeing is weird.

  13. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Not feeling too inspired to make any transfers. Save FT this week?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Robbo, Chilwell
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Soucek, Podence
    Kane(C), DCL

    Steer, KWP, Mitchell, Davis

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

    Why can’t they put a decent game on a Friday

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

      As a Maupay and Lamptey owner the first game pretty much defines my gameweek!

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cos it's a European week, so it's going to be to mid/lower-table teams against each other

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

        Good point

    3. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Because it competes with prime time TV and wives usually own the TV remote in the evenings.

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

      I was optimistic Saints v Newcastle would have goals as an Ings owner. Not as convinced now im a Wilson owner.

  15. Johnny too hotty
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    with 2 FT in the bank what do I do with Havertz..... any advice?

    Martinez
    Trent Semedo Lamptey
    Son Salah Havertz Zaha
    Kane DCL Watkins

    4.0
    Coufal
    Ferguson
    BIssouma

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ziyech / Grealish?

  16. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Saiss -> Coufal
    Ings -> Vardy (-4)

    Worth it?

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

      Yup great moves, i did same but with Werner

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good moves.

      Looking at Vardy for GW10 myself. Not sure how I'll fit him in though

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably find yep. Both are players that need to go

  17. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one this week:

    1) TAA (mci)
    2) Coufal (FUL)
    3) Podence (lei)

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

      If you decide to own TAA then you can never bench him

      If you ever think of benching him just remember the Leicester gave last season

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

      3

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Podence is the obvious pick

  18. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    G2G?

    Mendy
    Chilwell Lamptey* Cresswell*
    Salah Son Mahrez Zaha
    Kane(C) DCL Wilson

    Forster Digne Anguissa Mitchel*

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

      Good team.
      Good luck!

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Benching Digne doesn't look right to me. Maybe consider benching selfish Mahrez instead.

  19. Scotty Dog
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Morning all, which one to bench:-
    A) Rodriguez
    B) Grealish

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      someone else

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

      other

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nein

  20. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How's this looking? 1FT and 2.8itb

    Mccarthy (Button)
    Zouma Holding Justin (Holding Mitchell)
    Salah JRod Son Soucek (Bissouma)
    DCL Werner Kane

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

      Holding is there twice. Looks good though. Soucek the weakest link. can you updgrade to fornals?

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

        Aaahh nobody wants two holdings. It should be Konsa. I can do Soucek > Grealish but is it worth doing this week when he plays away to arsenal and Soucek is home against Fulham?

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

      Easy save.

  21. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Have pulisic & mcginn, 2ft and 0.5 itb.

    What to do.....

    Is mount and grealish sensible?

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Actually 1.1 ITV. Richer than I thought.

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

      Can you afford Zaha & Grealish

      For me amount is not an FPL option

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Have zaha. Can stretch to 7.5

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Would like ziyech but cant afford

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

            Tricky - I don’t really like anything in that bracket - for just a little more Rodriguez, Ziyech etc are such an upgrade

            Feel like Mount might be ok for this week but will just end up being a transfer waiting to happen

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

      Could do worse, Mount not a massive points provider, but with Puli injured a lot I would move him.

  22. nolard
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    GTG?

    Martinez
    Chilwell, Bellerin, Lamptey
    Salah (c), Son, Hamez, Grealish
    Maupay Kane Wilson

    Bench:
    Kilman, KWP, Anguissa, Steer

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

      Punty captaincy

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

        Hmm...Would you rather Kane?

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

          With EO over 100 for both Son and Kane you will need them both to blank and Salah to score well do have a good GW.

          Doesn't strike me as a week to punt away from Kane or Son

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

            No idea what EO is.

  23. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Son or Kane?

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

      Kane

    2. Villa Velour
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      That's the question. I'm on Son as I'm currently chasing.

    3. JollyGoodYellows
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane edges it for the pens.

  24. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Man UTD presser has been put back until the afternoon. Something big is happening behind the scenes.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Still trying to find their defence probably.

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

        Maguire is still turning around

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

    Captain Kane or Son?

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

      Kane - think West Brom will sit deep

    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

  26. Vazza
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on Coady to Bellerin for free?

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

      Wolves conceded one goal in 4 games. I wouldn't sell right now. Maybe from GW10

  27. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I think Soucek out scores Salah this weekend, he's usually terrible against City.

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

      Is this you trying to justify benching Salah for Soucek?

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

      Interesting thought. I'm currently thinking whether to do Soucek > Grealish this week or next week.

  28. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Does this look ok? Especially the bench.

    Martinez
    James Coufal Lamptey
    Salah Sterling Foden Son (C)
    DCL Bamford Martial

    Steere Podence Dallas Mitchell

  29. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Wildcard nearly ready. Any thoughts?

    Mendy, Forster
    Chilwell, Cresswell, Vestergaard, Lamptey, Kilman
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Ziyech Riedewald
    Kane, DCL, Wilson

  30. jamie1972
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Transfer to burn and no fires to put out....

    a) Klich to Grealish
    b) Foden to a 9.0
    c) Brewster to Adams
    d) Save

    Team

    Martinez
    KWP Coufal Chillwell Laptey Mitchel
    Salah Son Zaha Foden Klich
    Kane Werner Brewster

    3.5 itb