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. smix
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Cresswell marked as a doubt. Hope he will play ? Just got him in

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

      Could be the week they move to 4 at the back to accommodate Benrahma

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

    Ok which one to bench:-
    A) Son
    B) Salah
    C) Grealish
    D) Ziyech
    E) Rodriguez
    F) Wilson
    G) Kane
    H) DCL

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      F

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      But you shouldnt really have to bench any

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

      Who have you got in defence? Dave from the chip shop?!

      Hope that Rodriguez is out to make life easier but that’s a ridiculous situation. Downgrade one and upgrade your defence

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

        Haha!

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

      I've got zouma, Justin, Mitchell playing saiss on bench but no ft this week to replace

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

        It’s an amazing front 8.

        I’d very very reluctantly bench Wilson

    5. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lmao

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

      You have done this to yourself BTW.

      H

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

        Yes Miguel hit my ft early. Not complaining just didn't consider this very awkward dilemma.

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

      Thats hideous! My stress levels wouldn't survive that decision!

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

    Any chance of Fornals being on pens?
    No Noble, Antonio and Lanzini may be benched

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

      Noble is back but we don;t know if he will start.

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Where do you get that from? Moyes literally said this morning that he's out with a rib injury

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

        My bad ,just read the news.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Haller, I’d imagine

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

    Bowen vs Fornals.
    FFS goes Fornals, FFS members goes Bowen
    Fornals got the better stats, plus the two goalpost shots this article mentions.

    I'm selling JRod to one one these (needs the funds further on);
    At least the two I don't have are going to haul 🙂

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

      I personally would rather bowen. But if there's no Antonio I'm not bothered

    2. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ah yes, the perennial woodwork hitters. Trossard probably still leads the league on this one, still waiting for his haul

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

        Trossard comparisons is below the belt 😛

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

      I'm getting Bowen. Based on eye test slightly better option imo

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

        Yea same. Fornals been around. Bowen looks like a better player

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

    Dean Smith says that Bertrand Traore (thigh) won’t make Sunday's match against Arsenal but will "definitely be back" after the international break. Tom Heaton is back in full training but will feature for the U23s before being considered for a first-team return.

  6. JenkoJunko
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Morning all! Just looking for some advice... Would you WC this lot:

    1FT 1.2ITB
    Steer Mcarthy
    TAA Chilwell Justin Mitchell Enda
    Salah Son Barnes Foden Bissouma
    Werner DCL Bamford

    For me... Mitchell/Enda/Barnes/Foden/Bissouma/TAA are concerns and worried about Kane this week as Ive had an awful start. Any advice/thoughts would be great.

    Thanks and GL

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

      Ok for this week. If you can get to GW 10 when city's fixtures get juicy you can rearrange the lot

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      GTG for me maybe just concerned for this GW but you ll be fine for the coming ones.

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

      Thanks both

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

    Sort out 1 in priority for -4

    A Saiss
    B Mitchell

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

      do you need to sort one out, can you get an 11 out?

      1. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Unfortunatly I have Saiss Mitchell and Dunne....

  8. ASOUSA12
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Foden + Havertz -> Grealish + Zaha

    Yay or nay?

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

      just Kai to Jack

      1. ASOUSA12
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        So do we think Foden starts vs City?

        I can see a double midfield pivot with Rodri and Gundogan and maybe Bernardo to provide higher work rate...

        And CF will be Torres / Jesus, so is probably the question if Foden or Mahrez starts on the wing...

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

          He could start, its just a reflection of how little i like CP attack, I think i would prefer Foden longer term

          1. ASOUSA12
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I don't particularly enjoy Palace's attack, but Foden has been so frustrating and i can't stand sweating if he starts week in, week out while Zaha is CP talisman and likely to be on pens if Mili is out of the team.

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

    A

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

      Reply fail 2 posts up

      Get rid of Romain

  10. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    TAA Havertz --> Chilwell & Ziyech/Fornal/other midfielders (-4)?

    My other midfielders are Son, Salah, Biss, Romeu

    LEaning towards Ziyech but I read that Ziyech statistics are not really exciting

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

    Bottomed. Any thoughts on the WC

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

    1. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good to me! Maybe a Chelsea attacker? Could be a move you do later.

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

        Could have Ziyech instead of Zaha, but then three Chelsea is a lot of eggs in that basket. A decision I'll make before deadline.

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

      Lovely stuff

  12. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any thoughts here? 1.2 itb & one transfer. Might roll for the international break...

    McCarthy
    Robertson Lampety Chillwell
    Salah Son Grealish Zaha
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Subs: Semedo, Anguissa, Konsa

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If you’ve used WC rolling one is a good idea. Looks good

  13. Erez Avni
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    need some help please

    Martinez
    TAA Robo Justin (KWP Mitchell)
    Salah Son Grealish Foden (poveda)
    Ings Jimenez DCL

    Thinking of doing TAA, Foden & Ings to Chilwell, Zaich & wilson (-4)
    sounds good?

    Play KWP or Justin?

    cheers!

    1. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd hold off on big moves. Could you just move Ings on for now? Play KWP.

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

    What's news about Pulisic?

    1. Kno
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just need to wait for franks presser at 13.30

  15. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hi.....what to do here? 0ft. 0.5mitb

    Martinez
    Taa chilwell lamptey (mitchell james)
    Salah son ziyech foden (burke)
    Kane dcl watkins

    A...g2g

    B....foden to bowen - 4

    Thanks

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

      GTG

    2. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      is there an argument to play James over Foden or even Watkins? Chels have the best odds of a CS

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

        Possibly.....but the law of averages suggest reece james will be benched I think

  16. 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

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

      GTG

    2. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      looks great, GL with the Martial punt and like me, fingers crossed for a Kane blank!

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

        Getting Martial for Ings. Can get Kane too but do not want to double up on Spurs given the upcoming fixtures. Will continue with Son.

  17. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Folks, Ziyech or Zaha?

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Shame on me to say that but I think Zaha... So many pens actually

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

      Tough choice - think I’m going Zaha purely due to price and it making moves for city in GW10 easier.

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

      I want to know this as well. Leaning towards Zaha

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

      Ziyech

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

    So Antonio is getting better but is out for Fulham or he might get some minutes?

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

      Out - back after the IB

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Expect him to be back after international. No point risking him against Fulham

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

      cheers

  19. LC1
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Really struggling to work out which one to bench out of the following;

    a) Lamptey
    b) JRod
    c) Podence
    d) Mitrovic (have Coufal starting for WHU).

    Any suggestions are much appreciated!

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

      C or D. Probably D

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

      D

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

      C

  20. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one of

    A. Trent
    B. Robbo
    C. Kwp
    D. Dallas
    E. Klich

  21. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    thoughts?
    play A dallas
    B kilman
    wolves better defensively, leic more likely to score than palace?
    cheers

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

      Dallas definitely

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

        cheers, what i am currently on

    2. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Leeds have a marginally best CS odds than Wolves this GW, coupled with Dallas being slightly more attacking i think Dallas is your guy

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

        my thought to so far, thanks

  22. columbo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is it worth taking a hit for Reguilon or hope he plays? Only guy to replace him on my bench is Brewster (I have 4 defenders), other 2 don't play. Worth taking a hit or not? Sadly can't wait for news as jumping on a flight. Thank you for any input.

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

      I generally don't take hits for defenders, but if you don't have another defender, you might view it as a -2 rather than a -4.

      1. columbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks mate. I got Brewster who will come on as I'm playing more than 3 defenders

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

    TAA to Coufal this week, free transfer? Gives me 3.9m ITB for next week and beyond.

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Are we sur about West Ham defense? I see a lot of manager going for coufal or Creswell but is WestHam a good defensive team?

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

        Good point, but at the moment there don't seem to be many consistently good defensive set-ups, so justifying top price for TAA is becoming difficult.

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

      I did exactly that. To facilitate my Podence to Grealish and DCL to Vardy moves in GW 9 and 10 respectively.

  24. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Keep FT?

    1.6 ITB.

    Martinez
    Robo/Reguilon/Chilwell
    Salah/Son(c)/Hamez/Grealish
    Kane/DCL/Bamford

    Martin/Kilman/Mitchell/Stephens

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

      keep for after int break

  25. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How's it looking? G2G?

    Martinez,
    Chilwell, James, Saiss
    Ziyech, Salah, Son, Grealish
    (K)ane, DCL, Jimi

    (Steer, Mitchell, Burke, Dunne)

    No FT's left, bit worried about James/Saiss

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

      Saiss to coufal looks good I think

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

      Not worth a -4 but you could fail to get a full team out and saiss had chance of a 1 point cameo

  26. ameenkw
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    McCarthy
    Taa Justin saiss Ayling mitchel
    Salah son Foden grealish bissouma
    Jimmy Mitro Kane
    2ft n 1.1 itb

    Which looks better?
    S)aiss to coufal and roll other ft
    M)itro + Taa -> dcl + chilly

    Mitro has whu this gw ..

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

      Saiss is ok, as you can get 3 good guys out in the team.

      I quite like the idea of dealing with the Jim spot, moving to Werner and floating the other FT so you have two over the IB

  27. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anything worth a hit? 3 mill itb. Possible WC next week, so loathed to do a hit personally..

    McCarthy (Button)

    Trent Justin Zouma (Mitchell Taylor)

    Salah Son (c) Zaha Grealish Bruno

    Mitro Wilson (Brewster)
    Cheers!

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

      Don’t take a hit I think

    2. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I guess that u need some CFC players in front

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks both of you

  28. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I have Pulisic and maybe I’ll transfer him for Bowen or Fornals; However, next hé I really want Hamez back for Fulham and also a Man Utd player, Bruno or Rashford.

    So if I get a whu player now it means another hit to swap him to Hamez next gw.

    A) Do Puli to Bruno/Rashford now
    B) Get a whu now and Hamez later
    C) Get a whu and keep for 3 to 4 weeks
    D) keep Pulisic and don’t take a hit

    1. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      *next GW

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A to Bruno

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

    Grealish or Zaha for next 3 GWs?
    Or sb under 7.7M?

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jack

    2. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Coin flip.....

  30. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mccarthy
    Robbo, Bellerin, KWP
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Podence, Pereira
    DCL, Werner

    4.0, Mitchell, Davis, Ferguson - 1FT 1.2ITB

    Robbo to Chillwell?