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

    Puzzled what to do here...(2ft 0.7)

    Martinez
    Robbo Chilwell Lamptey
    Salah Son Pulisic Grealish
    Bamford Kane DCL

    Button/Soucek/Dallas/Mitchell

    A bit of me thinks take a punt on Pulisic replacement (Ziyech, Zaha, WH mid), another to switch Robbo (Cancelo, Bellerin, even TAA!). Any thoughts?

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

      Pulisic to rashford?

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

        Needs two moves - but not opposed.

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

      Pulisic -> Ziyech, unless Lampard says he'll definetely start.

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

    Martinez
    Chilwell Lamptey Taylor
    Salah Son Grealish Foden
    Kane Vardy DCL

    Steer Mitchell Saiss Alzate
    0.5itb 0ft

    hope to roll transfer again next GW then do something with Kane to get KDB in for GW10 (or straight switch to Aguero).
    Couple of starting risks, but overall pretty happy.

    GTG?

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

    Martinez
    Robbo - Chilwell - Lamptey - Coufal
    Salah - Son - Grealish
    Kane (C) - DCL - Maupay

    Forster - Pulisic* - Mitchell - Stephens

    1 FT, 0.7 itb

    Will wait presser for sure, but if Pulisic is ruled out, which one would you do?

    A) Pulisic -> Ziyech, play him over Robbo
    B) Save FT

    Cheers guys!

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

      B

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

      B

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

    Sort 1 out in priority for -4

    A Saiss
    B Mitchel

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

      A

  5. Óró Sé…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hi all, quick one..

    Bowen or Mount?

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

      Bowen

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

      Bowen. Mount will be bench this GW

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

      You can't beat a bit of bully

  6. vandebeek
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any Brighton fan? What's happening with the GK situation, how likely is Ryan to start?

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

    You know what? I kinda like Mason Mount. Lamps has shown he likes and trusts Mount a lot and he's positionally flexible. If Pulisic is out, he could be a nice option for sure. Good price too.

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

      He's first choice as one of the two 8's in the 4-3-3 Chelsea are settling on

  8. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    £6.6m to replace Mitrovic, who would you pick?

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

      Wilson or Bamford

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

      Wilson

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

      I'd keep him for now. I have a feeling Fulham might get a win tomorrow. You can always move him on next week.

    4. balint84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Adams

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

    Anybody bold enough to triple captain Kane? If he's ever gonna haul, at home to West Brom would seem a good place to start!

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

      There away at West Brom

      And no, I do fancy a haul but Kane has burnt me so many times.

      Wait and see what dgws we get

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

        *they're

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

        Right you are! West Brom were so bad against Fulham the other night I just wonder if they could face a pasting from Spurs.

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

    Best replacement for Reguilón
    If u have Gauita Lampety Semedo Chilwell
    A- PVA
    B- Belleriln
    C- Cresswell

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

      Bellerin

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

    Am I the only one here who has not owned Kane all season?

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

      Probably not

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Many and unless WC next week I won't be bother for now until GW15/16 ...

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

      Nope me too! Will be switching my phone off during the spurs game and finding a very big sofa to hide behind! Good Luck!

  12. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best Cresswell replacement?

    On wildcard with Zouma Bellerin Kilman Mitchell.

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

      Chilwell

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

        Unsure as own Zouma, double up?!

    2. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      why replace??

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

        This 🙂
        I want to get him in

      2. Evasivo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Injury 🙁

    3. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What happened to cresswell? People were bringing him in..

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

    Is anyone in the mindset on having captain and vice from different teams due to COVID?

  14. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Robbo to Chillwell for free or save?

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

      I would

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

    A) Robertson & McGinn
    B) Bellerin & Zaha

    Have 2FT and can make the switch for exact cash... would be a mid/long-term move

  16. All For One
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Start Justin over Lascelles?

  17. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Interesting picks but if you have Zaha or Grealish would you replace them with these differentials (Fornals, Mount)? Yes/No?

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

      Possibly Zaha to Mount but probably no

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't personally

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

      Nope

    4. Sparky6670
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Zaha has a great run of fixtures coming up......……………..

      Maybe if you have been whacked over the head?

  18. Azzastaan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    who to bench this week
    robertson, justin or pva

    1. All For One
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't bench Pva, most likely to get a cs out of the 3

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

      Justin

  19. Phlajo
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play 1 defender
    A KWP (NEW)
    B Taylor (bha)
    C Mitchell (LEE)

    Other defeners are TAA and Chilwell. Also have McCarthy in goal so A would be a double up - which could be OK as I also have Wilson as a striker?

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

      KWP

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

        If newcastle doesn't score, at least you'll have 2 CS

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

          Yeah, that's my thinking.. And if they do score, Wilson is likely to get a return

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

    A) Werner as a differential C - yay or nay ?
    B) Bench one of these: Saiss, James or Lamptey

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

      A) Good option
      B) Saiss

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

        Cheers

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

      I love differential captains - It just makes the game so much more enjoyable.. But really wouldn't do Werner this week if you have either Son or Kane. SHU probably playing very deep and I don't think there's much room for Werner to run in..

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I have him and tempted but probably no with Kane (wba) is too strong of a contender

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

    Best move here?

    A) Foden -> Zaha
    B) Jimenez -> Werner
    C) Save FT

    McCarthy
    TAA, Bellerin, Zouma, Lamptey
    Salah, Son, Foden, Barkley
    Kane, Jimenez

    Steer, Holding, Bissouma, Antonio
    Bank 0.9m, 1FT, WC available

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

      B

  22. Halmari Tea
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would anyone know if doherty was injured last night? saw some comments on him being injured but have not found any information regarding this.

  23. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    300k already taking a punt on Jota

    1. Sparky6670
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don't see the rush heading into City away

      Even if he was £7m or more he will be a bargain if he becomes first choice

  24. Sparky6670
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Am I mad for considering bringing in Auba this week and giving him the arm band?

    Thinking Leeds the week after is inviting as well...………..

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

      Thinking that myself but it’s a swap for Mané for me which is a big mental hurdle to get over

      1. Sparky6670
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Id only be ditching Stephens of Burnley as have plenty of cash in the bank from when I ditched KDB

        Am thinking a two week punt before bringing in Sterling or KDB when their fixtures ease

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

      Wouldn’t be surprised to see him haul, but he’s not looked threatening lately, so would be a punt based on hope more than anything else

      1. Sparky6670
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Accept its more of a punt! Based more on the opposition than him I think!

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

    2FTs, 0ITB and looking like surgery needed, but where?!

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    Robbo Mitchell Walker-Peters Reguilon (Justin)
    Salah Son Rodriguez McGinn (Bissouma)
    Kane(C) DCL Werner

    Any ideas?
    Currently thinking Robertson & McGinn -> Bellerin & Zaha

  26. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which combo for the future?

    A) Wilson - Sterling - Kdb

    Or

    B) Kane - Son - Rashford

    1. balint84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      b this week

  27. balint84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Jimenez to Adams on a ft?

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

      Che is a wait-and-see for me without Ings around him

  28. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    would you take any hits here?
    Saiss to Zouma/Coufal/Cresswell?
    Semedo to Chilwell?

    Martinez
    Semedo Robbo Lamptey
    Son Salah Grealish Ziyech Foden
    Kane DCL
    steer Saiss Mitchell Brewster
    0.6 ITB

  29. popcoin
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Fornals over Bowen, and why?

  30. Kevin Twine
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Zouma or Chilwell?

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

      Chilwell