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. Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is J. Rodrigez ready???

    TY

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

      Probably, but Ancelotti will let us know in his 1.30 presser

  2. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is there a chance that werner rest for weekend?

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

      Yes, he s due

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

    Who is a better pick?

    A- Cresswell
    B- Coufal

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

      Creswell if money not a problem

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

        Even with the injury niggle?

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

          Didn’t see he s injured sorry. Coufal then

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

    Pick one for the next 5 at least

    -A Coufal
    -B Lamptey
    -C Lewis

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      A

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

      A

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

      B

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

    Cresswell is the prime example of why you don't make early transfers. Happened too often this season...

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

      Is he out?

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

        flagged

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

        I think Moyes said he should be fine, but enough of a doubt to probably avoid transferring in at the moment.

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Moyes said he should be fine.

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

    Who would YOu pick to replace Jimenez? Wanted Antonio but he is injured 🙁

    Can't decide :/

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

      Roll the FT and do the Jimi to Antônio after international break

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

        This. I'm giving Jimi one more week and then Antonio comes in GW9.

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

      Keeping and will assess Antonio post IB
      Ideally Antonio or Wilson for me as I’d spent the money in midfield

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

      I had 2FTs and Ings to bin so similar situation. Didn't want to use both FTs ahead of IB so went down to Wilson instead of up to Vardy for now.

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

    Bench Justin or Lascelles?

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

      Justin

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

        Thanks

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

    2FT but flags to fix;

    Martinez
    Chilwell, Reguilon, Robertson
    Salah, Son, Grealish, Pulisic
    Kane, DCL, Watkins

    (Coufal, Biss Branth)

    1) Pulisic > Bowen.
    2) Pulisic > Ziyech
    3) Pulisic > Mount
    3) anything else, cant easily get KdB so will keep 2FT over IB

    Currently leaning towards Bowen for a few weeks but the spot will likely become KdB/Sterling in two weeks with cash from one of the spus lads

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

    Keep Jimenez or take a 4 point hit and downgrade to either bamford, ollie watkins or wilson to free up some cash in the future gameweeks?

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

      Keep he ll score a pen

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        On the other hand he might not.

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

      don't take the hit there. if someone like Antonio with a plum fixture was fit, it might be worth it.

      But this is one of those games where Jimenez scores.

      wouldn't be taking a hit this week if you can avoid it, there's so much that can happen before the next gameweek, you could be taking more hits.

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

        Thanks lads

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

    Need a Vardy enabler and have 2FTs, do I go...

    A) TAA > Chilwell
    B) Saiss > Masuaka?

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

      I did Robertson to Chilwell to enable Vardy.

      Saiss to Coufal was probably the better option as it removes a player in doubt.

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

      Why is Vardy your priority right now?

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

        Higher ceiling than Jimi - and Wolves’ fixtures begin to toughen. (Have Kane and DCL)

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

        i get the feeling this is the start of a Vardy streak (in reality it started GW1).

        he looks so sharp, is largely fixture proof and a genuine captain option. Probably a couple of weeks earlier than i'd have ideally got him.

  11. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hey fam! Is this a good plan?

    McCarthy (Button)
    TAA Robbo Dallas (Mitchell Ferguson)
    Salah Son Havertz Foden Podence
    Kane DCL (Davis)

    GW8 - Havertz & TAA to KDB & Lamptey for -4

    GW9 - Foden to Jota for free

    GW10 - Kane to Vardy for free

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

      Really don’t think Jota is the answer just yet - wait and see

      Do you plan to keep Son long term?

      I’d be looking at something like

      GW8: Havertz & TAA -> Chilwell & Zaha (-4)
      GW9: Save
      GW10: Son -> KDB & either move Kane on or get Antonio in

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks for your input mate! I really want KDB from this week, I think City vs Liverpool will be a high scoring game! And good point on Jota! Also I'd like to keep one of Kane and Son, in the same way one of TAA and Robbo.

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

    Pulisic + Saiss to

    A) ziyech + Bellerin 0.9itb
    B) zaha + 6.6mil defender (walker)
    C) rashford + balbuena 0.0itb

    Thoughts?

    Or bench saiss and do Stephens +
    Pulisic to soucek + ziyech 0.3itb (both start)

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I like B

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

      A for me.

  13. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you be happy with this front 7 from gw 10?

    Salah Sterling KDB JRod
    DCL Antonio Bamford

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

      yeah looks good.

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not looking at Vardy? Have a look at his fixtures from GW10-13!

    3. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Beautiful

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

      Sterling is yuk..

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

    what would you do this week?

    A - Play Semedo
    B - Saiss to James/Zouma/Cresswell and bench Semedo -4
    C - Semedo to Chilwell -4?

    Thanks!

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

      Don't take a hit for a defender.

      Semedo is more than fine for this week.

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

        cheers boss man. Captain Kane or Son with a very bad rank?!?!

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

        Disagree when the defender is chilwell

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

    Anyone not getting new points predictions when you make changes on the Rate MY Team tool?

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

      Make sure you have replaced all 15 players, should work then.

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

        All 15? Surely it should be able to calculate things on just a transfer or two?

  16. Eewraks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Need some help here. Keen to continue with double pool def, with 2 FTs and 0.1 ITB, what should i do?

    Martinez - Forster
    TAA - Robbo - Lamptey - Kilman - 3.9 fodder
    Salah - Son - Grealish - JRod - Bissouma
    Kane - DCL - Watkins

    Thinking of either:
    1) Roll the transfer
    2) Watkins -> Bamford
    3) Any other ideas?

  17. LloristheHounds
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Antonio gonna start this Gw?

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

      very unlikely

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

      No

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

    Guys need help

    Martinez
    Robbo chilwell lamptey
    Salah son grealish havertz *
    Kane dcl bamford

    4.0 dallas kwp bissou

    1ft

    A) save and start dallas
    B) havertz to ziyech

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

      B
      similar move for puli owners

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

    If you had Foden and Barnes this week would you keep or move on? and if so who for??
    1FT 1.2ITB

    Ta very much

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

      Would keep Barnes..foden to zaha may be..

  20. ididnt
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Reguilon - keep or transfer to Zouma?

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

      get rid

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

    Given everyone seems to be getting chelsea defence in this week...

    ... what minute do they concede?

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

      18th minute

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

      With so many double defence owners, those with single ones won't even mind no CS now.

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Double defence owners are well in the minority.

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

          As long as there is no attacking return would be fine. Single owners of both Chil and Zouma will be worried the other hauls attacking returns.

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

    Which one boiz!?

    A) Ward > Coufal
    B) Podence > Fornals (Have to play Kilman against Leicester)

  23. Forgetmeknot
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Will I manage to get 11 out?

    McCarthy
    TAA, reguillon**, davies*, Justin, mitchell**
    Son, Salah, havertz**, rodriquez*, pereira,
    Werner*, Watkins, mitro

    Plan to do Havertz to Bowen but need to take a hit? Wildcarding at 4.01pm thank god

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

      think you'll be OK so long as Werner gets played

  24. 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

    That said Reguilon is annoying me and keeping a transfer might not hurt...?!

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

      Cheers for above, I think reguillon plays this weekend so would keep him for the fixture and then swap him out

      You have a good defence so bank some of the profit in Justin or Mitchel and move to Kilman?

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

    Jimenez to Martial?

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

      Not for me. Martial hasn't had a shot in the box so far.... not a great look

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not at all

  26. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What is your feedback about Phillips (Liverpool 4.0)?

    Is a good bet?

    Is nailed for now?

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

      Think he'll be transferred out pretty soon if you get him in. If you're happy with every other player in your team, then maybe worth it but I imagine you have other priorities

  27. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any pressers still to go?

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

      MUFC

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

    TAA and Pulisic to James and Sterling for free?

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

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

    Pick one for the next 5 GWs

    1) Martial + Son
    2) Kane + Foden

    Thanks a lot!

  30. Yeyeyeyeye
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chances of Ryan starting?