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. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Good to go this week?

    Fabianski (FUL)
    Digne (MUN) - Massuaku (FUL) - PVA (LEE)
    Salah (mci) - Fernandes (eve) - Ziyech (SHU) - Zaha (LEE)
    DCL (MUN) - Kane (wba) - Watkins (ars)

    Button - Ayling (cry) - Kliman (lei) - Anguissa (whu)

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

      GTG

    2. cheeky moses
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      yeah, nice team

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

      Yep.

    4. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks all

    5. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nice team

  2. Sacked in the Morning
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking TAA --> Chilwell
    Save the other? Jimi to Vardy/Werner/Wilson?

    Martinez
    TAA Justin KWP
    Salah Son Grealish Zaha
    Kane Jimenez DCL

    2FT, 0itb

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

      I'd move on TAA > Chilwell

      Probably hold Jimi for now

      1. Sacked in the Morning
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Think that's the way I'll go, cheers

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

    What's the sensible move here?

    A) James R > Ziyech
    B) Saiss > Chilwell or Zouma
    C) Both for a hit
    D) Save and hope two of James, Saiss and Lamptey plays

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B with Chilwell, although if you need the cash I think James is a decent shout for 0.9m less

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

        Don't trust him to start enough.

        1. Arfaish
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Chilwell then, I already have him but tempted to get james in as well

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

        Chilwell or Zouma?

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

    Is Creswell injury serious?

    Was planning Saiss > Cresswell but now maybe Robbo > Chilwell for free.

    Martinez
    Robbo Lamptey Kilman
    Grealish Son Salah James Ziyech
    Kane DCL

    Button Brewster Saiss 4.0 fodder

    Cresswell would replace Kilman in starting lineup

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

      Id never bring in an injury doubt to my team. Either hold transfer or bring in someone else

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

        so you would keep Robbo too?

        I'm happy to keep Saiss as even if he drops, I won't lose anything.

        Really wish I could do Saiss to Chilwell but don't have the funds.

    2. Spg76
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Moyes on West Ham website ‘ "Aaron Cresswell has been training and I expect him to be fine.’

  5. Arfaish
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is it crazy to be considering a Ziyech captaincy over Son or Kane?

    Feel WBA will be very compact and not try to play much ball at all.

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

      Not a great idea imo

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

    Anyone else having issues with FFS server, sending me potty

  7. patricio33
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Pick one for GW 8~11.

    A. J. Rodriguez (MUN, ful, LEE, bur)
    B. Zaha (LEE, bur, NEW, wba)

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

      B - see goals in those fixtures maybe Burnley aside

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

    Anything need a -4 here?

    Maupay maybe? Hopefully we’ll know this afternoon before deadline if he’s in the squad or not.

    Issues in defence too but don’t like taking hits in defence.

    0FT 0.0ITB

    Martinez
    TAA Justin Zouma
    Salah Son Bruno Podence
    Kane DCL Maupay*

    Steer Mitchell* Struijk Reed

    Thanks!

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No hit

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

        Cheers

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

      He's back for selection

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

        Excellent, thank you

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

    Start one:

    A: Ayling (Palace away)

    B: Foden (Liverpool home)

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ayyyyyeling

    2. patricio33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      A

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      Conclusive, thanks guys!

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

    Reguilon:

    A) Hold
    B Zouma
    C) Coufal
    D) Other

    1. patricio33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Do we know when Jose's presser is or do we have more info on his illness?

      I'm in the same position and very tempted to move him to Zouma or James

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

        already have Cresswell I should add

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

          Chilwell!

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

    What to do in this scenario please?

    A....start foden (who may be benched)

    B....start reece james (who will probably be benched. Already got chilwell)

    C......foden to bowen - 4

    Thanks

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

      Not C. Probably B

  12. The VAR Team
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FT - Advice appreciated 🙂
    A) Maupay > Wilson
    B) Robertson > Kilman
    C) Something else

    Martinez 4.0
    Robertson Chilwell Semedo / Ayling 4.0
    Salah Son Grealish Zaha / Biss
    Kane DCL Maupay

    1. Sotamendi84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      robbo to coufal?

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

    Safe to bring in Bellerin

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

      I did it this morning...

    2. cheeky moses
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah, he is nailed

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

        Thanks both just wondering if anything was said in press conference off to get him now cheers good luck

  14. cheeky moses
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Got 2 FT and 0.2 ITB. Any suggestions?

    Martinez
    Robbo PVA Masuaku
    Salah Grealish Rashford Son
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Bissouma Dallas Mitch

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      PVA to Kilman

      1. cheeky moses
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks, but not a fan of that move tbh

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

    GTG?

    Martinez
    Chilwell Lamptey Taylor
    Salah Son Grealish Foden
    Kane Vardy DCL

    Steer Mitchell Saiss Alzate
    0.5m 0FT (no hits taken)

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Gtg

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

    Draft Question! Start Doherty or Reguilon?

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

      Reggie

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

        Cheers mate

  17. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    G2G?

    McCarthy
    Robertson, Bellerin, Chilwell
    Mane, Salah, Son(c), Grealish, Soucek
    Wilson, DCL

    (Martinez, Masuaku, Brewster, Ayling)

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

      Masuaku over Robbo

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

    Reguilon named in Spains nations league squad, good sign?

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

      it's only the flu...

  19. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A. Lamptey, Ziyech
    B. Chilwell, Grealish

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

      B

    2. Sotamendi84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      b

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

    2FTs, 0ITB

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

    What do you do?

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

      KWP to WHU def and save 2nd FT

  21. damiang2233
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Replace Barkley or Jorginho and for who? O.6m in the bank.

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

      Barkley to a West Ham mid.

      1. damiang2233
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Formals?

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

      Jorginho (not on pens anymore) to Saka or soucek

      1. damiang2233
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Saka not a regular tho and thinking getting formals for barkely?

  22. Obamawang
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here, or GTG:

    Ryan
    Robertson KWP Masuaku
    Son (c) Ziyech (vc) Salah Bruno
    Jimi DCL Watkins

    4.0 Bissouma Kilman Mitchell

    Thanks

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

      GTG

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

        Cheers

  23. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    a) play robbo
    b) play dallas
    c) robbo -> coufal with FT

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Play Rob

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

      A

    3. patricio33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Robbo for Sho!

  24. Catalan Rangers
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hello!
    Anyone knows if Mitchell and Bednarek are ok to play or any of these worth replacing for -4? (already made my ft)

  25. The Wogmeister
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any idea if last week was a blip for Saiss or not? Will he play again this week?

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

    Best replacement for Ings?

  27. Typo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I see people going Coufal over Masuaku, why is that?

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

      More nailed, more offensive I guess

    2. Carlton_Goal
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      People are worried that West Ham will change formation back to a 4-2-3-1, which means Masuaku would miss out. No evidence to suggest they would anytime soon given how well the 5-4-1 has been working though

  28. 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

  29. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    any news on lamptey?

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

      Was just cramp. Should be fine to play (from Potter)

  30. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    All set. Gtg?
    Martinez
    Chilwell,Bellerin,Ayling
    Salah,Son, Grealish,Rashford
    Kane(c),Wilson,Bamford

    Steer, Jorginho, Coleman,Ferguson 0 FT 2m itb