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. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Whats my best move here? Roll the FT or do something like Podence > Fornals for free. Got 1ft and 1.3m in the bank?

    Martinez (Steer)
    Trent - Coufal - Lamptey (Dallas & Taylor)
    Salah - Son - Zaha - Podence (Burke)
    Kane (c) - DCL - Jimmy

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

      roll

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

      Double WOL looks a bit much. Maybe Podence -> Fornals or Jimenez -> Werner?

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

        Yeah, i've had triple wolves but had 2FT so already done Saiss>Coufal.

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

      Save

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

    Which 2 to start?

    A) Trent (mcy)
    B) Holding (AVL)
    C) Barkley (ars)

    McCarthy
    Bellerin, Zouma, Lamptey
    Salah, Son, Zaha
    Kane, Jimenez

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

      AC

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

      A,C

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ab

  3. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FT, 1.5 ITB: sell one this week,
    (A) Ramsdale
    (B) Justin
    (C) Mitchell
    (D) Podence

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

      A to Mendy

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

      Depends where your weakest.
      All are options to be dropped.

      In isolation the one that looks like he’s lost his starting spot. So Mitchell .
      But if you can hide him away then maybe Ramsdale > Mendy

      1. The Senate
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers guys - Justin and Mitchell both on my bench, back 3 this week is Chilwell Semedo KWP - what are your thoughts on Mendy v Leno?

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

          Either or.
          Go for the one you like the most. Double Chelsea defence would block any potential doubling up in Chelsea attack if they start looking really good.

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

    Bottomed.
    I see people go Coufal over Masuaku. Have I missed something? Isnt Masuaku the better pick?

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

      Not nailed if they go 4 at theback?

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

        Thanks

      2. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This.

        1. Third Eye Vision
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          And although he’s played in midfield in the past, this is less likely now given their current personnel.

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

    Robbi jimi to?

    A) zouma vardy
    B) coufal kane

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

      A

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

      B

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

    Is it worth doing Reguilon to Zouma for free this week due to Reguilon's flag, he would very likely be moved on next week anyway as Spurs fixtures turn?

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

      May as well if you’re planning to anyway. Famous last words but Sheff Utd at home is about as good a clean sheet opportunity as they come for Zouma

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

        And would you consider James? He seems to have nailed down that RB position lately

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

          I sold James a couple of weeks ago (before this run of clean sheets!) so I’m maybe not the best person to ask. He seemed a rotation risk and I’m not totally convinced he’s nailed now... but he could be!

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

            Yeah, I suppose if I removing Reguilon as he is a risk then it doesn't make sense to replace him with another risk...shame

          2. Third Eye Vision
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Zouma or Chilwell if you’re buying given the doubt over James.

        2. Dohers
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Played midweek, would not be surprised if Azpi gets the nod at the weekend and then you're already itching to shift James

  7. TJ
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best Havertz replacement in Fanteam? Already have Grealish

    1. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      zaha

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

    OK'ish team here 1FT 0.7 itb. Pulisic out tempted to take a hit for a def. Robbo out I quess thats not wise move.

    Puli out:
    A) WHU mid
    B) Zaha
    C) Ziyech

    Bit afraid Ziyech gets rest as he was injured.... TIA

    Martinez
    Lamptey - Dallas - PVA
    J.Rod - Son - Salah - Pulisic
    Kane (c) - Watkins - Bamford
    Peacock - Klich - Robertson - Kilman

  9. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Wilson in for Ings? Or any other exciting options out there?

    1. Jinkys Oars
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      This is my quandry too...

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

      Punt on tony martial

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

      Stretching to Werner or Vardy is more exciting. Wilson is a good choice in his range though.

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

      I did it last night

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

    Start Barkley or Brewster this GW?

    1. niaz1982
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Tough choice as trying to debate shifting Barkley as got Watkins

    2. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      barkley

  11. Jinkys Oars
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    No funds ITB, short term punt of Ings to...
    A. Lacazette
    B. Abraham
    C. Wilson
    D. Maupay
    E. Roll transfer, play Justin and bring in Vardy after the IB

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

      E

  12. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Dallas or Mitchell first sub for if Lamptey doesn't make it?

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

      Dallas

  13. HanS14
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2 free transfers

    Saiss and pulisic to?
    A) zaha and up to 6.2 defender
    B) ziyech and up to 5.6 defender
    C) other

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

    Zaha or Grealish for next 3, and if Grealish, why?

    1. niaz1982
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I've got Zaha hoping his run will kick in!!

    2. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      zaha is on penalties

  15. niaz1982
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Already transferred Maupay > Wilson which I'm not sure was wise but really thinking of swapping Barkley out to Ziyech for -4 pts.
    Good idea or just leave as is?

    Current team:

    Mccarthy
    Saiss Zouma Dallas
    Zaha Barkley Salah Son JRod
    Wilson Kane

    Subs: Steer Mitchell JRod Watkins

  16. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Micky?? WTF! Haha

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

      love it!

  17. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      See below

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

      Your best post.

    3. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  18. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    а) Start Saiss (Taylor or Mitchell first on bench?)
    b) Start Taylor

  19. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Moyes: "Micky Antonio is doing much better and we're hoping that he'll be back shortly. We didn’t put any timescale on it whatsoever because Micky's doing really well. He's on the grass at the moment, so we're pleased."

    #FFScout #FPL #GW8 #WHUFC #FantasyPL

    This is totally confusing for me as Antonio owner. Keep or sell? Looks like he is not back after the IB no?

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

      I would interpret it as: he is not fit for this weekend but will be after IB

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        But will he? Sounds Not very optimistic for me

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

      I don’t think it’s definitive...they will see how he progresses over the 2 weeks

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        So to sell?

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

          If you have a FT, yes...if not I’d bench him and wait....kinda depends on the 11 you have left to play

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

      Definitely keep if you have him. Worst case he's back for GW9.

    4. jb1985
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I would assume so too, i think keep. Good run coming up.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        thanks all

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

    Rodriguez pictured in training for Everton this week

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

      Just in time to make sure Ole gets sacked for Poch

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Wasn't he always a reasonable possibility to be back for this gw?

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

        Yea, he should be back

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

        I should hope so. I've kept him for ages

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

    Which one for the next 5 GWs:

    1) Martial + Son
    2) Kane + Foden

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

      Any other option?

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

        Just these two. Have to decide who to bring in for Ings - Martial or Kane.

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

          Kane surely

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

            Even when you compare the next 5 GWs?

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

      1

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

    who is the best Chelsea mid?

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

      Ziyech

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hazard or Zola.

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

        Harsh on Frank

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

        thanks Joe

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

      Probably Ziyich. Unimpressive midweek though and likely to be subbed 60/75

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

      would you buy a Chelsea mid/attack?

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

        Slightly reluctant as I have Chilwell.

        My plan was to get Pulisic in, but he was crocked, then Ziyich, but I've ended up with Zaha. On pens now and decent fixtures so I think I'm ok with Chilwell + Zaha to spread the team around a bit. I've double Pool/Everton/Spurs so a mix of other teams is what I was going for

  23. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys, best replacement for Pulisic? 8.5m budget. Already have Grealish. Considering these options:

    A) Ziyech
    B) J Rod (assuming he's fit)
    C) Zaha

    Cheers

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

      I like B

    2. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

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

      None a standout option, but I'd lean C for fixtures and penalties.

  24. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who would you prefer to replace Podence with?

    1. Fornals
    2. Bowen
    3. JWP

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

      Bowen

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

        Yeah toughie! Bowen looks good.

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

      Bowen

  25. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What do you think about Lacazette as a punt?

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

      Too punty

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

    Here's a list of managers still to come (all timings are a rough guide):

    Jurgen Klopp (12:30 GMT)
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (13:00)
    Pep Guardiola
    Nuno Espirito Santo
    Frank Lampard (13:30)
    Carlo Ancelotti
    Slaven Bilic
    Roy Hodgson
    Brendan Rodgers (14:15

  27. Luca Toni
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Zaha or Fornals or Bowen??? (For Foden)..

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

      Zaha

  28. Kingtekkerz
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    TAA Chilwell Lamptey
    Salah Son Grealish Zaha Foden
    Kane DCL

    Saiss Mitchell Brewster

    What would you do? 2FTs
    A) Saiss—>Cresswell
    B) Saiss, Foden —> Coufal, Ziyech
    C) Foden —> Jota

    Cheers!

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

      A

    2. Saka Punch
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B looks good

  29. pls
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys, I don't have Kane do I sacrifice KDB for Kane captain (A) even with the fixture swing coming up or do I go without (B) and captain son?

    A: TAA, KDB, Mitro ---> Chilwel, Zaha, Kane (c) (-4)
    B: TAA, Mitro ----> Chilwell, Wilson

    1. King Drogba11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Go without. You’ll want to do Kane out and KDB in a few weeks after.

  30. King Drogba11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench 2 out of:
    A. Robbo (mci)
    B. Soucek (FUL)
    C. Dallas (cry)
    D. Lamptey (BUR)

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

      C and B