Spot the Differential

Fit-again Ziyech can help overlooked Chelsea assets perform in Double Gameweek

Double Gameweek 19 is almost upon us which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Chelsea, Fulham and Leicester, who we think have the potential to make an impact.

As always, to qualify, the players must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Hakim Ziyech

  • FPL ownership: 2.6%
  • Price: £8.1m
  • GW19-23 fixtures: ful + lei | WOL | BUR | tot | shu

Despite a stop-start few months at Chelsea, largely due to injury, Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m) has been one of the club’s top performers this season.

Prior to his latest setback in early-December, the Moroccan looked sharp, scoring one goal and assisting three more in four matches.

That coincided with the Blues hitting form and climbing to the top of the table.

However, with Ziyech out they struggled, winning just one of their six matches.

That run has threatened to derail their season, but now with all of their attackers fit and available, they have an opportunity to get back on track.

Last weekend’s convincing 4-0 win against League Two side Morecambe at least offers some encouragement.

Though not on the scoresheet, Ziyech provided the assist for Callum Hudson-Odoi’s (£5.7m) strike, while he was also involved in the build-up to Timo Werner’s (£9.2m) goal.

His crossing ability was again on show, and I expect we’ll see plenty of those trademark diagonals to the opposite flank, and in particular Ben Chilwell (£6.1m), in the coming weeks.

Frank Lampard is now heading into a defining period of Chelsea’s season, with games at Fulham and Leicester City in Gameweek 19 followed by Stamford Bridge encounters with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.

Ziyech has had a testing start to his Chelsea career, but has excelled when fit, and could be key to unlocking the Blues attacking potential again.

Ademola Lookman

  • FPL ownership: 1.2%
  • Price: £5.0m
  • GW19-23 fixtures: CHE + MUN | bha | wba | LEI | WHU

We’ve been big fans of Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) for a while now, having included him in this column back in October.

Now, with an appealing set of fixtures which include a double in Gameweek 19, we think he’s worth talking about again.

Against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, Lookman impressed.

Fresh off the bench, he put in a great cross for Fulham’s equaliser and went on to create three chances in just 23 minutes.

Following that assist, he’s now been directly involved in five of Fulham’s 11 league goals since making his first appearance back in October.

During that time, he also leads the way among teammates for shots, attempts in the box, chances created and expected goal involvement (xGI), highlighting his importance to the team.

Fulham’s recent upturn in form has seen them put together a six-game unbeaten run, and the evidence suggests that they have overcome their recent COVID-19 outbreak.

Up next is a tricky double against Chelsea and Manchester United, but to be fair to Scott Parker’s side, they have already proven they are capable of competing against the top teams this term.

However, the real appeal lies in the games to follow, with trips to Brighton and Hove Albion and West Bromwich Albion looking key.

Panenka aside, Lookman has looked good since arriving at Fulham on loan from RB Leipzig.

He is fast becoming essential to their survival hopes, and given their schedule, could offer FPL managers real value in the coming weeks.

Harvey Barnes

Barnes matches Vardy's output over last four ahead of Double Gameweek
  • FPL ownership: 4.2%
  • Price: £6.8m
  • GW19-23 fixtures: SOU + CHE | eve | LEE | ful | wol

In recent matches, Harvey Barnes (£6.8m) has established himself as one of Leicester’s main attacking threats.

The 23-year-old has now netted three times in his last four appearances in all competitions, and is starting to add more end product to his game.

The potential has always been there, but now with added consistency, he has become a regular starter on the left flank under Brendan Rodgers.

Barnes has now scored nine goals in 23 appearances this term, his best campaign for The Foxes, and the numbers have caught the eye, too.

In the last four matches, Barnes has taken more shots (12) than any of his team-mates, including Jamie Vardy (£10.1m). In fact, that total ranks fifth among all midfielders, while his final-third touches, take-ons and penalty area touch tallies are also in the top 15.

Leicester currently sit fourth in the Premier League with a favourable run of fixtures, including a double in Gameweek 19 and games against Leeds and Fulham to follow shortly after.

They are in good form, too, as they are now unbeaten in five in all competitions, scoring 11 goals during that run.

Along with James Justin (£5.0m), Barnes has arguably been Leicester’s most improved player this season, and could be a nice punt for those in search of midfield differential.

658 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mane to KDB worth a hit? Already have Salah

    1. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes I would say - you'll want him eventually for the good fixtures - so why not now in a DGW

  2. jai1212
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How risky is it to captain Rashford over KDB?

    Well, being a United fan can't allow me to captain Salah and KDB can be rotated. Also, away games have been kind to Rashford.

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He hasn't blanked in an away game and they have two so technically its not risky

  3. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    With City playing wed - sun - wed, whos the best choice defender, Laporte due back this weekend, the defence to me could be dodgy, but your still going to get at least 1 full game from who you pick.

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

      Think Dias is the most assured of starts

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

    Think I'm gonna hold with this merry crew and not chase the hits....g2g?

    Mendy
    Zouma Stones Robbo
    Salah Son Bruno Soucek
    Kane Bamford Antonio

    (Taylor Kilman Bissouma)

    1.3 itb and 0 FT

  5. BremerHB
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Think I’m just going to get BB out of the way... Thoughts on this for this week for a -4:

    Martinez - Johnstone
    Stones - Robertson - Dallas - Coufal - KWP
    Salah - Son - Raphinha - Bruno - Anguissa
    Bamford - Kane - Antonio

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say that's a borderline bench to warrant boosting.

      It's a real coin toss

      Decent team though

      1. BremerHB
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It certainly is borderline, I’d agree.

        I just feel like if I do it now then I’ll be able to negotiate 26 & 29 much better since I have used my free hit already. Can then just focus on the best 11 and not have to worry about stacking the bench.

    2. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Id bench boost that. Im considering bench boosting a worse bench for the same reason of 'getting it out of the way.' Im convinced all the planning ahead for a bench boost later on will hurt my total score more than so if I just had no bench boost

      1. BremerHB
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yep, I’m thinking along exactly the same lines.

        The only player I’d like to have in there really is Soucek instead of Anguissa but that would mean downgrading Stones to 4.8 and I want City def long term. Plus it’d leave me on a -8.

        Next week will be focussed on bringing in another City Def or KDB.

  6. wolves_simmo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    It this worth a -4 to then use BB?

    Out: Mendy & Adams
    In: Areola & Antonio

    Bench: Areola - Antonio - Dallas - Bamford

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      It's a good bench to boost but taking out Mendy with a double game for a hit feels wrong!

      1. BremerHB
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’d agree with the Mendy sentiment.

  7. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Calvert Lewin and Son

    Out for

    Long and De Bruyne

    -4

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

      Long??
      What’s your budget- would go for Rodrigo over Long

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

      0.1 short of Silva and Mcgoldrick

    3. Solanke
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son to De Bruyne make sense. But one injured player to one that doesn't get minutes? whats you budget for that striker spot?

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

      Not sure if Long will get minutes this week or for later double when ings back. Maybe downgrade all the way to Brewster so you have cash itb to avoid later hits?

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

    Is Foden a good pick?

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

      Kept convincing myself that he was that time, never going there anymore

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

      I would say more than 9 pts from 2 games, would you take it for your City slot? Would you take transfer post DGW if he's annoyingly in and out as starter?

  9. Solanke
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Upgrading bench for BB. Got exact money for a -8 :

    J Lewis > Stones
    Forster > Martinez

    What do we think?

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

      Yes I like it

  10. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1FT:

    Mccarthy
    TAA Holding Coufal
    Salah Bruno Son Maddy
    Wood Bamford Kane

    Fraser Taylor Bissouma Mitchell

    Son to KDB; TAA to Stones; Wood to Antonio (-8) ?

    1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth the hit that imo

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

      Just the first two if must

      1. HD7
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Well Wood to Antonio is worth it in the long term.
        Injuries or postponing matches are the risks ofc

  11. Xna
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy (lei) to Johnstone (wol, why) worth -4?

  12. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    On the verge, can anyone talk me out of Craig Dawson?

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not nailed, so pick Coufal or anyone else decent with DGW.

    2. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Might not start both

    3. CABAYE4
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Moyes rotated lots for the last double.

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

        That was when they had 3 games in 6 days though, much tougher schedule

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

      Would get Coufal if you can afford him. Otherwise worth the risk

      1. All about the galacticos
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Coufal was rested in GW16, which came 2 days after GW15, which put me off
        Dawson is just a CB, so won't be doing as much mileage

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

          circumstantial as his partner just had a child during that gameweek

          1. All about the galacticos
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            he was on the bench (GW16 vs Southampton), so not sure it was about having a child, otherwise he wouldn't be there at all

    5. Solanke
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dawson's played 90mins last EPL games and 90mins (+ score a goal) that cup game that went this week Monday. Monitor Balbuena situation and see what Moyes says about it today. Personally think Dawson is safe for at least 1-2 games

      1. All about the galacticos
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        i think fairly safe. Moyes needs the goals, if he can't fully rely on antonio

  13. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    G2G? (No bench boost)

    Mccarthy
    Coufal dias stones
    KDB(c) Salah Grealish Maddison Bowen
    Antonio Kane

    Button Bamford Allioski Mitchell

    1. SolomonKalou
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      nice, also feeling Bowen

  14. Heisenberg W. W.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Coufal-Konsa-Taylor
    Son-Kdb-Salah-Soucek-Bruno
    Watkins-Antonio
    (McCarthy-Holding-Dallas-Bamford)

    Is this worth a -8 and BB

    Outgoing players - DCL, Adams and 4m GK

    YES or NO

  15. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My current midfield is:

    Salah Bruno Grealish Bowen Bissouma

    How to fit KDB?

    A) Sell one of Salah or Bruno
    B) Sacrifice Grealish for DGW and sell Kane to fund (-4) Bring in Antonio + KDB
    C) Sacrifice Bowen for DGW and sell Kane + a 4.5 bench defender to fund (-8) Bring in Antonio + KDB
    D) Sell Bissouma, Kane and a 4.5 bench defender, switch to 352 (-8)
    E) Ignore KDB

    Im tempted by B the most, though another option is to ignore KDB this week and then do C from GW 20, thoughts?

    1. zman575
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      b for sure mate

  16. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Robertson Mee Targett
    KDB(c) Salah Fernandes Foden Soucek
    Antonio Bamford

    Think I'm ready

    But, Triple Captain KDB?

  17. estheblessed
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    G2G here or anything for a hit? Also shouldI be starting Balbuena?

    Martinez
    Alioski, Cancelo, Dier
    Son, Salah(c), Grealish, Bruno, Anguissa
    Bamford, Kane

    Forster, Balbuena, Kilman, DCL

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Decent team, yes.

      What's the latest on Balbu? I'd be inclined to start him

      1. estheblessed
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He just hasnt been playing has he? I had a patch where he started quite a few then I went and bought him and it stopped!

  18. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all - apologies this post is too long but would really appreciate advice.

    A) Raphinha, KWP, Adams > Foden, Stones, Brewster (-8)
    B) Kane, Raphinha, Dallas > Vardy, Foden, Stones (-8)
    C) Kane, Raphinha, Adams > Antonio, KDB, Brewster (-8)
    D) Kane, Raphinha > Vardy, Foden (-4)
    E) Kane, Dallas > Vardy, Cancelo (-4)
    F) Kane, Adams, KWP, Forster > Vardy, Antonio, Stones, Johnstone (-12) - Play BB!

    My favourites atm are B, C and tempted by F despite the points hit because I can see it being repaid by unlocking a strong bench (Johnstone, Bamford, Raph, Dallas)

    1FT 0.2itb
    Martinez (x2), Forster*
    Robbo (x2), Dias (x2), Coufal (x2), Dallas*, KWP*
    Salah (x2), Bruno (x2), Son, Soucek (x2), Raphinha*
    Kane*, Bamford*, Adams*

    Cheers all!

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I like C

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        C is my only real KDB option - I'm just really unsure if he will repay the sacrifice. It leaves me with a far weaker front line (Bamford, Antonio) and brings in Brewster who is good for nothing lol. Of course Kev COULD go wild, he just hasn't looked like he will

    2. estheblessed
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Im in the same boat as you ... and here is my current thinking ... Kane is playing against Sheffield United so I may just leave him in. Unless you think Vardy will outscore him because I doubt that Antonio will. I get it tho because Spurs fixtures are getting tough and also it frees up money to do other stuff but not sure myself if it is worth it this week.

  19. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Saka, Tierney and Kane > Coufal, Salah (c) and Rodrigo -8?

    KDB likely captain in the former.

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can you show your full team before the moves? May not be worth it

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      KDB could be worth capping even if you get Salah.

  20. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Worth doing rafinha to gundogan for a -4?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure it is.... Gundo is a great player but have a feeling he is doing more assisting the assister than assists themselves

    2. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I think yes

  21. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    GTG Bench boost active

    Ddg
    Stones, dias, awb, coufal
    Kdb(c), fernandes, Ziyech,(vc) soucek
    Kane, wood

    Bench, Johnstone, Bamford, saka, holding

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not the best bench but it's ok, yes.

      ARS may bounce back and could work out

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

    Martinez (Forster)
    Zouma Coufal Dallas* (Lewis Douglas)
    Bruno Salah Rash Maddison Son*
    Vardy Bamford* (Brewster)

    *Non DGW players

    Got 1FT and 0 itb.

    Thinking of just rolling the FT, but could also do Bamford -> Antonio, but would lose value so can't get Bambam back...

    Other ideas?

  23. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best option?
    A) robbo + son > dias + KDB - 4
    B) robbo > dias
    C) bank and do it for free next week

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

    Bench DCL and start Rodrigo or move Taylor to Stones in a back 4?
    Currently have the funds for Son to Kdb but would need to move DCL if doing Taylor to Stones

    1. barton fc
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Live the city defence, but do we think stones will place twice?

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

        It’s city so hard to say for sure but if it ain’t broke...he and Dias doing well

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

    Best option?

    A) Rashford + Son -> Soucek + Salah (-4)

    B) Kane + Son -> Antonio + Salah (-4)

    1. DP7657
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A all day for me

    2. elwardio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  26. Pringle
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you consider Mane --> KDB for -4 so KDB can ble triple capped?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Im thinking of making the same move but not triple cap.

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

      I would but not TC

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

      I'm not sure it's worth a -4. Mane could punish you big time

  27. barton fc
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Mccarthy set to come back in? Got no back up keeper

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Would imagine so

      • Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        back training so prob yes

    2. DP7657
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Buy one:

      A) Wilson
      B) Antonio

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

        Gamble on Antonio

        1. DP7657
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Is it an inevitable transfer problem a few weeks later though? Feels so risky.

    3. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Does anyone know how I can view the Pro Pundits league? Hear about it on podcasts but interested to follow.

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

      Everyone asking advices
      but noone answering
      sad days 🙁

      1. M2.0
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        What’s your question?

      2. Mufc202020
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B

        1. unclesbasement
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Seriously? I'm leaning towards A

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

        ^ I try...

      4. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Happy to help

      5. Solanke
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A

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

        I'm just here for the violence

      7. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        C

      8. Xna
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I lean towards asking advices

      9. Heisenberg W. W.
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Bench Boost