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. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Triple captain Sterling?

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nah

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

      i wouldn't. i'd be surprised if he starts both.

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        can you provide some logic to a statement like this - Isn't he City's most rested player?!

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

      -6 incoming

    4. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely not

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

      Would be the ultimate boom or bust

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

        Exactly. Not doing very good in the ML so tempted

  2. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you do DCL > Antonio -4 and play Antonio but bench Bamford?

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

      probably.

    2. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    3. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not for me

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

      Definitely not, bamford is more likely to outscore antoinio in my opinion regardless of the hit.

    5. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all!

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

      Strongly considering the same, but the other part of my hit is getting a West Ham defender

    7. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No.

  3. LIARS POKER
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you BB this?

    Meslier (BHA), Raphina (BHA), Adams (lei), Taylor (whu, liv)

    Adams could become Antonio for (BUR, WBA) as I have the funds to upgrade with my ft

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes if Taylor + Antonio are fit

    2. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would probably do it with Antonio

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

      Yes.

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

    So, for everyone considering TC, the options have come to KDB or Salah.
    What are your reasons for or against one or another.

    KDB / + form, + home fixtures, - stories of rotation risk are baffling me
    Salah / + home fixtures, form is something worth discussing as Liverpool will want to use this home fixtures run to end the bad form, and seeing Salah's history, this blank streaks are NEVER long, these three matches are the longest so far this season, I don't have the stats from previous ones, but I guess it doesn't get longer than this, so the maths and stats behind it are tempting.

    Any observations are welcome, if you are going with one, why?

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

      I'd go with KDB.
      I have watched their games, and he is getting tons of chances, bound to score soon.
      Salah is in a team without form, and he is also playing poorly.

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

        worth the triple captain?

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

    Buy kdb or sterling? 🙂

    1. Vlekz
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Ummm.

      • King of Kings.
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        KDB. Not even close.

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

        KDB. Long term pick.
        Im thinking about holding off KDB for one week.

      • Assisting the assister
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The one who scores his penalties

      • aleksaa2
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sterling, he is good on pens

      • DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The one who is not over rated

        1. *Reformed-Character*
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          20,17 and 18 goals in last 3 seasons from midfield - Stop being a sheep....

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

      Which -8?
      1FT 1.2m itb.
      TAA,Raphinia,Kane >>
      A) Cancelo,KDB,Antonio
      B) Stones,Rashford,Vardy ( Salah >> KDB in 20)

      Martinez
      Chilwell,Dias,Coufal,________?
      Salah,Fernandes,Grealish,_________?
      Watkins,________?

      Johnstone,Soucek, Bamford,Dallas,

      I know most will say A because of KDB but getting Rashford and Vardy means an easy way, if needed back to Son or Kane when needed.
      Then just rotating the Salah/KDB spot when needed.

      1. The Sociologist
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A), lots will captain KDB this week think you need to cover that base.

      2. King of Kings.
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I get your reasoning, but still A.

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

        A for KDB

      4. Vlekz
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Still A. If kdb or salah don't fire in the next 3 weeks(spurs have pool in 20), you can still downgrade them to spurs and upgrade any other player in the team just as easily.

          Cancelo has crazy upside over stones.

          Kdb is well better than rashford.

          And Antonio might not play all 180 mins but even vardy has a hip problem. So evens that out I guess

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

            Yeh your probably right. Uniteds fixtures are awsome and not convinced by Antonio either was making me look at alternatives to option A.

        • Crunchie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I prefer B for this week. Was going A myself but am having second thoughts after Salah rest

        • Assisting the assister
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          A is my plan with Robbo out

      5. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A or B. Feel free to ask a question of your own after and I’ll try my best to reply as detailed as I can.

        A) Use my bb (-8)
        Martinez Johnstone
        Coufal Dias Justin Dallas Lowton
        Soucek Raph Salah Son Bruno
        Vardy Bamford Antonio

        B) No bb. Lowton, Adams to Dias, Brewster (-4)
        Johnstone
        Coufal Dias Robo Justin
        Soucek Son Bruno Salah
        Vardy Bamford
        (McCarthy, Raph, Dallas, Brewster)

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

          Get the BB out the way imo then you can optimise your starting 11 going forward.

          1. Tsparkes10
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers, this is tempting me

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

          I have to get my bb out of the way. Have dcl and 2 Boston and 3 Leeds but all this planning jeez

        3. Kuzser
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’d use BB. So then you focus on the strongest 11.

          I’m also using BB, but not sure which combo to prefer as a part of BB?
          Currently have Brewster, Saka, Sterling, Dier
          1) Antonio - Mane - ASR - Dier for -8
          2) Brewster- Salah - Souchek -Dier for -8
          3) Brewster - Salah - ASR/Rice - Cancelo/Chilwell for -8
          4) Antonio - Sterling - Saka - Shaw/4.8def for -4

          1. Tsparkes10
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Between 2 and 4 for me

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

        FH gtg?

        Fabianski
        Stones James Dias
        Bruno KDB(c) Salah Barnes Bowen
        Vardy Watkins

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

        Johnstone
        Dias Stones Coufal Dallas
        Salah Mane Fernandes Soucek
        Kane Bamford

        Steer Mitchell DCL Alzate
        0.1m 1FT

        Bench boost not an option, would need to spend 4 points just to get 3 playing subs and mitchell will probably score 0.

        DCL and Mane to Antonio and KDB (bench Dallas) looks a decent move for -4?

      8. JollyGoodYellows
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A) Neco + DCL > Coufal + Antonio (-4)
        B) Anguissa + DCL > Soucek + Antonio (-4)

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          B

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

        Would you BB this week if your bench was McCarthy, James, Lookman and Bamford?

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yh

        2. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          No

      10. Sultan-Gemy2121
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I switched chilwel to stones but suddenly i started to regret it, what to do with this team, all chips avaliable except FH

        Loris
        Coufal...Dias...Stones...Justin
        Son... Salah... KDB(C)... Fernandes
        Antonio... Bamford

        Forster.. Raphina... Holdong... Adams

        Thanka in advance

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

        NEW ARTICLE

      12. Steve Stiffler
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Dier and Chillwell > Dias and Cancelo (-4) or just:

        Dier > Dias (Play Chillwell)

      13. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Is it safe to say that Chelsea have bought terribly this summer and Frank will be sacked soon??

        Werner - £60m can't score flop
        Havertz - £75M can't score or assist flop
        Ziyech - £50m can't score or assist flop
        Mendy - £30m - headless chicken flop
        Chilwell - £65m - decent signing

        1. Right In The Stanchion
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I must add Chilwell although decent cost wayyyyy too much.

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

            At the risk of biting on the obvious bait, think this is nonsense.

            Less than halfway into a league campaign, for one thing, can't judge yet. And they all look really good players to me anyway, albeit not fully firing individually and gelling collectively.

            United fan, with no love for Chelsea.

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

          Aye.....

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

          lol it's only their first season

        4. The Bad Seed
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          No.

          Must be new.

      14. DangerFC
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Current team?

        Mc carthy fabianski,
        Dier, bailly, stones, dias, KWP
        Bruno, grealish, KDB, son, saka
        Kane, antonio, bamford

        A. BB
        B. FH
        Thoughts much appreciated!

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          BB

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

          BB defo. Will be plenty of DGWs to come that you cn use TC on, you are well set for BB here which usually needs a WC

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

            Yeah I was 90% set on BB just need confirmation. I took a -4 to get fabianski and antonio in aswell. I didn't use any chips on the blank and got 50 (-4) which is exactly what I anticipated from the blank so I didn't lose much ground on the leaders whilst saving my chips. Most FHs got in around the same.

      15. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I haven't used my FH and am looking at using my TC this week on perhaps KDB, Salah or Bruno. How many other DGWs are we expecting as things stand? My thinking is use the TC this week and then I can FH with the other DGWs (or blanks if there are any)

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I am doing the same. TC this GW. On KDB right now.

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

            KDB TC is definetly the choice. It's a terrifying thought he could land about 30 x3points with two home games!!

          2. The Big Fella
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah if Villa are still suffering from COVID or missing players plus Palace are Palace (but played well yesterday) and maybe Aguero is back it could be gold.

      16. ididnt
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        thoughts on this FH team?

        Johnstone (Forster)

        Coufal, TAA, Stones, Justin (Mitchell)

        Salah, KdB (c), Pogba, Coufal, (Gundogan)

        Kane, Bamford, Antonio

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

        Would you use BB with McCarthy, Adams, Dallas and Bamford on the bench?

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes

        2. Assisting the assister
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yes - reckon 4 playing is great and you may not get an opportunity as good.

        3. Jimbuck2FPL
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          The fixtures are too good not to I reckon, even with Leeds on a SGW

      18. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think this is it. Good to go? 0.4 ITB for Holding to Dallas next GW or a Mitchell/ Davis upgrade. TC KDB.

        Martinez
        Stones James Coufal
        Salah KDB(TC) Bruno Son Soucek
        Vardy Bamford

        Steere Holding Mitchell Davis

      19. Jimbuck2FPL
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Is Watkins to Antonio for a -4 worth it? Worried about Covid affecting Watkins/Villa and have been excited about the Anotnio double for a while....

        1. The Hunt
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'm doing that move but for free. I'd be tempted to take a hit though as I've been desperate to get shot of Watkins for absolutely ages.

          1. Jimbuck2FPL
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Oh nice! My free is Wood to Vardy, but think that this for the -4 only really pays off is Antonio gets 2 returns more than Watkins.... I kind of hope we find out Watkins has is out of the games today so I can just do it!

      20. FPL_BUCCANEER
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        DDG
        Dias Cancelo Coufal Lowton
        KDB Bruno Son Rashford Soucek
        Watkins

        Martinez Bamford Dallas Brewster

        Would you do Brewster, Dallas -> Chilwell/RJames and Antonio (-4) and BB?

        Leaves me with 13 DGW, Bamford and Son.

      21. The Bad Seed
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        any news on Fabianski?

      22. ididnt
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pogba seems like a good punt to me this GW. Thoughts?

        1. popey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          on FH yea sure

        2. The Hunt
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Been there, done it, got burned.

      23. popey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Martinez
        Robbo, TAA, Cancelo, Coufal
        Salah, Son, Bruno, Grealish, Soucek
        Watkins
        (Forster, James, Bamford, Brewster)

        2.0 ITB and 1ft. Whats the priorites;

        a) KdB in and captain hm would need a hit as 0.1 short of Son>KdB
        b) ignore KdB and upgrade Brew/Forst and BB

      24. Bishopool
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        YES?

        Kane and Son -> Salah and Antonio (-4pts)

        Basically
        2 away games -> 4 home games

        1. ididnt
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          certainly not

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

        DCL/Taylor -> Antonio/Dias -4 and BB this?

        Martinez Johnstone
        Stones James Coufal Dallas Taylor
        Salah Bruno Son Grealish Soucek
        DCL Kane Bamford

      26. Watk‘Ings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A) Soucek or B) Rashford for DGW.

        -I don't need the cash as whoever I choose is being replaced with DeBrunye next week.
        -Rashford is a striker in essence and he's playing for a team who will want to keep that top premiership spot.
        -Soucek is in form, but Burnley have been tight at the back and haven't conceded much. West Brom will park the bus but still most likely concede a few.

        Leaning towards Rashford but it feels Soucek with BUR/WBA is too good...

        Man Utd fans - thoughts on Rashford?

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

        I dont know whether im being a fool but Im tempted to triple captain KDB. It looked like he had alot of big chances in the Brighton game and remained a threat for the full 90. Theres alot of doubt around him performing with people even taking him out of their team. It would be HUGE if he gets big points this dgw. His xg/xa has been the highest out of every player (2.1 xg and 0.98 xa). Also city are always dangerous at home. I think with how tight this season is pep will definitely start him for both games. What do you guys think?.

        1. popey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Looks a great option. Has been getting a lot of chances, just poor finishing letting him down

      28. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hi Guys. Feeling like this team is borderline BB, have any ideas how to make better use of it?

        Martinez
        Dias, Coufal, Dallas*
        Salah, Bruno, Son*, Soucek, Grealish
        Bamford*, Vardy

        Button*, Adams*, Bednarek*, Taylor

        *- single gameweekers
        1.1 itb

        Maybe

        A) Button, Adams > Johnstone, Antonio?
        Or
        B) Button, Taylor > Johnstone, Stones
        C) Feel free to suggest something else, have 1.1 itb

        1. popey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          B for me, City defensive double looks great for next few weeks

          1. Silecro
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            that would make bench of ..Johnstone, Dallas, Bamford, Adams. Acceptable for BB?