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. Peaky Blinders
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play which goalkeeper?
    A. DDG (Liv, Ful)
    B. Mendy (Full, Lei)

    1. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

  2. 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.

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

    Bottomed:

    Frustrating that there is no Dean Smith presser today........ I think we will need to take a chance with our Villa players.

    Unless anyone knows any different?

  4. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Dias vs Cancelo vs Stones

    Who´s your favorite pick for the DGW?

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

      I have Stones and am going to bring in Dias.

      If there weren't so many games in such a short space of time I'd take Cancelo as I think he has the biggest potential when he plays, but I reckon with Walker/Mendy on the bench he's a big rotation risk.

      Laporte/Ake are both still injured so I think Stones/Dias have a better chance of starting more games.

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

    Who should I triple cap?
    A)KDB
    B)Salah
    C)Vardy

  6. Mr.K
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Meslier + Dallas -> Johnstone + Justin worth -4?

    A) Aye
    B) Nay

    1. Arthur Shelby
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hey Mr. K, I'd say nay

      1. Mr.K
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you, Sir!

  7. Distinctly Average
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Could do with some help here!

    McCarthy, Button
    Justin, Balbuena, Taylor, Lowton, Targett
    Son, Salah, Bruno, Grealish, Lookman
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    1FT 0.6itb

  8. dando89
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tempted to take another hit to -8 for an additional DGW player for bench boost.

    KWP to Stones
    Or
    Adams to Wilson/Watkins

    Good idea?

    1. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I probably wouldn't do either of these for a hit.

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

      I'd do KWP->Stones. Will pay off if not this gameweek, then longterm

  9. Arthur Shelby
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    By order of the Peaky f***ing Blinders, I request you to assist me with my draft dilemma (I'll lend a hand in return).

    Need to play 2 and bench 2 of this lot:

    Maguire (liv, ful) - yellow vs Liverpool would suspend him against Fulham
    Saiss (WBA) - SGW, so obvious bench candidate, but it's WBA...
    Wood (whu, liv) - dull and steady
    Zinchenko (CPL, AVL) - will most likely start one, not both

    Cheers.

    1. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Play Maguire and Zinchenko. Maguire will start both if he doesn't pick up a yellow and I'd say Zinchenko in one match has a good chance of outscoring Wood in both. And there's a chance he'll play at least some role in both.

      1. Arthur Shelby
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers man.

  10. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any help with this lot please? I was all set to bb
    0.8itb 1 ft

    Martinez
    Taylor Zouma Coufal
    Salah Bruno grealish Bowen Lookman
    Vardy Kane

    Button bamford kwp Dallas

    Is it worth doing?
    Button,Kwp, Dallas ➡️ Areola/Johnstone, Dawson, stones -8 and play bench boost
    Cheers

    1. Arthur Shelby
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say so.

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers I’m in 2 minds because I don’t really want to get rid of Dallas and kwp . I could just do Taylor to stones and forget bb I’m really bloody torn.

  11. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I thought that last week was full of pre gw decisions on whether to play a chip and covid cancellations but after resisting chip usage ( I think the right decision with 49 points) I'm faced with more again this week.
    1. Do I BB.
    2. Do I TC anybody.
    3. Will KDB play twice
    4. Will tierney play
    5. How many dgw's do I play.
    6. Will villa play 2 games
    7. Will bruno or maguire pick up a yellow and miss a dgw.
    8. Will any other matches be hit by covid.

    I know nobody can answer these for me but why do we put ourselves through this, as if life isnt complicated enough without it.
    Good luck to all in these testing times and stay safe.

  12. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play:
    Dallas BHA
    or
    Holding NEW
    ?

    1. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Holding

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

      have same dillema, safer points or higher ceiling i'm slightly leaning toward Holding, with phillips out i'm not how organized the team will be

  13. Steinburg FC
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    thinking of rolling FT... Maybe Dier to Coufal?
    Martinez
    Dias, Cancelo, Dier, (Mitchell, Lowton)
    KDB, Bruno, Rashford, Son, Soucek.
    Kane, Bamford, (brewster)
    0.0 itb all chips

  14. Mane Mane Mane
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo Justin Dias Coufal
    Mane Grealish Salah Fernandez Soucek
    Bamford

    Bench - 4.0, Wood, Dallas, Adams

    Should I
    A) keep it as it is, no chip
    B) keep it as it is, play BB
    C) Watkins for Adams (-4) play BB
    D) Johnstone for 4.0 gk, Antonio for Bamford Watkins for Wood (-12) play BB.

    Sorry for repost, really struggling with this one...

  15. LegendMoon
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Seems so obvious so why am I spending so long thinking about it?

    Salah or Ziyech for the next few games?

    1. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah at least if price is no issue

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

      something to do with salah not doing anything against the last 3 "easy" teams, and now playing tougher teams

      1. Mr.K
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        This is why I got rid of him. But he can score a hat trick against anyone.

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

    Who should I triple cap?
    A)KDB
    B)Salah
    C)Vardy.

    1. Mr.K
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'd TC Salah but any of these could go very well, ok, or poorly.

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

        Im leaning towards kdb because of both fixtures being at home and the amount of chances he gets in the game. Salah currently is out of form and that my main issue with him. Getting at least 20 points(not including triple captain points) would be good enough for my chip to be effectifve imo

        1. Mr.K
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          People seem to think KDB might be rested for one of the games, though. He's been picking up assists but I don't think he's in great form either. Salah doesn't tend to stay out of form for too long. That said, I would be happy tossing a coin if it had three sides. Anything can happen.

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

            these two games are really important and i dont seewho kdb will replace

          2. St Pauli Walnuts
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            KDB is playing very very well overall. He has just been finishing poorly himself and being let down by others with their finishing for even more assists. He is a better finisher than he has shown this season so who know when he will start delivering consistently on the xG? This week I hope!

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

    I have DCL. I was going to sell for Ings but he has COVID. Now I will sell for Antonio and do Watkins to Ings next week/when Ings is back. My frontline for this GW will be Bamford (1 game), Watkins (2 games) and Antonio (2 games). Which two would you play? For "quality" I would say Bamford and Antonio but Watkins has two games and then twice the opportunities to do something (or more likely nothing). It just seems a waste having kept him for so long to then not even play him when the DGW has arrived.

  18. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    is Son, Bednerek -> Rashford, Dias worth -4?

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably, yep. Dias def

  19. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Robbo, Son, DCL --> Chilwell, KDB(c), Antonio (-8)?

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can you not get in a City def instead of Chilly

  20. Asensio
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys thoughts on my team? Bench Boosting
    Martinez Foster
    Coufal TAA Robertson Justin Kilman
    Bowen Raphinha Salah KDB Soucek
    Watkins Kane DCL

    Thinking about transferring out Bowen, DCL and Kilman for Antonio Stones and Foden for a -8. Good idea? Any other players who you think is better?

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Forster unlikely to play now, maybe look at that

      1. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        exactly

  21. STONEROSES
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any point BB with just 10 DGW players & 5 SGW players (McCarthy, Dallas, Bamford, Son & Brewster) ?
    I’m not smitten by idea of TC’ing KDB, tbh

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

    AHHHH im going to do it. Im triple captaining KDB

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Me too. Scary isn't it.

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

        cant stop thinking about it. Ive been asking the same question in these comment section for the past 5 hours

        1. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Way I see it now is, once you've thought about it for that long and been keen to do it ... it would be a disappointment if he flops but it would be huge disappointment if he delivers and you haven't pulled the trigger. It's a good a time as any. He may have his minutes managed a bit but I still think he starts both and could do plenty of damage if so. He has been unlucky not to haul more this season, the underlying stats are great.

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

            Is there any weight to the rumours of the villa game being cancelled? Thats now my only concern..

            1. St Pauli Walnuts
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Are these fresh rumours? Haven't heard them yet mate if so.

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

                just what ive been hearing on the grapevine because there are villa players who have covid..no one knows who or how many..hopefully its nothing

                1. St Pauli Walnuts
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Ah thought it was something new. As far as I know it should be good to go and for City it could end up being a lot easier fixture that it would have been which is another reason making me TC. Villa were in good form before but now they haven't trained properly for a while plus key members of the squad could still be physically fatigued from having had COVID.

                  https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2021/01/15/covid-hit-aston-villa-set-to-restart-season-next-week/

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

                    thanks for the clear up...see you in a week or so time when we clebrate KDB getting us 50 points 🙂

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

                      celebrate

                    2. St Pauli Walnuts
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      You're on! Good luck fella.

  23. KaBoZ: Kids,don't Drin…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) KDB (dgw) + Adams
    B) Kane + Ziyech (dgw)
    ?

  24. big_fat_ARSEnal
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    start bamford or grealish? grealish obviously has DGW, but concerned about him possibly getting a fifth yellow against city and then missing the newcastle game (the one I think he will do better in)

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

      not planning on using bench boost btw

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bamford
      Grealish 1 YC away and no one knows what Villa will be like due to COVID