Spot the Differential

Can Matheus Pereira’s recent form turn him into a differential FPL asset?

Gameweek 21 is almost upon us, which gives us another opportunity to look at some differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Chelsea, Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion 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.

Matheus Pereira

WHUWBA
  • FPL ownership: 1.0%
  • Price: £5.6m
  • GW21-25 fixtures: FUL | shu | tot | MUN | bur

A recent return to West Bromwich Albion’s starting XI has seen Matheus Pereira (£5.6m) impress.

He has now started Albion’s last four matches, producing three goals, which included a brace of penalties at local rivals Wolves, in a performance which was his best of the season so far.

The statistics suggest there might be more to come, too.

Since being restored to the side in Gameweek 17, Pereira leads the way amongst team-mates for shots, chances created, final-third touches and take-ons. He’s also been taking a few corners, which gives him further assist potential with the likes of Kyle Bartley (£4.4m) and in particular Semi Ajayi (£4.8m) so effective in the air from crosses.

Last season, Pereira lit up the Championship and finished the campaign with a total of eight goals and 16 assists. As the standout player in Albion’s attack, he mostly operated as a no. 10 in a 4-2-3-1, something which has continued under Sam Allardyce. From that position, he tends to drift to the right, which is relevant with Fulham up next, as no team in the entire division has given up more chances from their left than Scott Parker’s side over the last four Gameweeks.

Timing is key for Pereira, but now back up to speed he could prove the difference maker ahead of a crucial run of games.

Antonio Rüdiger

Rüdiger forcing way into Chelsea picture ahead of appealing fixtures
  • FPL ownership: 0.8%
  • Price: £4.5m
  • GW21-25 fixtures: BUR | tot | shu | NEW | sou

German defender Antonio Rüdiger (£4.5m) could be set for a new lease of life at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel.

The 27-year-old started the season well down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, which limited him to just one league start up until Gameweek 16. However, somewhat surprisingly, Rüdiger was restored to the starting XI towards the end of Frank Lampard’s reign, and then played 90 minutes in Tuchel’s first match in charge against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night.

Interestingly, that match saw Chelsea line-up with a three-man defence, which helped restrict their opponents Wolves to just two shots in the box. As a result, they kept their eighth Premier League clean sheet of the season, and with an appealing set of fixtures ahead which includes games against Burnley, Sheffield United and Newcastle United in the next four, there is potential to do well.

We should point out that change is inevitable under a new manager, especially with Tuchel’s reputation for tactical flexibility, but having kept a clean sheet in midweek, you’d expect him to retain the same personnel at the back against Burnley on Sunday. It’s also encouraging that the German is aware of his defender’s talents, having coveted him while at Paris Saint-Germain.

Rüdiger has had an up-and-down career at Chelsea to date, but there is hope Tuchel can coax the best out of him, and if he does, FPL managers will be handed a budget route into the Blues backline.

Youri Tielemans

  • FPL ownership: 2.6%
  • Price: £6.4m
  • GW21-25 fixtures: LEE | ful | wol | LIV | avl

Belgium international Youri Tielemans (£6.4m) has developed into one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League this season.

From an FPL perspective, that hasn’t always translated into points, but having been directly involved in six goals in his last six appearances in all competitions, we think he might be worth considering as an alternative to the more popular James Maddison (£7.2m) and Harvey Barnes (£6.8m).

Key to Tielemans’ appeal is that he took Leicester City’s most recent penalty against Brentford in the cup, with Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) absent. That is especially relevant considering the Foxes have already won 10 spot kicks in the league this season, at least four more than any other side.

At this stage, it’s worth noting that the 23-year-old’s attacking numbers are some way behind both Maddison and Barnes, but having scored at Everton on Wednesday night, this is a player in a really good moment playing at the top of his game. His all-round ability lends itself to bonus points too, with only seven midfielders in the entire division collecting more than his 11 this term.

While Tielemans has sometimes been deployed in a deeper role this season, he did push higher up against Chelsea in Gameweek 19 to try and take advantage of the Blues attacking tendencies, which is something we might see more of against Leeds this weekend.

Tielemans has been superb of late, and could be a smart differential for those on the lookout for a new midfielder.

518 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tucker
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Opinions please! Taking a hit this week:

    (A) Zouma, Raphinha > Cancelo, Gundogan (-4)

    (B) Zouma, Raphinha > Digne, Gundogan (-4)

    (C) Raphinha, Adams > Gundogan, DCL (-4)

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      -8 an option? ... I've brought in Digne, Barnes and DCL (Already have Cancelo and Gundo)

      1. Tucker
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I've been mulling over Zouma, Raphinha, and Adams > Cancelo, Gundogan, and DCL for a -8, but I have an innate fear of hits!

  2. VICTORIOUS SECRET! !
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Zouma + kane --->richarlison+ chillwell (-4)

    Worth a hit ?

    1. VICTORIOUS SECRET! !
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Richarlison or DCL

  3. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    No chance of Gundo being rested from Pep himself

    I guess I should go with him

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He brought him off around 57 minutes last game so I doubt he will be rested this GW

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes...Pep literally just said he will play tomorrow

        1. The Count of Monte Cristo
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks, probably will have to be my (c) this week. Would give it to Cancelo if I owned him tbh!

  4. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench One;

    A) Soucek
    B) Bamford
    C) Che Adams

    1. Apwilkin
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tough call. A or C I think... Leaning slightly towards C as I am a long time and frustrated owner of Adams.

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Adams.

  5. Apwilkin
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    (1)Kane and Adams to DCL and Antonio/Watkins (-4)
    (2)Kane and Anguissa to DCL and Barnes (-4)
    (3)Kane to DCL (Would likely start both Adams and Bamford)

  6. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What would you recommend here, guys? Currently just thinking A.

    A) Adams --> Antonio
    B) Adams + Bamford --> Antonio + DCL (-4)
    C) Adams + Holding --> Antonio + Digne (-4)

    McCarthy
    Stones -- R. Dias -- Justin
    Salah -- Fernandes -- Son -- Gundogan (c) -- Soucek
    Bamford -- Adams

    Meslier -- Coufal -- Holding -- Brewster [1FT + 6.8m ITB]

    1. Apwilkin
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I like B

  7. papa89
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Simple question. Who to bench?
    A. Justin
    B. Soucek

  8. Chief Break-Everything
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Cancelo In..

    Who makes way?

    A) Coufal
    B) Maguire

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Coufal has 3 nice GW's in the next 4 so I would go with removing Maguire now.

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

      Coufal. Very unlikely West Ham have a DGW coming up. It actually depending on how MUN vs WHU goes in the cup.

  9. King of Kings.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play 2:

    A - DCL
    B - Watkins
    C - Antonio

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      AC

  10. Kay317
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On wild card.. any suggestions?
    Martinez (Forster)
    Digne, Cancelo, Castagne, (Dallas, Mitchell)
    Salah (VC), Grealish, Bruno, Sterling (C), Gundo
    DCL, Antonio, (Watkins)

    1. ScoutHelp
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I like it

    2. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Very good
      Coufal Instead of Dallas

  11. HashAttack
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez (sou) or Schmeichel (LEE)

    1. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinez

    2. Champione
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Schmeichel

      1. HashAttack
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        This is what I want to hear 🙂

  12. Baron Penguin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is it too foolish to WC just because you feel like an idiot for taking a -4 for Kane so you can justify not taking a hit on account of how foolish you've been?

    1. ScoutHelp
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No need to WC to protect 4 points

    2. Mo Mane Mo Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      that seems foolish

  13. Champione
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play 1 of each category

    A) McCarthy
    B) Martinez

    1) Lookman
    2) Shaw
    3) Targett

    Currently on A1

    1. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Toss-up for the gk ... think Villa more likely to score that Southampton but not convinced by either for a CS
      Maybe McC and hope Villa get a penalty

    2. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lookman for the other option

  14. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captain Sterling, Salah or DCL?

    Don't have Gundogan and Son.

    1. J to the T
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sterling

    2. Mo Mane Mo Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Salah

  15. Tic Tacs
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Just coming off of my best GW of the season with 95, way better than the double and after some really poor GWs up til now!

    Looking to bring in an Everton player this week as only have 1FT and not quite enough ITB to get both in with just a -4 hit, so should I go with:

    Digne > Ogbonna
    or
    Calvert-Lewin > Bamford
    ?

  16. springbok29
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    out of these 6 players which 2 would you prioritize transferring in for GW21?

    DCL
    Chilwell
    Barnes
    Zaha
    Saka
    Maddison

    1. J to the T
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL for me.

    2. ScoutHelp
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I did Zaha

    3. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I got Barnes in on FT, thinking of DCL for a hit & already have Chilwell

    4. navin
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DCL
      Barnes

  17. J to the T
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I’m going to move Bamford to DCL as the free transfer.

    Is it worth a -4 to do Dallas to TAA. Would start Trent next two weeks (whu & BRI) ahead of Targett (sou & WHU)

    1. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, I have TAA - only 3% ownership last week - rose 100,000 places in OR
      My best ever differential

    2. Mo Mane Mo Salah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      absolutely, trying to figure this myself

      1. J to the T
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        My only worry is that it makes getting KdB back more difficult. But would leave me looking like

        McCarthy
        Trent Stones Cancelo
        Gündogan Son Bruno Salah
        Watkins DCL Antonio
        (Forster Targett Coufal Romeu)
        I like the look of that!

  18. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Digne or TAA?

    1. navin
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Short term Digne

  19. navin
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    GTG with right bench?

    Fabianski
    Justin - Dias - Stones - Targett
    Soucek - Son - Salah - Bruno - (G)undo
    Watkins

    Nyland - Adams - Cresswell - Kane

  20. Tic Tacs
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ogbonna > Digne

    or

    Bamford > DCL

    ?

  21. Asensio
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    My team is in a mess and need some advice on what to do.
    6.1m itb, 1 FT but willing to take a hit.
    Martinez Forster
    Coufal Robertson Justin Dias Stones
    Foden Salah Soucek Raphinha Maddison
    Watkins Antonio Kane...

  22. Asensio
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    My team is in a mess and need some advice on what to do.
    6.1m itb, 1 FT but willing to take a hit.
    Martinez Forster
    Coufal Robertson Justin Dias Stones
    Foden Salah Soucek Raphinha Maddison
    Watkins Antonio Kane...
    .

  23. Bobby
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    considering kane out for dcl in for a hit (moutinho and holding on bench) - worth it?