Spot the Differential

Fit-again Pereira can return to 2019/20 form in Castagne’s absence

Gameweek 23 is almost upon us after another quick turnaround, which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some more differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Leicester City, Burnley and Newcastle United, 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.

Ricardo Pereira

  • FPL ownership: 0.2%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: wol | LIV | avl | ARS | bha

Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) is showing signs that he is almost back to full-fitness, as he completed his first 90 minutes of the season against Fulham on Wednesday night.

Benefitting from Timothy Castagne’s (£5.7m) injury, which is set to keep him out for a ‘short period of time’, the 27-year-old started at Craven Cottage and even had a goal ruled out in the second half for offside.

The numbers caught the eye, too.

Pereira finished the match with 23 final-third touches. Amongst team-mates, only James Maddison (£7.3m) had more, and for context, his colleague on the opposite flank, James Justin (£5.1m), had nine. He also racked up more penalty area-touches, take-ons and crosses than the English full-back during the match, which is encouraging. 

The return of several injured players, including Çaglar Söyüncü (£5.3m) and of course Pereira, has given the Foxes a boost ahead of a testing run of fixtures, which sees them take on Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal before the end of the month. However, it’s worth pointing out that two of the next three are on the road, where Leicester have won 26 points so far, their second highest total in a Premier League campaign after their 2015-16 title win.

Now almost up to speed, Pereira is surely a must-start for Brendan Rodgers side, and with his ability to bomb forward like a winger, could be an effective differential in the coming weeks.

“He’s one of the top full-backs in the Premier League. We lost him in a game in which he was outstanding. We’ve gained in two ways because it allowed James Justin to come in and grow. Now, to have Ricky back with all of his qualities. He’s not there yet but he’s getting up to speed. We’re really strong in that area of the field.” – Brendan Rodgers

Ben Mee

  • FPL ownership: 1.9%
  • Price: £4.9m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: BHA | cry + FUL | WBA | tot | ARS

English centre-back Ben Mee (£4.9m) has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders in recent seasons, and could be a solid differential given Burnley’s schedule which now includes a Double Gameweek.

The Clarets started the season slowly going seven games without a win, but saw their performances improve once Mee returned to the starting XI following a thigh injury. Since then, the solidity Sean Dyche’s side are renowned for has returned, and resulted in seven clean sheets in their last 17 attempts in all competitions.

Despite just two of those shut-outs arriving this year, it’s worth pointing out that their recent schedule has been tough, with each of their last six league opponents all in the top 10. However, they now have a run of winnable matches against teams in the bottom half, which includes an appealing Double Gameweek 24 against Crystal Palace and Fulham. 

Encouragingly, they have already kept clean sheets against their next four opponents earlier in the season, too.

Captain Mee also carries a bit of goal threat from set-pieces, which has already seen him score against Sheffield United and Aston Villa this term. That could be important too, given that Brighton and Palace often look vulnerable defending crosses into the box, and while clean sheets remain the most likely source of points, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he were again to take advantage from a dead-ball situation in the coming weeks.

Ryan Fraser

Sterling's away form and low ownership can do real FPL damage
  • FPL ownership: 0.2%
  • Price: £5.6m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: SOU | che | mun | WOL | wba

Despite a stop-start season at Newcastle United, largely due to injury, Ryan Fraser (£5.6m) has impressed in recent matches.

That upturn in form has coincided with Steve Bruce’s decision to switch to a 4-4-2 diamond formation, which has seen the Magpies take more shots than any other side since Gameweek 20.

Operating in a more advanced role alongside Callum Wilson (£6.8m), the more ambitious approach is getting the best out of Fraser, who ranks joint-top for chances created among all Premier League players over the last three matches. He’s also created three big chances, a total only Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m) can match, and whipped in a massive 36 crosses.

The 26-year-old’s appeal is further boosted by this weekend’s opponents Southampton, who following their heavy midweek defeat at Old Trafford have now conceded 15 goals in their last four league matches. It’s also worth noting that they’ve given up 21 chances from their right flank during that time, only Burnley have allowed more, which is relevant with Fraser often drifting into those areas, where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot.

Fraser has had a testing start to his time in the North East, but can provide a genuine threat for Newcastle when fully fit, and could be a nice pick-up for those on the lookout for a real midfield differential in Gameweek 23.

858 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dropping Robbo, place your votes for who:

    A) Shaw

    B) James / Azpi (have rudiger)

    C) Cresswell

    D) Digne

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      D

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hold a week if you can then D

    3. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

      Prob D with Everton's DGW24 in mind.

  2. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Afternoon all, anything worth doing here? 1FT 3.3 ITB

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Coufal
    Salah Bruno(c) Son Gundogan Soucek
    Wilson Antonio

    Areola DCL Digne Mitchell

    1. Bennyboy1907
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Roll

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

      I would play Digne over Stones.

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Digne attacking return more likely than a City clean sheet at Anfield?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yes I think both Liverpool and City will score. Stones ceiling is 6 points in this game. Digne has the higher ceiling with a potential attacking return. I can see both Digne and Rich given AWB a tough game

        2. Brehmeren
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yes

  3. Bennyboy1907
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On 2 FT’s
    Can’t do Johnstone to Pope in 1 move:

    Would you:

    A) Do Chillwell to Mee and keep him as Burnley defensive cover and roll
    B) Chillwell to Shaw Johnstone to pope for free. However leaves me with only 1FT next week.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A - hopefully more news on doubles next week and can plan better with 2FTs

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A is probably the smarter play and just hope Pope doesn’t go save/BPS crazy

    3. dando89
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm doing A

  4. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play 1 from each group

    Stones
    Dias
    Dallas

    &

    Saka
    DCL

    Any ideas would be welcomed
    (2)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas and Saka

  5. dogtanion
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know who's on pens for West Ham ?

    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Noble, Antonio, Lanzini

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        and only 1 of them starts!

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

      I think it is Antonio when Noble is not on the pitch

    3. Nimby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      West Ham don't get penalties so I wouldn't worry about it.

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

      Hover over TEAM NEWS and then choose SET PIECES. Here you can see all the information about freekicks and penalties for every team 🙂

    5. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Noble and if he’s not playing Antonio

    6. mezza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn’t surprise me if Lingard is given them.

  6. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Lose Robbo or TAA?

    Rest of defence is Dias Stones Ayling

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Both, TAA first

  7. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which one out of Bamford and Antonio would you pick for captaincy and why?

    1. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hatrick Bamford

    2. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Think Antonio, form and fixture.

      Palace beat Leeds 4-1 last time out.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Palace missing a couple of key players in Zaha and Tomkins this time round

        1. _Ninja_
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I'm playing Bamford and Dallas so i hope Leeds smash them.

  8. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    2FT 5.0 ITB. Thoughts?

    Martinez
    Cancelo • Coufal • Dallas
    Salah • Bruno • Son • Grealish • Gundo
    DCL • Antonio(C)
    (Steer / Stones / Mitchell / Brewster)

    A) Mitchell to Mee and play over Dallas
    B) Brewster to Bamford and play over DCL
    Will be getting the other next week anyways with Pope

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I like the upside in Bamford vs Palace when compared to DCL and Mee

  9. Jersey Boy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench boost yay or nay

    Pope McCarthy
    Cancelo Dias Coufal Dallas Shaw
    Salah Bruno Son Gundo Soucek
    DCL Bam Adams

    0FT

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Chickening out of making the decision to bench City players? 😉

      1. Jersey Boy
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Haha guilty...

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

    Why is the season ticker not updated yet?

    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Soon

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      They are all too busy on Twitter

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Who is arguing with who on Twitter #fpl today?

        Guess it's good because you can easily post your photo of teams etc but less thought and maybe more acrimony by design on that platform.

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I don't go near it

  11. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Fraser really?

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

      Really good game vs Palace but tough fixtures coming up.

  12. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    G2G?
    Martinez
    Stones Cancelo Konsa
    Salah Son(c) Bruno Soucek
    Bamford DCL Antonio

    Steele Mahrez Holding Mitchell

    Cheers

  13. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best midfielder up to 10.0 for gw24 and after except Grealish,ManCity?

  14. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you, dare I say it, burn a FT this week? Hear me out... 2FT 4.8 ITB.

    Happy with Areola as DGW keeper. Going to do Coufal to Mee for the DGW instead of getting Pope, but with the Fulham fixture am inclined to keep the Hammers man this week. Don’t rly see any other moves worth it this week either?

    Martinez (Areola)
    Cancelo Dallas Coufal (Digne Stones)
    Salah Son Bruno(c) Gundogan Soucek
    Antonio Bamford (Watkins)

    Thanks 🙂

    1. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      what about Coufal to Creswell instead of burning a transfer?

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Martinez to Pope or improve on Watkins if possible?

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Happy with Martinez long term at the moment. Ditching Watkins was another thing I considered, but would only really go for DCL with his DGW (but crap fixture this week so not yet at least), Ings for his DGW (but Saints struggling) or downgrade to fodder

    3. DT42
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If you are going to shift Coufal to Mee next week, maybe gamble on a Coufal upgrade this week rather than burn the FT. CHE have the best CS odds, Alonso could be fun!

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah that’s a fair point from you and Boaties there tbf.

        Would love to punt on Alonso for a week for old time’s sake - surely a chance Chilwell comes back in though? Tuchel trying to find his best XI?

        Would suck

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yes. But burning FT if Alonso gauls will suck even more. Get R James then 😉

  15. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Raphinha good captain option this GW?

    1. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do u trust Leeds?

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Trust them to play open for goals galore!!

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

      I don't see why not. He is in good form and on most set pieces except pens. I would probably go with Bamford if picking a Leeds player

  16. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Can't decide...Who 2 to bench :
    Stones - Dias - Rudi - Cress - Konsa

    Thanx.

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably Stones and Konsa

  17. enourouz
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who will score more points in gw23?

    DCL (mun)

    Or

    Soucek (ful)

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Likely B

    2. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Let me check my crystal ball

    3. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Soucek..... if you bench him.

    4. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hopefully the big Russian

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Youn mea Artom Dzyuba

      2. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Who's that?

  18. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Surely Liverpool are up for this game. Potential of Mane back too. Just can’t see a CS

  19. Arsenal97
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    So confused .who to start ? And what transfert should i do ?Jonstone to pope or Stones to (Rudiger or Alonso)?

    Martinez
    Dias Shaw Cresswell Justin
    Salah Fernandes Son
    Werner Bamford Antonio

    Johnstone Soucek Gundo Stones

    2FT £2.4m

  20. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    which combo is best for long term

    A- Dallas, Maddy, Bamford
    B- Dallas. Maddy, Antonio
    C- Bamford, Lingard, Dias
    D- Stones, Barnes, Bamford

    Team
    Mcccarthy
    Robbo, Justin,,,,,
    Salah, Sterling, Bruno,,,,,
    Wilson, DCL,,,,,

    Steer, Rudiger, Burke , Dunne

    1. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  21. mwa1t
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Big dilemma in terms of who to bench in defence. They all have good fixtures (except Dias, but sceptical to drop him).

    Martinez
    Dias (LIV), Bednarek (NEW), Mee (BHA), Dier (WBA), Coufal (FUL)
    Salah, Grealish, Maddison, Bruno, Son
    Watkins, DCL (Brewster)

    Alternatively I could drop a midfielder, but they all have OK fixtures (except maybe Salah but would be a big move to drop him)

    1. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You know Bednarek is getting a 15 pointer this week after what happened the other day

  22. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best midfielder under 7 for next two games (before wildcard in 25)

    Would likely replace DCL this week and Son next week

    A: Saka

    B: Barnes

    C: Soucek

    D: Other?

    1. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C.

    2. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      JWP could be option

  23. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I'm thinking of saving FT (To prepare for GW24/25)?

    Areola
    Cresswell-Cancelo-Justin
    Salah-Fernandes-Soucek-Gundogan-Son
    Wilson-Antonio

    Johnstone-Stones-DCL-Mitchell

    1 FT, 2.0m

    A: G2G?
    B: Bench Son, DCL in
    C: Other

    1. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think that this team is good to go.

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

      GTG

    3. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thank you.

  24. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which two I should bench?

    A) Dias
    B) Stones
    C) Robertson
    D) Mee
    E) Digne?

    Thank you!

    1. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      BE

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

      Stones and Robbo

    3. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      BC

    4. Chrisitis
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      DE

    5. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thank you all!

    6. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

      Bit of a toss-up between C and E, but seeing Liverpool is struggling at home, maybe C is a better option.

  25. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bench which defender?
    A. Cancelo (liv)
    B. Dier (WBA)
    C. Ayling (CRY)
    D. Mee (BHA)

    Bench which M/F?
    E. Salah (mci)
    F. DCL (mun)
    G. Soucek (ful)

    Currently at C and F

    1. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      cf looks right

      1. DT42
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        CF for sure

    2. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      BF

    3. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C and F.

  26. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play 2 of
    Gundo
    Soucek
    Watkins

    1. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I would bench Watkins.

    2. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundogan
      Soucek

    3. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo and Soucek for me

    4. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundo Soucek

    5. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks fellas

  27. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best defensive option:

    1) 4.8 or under
    2) 6.8 or under (non-City)

    1. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      chelsea asset?

    2. Vlekz
        3 years, 1 month ago

        For how long? Short term Burnley Shaw alonso look good

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably benching DCL. Who to get and play?

      A. Mitchell to Mee
      B. Burke to Raphinha

      Martinez (Areola)
      Maguire Cancelo Coufal (Targett Mitchell)
      Sterling Bruno Son Gundogan (Burke)
      Bamford Antonio DCL

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        A

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

        B

      3. CoracAld2831
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        B

    4. Vlekz
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Going to do dier to mee next week, should I do it this week itself for free?(incase dier gets dropped)

      • Alonso The Great Midfielder
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Who is the best to bring in?
        a) Saka
        b) Hudson-odoi

        1. Lazaretti
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          B