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

    All chips intact and 2fts.

    Should i let the fact I have all my chips intact hinder my plans to bring in either one of Shaw or Peirera this wk (for Robbo)

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

      I like Matheus and Shaw is a strong pick too.

      Save chips. Why would it impact now?

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

        Coz in still unsure when il use them, have 3 City and 2 Everton already and prob bring Pope in for 24/25.

        Could BB one of those wks and bring 2 Leeds in.

        Honestly confused tbh.

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

        Think he means Ricardo Pereira

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

      No, why would it?

  2. HEY JUDE
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    In my opinion, I think Liv n MC is draw 0-0...
    I put my def
    Robo.stone.cancelo.rudiger.coufal.
    ---
    Bruno.Son.Soucek
    ---
    Bamford.Antonio
    bench
    gundo,salah,dcl

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

      LIV will concede

      1. HEY JUDE
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Liv tough against big team

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

      Liverpool defence not so great

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

    Play one:

    1. Dier(WBA)
    2. Coufal(ful)
    3. Dias(LIV)

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1

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

      dias

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

      Coufal

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

      2

    5. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      3

  4. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A real selection dilemma:

    G2G or change it round?

    Martinez
    Shaw, Cancelo, Dallas
    Salah, Son (VC), Bruno (C). Gundogan
    Kane, Antonio, Bamford

    Ryan, Rudiger, Soucek, Justin

    Obviously aware of Kane fitness, but Kane loves to have a secret return.

  5. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captain pick?

    a) Bruno
    b) Son
    c) Antonio

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      c

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

      Antonio

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

    Only BUR have a worst xG than TOT over the last 4 matches, even CRY/FUL/SHU have created more.

    I'd be very hesitant to bring in Son, let alone captain him! It just doesn't make sense right now, you are essentially picking a player based on WBA being awful, not necessarily bc Son or Spurs are playing well.

    Just remember what happened when you gave Salah the armband vs WBA! It's far from a guarantee that Son will put up points.

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Agreed I far prefer Antonio

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

      Don't buy. Don't sell. Don't bench. Don't captain.

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

        this

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

        Don't panic?

      3. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        What pep said

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

      Agree, but I may still slap the armband on Son 😆 stubborn!

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

        you enjoy the pain I guess

    4. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That was back when WBA still looked like they might turn it round under BSA, before they turned into massive pushovers. Also flopping at home to relegation fodder seems to be a consistent Salah/Liverpool thing this season.

  7. 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
    C. Save FT & play DCL

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

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

      I like B

    2. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      b

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

      C - 2 FTs will be important next week.

    4. Michelle Davin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Don't buy. Don't sell. Don't bench. Don't captain.

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

    For a 1 week defender replacement for Coufal (it’s that or burn a FT for now), who would you go for?

    Chelsea got beat CS odds apparently, though no Thiago Silva could hurt. Tempted to punt on Alonso for old times sake but worried Chilwell could get a game... anyone else? Straight swap to Cresswell or somethin else?

    Ditching whoever it is for Mee next week for the DGW

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

      Why would you replace him when they have Fulham?

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

        Hasn’t really been as attacking as some other options available this week recently (including Cresswell with the same fixture) and with my squad as is it’s either I take a 1 week punt on someone for a Coufal before getting Mee next week, or I burn a FT this week (I have 2)

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

          I would get Stones out before Coufal but that's just me.

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

            Stones also got a DGW next week though? Means losing a defender in the best defence in the league with a DGW rather than a slightly worse defence with no DGW? Seems silly I’d have thought, no? Unless I’m looking at it wrong

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

      Mee in this week and you can prepare for next gw's better. .?

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

        Kinda fancy Brighton to score on the Clarets this week - Mee is largely just a DGW move.

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

    Bench one:

    A- Justin
    B- Lowton
    C- Dallas
    D- Stones

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

      C

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

      Doing A myself

      1. Guru Mediation
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Those 15 bench points this week will give me nightmares for the rest of the season 🙁

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

      D. I think Liverpool will score.

      Dallas playing OOP against CPL without Zaha - he's the last of those 4 I'd bench

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

    Decided against bringing Son in and (C). Went Robbo>Cresswell instead.

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good call

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

        Cheers thank you.

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

    Play 2 of
    A) Gundo
    B) Soucek
    C) Watkins

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

      Currently on AB myself

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

    Man oh man I hope Salah manages some returns against City this weekend. They’ll need to be up for this one.

    Strange sight seeing him on so many people’s benches

    1. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I know in my case, I prefer my 7 other attacking options over him in current form.

      I'd only consider swapping places with either Maddison (Wol A) or DCL (MNU A), but can easily see them ouscoring Dalah vs the leagues best defense.

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

        I’d easily play him over DCL

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

    Over the next 2 weeks, I will sign Pope (replaces Forster), Keane (replaces Robbo), Lowton (replaces Mitchell) and Jorginho/Soucek (replaces Dale Stephens) to tee up a BB in DGW24. Total cost -4. WC after that.

    Are these good moves?

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

      I’d say so

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds good subject to no other issues, yes

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

        Thanks Lads.

  14. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any ideas to assist folks? 2 Freebies and 1.0 ITB

    Martinez (Johnstone)

    Stones Cancelo Cresswell (Lewis Alioski)

    Salah Soucek Bruno Grealish Sterling

    Bamford Antonio (DCL)

    Am thinking Salah to Son C and Johnstone to Pope to cover the doubles next week and catch Brighton home this week?

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

      I would do Lewis for another Burnley player because of the double game week.

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thank you.. yes was thinking Mee, but not sure how I would play him with Stones and Cancelo playing twice plus a juicy game for Cresswell, but one to bear in mind ta.. I could play 4 at the back somehow I guess?

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

      Just do one transfer, Son (c) is way too risky in my view

      nice team by the way

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes, I am thinking Son captain is risky as well now after researching and thanks for the nice comment ref team.. It's going ok now after a bad start.. Antonio Captain is very tempting this week.. I am almost to scared of not having Son just for this week, but he has not been great recently and nor have Spurs..
        I will take a break and have a think..

  15. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Really dunno what to do here...2ft, 2.9itb. What is a priority?
    1) lookman-> grealish
    2) lookman-> raphinha for dgw
    3) Justin-> shaw/Awb
    4) Justin-> Mee for dgw

    Martinez
    Dallas - Coufal - Cancelo
    Son - Bruno - Sterling - Barnes
    Laca - DcL - Antonio

    Johnstone, Justin, stones, Lookman

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

      laca to bamford

      1. PompeyUpNorth!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        or yes agreed Laca to Bamford is good

    2. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Just Johnstone to Pope.(dbl next week) then keep Lookman for their double next week..

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

        Good shout. Was going to get Bamford for dgw25, but Laca should do smth against Leeds in24 and deterioratind Villa defence

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

    best combo for long term

    which combo is best for long term

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

    1. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      I think A or B.

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

    Is this team good to go and have the right bench?

    Pope (Mc.Carthy)
    Coufal, Dias, Mee (Stones) (Digne)
    Fernandes (C), Raphinha, Salah, Soucek (Foden)
    Antonio, Bamford, Calvert-Lewin

    Thank you!

  18. akhilrajau
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I have .4m and 2 FT. one is Johnstone to pope. Who to get for Robertson

    A. Digne ( need to moveout any other along with adams to get Bamford for gw 25)
    B. Keane ( simply can get Bamford next gw)
    C. Mee( simply can get Bamford but already have pope)

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

    I don't know what I'm doing, all I know is that I will be benching the wrong players.

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

    Not a huge fan of these differentials except for Ben Mee who I like.

    Shocked there's no Chelsea attackers.

    Mason Mount at 4.8% would definitely make it on my list. Werner too even though his ownership is higher (but definitely not high among serious managers).

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Saint Max over Fraser if your picking toon

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

        Why would you waste one of your attacking slots on any Toon player that isn't Wilson?

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

    Is three City (Dias, Stones and Gündogan), three Burnley (Pope, Mee and Lowton) and two Everton players (Digne and Calvert-Lewin) enough for the double game week?

    Thank you!

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Obviously, you gravless n00b.

    2. Vlekz
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Needs a couple of Fulham atleast

      • JJeyy
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Do you really need an answer to this?

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

          I'm really thinking about adding a third Everton player (but none of them are that suitable).

    3. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bench 1:

      a) Gundo
      b) Son
      c) Bamford
      d) Salah
      e) Grealish

      (currently on a)

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yes, definitely Gundo.

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

      Best striker to bring in for Wood over the next 3 gameweeks or so? Over 7m in the bank

      I already have Antonio and Bamford

      Currently considering Martial

    5. AppleDunk
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thinking Southampton might come up with a positive response against Newcastle.
      Anyone thinking Ings a good option this weekend?

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

      Shaw or Alonso?

    7. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Pereira is a baller, no doubt - very little room at the inn defensively though with City, Chelsea, Man Utd, Burnley, West Ham etc

    8. Johnny too hotty
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Chilwell Adams > Stones Bamford

      seem a sensible move for this GW and also adding a few DGW for GW 24?

    9. SomeoneKnows
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Would you BB the following bench?

      - Martinez (vs BHA)
      - Grealish (vs BHA)
      - Coufal (vs SHU)
      - Dallas (vs ARS)

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

        Maybe yes

    10. Salan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      When I have Martinez as gk, 2 Man City, 1 Man Utd, and 1 Westham defenders, I don't know how to buy in Pope or Burnley defender.

      Annoying

    11. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bench 2:

      a) Mee
      b) Dias
      d) Stones
      e) Coufal