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

    Any Chelsea ITK on here / Twitter / anywhere else (fan forums)? Trying to see if Alonso is likely starting this week

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      We need goals

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

        Think he does then?

        You usually right, Dan? 😉

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          75% chance

          1. seanie3
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Tuchel seems to like him, probably sticks with him with wing backs setup, but like with lamps once he makes a glaring mistake to lead to a goal or two he will get dropped.. with that said Tuchel played chilwell LWB and wasn't impressed and took him off and not played since...

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

      If Chelsea stick with wingbacks then Alonso is nailed. If going with fullbacks, I think Alonso is more vulnerable on the defensive side and Tuchel would favour Chilwell.

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

      I wouldn’t risk him

    4. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Alonso's place to lose IMO

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

      I think the 2 day turnaround makes it a riskier move that it would be otherwise. I wouldn’t chance it personally unless you get any ITK info

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

      Reliable: https://twitter.com/MaccaSport?s=09

      Sometimes: https://twitter.com/TheSecretScout_?s=09

      We don't get too much out of the club though.

      1. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure about "upto date" info 🙂
        A post 2 hours ago on there says we are not interested in Rice anymore!!! well no @!HD sherlock 🙂

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

    Ideas of a move here?

    Got 2FT and 0.6 itb

    Martinez Forster
    Dias Digne Dallas Coufal Douglas
    Salah Bruno Rashford Son Maddison
    Antonio DCL Brewster

    Thinking Douglas to Lowton to prepare for DGW24 and probably roll the other FT?

    Other ideas very, very welcome.. 🙂

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

    Good day lads! Have 2ft and 0,3m itb Wildcard, bb, tc available. Kane back next gw? keep or sell? what would you lads do with this lot? cheers guys!

    martinez (martin)
    dias cancelo dallas coufal (taylor)
    salah bruno son soucek gundo
    bamford (adams kane)

    martin+kane -> pope+antonio/wilson/watkins/DCL ?
    y/n?

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

      I'd keep Kane if you had him this long.. Mourinho said he should be ready for the City game, which means I guess he could play already this weekend?

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

        cheers. hmm yeah.. I regret having him this long to be honest.. would it perhaps be worth transferring him out, when considering i could get pope and perhaps mee for the dgw? and also one of the potential strikers this and next gw

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Keep both imo

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

    What would you do here?

    Martinez
    Dallas Cancelo Dias
    Gundo Grealish Son Bruno Salah
    Antonio DCL

    4m - TAA Mitchell Brewster

    1FT 3.6m IT

    A Brewster to Bamford (Bench DCL)
    B Martinez to Pope
    C TAA to Mee (Bench City def)
    D Save
    E Anything else?

    Cheers

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

      B should be Forster to Pope*

      1. Snooze ya lose
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        B

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

      I'd save without a doubt

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A, B & C are all good moves imo.

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

    Okay locking and loading this. GL all

    Mendy
    Cancelo Justin Digne
    Barnes Mo Bruno Grealish Gundo
    Bamford (A)ntonio

    Steer DCL Dias Targett

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am tempted to cap Antonio too. GL.

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

        Frustration play really having wimped out of Bruno and Barnes at last minute in the past 2 weeks

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nice team. Good luck!

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

    Dropping Robbo, place your votes for who:

    A) Shaw

    B) double chelsea (have rudiger)

    C) Cresswell

    D) Digne

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

      D for the DGW is tempting, though wouldn’t want much longer than that atm

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

      Doing the same and between Cress (double up with Coufal) or Azpi. Leaning still to Cress so in your case, Cresswell

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

        Currently on

        Digne (DGW) / Cress (easy fixtures) >>> Azpi / James (easy fixtures) >>> Shaw (rotation risk with WBA)

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

    Gtg? 4.3m itb

    Pope
    Cancelo Dallas Chilwell
    Salah Son Grealish Soucek Gundogan
    Wilson Bamford(c)

    Martinez Stones Digne DCL

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

      Yes apart from Paddy captain. Though what do I know...

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

        Maybe Soucek?

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

      Backing Chilwell to start?

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

        I think so then I'll ship. Bench covers him anyway

  8. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Earlyish but who for GW24:

    A) Lacazette (H Leeds)
    B) Jesus (H Spurs, A Everton)

    Bare in mind I'd have to eventually take a -4 if I go for Jesus (plan is to bring in Ings and Bamford for GW25, if I keep Laca next week I'll hold the ft to avoid the hit)

  9. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Cancelo Cresswell Robbo
    Salah Bruno Son Grealish Gundo
    Antonio Brewster
    (Steer - Dias - DCL - Mitchell)

    Robbo & Brewster ➡️ Lowton & Bamford for free?

    Leaves enough cash for Steer ➡️ Pope next week.
    Could even BB next week if I do Steer & Mitchell ➡️ Mee & Areola for a hit.

    Will then decide in GW25 if I need to wildcard for BB26 or just get DGW25 & DGW26 players with my FTs and hits.

    Thoughts?

  10. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Current backline:
    Dias Cancelo Cresswell Dallas White

    How would u rate this 'play the fixture' plan? Both of it would likely be one of the 2ft move unless any other issues occur.

    GW24: Dallas to Mee
    GW25: Cresswell to Dallas

  11. RedJive79
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this GTG? Correct bench?

    Pope
    Cancelo / Stones / Coufal
    Salah / Son / Soucek / Gundo / Bruno
    Antonio (c) / Bamford

    Martinez / DCL / Holding / Mitchell

  12. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this team set up correctly please? 1ft and 5m that I plan to carry over.

    Coufal covers Chilwell if he doesn't play

    Pope (martinez)
    Cancelo dallas chilwell (coufal dias)
    Salah bruno grealish gundog soucek
    Antonio (c) watkins (dcl)

    Thanks

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes looks good.

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

        Thanks mate. Good luck

  13. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to play out of Dias, Digne, and Taylor? Cancelo and Coufal are my other two defenders. A little concerned that Taylor might come off the bench for a 1 pointer, so seems to be between Dias/Digne really.

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

      That's tricky is Taylor was more assured id say him. Possibly Digne given there's always the assist potential.

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

      I'd go Dias

  14. matiakez
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Think pope is the only way to get Burnley in here;

    Martinez Johnstone
    Coufal Cancelo Dias Digne Dallas

    I'll look to lose Coufal probably prior to 26 but getting rid before Fulham and Sheffield United doesn't seem logical?

  15. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone considering Vardy this weekend? Leicester predominantly better away from home.

    Kane also back next week, are you using your excess funds on Kane and Vardy?

    https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php

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

      Doing Kane to Vardy in GW27. Still own kane.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably going to drop Salah and get both

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

      i am considering transferring him out for antonio this gw. also to fund pope and elsewhere for dgw and so on.. not sure if it is wise tho...

  16. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What to do here, folks? Do I need Sonny?

    Martinez
    Cancelo Coufal James Shaw
    Sterling Bruno (C) Grealish
    Bamford Antonio Wilson

    Areola; Barnes, Stones, Zaha***..1FT, 3.4itb

    1) Zaha > Son (C)
    2) Zaha > Siggy and bench (but keep for double)

    Should I play Barnes over Shaw or James?

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Zaha > anyone basically an option.

      1. MoSalad
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Son

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I suppose, although it is a transfer I'd like to use for the doubles, that it's going to have to be done.

  17. MoSalad
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Can I get a FFS check please on transfers?

    Areola, Johnstone
    Cancelo, Stones, Cressy, Coufal, AWB
    Zaha*, Salah, Sterling, Penandes, Barnes
    BamBam, Antonio, BobbyDR

    Thinking I will do the following:

    GW23 ----> Sterling & Zaha ---> Son & Gundo for free
    GW24 ---> Son & BobbyDR ----> J Rod (Eve) & DCL -4
    GW25 ----> J Rod & DCL ---> Raphina & Ings -4
    GW26 -----> -12 free for all punt on DGW players or FH.

  18. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Afternoon. Who to bench..

    Maguire
    or
    DCL

    1. fplking14
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Do you think Everton will score? If you think they will start DCL, if not start Maguire

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

    Jorginho or Soucek for next 3-4 games until WC

  20. ilikewud
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start
    A) Stones (would mean double City vs Pool)
    B) Digne

  21. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anything you would change here or g2g?

    Martinez
    Mee Dallas coufal
    Salah Sterling Bruno gundo saka
    Bamford Antonio

    Forster stones dcl digne

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

    Is Ings(new) an option?

  23. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    G2G?

    Martinez (Button)
    Dias Tarkowski Coufal (Stones) (Douglas)
    Salah Grealish Bruno Son Gundogan
    Ings Antonio(C) (Davis)

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

    Fuchs it - FT to spare and I’ll have some fun. Alonso in for a week v Blades, then out for Mee for the DGW

  25. Return of the FF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with a FT here guys?

    Martinez, Mccarthy
    Cancelo, Stones, Coufal, Dallas, Bernado
    Salah, Bruno, Grealish, Soucek, Gundo
    Adams, DCL, Bamford

    1 FT and 6.3 itb.

    Adams is a problem, as is Coufal and Bernado although he can be 3rd sub.

    A. Roll
    B. Bernado to Burnley def
    C. Bernado to Justin (sick of not owning him)
    D. Salah out for... Son?? Maddison??

  26. Carlton P
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Play
    Watkins or DCL
    Targett or Digne?

  27. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with Charlie Taylor?
    A) Sell him
    B) Bench him and play him next gw
    C) Play him this and the next gw

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

      I'm keeping him and hoping he will play next week. So B or C.

    2. Carlton P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Keep and hope

    3. R.C
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah, I have this issue too. Was looking to shift him for Shaw this week, before the news broke about the Burnley double so it's put me in a tight spot. Worried he might be on the bench and come on for a 1 pointer this week. Ben Dinnery indicated that no risks would be taken with him so that suggests (to me, at least) that he's unlikely to start.

  28. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start Dallas or Mee? Will be starting Pope.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas

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

      Dallas - higher ceiling

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

    play Meslier (CRY) or Martinez (ARS) ?

    I'm leaning Meslier

  30. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Quite a benching headache this week..

    1) Do I start Barnes over Sterling or Wilson? Currently benching Barnes.
    2) Which 2 to start out of Cancelo, James and Shaw? Currently on Shaw and Cancelo.

    1. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      1. No
      2. S & C