Spot the Differential

Advanced role boosts Pereira’s differential potential

Double Gameweek 26 is almost upon us 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, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, 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: 0.9%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW26-30 fixtures: ARS + bur | bha | SHU | – | MCI

We’ve been big on Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) for a while now, having included him in this column ahead of Gameweek 23.

Now, having impressed last weekend in a more advanced role, we think he’s worth talking about again.

Against Aston Villa, Pereira and his team-mate Timothy Castagne (£5.7m) were both fit enough to start for the first time this season. That saw the Belgian slot into the back four with the Portuguese international pushing ahead on the right-wing in a 4-2-3-1.

It was the first time Pereira has started as a winger under Brendan Rodgers, and he looked comfortable throughout.

Pereira finished the match with 33 final-third touches, more than any other player on the pitch. He also racked up three shots, twice testing Emiliano Martínez (£5.3m), and often moved infield leaving Castagne to supply the width down that side.

The new setup certainly makes sense, as Rodgers can keep Castagne at right-back where he feels he is more effective, while also taking advantage of Pereira’s attacking instincts. 

However, at this stage we should point out that doubts around James Maddison’s (£7.3m) availability may see the 27-year-old revert to a more traditional full-back role this weekend, or even as a wing-back in a back three. That’s something to monitor, but regardless of where he ends up, we think Pereira has the potential to make a real impact in the coming weeks, and with an ownership of just 0.9% could be an effective differential.

Matheus Pereira

  • FPL ownership: 1.6%
  • Price: £5.4m
  • GW26-30 fixtures: BHA + EVE | NEW | cry | – | che

West Bromwich Albion have improved significantly in their last two outings. 

Just a week after they should have beaten Manchester United, they dominated Burney last time out despite playing with 10-men for over an hour. 

Finally, it looks like they are able to compete at this level, and with an appealing immediate schedule which sees them take on Brighton and Hove Albion, Everton, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in the next three Gameweeks, several differential options have emerged.

That includes playmaker Matheus Pereira (£5.4m).

The 24-year-old has now started back-to-back games after being dropped in Gameweek 23, and though he hasn’t returned, he has been posting some eye-catching numbers. Since being restored to the side, Pereira leads the way amongst team-mates for shots, chances created, crosses and final-third touches. He’s also been taking corners and free-kicks, and crucially, should be on penalties too having twice converted against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

The Brazilian can operate in multiple positions up front, but has recently found himself out wide in Sam Allardyce’s 4-3-3 formation. The system is designed to get the best out of new signing Mbaye Diagne (£6.0m), and by having a proper target man now leading the line, set-pieces and crosses from open-play will be more important than ever.

Pereira, who is owned by just 1.6% of FPL managers, adds creativity to Allardyce’s team and has perhaps been a little unfortunate not to return in recent matches. However, with some promising fixtures to come he now has the potential to kick on, and could be a solid differential in the budget midfielder category.

Bertrand Traoré

  • FPL ownership: 0.8%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW26-30 fixtures: lee + shu | WOL | new | TOT | FUL

Jack Grealish’s (£7.6m) absence at Aston Villa will be a huge miss, but the performance of Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) in the second half against Leicester City at least offers hope that he might be the one to step up.

The Burkina Faso international scored straight after the break, and has now been directly involved in eight goals (five goals, three assists) in the Premier League since making his first league start back in November. Interestingly, only Grealish has been involved in more for the club during this period with 10.

If we zone in on Traoré’s performances since the turn of the year, it reveals his growing influence. 

Since Gameweek 17, he ranks second amongst team-mates for shots in the box, big chances, take-ons and crossing. In fact, his expected goal involvement (xGI) total of 2.98 is actually more than Grealish, and only behind forward Ollie Watkins (£6.5m).

Aston Villa now have a Double Gameweek 26 against Leeds United and Sheffield United, who are both among the bottom six sides for goals conceded this season, with 43 and 41 respectively. They then take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park, before another possible double and importantly a match against Tottenham Hotspur in Blank Gameweek 29.

Traoré has the ability to create something out of nothing, and given the fixtures, might be the player to get Villa back on track.

1,564 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JelliedSpark968
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Genuinely don't see any issues with my team, wondering if I should leave it?
    Want Martinez but only 1FT makes it seem unnecessary. Maybe Cancelo to Pereira/Rudiger?
    Meslier/4.0

    Cancelo/Dias/Tarkowski/Digne/Johnson

    Salah/Bruno/Sterling/Raphinha/Soucek/Romeu

    Bamford/Antonio/Watkins

    1. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      *0.3 ITB

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Are you BB?

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

      Not worried by no Kane or DCL?

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

        I've got both and keep see-sawing between them for triple cap.
        Not having either would worry me.

      2. JelliedSpark968
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Spurs are poor atm - they're being overhyped imo

    3. Ruud000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The only problem is 6 mids - just sort that and you’re gtg.

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

    Stones or Reguilon?

    1. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stones. Can't trust Spurs

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        And you can trust Pep?

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      You answered it (just above)

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

      Reguilon has a goal in him, now that I don’t own him. Will happen soon

    4. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      stones

    5. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Stones.

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

    Best moves here?

    A) Ings -> DCL
    B) Sterling & Ings -> Son & Kane (-4)

    Pope
    Cancelo, Targett, Tarkowski
    Salah, Bruno, Sterling, Gundogan
    Watkins, Bamford, Ings*

    Forster, Raphina, Mitchell, Coufal
    Bank 0.7m, 1FT, all chips & WC

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dude just WC that heap of manure out 😉

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

        🙂

  4. slowandsteady
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start one of:
    Dallas
    Mitchell
    Raphina
    Bamford

    .. Currently on Dallas..

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Mitchell

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      😉

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

      Raphina

    4. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      yeah, i'd go Raphina

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

      Cheers all

  5. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Love Tom's articles, always can relate to his picks.

    I've heavily considered all 3 this GW and got 2 in my WC 🙂

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Who you got? Considering Traore, pereira and Mount for the last midfield spot

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Both Pereiras

        Did have Traore in my first WC but prefer Pereira I think - on pens, better fixtures, way better stats (check members area) and cheaper (actually benefits my team)

        I wouldn't go Mount

  6. Lubic87
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else doing a triple Leeds bench boost i.e Bamford, Raph, Dallas?

    Was planning on doing a hit or 2 to replace them, but can't really see anyone worth it. Bamford to Watkins possibly, but not sure he's worth it without Grealish.

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Go for it imo. SGW Bam > dgw Watkins without Grealish.
      I have a couple each from Leeds and Brighton myself(Dallas, Rafinha, Sanchez, Burn) and thinking about BB. One of the reasons being I can't see another week where a better BB opportunity may present, but mostly because I need to dismantle my bench to free up funds.

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

    Took Salah put my WC. Hold me

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

    Anyone else here bench boosting 3 Leeds players?

    Feels so wrong, doesn't it?

  9. Captain Knackered
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Wildcard team:

    Martinez

    Cancelo Dias Digne Pereira

    Barnes Fernandes KDB

    Watkins DCL Kane (c)

    Button Raphina Dallas H.Reed

    Any suggestions or obvious errors?

    Just TC left, looking at KDB DGW27.

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

      Almost same here! Just Reed > Son and Watkins > Bamford

      1. Captain Knackered
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        You must have a little more cash in the bank!

        Good luck!!

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

    Barnes or Watkins? Barnes looks better but Watkins has 2 extra fixtures and a far better double. Leeds and Sheffield will have goals. Arsenal and Burnley will be tight low scoring games for Leicester. Thoughts?

  11. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    So Everton and Villa not likely to double in 28 now?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cen Brellin

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        He hasn’t posted about it 🙁

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Will do now since both arsenal and Spurs have games on the same day 18/3

          1. Scholes Out For Summer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Right so that makes villa Everton game unlikely now, correct?

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

      ?

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

      Not that hot on Digne , then

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

    REPOST

    Hey fam, which option? No WC or FH remaining.

    A. Antonio & Coufal to Watkins & Stones for -4

    B. Antonio, Coufal, Tarkowski to Watkins, Dias & Dier for -8

    C. Antonio, Coufal, Tarkowski to Watkins, Digne & Dier for -8

    Bench boosting this week

    Martinez Areola
    Cancelo Maguire Targett Tarkowski* Coufal*
    Salah Bruno Son Gundogan Raphinha
    DCL Bamford Antonio*

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

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Dallas
    Son Salah Bruno Gundogan Raphinha
    Kane Bamford

    Johnstone Deco-Reid Mitchell Coufal 0FT 1.8ITB

    Change my mind

  14. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Gtg? 10 DGW and Raph

    Martinez
    Keane, Dias, Stones
    Gundogan, Salah, Bruno, Barnes, Raphinha
    Kane, DCL

    Areola, Bamford, Dallas, Dawson

  15. 03farmboy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to triple captain?

    Bruno, Kane or Salah

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

      Salah could be huge. Kane and Bruno will be the more popular choices

  16. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Punt on TC DCL or too much?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No it’s a nice pick.

  17. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start 2:
    A) Lowton
    B) Raphinha
    C) Bamford
    D) Dallas

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

      B, C

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

      BC

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

      BC too.

  18. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which option:

    A) Aina + 4
    B) Areola + Mitchell

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

      Who is the other player in A?

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        There isn't!

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

    Been completely locked on Robbo > Digne all week. Now getting cold feet.

    A) Hold
    B) Robbo > Digne/Pereira
    C) Robbo > Digne & Soucek > Barnes (-4)
    D) Something else!

    Johnstone
    Robbo* - Dias - Cancelo - Shaw
    Salah - Bruno - Gundo - Raphinha
    Kane - DCL
    [McCarthy ¦ Bamford - Dallas - Soucek*]

    1 FT; £1.0m ITB

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B according to Mark and Az from latest black box

  20. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Stones Mee Shaw
    Gundogan Son Bruno( tc) Raphinia
    Bamford Dcl Kane

    Dallas Coufal Grealish Forster
    Transfer done.
    Should I take a hit to do
    A.Coufal to Dias
    B. Grealish to KDB
    C. Roll with what I have.

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

      C

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      С

  21. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dunk to R Pereira? (-4)

    Worried Brom will score against Brighton.

    Yay or Nay

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Neigh.

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yay. I think WBA will score

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

      Wouldnt be taking out a brighton defender with that game in 29

      1. Saka Punch
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I'm FH'ing in 29

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

    A, B or C please guys.

    A - Fernandes and Antonio to Barkley and Kane (TC) for Free
    B - Antonio to Watkins and Rudiger to Targett
    C - Anything else?

    Martinez Forster
    Dias Cancelo Taa Rudiger Mee
    Gundogan Salah Fernandes Son Bissouma
    Bamford DCl Antonio

  23. smix
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Dias Cancelo Lowton
    Bruno Son Barnes Gundo
    Kane(TC) DCL Watkins
    Martin Raph Dallas Cresswell

    GTG? On a -12 already (moved out Ings, Antonio, Bamford and Salah)

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

      Looks nice. Salah could hurt you (non owner also and worried)

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

    Best combo?

    A. Digne+Bamford (-4)
    B. Tarko+Barnes (-4)
    C. Tarko+Bamford (no hit)

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

    McCarthy,
    Stones, Cancelo, Tarkowski
    Salah, Gundogan, Bruno, Son, Raphina
    DCL, Bamford

    Forster, Ings , Coufal, Mitchell

    1ft 2.2itb WC BB and FH available

    Ings, son and Tarkowski > kane(c), Barnes and Digne

    Is this worth a -8?

    I must add for context I have only taken 8 points worth in hits all season so this is very rare for me. The move does involve captainimg Kane and is set up for the next three gw where there could be a double for Everton.

    This move would poise a headache as I'd have to bench either Raphina or Bamford!

  26. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope
    Cancelo, Stones, Digne
    Son, Bruno, Salah, Gundo, Raphinha
    DCL, Bamford

    Johnstone | Lowton, Dallas, Antonio

    GTG?

  27. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any other DGW on the horizon?

  28. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ings & Mitchell > Kane & Digne for -4pts?

    Or could Mitchell start both games?

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Such an easy transfer, go for it

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

        Reckon Mitchell not work risking?

    2. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No brainer

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

        Watch Ings score and wipe Digne’s CS 😆

        1. Coys96
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I don't think Everton will keep a CS tbh but i'd still do it if you're set on Digne rather than Pereira etc

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

            Reckon Pereira is a better bet?

            Only really keen on Digne as might have another DGW in 28?

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That’s easier than my mum. Go for it.

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

        Anyone better than Digne? Can’t be Man City, Cresswell, Dallas or Mee...have upto 6.6m but would rather spend minimum

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I don’t know actually. I having been mulling over getting Digne for a hit all week so have only focused on him. Obviously Shaw looks incredible at the moment, probably best in the league, but the fixtures turn.

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

            Yeah I’m undecided between Digne, Pereira, Shaw & Targett (cheap but have Martinez and not keen to double up)

  29. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    BB active FH available .9 ITB no FT. Would you say I’m GTG or take hit/hits to remove the two Leeds boys??.

    Martinez Areola
    Stones Dias Elmo Ricardo Shaw
    Bruno Salah Gundogan Barnes Raphina
    Bamford DCL Kane.

  30. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captain Bruno or Kane??