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. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Bring in who:

    A. Digne
    B. Pereira
    C. Shaw
    D. Targett (playing Martinez)
    E. Other DGW’er who is not Man City

    1. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      All above would be for -4pts.

      Or start Dallas, Cresswell or Mitchell (DGW, will he play both)

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A closely followed by B

    4. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A

      Can you help me below please

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Done, although maybe not much help....

  2. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    A) KDB, Aina, 3.9m keeper
    or
    B) Son, Cancelo, Areola

    (still have bench boost so Areola *may* come in handy)

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      B

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      B. Not convinced KdB is 'match' fit.

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        And Cancelo is way better than Aina....and you get a playing GK (who has a game in 29)

    3. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Great thank you both.

  3. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Will there be a better week for me to use TC? Still toying between Kane and Bruno

    Martinez
    Stones - Cancelo - Konsa
    Salah - Bruno - Gundo - Barnes
    DCL - Bamford - Kane

    Pope - Raphinha - Dallas - Coufal

    1. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I'd play it this week if I still had it.

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Same, I’m 50/50 Kane or Bruno, those are the only two....

    3. Slurpy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Been on Bruno all week but Kane is slowly tempting me

  4. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Any1 fancying a punt on Salah for captaincy ?

    1. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      He's currently my VC - I'm so tempted. Form means nothing to him, can explode anytime

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      nah man, having him in team is more than enough

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Not really, with other options looking better...

    4. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Seriously considering it

    5. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      THe weekly FFS "Who's the bes tcaptin" article does

    6. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Henderson is out

  5. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    On a WC Would you rather have
    A) Matty Pereira (bench El Mohamady)
    B) Raphinha (Start El Mo and bench Raph this)

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        I agree - its going to be exciting!

  6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    BB activated. Who do I captain?

    Martinez Areola
    Stones Rudiger Taylor Mitchell STRUIJK
    Salah Bruno KDB Gundo RAPHINHA
    Kane Calvert-Lewin BAMFORD

    Thanks!

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      DCL

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Interesting. Best fixtures on paper. Fit enough to play 180?

    2. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Kane

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Kane or Bruno, Bruno or Kane....

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        I agree. Kane has better fixtures but its Mou and Spurs. Difficult!

    4. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I'm going with DCL

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Plays 180?

        1. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Why not? No European games.

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            Fitness!

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          I'm not 100% convinced. Ancellotti mentioned Josh King as someone who would start games. No time frame given but now would be quite possible given schedule

        3. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          Nah, not fit

  7. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Who would you rather play?

    A. Tarko+Barnes (-4)
    B. Digne+Bamford (-4)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I own Pope and Raphina FWIW

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Probably A, I think....

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      A

    4. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Probably A

  8. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Ben White to Digne for a -4. Good move?

    1. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      If you are ok for GW29, sure.

  9. SharkyT
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    10 DGW’ers +
    A) Dallas
    B) Ings
    C) Raphina

    1. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      c

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      C

  10. Vovhund
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Is it time for Reguilon? Nice fixtures this week and Spurs-fixture GW29

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Is he fit, is he nailed, if he was I would consider...

      1. Vovhund
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Hard to find a decent defender at a top team, who's nailed these days. Shaw is a consideration, but could be rested for Telles, and Man U has City away GW27 and no GW29 fix.

        My own plan is Mee to Reguilon for a hit as a part of planning for GW 29

    2. wattalowz
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Thinking the same, but not sure how nailed given just back from injury...

    3. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      I did. Fingers crossed, but he played last week and was rested midweek so I have high hopes.

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Fixture in 27 is what would sway me

  11. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 21 days ago

    Pope to Martinez worth hit?

    Pope
    Mee, Cancelo, Stones
    Salah, Son, Bruno, Barnes, Gundogan
    Dcl, Kane(tc)

    Mithcel, Strujik, Brewster

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 21 days ago

      Nah....

  12. Party time
      3 years, 21 days ago

      My captain pick is going down to the wire

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 21 days ago

        Has Wire got a DGW?

        1. Party time
            3 years, 21 days ago

            Absolutely 😆

            Shrewsbury town fc & Rochdale a.f.c

            1. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              TC him then 😉

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 21 days ago

          are you promoting FPL wire?

          1. Party time
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Wtf is fpl wire?

              1. Jafooli
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Something you stick up yah nose when you get your cappo pick wrong 😛

                1. Party time
                    3 years, 21 days ago

                    Yuck! That is so disgusting

                2. Now I'm Panicking
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 21 days ago

                  I think Idris Elba is in it.

          2. Nay08
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            Which option is better?
            Out: Ings, Grealish, Mee
            for
            1. Kane, Barnes, Pereira
            2. Watkins, Son, Pereira

            option 1 will have me a better opportunity for points on GW26-28, in my opinion.
            but option 2 will have me one more player that will play on gw29. with this option 2, I have 6 players for GW29, plus 3 free transfers.

            1. GE
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              1

            2. HashAttack
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Wouldn't sacrifice too much for what is likely to be 2 pointer in gw29

          3. El_Gigante
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            On WC, Rudiger or Konsa? (fourth defender, first on bench for most weeks.. have Martinez from Villa already, no other Chelsea.. FH in tact so GW29 not a factor)

            1. GE
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Rudiger

          4. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            Help needed please

            Martinez
            Cancelo Stones Robertson
            Salah Fernandes Gundogan Raphinha
            Bamford DCL Kane

            Pope Soucek Coufal Ferguson

            1FT, 0.8itb

            1. Ferguson >> Konsa [10DGWs] (play Bamford, bench Raphinha)
            2. Robertson >> Digne [9DGWs] (play Bamford and Raphinha)

            Thanks

            1. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Honestly, I would consider saving FT 😮

            2. Wicked Weapon
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              I have a very similar team and dilemma. Currently looking at Robertson out most likely for Digne/Pereira.

              1. FCSB
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Does Robertson get one final chance though, not a bad DGW then Fulham next week...?

                1. Wicked Weapon
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 21 days ago

                  I don't think so. Zero returns for a 7.2 priced defender is terrible by any and all metrics.

                  However, part of me also wants to be cautious and save the FT to navigate any surprises that come down the road (which in this season of uncertainty is quite likely).

                  So, I reckon if you want to take the "safe" approach only then save the FT otherwise Robertson should definitely be out.

          5. Captain_Shirokov
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            Martinez - Areola
            Digne - Pereira - Cancelo - Dias - Dallas
            Bruno - Son - Barnes - Gundogan - Raphinha
            Kane - DCL - Bamford

            Come on then, I would like someone to pick holes in this WC team (no FH for GW29).

            I know Salah is missing, but he and Liverpool are shite.

            1. Holmes
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              No holes but I wouldnt put so much cash on bench if no plans to BB

              1. Captain_Shirokov
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                I have BB remaining.

            2. Gross Blank Point
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Will be a pain getting KDB in if he returns to form

          6. JONALDINHO
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 21 days ago

            When are Maddison and Grealish back from injury?

            1. Nay08
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              for Grealish, The Coach said, "he is not ready for tomorrow". but I also read somewhere he can be sidelined up to a month. idk

            2. Party time
                3 years, 21 days ago

                When the fat lady sings

            3. footballcandy
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              -4 gave me this:

              POPE
              RUDIGER - DIAS - CANCELO
              SALAH - GUNDO - FERNANDES - H. REED
              DCL - KANE (TC) - WATKINS

              Good luck, all!

            4. GE
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              On BB:

              1) Cavani and Son -> Kane and Barnes (-4)
              2) Soucek -> Lookman/Traore/Pereira, who?
              3) 1+2 (8)

              1. mdm
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                2. Pereira or Lookman

              2. Zogzeg
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Traore may have DGW28 as well as a GW29 fixture, so I'm leaning towards him.

            5. mdm
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Which would be better option for Bench Boost:

              A. Pope (tot, LEI), Mitchell (FUL,MUN), Raph(AVL), Dallas(AVL)

              B. McCarthy (BUR), Shaw (BRI), Raph (SHU), Dallas (SHU)

              1. El Presidente
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                A

              2. Zogzeg
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                A

            6. El Presidente
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              a) Do we trust Spurs defence for the double??

              b) If so, who to go for? (Lloris not an option)

              1. Zogzeg
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                a) Not sufficiently, compounded by
                b) None of the defenders seem nailed

                My preference would be Reguilon but Dier could be the best value ... if he plays.
                Their next 3 fixtures look ideal for regaining some defensive form.

              2. King of Kings.
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Considering Reguilon here but not sure if I'll pull the trigger.....

              3. Vovhund
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                I'm also on Reguilon. He started the last game, but was rested in EL. Also, there is some time between the games in GW26

            7. Zogzeg
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Does Dallas & Minamino to Digne & B.Traore look worth a -8 ?
              (on BB and hoping for DGW28)

            8. CAP
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              TC Kane or Bench Boost: Sanchez (wba), Bam, Raph, Dallas (AVL)

              1. No Professionals
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                TC Kane

              2. sunzip14
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                TC

              3. footballcandy
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Had almost same Dilemma. Went for TC Kane

              4. Holmes
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                BB

              5. Captain_Shirokov
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                bb

              6. Tango74
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                So if you BB and captain Kane do you want him to do well as he will haul for the TC KANE opponents?

              7. notlob legin
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                I have exactly the same bench, I'm using BB and captain on Kane - can't see a better week to use the chip than this one

            9. No Professionals
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Martinez
              Stones Shaw Rudiger
              Salah Fernandes Barnes Gundogan
              Kane(TC) DCL Bamford

              Areola Raphinha Dallas Burn
              0ft 2.2m

              worth any hits?

              Had saved a city spot for an attacker, but could just swallow my pride and do Rudiger to Dias (-4)?

              1. sunzip14
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Raphinha on bench is interesting...

                1. No Professionals
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 21 days ago

                  it's him or Bamford. tossed a coin.

            10. SuperDan
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Yay or nay?

              Son > Barnes

              1. Jafooli
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                No chance...

              2. No Professionals
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                nay

              3. sunzip14
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                No

              4. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Lord no

              5. Jam0sh
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Nah

              6. tom2224
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Yesss... Just kidding, no!

            11. The Wizard of Ozil
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Looking at Grealish & Ash Barnes out Harv Barnes & Watkins in

              Do we think either of Pereira or Diagne are worth a pint instead?

            12. tom2224
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Cavani + Grealish > Kane (TC) + Lookman / DCL + Barnes? (-4)

              1. sunzip14
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                2 players out 4 players in?

                1. sunzip14
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 21 days ago

                  Oh got it. The one with Kane

            13. OptimusBlack
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              On my WC and i want to get one of Periera or Tarore as a punt instead of Gündogan ??
              Yees do it
              Noo Keep Gundo

              1. tom2224
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                Seems like an unnecessary punt to me.

                1. OptimusBlack
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 21 days ago

                  Okay cheers

            14. mdm
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Mitchell (FUL, MUN) to Targett (lee, shu) worth a -4?

            15. Podorsky
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 21 days ago

              Final decision: A: Reguillion and Foden or B: Lookman and Cancelo. Leaning towards A as Reguilion and Foden could be a slight differentia

              1. tom2224
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 21 days ago

                B I think. Trying to be different hasn't rewarded me this season.