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, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

      A

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

      A closely followed by B

    4. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

      Can you help me below please

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

        Done, although maybe not much help....

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

      B

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

      B. Not convinced KdB is 'match' fit.

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

      Great thank you both.

  3. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

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

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

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

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

      Been on Bruno all week but Kane is slowly tempting me

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

    Any1 fancying a punt on Salah for captaincy ?

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

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

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

      nah man, having him in team is more than enough

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

      Not really, with other options looking better...

    4. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Seriously considering it

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

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

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

      Henderson is out

  5. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

      A

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

        I agree - its going to be exciting!

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

      DCL

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

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

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

      Kane

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

      Kane or Bruno, Bruno or Kane....

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

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

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

      I'm going with DCL

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

        Plays 180?

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

          Why not? No European games.

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

            Fitness!

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

          Nah, not fit

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

    Who would you rather play?

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

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

      I own Pope and Raphina FWIW

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

      Probably A, I think....

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

      A

    4. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Probably A

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

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

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

      If you are ok for GW29, sure.

  9. SharkyT
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

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

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

      c

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

      C

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

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

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

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

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

      Fixture in 27 is what would sway me

  11. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

      Nah....

  12. Party time
      3 years, 1 month ago

      My captain pick is going down to the wire

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

        Has Wire got a DGW?

        1. Party time
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Absolutely 😆

            Shrewsbury town fc & Rochdale a.f.c

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

              TC him then 😉

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

          are you promoting FPL wire?

          1. Party time
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Wtf is fpl wire?

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

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

                1. Party time
                    3 years, 1 month ago

                    Yuck! That is so disgusting

                2. Now I'm Panicking
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 1 month ago

                  I think Idris Elba is in it.

          2. Nay08
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

              1

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

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

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

              Rudiger

          4. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

              Honestly, I would consider saving FT 😮

            2. Wicked Weapon
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

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

                1. Wicked Weapon
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

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

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

                I have BB remaining.

            2. Gross Blank Point
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

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

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

            When are Maddison and Grealish back from injury?

            1. Nay08
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

                When the fat lady sings

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

                2. Pereira or Lookman

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

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

            5. mdm
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

                A

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

                A

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

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

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

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

            8. CAP
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

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

              1. No Professionals
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                TC Kane

              2. sunzip14
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                TC

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

                Had almost same Dilemma. Went for TC Kane

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

                BB

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

                bb

              6. Tango74
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

                Raphinha on bench is interesting...

                1. No Professionals
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 1 month ago

                  it's him or Bamford. tossed a coin.

            10. SuperDan
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              Yay or nay?

              Son > Barnes

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

                No chance...

              2. No Professionals
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                nay

              3. sunzip14
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                No

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

                Lord no

              5. Jam0sh
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Nah

              6. tom2224
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                Yesss... Just kidding, no!

            11. The Wizard of Ozil
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

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

              1. sunzip14
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                2 players out 4 players in?

                1. sunzip14
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 1 month ago

                  Oh got it. The one with Kane

            13. OptimusBlack
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

                Seems like an unnecessary punt to me.

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

                  Okay cheers

            14. mdm
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

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

            15. Podorsky
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 1 month 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, 1 month ago

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