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

    Will Bamford to Watkins -4 pay off over the next few weeks?

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

      Depends when Grealish is back

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

      I think it will, great fixtures, possibly two DGWs. Also plays in BGW29.

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

        I agree, although Bamford has the better fixture in BGW29.

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

      No

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

      Touch and go

      Bamford and Raph look increasingly good together and can score in any fixture. Watkins with no Grealish could struggle. Even with him Villa created the square root of fa against Brighton. Would only fancy Watkins for the Newcastle and SHU fixtures.

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

    What to choose?

    A) Ederson + Digne
    B) Lloris + Dias or Cancelo

    1. Couch Potato
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  3. Westfield Irons ⭐️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Dallas (AVL) or N.Phillips (shu + CHE)
    Not bench boosting and needed a 4.0 defender, looks as though Philips could play v Sheffield but might lose his place to Fabinho v Chelsea. Who has the best upside? I think I know what the consesus will be but wonder if anyone thinks a Philips punt due to differential (0.6% owned) is worth considering?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A. Can’t see any upside in playing Phillips

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

    Bamford and Barnes or Raphinha and Watkins?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      The BBs

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

      Raphina Watkins

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

      RW

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

    Am I safe to do these moves?

    Sterling, Ings to Gundogan, Kane for -4

    No injury news?

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

      Yes your good Johnson.

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

    How many starts for Mahrez across the next 4 home games?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      2

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

      2/3 maybe.

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

    That Blades defence looks fun, Salah TC temptation increasing

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

      Can't believe I don't have him.

    2. gedda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I am torn. Their form is terrible, yet he is the top scorer in the league. I have at least one Liverpool asset being transfered out this week...

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

    Antonio & Coufal to Watkins & Stones for -4 and BB?

    Martinez Areola
    Cancelo Maguire Stones Tarkowski Targett
    Salah Bruno Son Gundogan RAPHINHA
    DCL Watkins BAMFORD

    1. lets talk about 6
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      who would you play our of Tarkowski Bamford and Raphina

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

        Well I'm playing all of them. If given an option I'd go with Raphinha maybe.

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

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

        Cheers mate

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

    Team,

    Posting again, thanks! Would you do A or B for this week:

    A: WC
    Martinez, Johnstone
    DIAS, AINA, STRUIJK, ELMO, Stones
    Fernandes, BARNES, KDB, Saka, Son
    Bamford, KANE (C), Watkins
    (8 players for GW29)

    B: Hit + TC
    Martinez, Johnstone
    Mee, Lowton, Mitchell, PEREIRA, Stones
    Fernandes, Salah, Gundo, Saka, Son
    Bamford, KANE (TC), Watkins
    (5 players for GW29, will have to FH)

    Thoughts? Cheers!

    /G

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

      B

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

        Cheers Jafooli!

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

    No reports yet from City press conference? Thought it was 1.30 pm

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

      done and dusted

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

      Nothing to report. KDB fully fit. Everyone else fine.

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

        Did he not tell us his teams for the next four games?

        Bald fraud....

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

      Thanks All- missed it

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

    A) Sterling + Watkins
    B) Barnes + Kane -4

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

      B

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

      B imo

    3. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Tough one, B if Kane captain

  12. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    TC Chip on a Jose attacker is asking for trouble isn’t it?

    Two capable defences too...

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

      Yup

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

      That's why I'm going Bruno.

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

        That’s where I’m currently at.....far more consistent

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

      Lol don't then

  13. European Bob
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) KdB, Shaw and Konsa

    B) Son, Cancelo and Ricardo

    Thanks

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

      B

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

    TC a City player in 27? Southampton with no Romeu

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

      what if they don't start? uh oh

    2. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Good a time as any, selecting one that doesn't get benched is the only challenged

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

      Can't trust any of them to play twice.

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

        Sterling, Gundo or KDB if they get a rest before the first game of the double

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

      Yes, but who else than a nailed KDB? Tough to get him in...

  15. GE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On BB (have DCL) 🙂

    1) Cavani and Son -> Kane and Barnes (-4)
    2) Soucek -> Pereira/Lookman/Traore and hopes Cavani are fit
    3) Cavani and Soucek -> Watkins and Barnes (-4)

    1. European Bob
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      3

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

        Thanks, Son -> Kane riski?

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

      1 if u plan to captain Kane, 2 others (Pereira)

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

        Thanks 🙂

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

        Cavani fit?

    3. 2's Kompany 3's M…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Option 1 looks good to me

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

        Not worried about Son to Kane?

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

    Keep switching between Bruno and DCL...GTG?
    Mendy
    Dias Stones Digne Mee
    Bruno (TC) Salah Son Gundogan
    DCL(VTC) Richarlison
    Meslier Raphina Bamford Coufal

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

    On WC (final call)

    1) Reguilon & Bale
    2) Dawson & Son (start Konsa this GW)

    Bale should start vs burnley and has looked better than Son when both on pitch, I am also chasing (worried that him and Reguilon will only start once though)

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

    Will there be other good TC options later in the season?

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

      yes

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

        but not necessarily more obvious DGW choices, When it comes to captaining tow rolls of the dice is better than one

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

      Not sure but now we have plenty options. Just so hard to pick one. Bruno prolly for me. Do not have Kane, DCL not 100% fit and Son not in-form but could score alot. Bruno seems safest.

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

        I’m thinking because there are so many options, I’d prefer to use when only one option.

        Less painful that way 😀

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

    Who’s going Kane(TC)?

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

      Absolutely me

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

      Bruno

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

        Against Chelsea?

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

          Yeah why not. Chelsea really haven't been tested yet.Utd are better than anything they've played. Pace up front against Aspi etc. Mendy is a walking disaster with ball at feet. Definitely think United will score and bruno usually is involved. Then palace away. What's not to like about that.

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

      Probably will in the end, but like Salah/DCL too

    4. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Me

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

    With KDB back, I can see goals for Stones/Dias in the DGWs.

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dias is beyond due

    2. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Great shout

  21. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I just heard from someone this - Mourinho on Harry Kane

    "In the Premier League, he [Vinicius] is going to play because we have so many matches that Kane cannot play every match."

    Reckon this is a threat to the Kane DGW and subsequent TC armband?

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

      That would be a slap in the face if captaining Kane as planned....

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

      😮

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

      Smells like BS

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

        This

      2. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Source is someone on Twitter. But to the BS question. Hmm can't see Kane being rested in these next two, or at least, look, he was rested in Europa right. Still, if correct quote, then it's something else to think about.

      3. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        See link on comment below

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

      Link?

      1. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        https://twitter.com/FFH_HQ

        Source is @RobGuesty (hope helps). Let me know your thoughts. Was set on TC Kane, but not sure now.

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

          Sounds like Jose type lies but it’s annoying as I am potentially TC also

  22. A-L
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Looks like Cash back in training - no double start for El Mohamady then?

    1. LFC Bootroom
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Oh Crap, got El on WC last week, plan of BB in 26 but this is such a blow
      Surely starts vs Leeds, El
      Not sure about their next fixture with 3 days break

      1. A-L
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I might still go for it - all the injury news updates on here and Physioroom seem to say he'll still be expected back 13th. Surely out for tomorrow and there's not loads of time before they play on 3rd if still not joined in with 1st team training

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

    Would you rather BB in 27 (3xsou, 3xman city) or 28(3xast, 3xeve if this is a DGW)?

    27 seems to be safer with Man City (players at least 1 out of 2 games). 28 has a higher ceiling but Man City may be benched against Fulham

  24. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    yay or ney

    Rafinha out for Gundagon for a -4??

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

      Wouldn't sell Raphinha for a hit and Gundogan could miss a game

      1. How I met your Mata
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        but city have 4 fixtures to his 2 in next 2 gws

  25. Eightball
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    On a wildcard

    A) Aina - Targett - Raphina - 4.8 million keeper
    B) Lookman - Targett - Dallas - 4.7 million keeper
    C) Something else?

    Rest of the team is:
    Martniez
    Dias - Stones - Digne
    Salah - Fernandes - Gundogan - Barnes
    DCL - Kane - Bamford

    Still have BB to play somewhere down the line so want to have a playing second keeper. No FH either so have to plan for Bank GW29. Thinking 30 looks half decent in terms of fixtures for a bench boost.

  26. lets talk about 6
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    play one of....
    a.bamford
    b. lowton
    c. raphina

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

  27. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    With this dgw and 29 in mind?

    A) Aina, Watkins
    B) Dier, Diagne (probably a hit at some point.)

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

      a

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

      A

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers

  28. Mr.K
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Have WBA continued to be trash the last weeks as well? I'm considering TC'ing DCL over Gundogan largely because of WBA (and Pep). Makes sense?

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

      WBA have looked far better the last few weeks, should have beat Man U and also outplayed Burnley with 10 men. A lot of talk about bringing in some of their players

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

    I remember back in the day there was a site that could show what opponents in ML who had used which chips? Anyone URL?

  30. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone holding Grealish? Can't decide between the follwing:

    A) Grealish --> Son/Barnes (-4)
    B) Play Bamford/Dallas and bench Grealish
    C) Bamford --> DCL and bench Grealish