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. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Look at my opponent’s history in the ffs cup...... unreal

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/2898/history

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

      You're obviously on for a stinker this week 🙂

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Most likely lol

      1. lespaul
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        210

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

          200 when I put his ID in the link I posted but still ridiculously good.

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

        257 here....great tool, not seen that before

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

          I normally use it to highlight my captaincy picks for the past GWs.

          https://www.premierfantasytools.com/fpl-captain-picks-analyzer/

      3. La Di Da
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Class, never seen that before. I’m 1,691. I’ll take that

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

      Looks like he might have invented FPL, be playing for that long....

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

      256k... and the worst season in 14 years... impressive

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

      Newbie kind question. Where exactly is the FFS cup history?

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

        Think he means the season history (OR) of his opponent in the FFS cup

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

          Ahem, how does one enter this cup?

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

            Think there’s an FFS members cup and general cup - there’s an article somewhere, although think it’s already started.

            I forgot to enter this season...

    5. EMERGING STAR
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      wow!

  2. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Good to go? Bench and bench order correct?

    __________ Martinez* ___________
    _____Stones* Shaw* Dias* _______
    Bruno* Salah* Gund* Barnes* Raphina
    ________ Kane* DCL*(TC) _______

    Fabri - Bamford - Dallas - White

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

      Yessir. Looks good to me.

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Very nice

    3. Pedaso Pirates
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm on Kane TC. My only question. Rest looking great.

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

      Can have practically same team for a -8 .....

  3. lespaul
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Sean Dyche " Touch and Go" Bingo

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

    Currently have to play 2 SGW players. Any worth a hit or save?

    A) Rudiger > Digne/Pereira/Dias (-4)
    B) Struijk > Stones/Targett (-4)
    C) Save

    Martinez
    Shaw, Cancelo, Dunk
    Salah, Bruno, Barnes, Gundogan, Raphina
    Kane, DCL

    Fabri, Rudiger, Bamford, Struijk

  5. Khalico
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    TC on Kane or DCL?
    I'm swaying towards Kane but still unsure.

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

      Kane - safety in numbers

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

        Haven't you seen the rumours on previous page - Kane to be benched 😉

    2. Pedaso Pirates
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      KANE

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

      The stat that worries me are the goals conceded over the last 4 match - they seem to heavily favour DCL
      DCL is facing WBA (5) and SOT (9) - 14 goals
      Kane is facing BUR (2) and FUL (1) - 3 goals

  6. flynner25
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed
    Who is the Best over the next 3 Gameweeks

    A. Ricardo Pereira - Playing way OOP - (Pretty good GW26) plus good single fixtures in 27 and 28

    or

    B. Lucas Digne - Playing reasonably advanced - (Excellent GW26) Bad fixture 27 and potential double in 28

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A, more clean sheet potential

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

    Go template or go differential:

    A) Kane (c) and Barnes
    B) KDB (c) and Bamford

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

      *A) is a -4
      B) is free

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

        who would you take out for KDB? I am tempted to lose Salah, pool are a mess.

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

          Sterling

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

            tough, sterling could easily play as many minutes and outscore KDB.

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

            KDB and Watkins or if more funds Richarlison

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

              Can get Richarlison for a hit over Bamford

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

                do you have FH to navigate 29? I don't so am avoiding taking anyone out who plays that week.

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

                  No FH, wouldn't actually be losing Bamford, just benching for Ings(Richarlison -4)

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

                    Then dont touch leeds players and bring in spurs avl players...can advice me below?

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

                This for a -4

                Martinez
                Digne Cancelo Tarkowski
                KDB(c) Bruno Son Gundogan Raphinha
                DCL Richarlison

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

                  I think just having KDB is differential enough, wouldn't go all in with the captaincy. Nice to have him a week earlier as there's a good chance there'll be a rush to him in 27.

                  be tempted to captain DCL.

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

            I love having KDB in my team, because he is so fundamental to how the best team in the league play. Just put off by mins and possibly not on pens anymore.

      2. flynner25
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        A

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

      A as long as you have 3 Mcity fulfilled, else fill with city player

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

      I'm looking at exactly same dilemma, and leaning towards A due to nailedness. Simply not sure whether KDB will get more minutes than Sterling givne his long injury lay-off. Although Pep clearly said he's fit to play

  8. Rocky FPL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Already have Martinez.
    Who to get to BB in 26?
    A) Schmeichel (in form)
    B) Lloris (Best fixtures)
    C) Pickford (potential DGW in 27/28?)

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Are you free hitting in 29?

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

    Bench boost. GTG?

    Did Antonio & Coufal to Watkins & Stones for -4

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

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

      Solid

      Very similar set up bar the fact I have Vardy not DCL

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

        Cheers mate

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

    Safe to make transfers now? Want to spend quality time staring at my sexy new BB squad.

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

      Yeah nothing major from the pressers

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

        Cheers Miguel. Feeling ready for the DGW?

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

          Not at all - haven't made my moves yet. There's a boring Sterling and INgs to Kane and Barnes or something else mor einteresting I haven't worked out yet

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

    Who are your differentials? 10% ownership or less:

    Mee - Digne - Foden

    Doesn’t look great when you look at it like that 😮

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

      Tarkowski
      Digne
      Raphinha
      Sterling at 12% but likely to be sold

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

      Digne, Alonso, Matty Pereira.

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

        That’s very decent

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

          My rank sadly isn't!

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

      Digne and James Rodriguez.

      Thought I had more.

    4. Chris_H
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Lloris, Digne, Diagne, Pereira - still not entirely sold on Lloris but good fixtures 26/27

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

      Raphinha and Konsa

      omg.

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

        😛

    6. Wings Fan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Digne
      Shaw
      Raphinha
      Maja
      Coufal

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

    Why did Bruno start last night when United were pretty much through after the first leg?

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

      Because they would have lost if he didn’t start and Utd would’ve probably been knocked out....

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah strange decision to play him.

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

        Ah here. There's a bit of truth in that though.

        1. Here's Tom with the We…
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Truth in what?

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

    1) Cavani and Son -> Kane and Barnes (-8)
    2) Cavani -> Watkins (-4) (max 8.7)

    (have DCL)

  14. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Going with the bench boost this week, anything worth a hit?

    Martinez*,
    Cancelo*, Dias*, Digne*
    Salah*, Bruno*, Gundo*, Barnes*, Raphinia
    Kane (C)*, DCL*

    Pope*, Lowton*, Bamford, Dallas

    A) Lowton > Konsa/Rudiger
    B) Bamford > Watkins
    C) Nothing

    0 FT 0.2 ITB (BB, WC, TC)

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      C

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

      If you are not using FH in 29 then A with Konsa I think.. Otherwise C

  15. Svidde
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Surely salah (c) this round is overlooked? Has the most expected points of all players this gw, but the backline seems a little worrying. Currently between salah and kane for captaincy this week and need help who to pick.

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

      Very possibly especially with the insane potential of the Sheff Utd fixture

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

        it's easy to forget just how shocking liverpool have been recently, and now Henderson is out. You wouldn't expect much from the chelsea game, so it's all on sheff utd. Liverpool have struggled against the bottom sides already this season.

    2. EMERGING STAR
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah..But i am more worried about Bruno tbh. I have Son instead of Kane. So Bruno could be my captain.

  16. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Lowton to Konsa worth a hit?

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

      Been considering the same. Leaning towards that it's worth it because I need Konsa in 29 aswell. (FH used)

      1. The White Pele
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        yep, also likely to have DGW28.

  17. Sho-kun
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Grealish/Ings --> Barnes/Kane -4
    B) Grealish/Ings/Sterling --> Barnes/Kane/KDB -8

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

    2. Super John McGinn-
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  18. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Convince me I'm being stupid here - I'm sure I am.

    Is Meslier -> Areola/Johnstone worth a -4? Extra game this week and It allows me to get Raphinha in for 29 (already have Dallas & Bamford).

    1. EMERGING STAR
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      BB? Who is the other keeper?

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Martinez

        1. EMERGING STAR
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          if you are BB and this will help getting Rafinha later then yeah

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

      If BB then yes. go for cheaper one

  19. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Ricardo Pereira (c) anyone? I'm really feeling it

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

      nah, honestly dont fancy leicester

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

      Why?

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

      not after last night

  20. barcaa7
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who is the best Fulham defender?

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

      Not sure but Aina looks good and plays GW29.

  21. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am I the only one who doesn't have DCL...

    It's got my considering -4 to transfer Bam/Watkins to get him in which is madness right?

  22. EMERGING STAR
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Coufal + Rafinha to Digne + Foden for -4 ???

    I will get back Rafinha later

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

    Massive gamble so... no changes. Team is as it was a few days ago. Sterling gets the (C). They're best placed to score big, Sterling has a higher ceiling, lower floor... allons-y!

    1. Sho-kun
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ouii

    2. EMERGING STAR
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Really like Sterling TC. Please don't change it last minute unless we hear any news

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

      Had a thought about Raz (C) too but he has disappointed me far too much.

  24. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Could use some input guys 🙂

    Grealish -> Barnes and Sterling -> KdB for free and enter the DGW without any Spurs players?

    Yay?

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

      Going to Barnes, yeah... but does KdB start? Unsure. Maybe hold off for GW27?

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

      Barnes.

      De Bruyne pre-injury wasn't near his usual magic. Not seeing the fuss unless he's had a few decent games pre DGW.

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

      Just Grealiah to Barnes is enough. Can advice me.below bro?

  25. Kingsy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who should I TC?:
    A) Gundogan (risk pep rotation)
    B) Kane
    C) Son
    D) Bruno

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

      for me it is between B) and C). Kane has looked sharp in the last 2 (unlucky to get nothing against West Ham).

      Bruno hasn't been looking great, but has that ability to get a double figure haul out of nowhere.

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

      Kane

  26. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Vardy a risk on FH? Might not start both?

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

      He wil play if he is in ffs scout predicted lineups. He love scoring vs Ars so I will have on FH. Can advice me.below?

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

      He’s quite expensive and there are other premiums to prioritise.

  27. Fernando Torres
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is this worth -8 and BB

    Ings and Dallas OUT

    Vardy + Mitchell IN

    Bench would be: Mccarthy, Mitchell, Vardy, Burn

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not worth it

      1. Fernando Torres
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  28. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Which looks better till gw 29
    1) Salah + Watkins
    2) Barnes/J Rodriguez + Kane (-4)
    Still have to see highlights of last few Spurs and Liv games, but what do you guys reckon about it? I have never taken out Salah this season and am 1500 ovr. Want to challenge all the way so looking at some calculated risk

  29. Here's Tom with the We…
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anything worth a hit? Or GTG?

    Martinez
    Stones Dias Digne
    Son Salah Bruno(tc) Barnes Gundo
    DCL Watkins
    Johnstone Bamford Dallas Cresswell

  30. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope Johnstone
    Shaw Cancelo Alioski Mee Coufal
    Raphinha Bruno Salah Gundo Sterling
    Bamford Ings Antonio

    0.4m itb, 1ft.

    What to do?? (I need more players for 29 blank gw)

    Ings and Bruno to Kane and Barnes??