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. rdpx
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Calvert-Lewin in for Bamford, yea or nay?

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

      Is he match fit gonna start?

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

        Yes I would get DCL - two ideal fixtures for him

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

        He’s gonna start and he’s gonna haul

  2. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on Sterling > Salah -4?

    Salah likely to get more minutes. Has the standout fixture away to an injury-hit SHU. Been doing better away from home. Sterling up against two teams that don't concede a lot of big chances. And of course Salah has pens.

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

      Will you captain Salah?

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

        Undecided. Between him and Kane.

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

      I'd keep Sterling in an City side with 4 fixtures in 2 gameweeks.

      Salah is playing in a goal shy Liverpool side

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

    Best City mid beyond Gundogan this GW?

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

      KDB or Mahrez

    2. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      KDB

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

    Anyone considering Reguillon on WC?

    Was previously set on Shaw, but Reguillon seems pretty nailed and was rested mid-week as well - so is clearly set to start the next game, at least. Fixtures are BUR - ful - CRY - ars - vil, which look much better on paper than those for Shaw who has Chelsea and City in the next 3 and he'll blank in G29.

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

      I'm buying him. Worth the risk to me.

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

        Aye, I think I'm going in too.

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

      Yup, good shout, good fixtures, GW 29. Good player to set and forget for the next while

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

    Which to do here guys?

    Martinez
    Dias Cancelo Shaw
    Salah Bruno Gundogan Son Raphinha
    Ings DCL

    Pope Lowton Bamford Ferguson

    0.6 ITB, 1FT

    A) Ings + Ferguson > Watkins + Digne/Pereira (-4) BB
    B) Son + Ings > Barnes + Kane (-4) TC Kane
    C) Son + Ings + Ferguson > Barnes + Kane + White (-8) BB

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B for me I think

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

    TC vs BB

    Basically it's one match of Kane vs Dallas+Bamford

    Too close to decide yet

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

    14 Doubles and JWP

    -----------------------MARTINEZ
    --------CANCELO, STONES, PEREIRA
    SON, FERNANDES, GUNDOGAN, BARNES
    -----RICHARLISON, KANE(C), WATKINS

    Bench: POPE, LOWTON, KEANE, ward-prowse

    Bench Boost activated

    Good to go?

    1. 1895Reds
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      JWP for Lookman?

  8. Malinwa
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who TC?:
    A) Bruno
    B) DCL
    C) Salah

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B or C. Don’t like the chelsea fixture

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

        I’m on A at the moment. Not sure why everyone seems to be scared of the Chelsea fixture

        1. Riders of Yohan
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Just getting a lot better defensively and probably will have more of the ball. Plus Bruno isn’t as good against the big teams

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

        Liverpool also play chelsea?

        1. Riders of Yohan
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yes but that Sheffield game is the star

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

            Better fixture than Palace?

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

    Surely better to start Bamford over Raphine because of ownership?

    55% v 10%

    Bamford haul can do serious rank damage....

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

      I'm playing the latter, benching Bam.

      Raph seems due a haul.

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

      Bamford on pens to further add to your dilemma

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

      conversely a raphinha haul could do the opposite

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

      Think it's just a case of if you're trying to make up points or not, I'd have Bamford marginally ahead

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

    Pick one on FH. Have Kane and Reguilon

    A Son
    B Kane
    C Rashford

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Don’t you have Kane already?

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

        B is Bale

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

      B Bale*

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

      A

  11. Riders of Yohan
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    £0.2 ITB, 2FT

    Martinez
    Cancelo, Rudiger, Dallas
    Sterling, Salah, Bruno, Gundo, rashford
    Watkins, Bamford

    Forster. Struijk, Antonio, Kilman

    A) rashford + Antonio -> ESR + Kane (TC)
    B) rashford + antonio -> Barnes + DCL (TC Salah)
    C) rashford, antonio, Kilman, Forster -> Barnes, DCL, Target, Areola (BB)

    Appreciate any help!
    C)

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

      C for me

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

      A

    3. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks both!

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

    Foden or El Ghazi or Raphinha?

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

    Salah, Bamford, Antonio & Ings to Kane (TC), Watkins, DCL & Barnes for -12 worth it ?

  14. The Wogmeister
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Need to remove Grealish. Thoughts on James Rodriguez for this dgw?

    Already have Barnes-Gundo-Bruno-Salah.

    Not enough funds for KDB.

  15. philc
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How many DGW players needed minimum? Anything more than 9 is going to need a wildcard from me.....

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

      Yikes someone hasn’t been following Ben Crellin...

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

      I’m not sure there will be a better time to WC to be honest. That’s the way to look at it.

  16. jbenny1107
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Would you go Kane/Digne in for Antonio/Mee or Kane/Son in for Antonio/Grealish here? Can't afford Digne if I get Son.

    Martinez/Pope
    Cancelo/Stones/Shaw/Mee* (Dallas)
    Salah/Fernandes/Gundo/Grealish* (Raph)
    DCL/Antonio* (Bamford)

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

      Toughie, if you have value in Grealish I would be tempted to hold due to his run. If not then I’d go Son in and you can get Grealish back if there’s a DGW 28 or for 29

      1. jbenny1107
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Should I take a -8 and get Targett? Or, just roll with Mee.

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

          No, I wouldn’t. I’d sooner bench Mee and start Raphina.

          1. jbenny1107
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks!

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

    1) Cavani and Son -> Kane and Barnes (-8)
    2) Cavani -> Richarlison (-4) (have DCL)
    3) Cavani -> Watkins (-4)

  18. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captain??

    A. Kane
    B. Salah
    C. Son
    D. DCL
    E. Bruno

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

      A or E, I can’t decide....

    2. The Wogmeister
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A and TC

      1. Meme2011
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        my current thinking - but alot of love for DCL putting me off

    3. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bruno always comes through. I'm going E.

  19. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Start Raph, Bamford or Targett, currently on Targett but is that DGW blinding me?

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

      Raph

    2. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Targett. Sounds like Cash might be back.

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers both. Might just flip a coin, could be a big swing as a few ML rivals will play Raph

  20. Teomi
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A or B on WC?

    Will FH 29...

    A
    martinez
    Digne Stones Cancelo*
    Bruno Salah Gundo Barnes Son*
    Kane DCL

    fabri Mitchel struijk Brewster

    B
    martinez
    Digne Stones Shaw*
    Bruno Salah Gundo Barnes
    Kane DCL Vardy*

    fabri konsa struijk ESR

    1. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

  21. E25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I'm taking Soucek out for a hit on BB. 6.5 budget:
    A) Pereira
    B) Lookman

    Pereira higher ceiling on pens but Lookman has a gw29 fixture.. struggling with this one.

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

      I went Traore

      1. E25
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Already have triple villa unfortunately (Martinez, Konsa, Watkins)

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

      Pereira for me as better GW 27 and 28. Lookman has tough games those two weeks so you might be benching him to have in 29

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

    Quick vote please...

    Not having DCL this GW is:
    a) FPL suicide
    b) Ok if you've got other eve coverage
    c) No big deal

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

      C

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

      C for me and crap fixture next week plus blank 29. I’m going without

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He’s a great pick this GW that’s what I’ll say on the matter. Best two fixtures

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Don't get it. Please explain.

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

    Not an immediate option of course but Auba has 7 from his last 5 starts by my count - missing a few in the middle of course

    Pencilling him in for 29 to get Liverpool defence in 30. Bar no Southampton he has an almost perfect run in.

  24. Mitchstone
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Best sub 5.0 defender for this GW?

    1. Holgate (SOU, wba)
    2. Adarabioyo (cry, TOT)
    3. Targett/Konsa (lee, shu)
    4. Other?

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

      Aina

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

      why Adarabioyo?

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

    Team is currently:

    Martinez - Areola
    Dunk - Struijk - Cancelo - Shaw - Dias
    Barnes - Salah - Gundo - Bruno - Raphinha
    Bamford - Ings - Watkins

    1 FT / 3.3 ITB

    Planning on a Bench Boost to be able to have weaker options on the bench from next GW on. Want DCL and Kane. Ings is definitely going. Have a little value in Bamford but still think he's the other one to switch given that Watkins has the DGW (and another to come). 0.6 short to fund that though. Free Hit and Wildcard gone. Any of these options sound worth it? Don't fancy going more than a -8.

    A): Dunk --> Veltman/Burn
    B): Watkins --> Maja
    C): Settle for Bamford and Ings --> DCL and Vardy (within budget for a -4)
    D): Other?

    Thanks.

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

      You could just do Ings to Kane and use BB on your Leeds players. I’ve wildcarded and kept three Leeds on my bench. I’d only love to be able to use my BB at the same time

      1. FPLDarsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        True. Thanks. Yeah, aside from wanting the BB out of the way to have the flexibility to use non-playing/low point enablers if needed, I don't mind the single GW players that would play for me this.

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

    Are people not going with Bruno or Salah captain, because of the Chelsea fixture? Are they really that good defensively?
    Or just better options this week?

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Can't see beyond DCL...

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

        I said that before Newcastle at home! Hmmm...

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

      I think its the fact that both OGS and Tuchel would probably take a draw out of that game. And while Palace looks a good fixture on paper, the really exposed Utd earlier in the season with their tactics.

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

        Fair point. The clean sheets Chelsea have kept, have been against average attacking teams.

        It’s not the same Palace, or the same United. No Zaha for starters.

  27. The Wogmeister
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on James Rodriguez as a differential to replace Grealish?

    1. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Too inconsistent

  28. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone considering Salah to KDB ?

    1. jbenny1107
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Salah has nice run-in. I would rather have double Man City D w/ Gundo until KDB starts scoring. Someone said he only has 1 goal in open play all season.

    2. G00LI0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      That's my biggest decision on WC. I fancy KDB this week and he is being overlooked by many. A haul from him could shoot you up the ranks if salah underperforms.

      I have KDB in my team at the moment instead of Salah as can't fit them both in. I'm not comfortable without Salah though. Feels like I'm gambling without him.

  29. ExpressoMySonny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    How does this BB look??

    Martinez Arreloa

    Dallas Konsa Rudiger Dias White

    Son KDB Gundo Bruno Barnes

    Bamford DCL Watkins

    Which one will score more and is better long term
    A) DCL Barnes and Dallas
    B) Kane Shaw and Raphinia