Spot the Differential

Firmino has timed resurgent FPL form to be useful Gameweek 38 differential

Gameweek 38 offers FPL managers a final opportunity to identify a differential to inspire a final push up the rankings.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham United 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.

Roberto Firmino

  • FPL ownership: 4.9%
  • Price: £9.1m
  • GW38 fixture: CRY

With three goals and an assist in his last four appearances, Roberto Firmino (£9.1m) is an intriguing final day differential.

The Brazilian has had a disappointing campaign by his standards, with his place in Jürgen Klopp’s starting XI threatened by the impact of Diogo Jota (£6.9m). However, he has finally found some form at the business end of the season.

Firmino fed Thiago (£5.5m) to seal Liverpool’s 2-0 victory against Southampton back in Gameweek 34, and has since followed that up with a brace of goals at Manchester United, a part in the equaliser at West Bromwich Albion, plus Wednesday’s opener at Burnley. During that time, he has acquired 27 FPL points, and now sits level alongside Sadio Mané (£11.8m) and Jota on nine Premier League goals, with only Mohamed Salah (£12.9m) scoring more for the Reds.

For a player who contributes so much to Liverpool’s all-round game, it does perhaps seem unfair to criticise him, but purely in FPL terms, he has struggled. In fact, prior to Gameweek 35, he had scored just one goal since Gameweek 14. Despite that, his numbers throughout the season have generally remained good, only his finishing has let him down, which is backed up by his negative 2.62 expected goals (xG) delta. However, such is the impact of confidence and goals on centre-forwards, that total has jumped to +1.77 over the last four Gameweeks.

Barring a huge Leicester City win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, victory at home against Crystal Palace will be enough for Liverpool to secure a top-four finish, and as a result, qualify for next seasons Champions League. With a run of seven wins and two draws in their last nine Premier League matches, it looks like they have got their act together at exactly the right moment, and with Firmino full of confidence, could be set for a big finish.

Nicolas Pépé

  • FPL ownership: 1.7%
  • Price: £7.7m
  • GW38 fixture: BHA

Nicolas Pépé (£7.7m) has been in fine form of late, and is starting to show his quality following his £72m transfer from Lille back in 2019.

It would be fair to say it has taken the 25-year-old a fair bit of time to get going, but with 13 goal involvements in all competitions in 2021, which included a brace against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 37, he is now starting to produce more consistently.

The Ivorian winger’s first on Wednesday night, a lovely cushioned volley after great link-up play between Kieran Tierney (£5.2m) and Bukayo Saka (£5.1m), set Arsenal on their way, while his second late on was a fine solo effort. He ended the match with 55 final-third touches, more than any other player, and was comfortably the best performer on the pitch.  

Those who have been paying attention will know his numbers have been good for a while, though. 

Since the turn of the year, amongst team-mates, he ranks top for penalty area touches and goal attempts in the box, second for shots on target and third for xG. In fact, amongst all midfielders who have played a substantial number of minutes, only Liverpool trio Jota, Salah and Mané, plus Mason Greenwood (£7.3m) and Kai Havertz (£8.3m), can better his 2.29 shots in the box per 90 minutes total. 

The Gunners’ square off against Brighton and Hove Albion in their last Premier League game of the season on Sunday, knowing victory, coupled with rivals Spurs’ and Everton dropping points, would see them finish seventh, and as a result secure a spot in the inaugural Europa Conference League competition.

Pepe has impressed for Arsenal in 2021, and now showing increased consistency and more end-product, could be an effective midfield differential for the final-day.

Saïd Benrahma

  • FPL ownership: 0.3%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW38 fixture: SOU

Saïd Benrahma (£5.9m) has been something of a bit-part player at West Ham United this season, but has now produced attacking returns in three of his last four appearances.

The unpredictable Algerian has supplied assists against Burnley and West Bromwich Albion, and also found the back of the net at Brighton with a superb curling finish from the edge of the area.

His attacking numbers during that time have caught the eye, too.

Over the last four Gameweeks, he ranks top amongst team-mates for expected assists (xA), second for chances created and joint-third for shots on target. Meanwhile, amongst all Premier League players who have featured for over 100 minutes during that period, only Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m) can trump his 0.45 xA per 90 minutes.

However, the real appeal lies in this weekend’s opponents, Southampton. 

As noted by Neale earlier this week, Benrahma has spent a lot of time on the right-flank over the last two matches, and it was from this position that he assisted against West Brom. And if stationed on that side on Sunday, he’ll be up against a Saints team who have conceded the second-highest number of chances from their left over the last six games – a period that has coincided with Ryan Bertrand’s (£5.0m) unavailability and the deployment of centre-halves Mohammed Salisu (£4.3m) and Jack Stephens (£4.6m) as make-shift left-backs.

Motivation shouldn’t be an issue for the Hammers, either, as a single point in Gameweek 38 will be enough for them to seal a place in next seasons Europa League.

Benrahma is a real difference-maker, and could be an explosive mid-price punt for those willing to move away from the midfield template.

Pro Pundits 7
1,336 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Benching Bruno seems so strange

    Mendy
    Taa, Dallas, Coufal
    Salah, Torres, Raphina, Lingard
    Kane, Antonio, Wood

    Martinez, Bruno, Struijk, Mitchell 0ft .4itb

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Manè for a hit only causes more issues with who to bench. Chasing 10 points currently in ML

      1. dark91
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        If you decide to bring in Mane then bench Lingard

  2. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Given Klopp's latest quote on Jota, who you start him ahead of Greenwood?

    Afterall Liverpool have more to play for, and even if Greenwood does start, he'll be surrounded by second team players

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Greenwood scored last time he was surrounded by second teamers, and Jota would probs just be a cameo at best

  3. Inter Me Gran
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Keep Bale or Son??

    1. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son probably.

  4. Calum Undisputed
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    re:
    Leno
    TAA Dallas Coufal
    Salah Wilock Raphinha bruno greenwood
    Bamford Watkins
    Martinez DCL Digne AWB

    Need advise. getting bruno for mane capt. my rival have salah n jlingz n kane. chasing 9pts
    wanna take a -4. jlingz (352 watkins or dcl) or antonio (352 with greenwod or 343 with watkins or dcl) ?

    1. Bedok
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      My advice is be clearer. If it's hard to understand what you are asking, you will get few if any responses.

  5. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Any changes I can make or should I change my GK? Trying to maximise my points in my ML chase. Already done Cavani to Nacho

    Forster
    TAA | Rudiger | Dallas
    Salah | Lingard | Foden | Greenwood
    Antonio | Kane | Nacho

    GK: Martinez | Zaha | Digne | Veltman

  6. frenchfries
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Fernandes + Shaw —>
    A) Mane + Alioski/Lowton
    B) Torres + Robertson

  7. Phlajo
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Vydra or Ziggy?

    1. bjarnia87
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Siggi

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Vydra, if you mean Siggy

  8. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Lads, who would you have first on bench?

    A) Bowen (rotation risk)
    B) Coady (vs MUN)

    Cheers!

    1. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bowen for me

  9. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    If we got the news that Bruno is starting, would you still go Bruno to Mane?

    Or get Dallas?

    1. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd still keep bruno if he's starting

    2. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Keep Bruno in that case for sure, but I doubt we’d get an early inclination. Think he sits this one out no need to get hurt 72 hours before the penultimate game

  10. bjarnia87
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Gundogen or Lindgard?

    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tough one I’d go lingard just because Gundo might be rested or come off the bench depending on how pep rotates

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Gundo had a little knock at the end of the last game. Coupled with the fact they have UCL (where he'll start) & Everton aren't bad away, I'd much rather play Lingard vs. a leaky Southampton side.

      1. bjarnia87
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Good point! U cleared it for me

  11. In a Rush
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who to play please?

    A . Watkins
    B. Greenwood

    Cheers all good luck

    1. N00B
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Watkins

  12. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Leno (-4)
    Or risk no keeper - Meslier and Areola

    1. N00B
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Play Areola

  13. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which is the best option guys?

    A) Struijk/DCL/Adams > Holding/Antonio/Bamford (also play Lingard or GW)

    B) Struijk/GW/Adams > Tierney/Harrison/Antonio (Play DCL but not Lingard)

    C) Struijk/GW/DCL > Tierney/Harrison/Nacho (Play Lingard)

    1. N00B
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thank you. Leaning towards that myself. Just not sure about double WHU. And does GW start?

  14. N00B
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I have Trent, Dallas, Salah and Bamford.
    Best combo for last gameweek?
    A) Robertson and Raphinha
    B) Alioski and Mane

    1. Wicked Weapon
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B seems to be the popular move around here

  15. Fantasydreamer
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Can I catch 22 points in ML with these differences or shall I just captain salah for my best ever rank?

    Me. Bam(c), salah, Dias, Antonio, areola

    Him. Bam, salah(c), shaw, DCL, Martinez

  16. Wicked Weapon
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    If Pereira is most likely out, should I do

    A) Pereira > Willock ?

    OR

    B) Any other popular move like Bruno > Mane etc.

    1. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Willock

  17. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Forster or Pickford ?

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm leaning towards Pickford, has a good track record away to top teams and save points likely

    2. Tomsk
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      (Have same choice) Also leaning towards Pickford.

  18. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    OR 11, 498 - chasing top 10k.

    Bruno replacement?

    I've got Salah, Mahrez, Raphinha, Lingard and 10.9 to spend. (1 FT)

    1) Pépé
    2) Mount
    3) Harrison

    1. Wicked Weapon
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would look at Mount

      1. ZAMUNDA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers mate

  19. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Reckon I've made a silly -4 for Coufal when I could have just played Holding, but let's hope Arsenal do the Arsenal thing 😛

    1. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      So I shouldn't bring their assets today (Pépé for example instead of Bruno?)

  20. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A or B?

    Mane & Digne
    Son & Robertson

    1. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son and Robertson

  21. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best Gk to bring in?

    1. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Allison/Ederson, followed by Mendy

  22. battlecat
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I know taking hits for defenders in GW38 will rarely pay off, but what if your defence was:

    Shaw, Holding, Phillips (Casagne, Digne)

    Wanted to do Bruno > Mane or DCL > Bamford but that defence is very concerning.

    Shaw has to go, right?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Castagne can get something vs Spurs

      1. battlecat
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        You reckon? He’s been one of my worst buys this year, amongst sooo many bad buys.

        Rudiger to Castagne a few weeks back. Oh deary me.

  23. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Watkins or DCL (the one left will probably be benched) out for Bamford

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      DCL

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Ta

  24. chocolove
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Antonio or Bamford?

  25. klopp2567
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    thanks to getting willock in ML. This is last chance to reduce the gap and come on top and i am hopeful of that.
    With my team as below
    Martinez
    Digne Taa AWB Dallas Konsa
    Bruno Son Willock Lingard Green wood
    wood DCl Bamford

    and opponents team being
    Martinez
    Coufal Taa Dallas Lowton Veltman
    Bruno Son Salah Raphina Harrison
    Nacho Ings watkins

    I am thinking of -4 and getting Salah and Antonio or Salah and robertson in place of Bruno and wood or Bruno and Awb.
    Any tips plz need huge help here???

  26. DF
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bout time one of JWPs free kicks went in. I'm right to play him ahead of Greenwood yeah?

  27. bjarnia87
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Vydra or DCL?

    1. beetlejuice
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Vydra

  28. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any defender upto 5.5 worth to get for a hit??

    TAA Rudiger Shaw (Konsa Maguire)

    Shaw no show would get konsa from the bench, so wondering if it's worth to get another defender for a hit.

    1. matiakez
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dallas is the best option but Tierney is capable of a haul

  29. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    With Barnes and Rodriguez back into the team, how many minutes would you expect Vydra will play?

  30. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Chelsea fans, and everyone else who might know, what do you think the Chelsea like up will be?

    1. cigan
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mendy
      Christensen Silva Rudiger
      James Kovacic Jorginho Chilwell
      Mount Werner Pulisic

      possibly Azpi/Havertz for James/Pulisic

      1. ZAMUNDA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Should I get Mount then?