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. DavidHopkin
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    15pts behind, 2 ft and already have 8 differentials. Which two out of the three?

    A. Watkins to Antonio (rival has bamford, I have raph)
    B. Shaw to Dallas
    C. Son to mane (rival owns son too)

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

      B and C

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

    27 p behind in ml thinking ofndoing DCL to Firminho and cap him.

    Don i have any chance to Catch Up?

    My team
    Mendy Forster
    TAA Dallas Shaw Digne Holding
    Salah Son Raphina GreenwoodJwp
    Kane DCL Wood

    Ml leader team
    Martinez Pope
    Lindelov Digne Rudiger Struijk Kabak
    Harrison Salah Bruno Trossard Eze
    Kane Antonio Bamford

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

      Lots of differentials and if firm cap pick works out, definitely got a shot

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

        Thanx.

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

      27 points is a lot for one week. I’d be tempted to captain Trent if I was you as there is no way he’s getting him in (he might cover Dallas) not sure I would sell an exiting differential in DCL. Be bold and switch Kane out and give yourself another diff. Maybe Nacho?

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

        *existing differential. I’m not saying DCL is exciting lol

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

        Hmmm maby worth a shot.

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

      I like the Firmino idea. Good luck

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

        Thanx

    4. teknicolourfox
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd be looking at someone who could get a brace, hat trick against a poor side. Hence why I got rid of DCL to Wood l, but I was VERY tempted to shift Kane.

      I'm 130pts in front on my ML though so don't have any pressure.

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

        Wow a nice lead. Thanx

  3. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anything worth consider a hit?

    Lloris
    Stones TAA Dallas
    Salah Lingard Willock Mane Greenwood
    DCL Bamford

    Johnstone, Cavani, Konsa, X

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cavani to antonio and play antonio with Greenwood.. DCL over Greenwood if we got news that Greenwood will be benched?

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

        That is defo a nice ”plan B”. Not sure on Nacho/Antonio tho. Think the WHU game might be quite tight

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I don’t think so, sou are one of the worst teams away lately and westham need to win to play in europe league next season.
          But none of them is a must, i just fancy westham attacker this week.

  4. COLLIN QUANER
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do you guys think any of Wan Bissaka, Dias, Greenwood play today? Thanks

  5. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA RobboTargett
    Salah(C) Mahrez Foden Lingard
    Kane DCL Bam

    2 FT. 5 point lead in ML. Opponent has Dallas and Antonio who can hurt me. Apart from that his team is pretty meh.

    ESR Shaw

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Targett DCL and one of city midfielders to Antonio Dallas and harrison/raph

    2. DavidHopkin
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Looks good. Do people think foden gets game time? I own and is a differential but considering torres as an option. Feels too sideways and with pep you just never know.

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

      You think Mahrez will start ?

    4. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez and Foden will not play, I'd be moving them

  6. Khalico
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    final team, gtg?
    Martinez
    N.Phillips, TAA, Dallas
    Raphinha, Salah(VC), Son, Lingard
    Wood(C), Antonio, Kane
    subs: Steer, Bruno, Coufal, Shaw

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

    Folks, how is Smith Rowe as an option?
    I haven’t really seen him if I’m honest

    1. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Quality

  8. marcos11
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best way to burn a transfer here? 1.2itb and willing to take a hit if necessary.

    Forster
    Philips Rudiger Shaw
    Salah Bruno Son Raph
    Kane Antonio Bamford
    Sanchez Lingard Struijk Dias

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

    Any changes here? On a wildcard 🙂

    Mendy (Sanchez)
    Dallas, TTA, Coufal (holding/mitchell)
    mane, Salah, Son, Raphina (willock)
    Antonio, Kane, Nacho

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

      Don't think I'd have son on a wc. Punt on city or Chelsea mid?

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

        Tempting with Torres or Pulisic

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

    Is it worth risking Pep roulette and transferring in KDB for Bruno?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not imo.. But wait for any leaked city line ups

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

      I think KDB plays, but I've done Mane for Bruno. KDB would be a nice differential

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

    Morning all - hope you are looking forward to the final day fixtures all at one time!

    Advice please: 30k rank, worried about not having Dallas.

    Digne to Dallas for -4 worth it?

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      To protect rank, sure Dallas has a haul in him

  12. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I've got Mendy in net & want to play one of following: Rudiger; Lowton; Shaw.

    Logic:Chelsea have best bookie odds to keep a CS, Sheffield can't score (but Burnley have nothing to play for now) & Wolves also struggling to score & Shaw may get an attacking return (but may not play their best team lowering chance of CS & conversion of any possible crosses).

    Any help would be much appreciated!

  13. Only a Hazard of time
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    3 point lead in the ML.

    I have Son, he doesn't.
    He has Mount and Torres, I don't.

    Worth blocking one of his players by getting rid of Son? (I have Kane)

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Don’t think so ....

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

    Play Greenwood or ESR?

  15. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Areola
    TAA Dallas Coufal
    Salah Ralph Ling Son
    Kane Nacho Bamford

    If you had Auba would you start him over any of the above?

    Cheers

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

      Maybe Son, but it's close and wouldn't use a transfer on it

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Well it would be for free, he can be for free on the bench too... 0.5 off Mane for free which is annoying

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

          Team looks solid - hard to make a call as to who would defo improve it. Son weakest, but last day of season at Leicester could be 4-4. You may just wanna improve bench.

  16. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bruno to Auba(c)???

  17. Jack.Armstrong96
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Maddison to Mane for a -4

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

      Yarp

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

      I wouldn't - Maddison could do well. Nothing to say Mane outscores him by 4

  18. Tomerick
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Pope

    TAA, Dallas, Coufal
    Salah, Bruno, Greenwood, Pereira, Harrison
    Kane, Antonio

    Sanchez, Nacho, Stones, White

    I’m chasing my mini league by 17 points. Anyone else a good captain pick other than Salah?

    Would you play Nacho ahead of Pereira?

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Play Nacho

    2. RamboRN
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Taa or antonio

    3. Grimlock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Narp

      Yarp

    4. TopCorner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes to Nacho, both sides chasing a win = goals

      Does oppo have Salah?

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

        Yeah and he’s super cautious so will almost definitely captain him.

        1. TopCorner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Then go for the safer risk of Kane/Antonio or big risk of TAA/Dallas?

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

            Yeah I’m leaning towards TAA for the massive potential

  19. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    FPL Rockstar will be a legend if he manages to get the City lineup before deadline.

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

      There’s an easy trick. Just pick the player that is least likely to play/haul and they will be the one to play and haul. Unless ofcourse you expect them to in which case they won’t.

  20. dansully3
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    21pts behind top, is capt Robbo insane or a good punt?

    1. RamboRN
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      May aswell if nothing to lose

    2. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Need to make a big punt. Go for it.

    3. Tomerick
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Good punt IMO

    4. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Any attacker punt?

    5. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers, locked and loaded!

  21. RamboRN
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA Phillips coufal
    Salah raphina lingard son
    Kane Antonio bamford

    Subs forster, regulion, rudiger, greenwood.
    If we hear that greenwood is starting would you play him over anyone

    1. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Jesse messi

  22. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which would you go for here?

    A) Mount
    B) Pepe
    C) Sterling
    D) Torres

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

      D

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hmm I'd be tempted by B

    3. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  23. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Jota to
    A) raph
    B) torres
    C) hold?

    1. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Jota will get mins and could do more damage than any of those.

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

        You reckon? I'm tempted to hold him but just not sure what else to do with ft!

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

      Raph

  24. Efan Ekoku Pops
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Me: ESR, Mane, Raphina, Antonio, Bamford

    Him: Son, Greenwood, Lingard, Mahrez, Adams (+8 points)

    Will both likely captain Salah.
    Who wins?

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

      You coz Adams is out and how did you know he has taken a 8 point hit?

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I think he means his rival has an 8 point lead?

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

          Oh...

      2. Efan Ekoku Pops
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Rival has an 8 point lead going into today. No doubt he will take a hit with some of the doubts and his injured player.

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tight indeed ... I’m gonna be optimistic and say you just pip your rival to glory.

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You, Adams, Mahrez and Greewood may not play. I suspect he will take a hit or two before the deadline.

  25. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA Robbo Targett
    Salah Mahrez Foden Lingz
    Kane DCL Bamford

    ESR Shaw

    2 FT.

    Shaw DCL> Dallas Antonio?? Play Mahrez and Foden with ESR and Targett on bench as cover.

    Thoughts??

    1. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Both good transfers, but I'd be wary of both City players.

  26. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Transfers done.

    Forster (Meslier)
    TAA, Phillips, Dallas (Rudiger, Mitchell)
    Salah (C), Torres, Lingard, Pepe (Greenwood)
    Kane, Bamford, Nacho (VC)

    GTG?

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

      Gtg

      1. artvandelay316
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers!

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

        Nice

  27. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start one:

    A. Maddison
    B. Greenwood

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

      Greenwood

    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Greenwood

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

      Greenwood

    4. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    5. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks!

  28. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Good morning all ... please recommend how to use my one free transfer ... 0.6m in bank?

    Mendy Ederson
    TAA Digne Dallas Shaw Coady
    Salah Son Lingard Harrison Jota
    Antonio Kane Nacho

    Thank you all.

    1. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Couple of ideas...
      Jota to third Leeds player?
      Shaw to second Pool def?

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks ... currently thinking Raphina for Jota ..... already have three Pool so don’t want a hit for Robbo in as I’d have to ditch Jota as well .... so looking at Shaw replacements up to 5.9m ....

  29. Harry's Car Window
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Madness to captain Bamford over Salah?

    A) Yes
    B) No

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

      B
      Having said that I have both and going Mo

  30. duledj
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Robbo & Antonio
    B) Coufal & Firmino

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

      A

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    3. dansully3
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Robbo will do damage

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

      A