First there was Michu’s hamstring injury against City on Saturday afternoon. Then Sir Alex Ferguson’s rotation kicked in on Sunday as United limped to a dire 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Chelsea. As we approach the finishing line, Fantasy managers are looking to freshen their lineups a little for that one last sprint – starting with the midfielders, we take a look at a handful of differentials who may be worth a gamble for those willing to throw the dice:
Philippe Coutinho
Coming in at just 6.7 in FPL and owned by less than 5%, the young Brazilian looks an enticing midfield option ahead of Liverpool’s final two fixtures. The Reds’ remaining schedule – a trip to Fulham and home clash with QPR – is regarded as the kindest of any side’s according to our season ticker and, with a goal or assist in four of his five away games, their January signing will be looking to pick up the points against a Cottagers side that have just shipped four at home to Reading. With a Gameweek 38 home showdown against relegated QPR, Coutinho’s security of starts and 4.6 points per game average is bound to acquire could make the difference in many a mini league.
Tomas Rosicky
Prior to Gameweek 31, the Czech midfielder had played a mere 53 minutes in the league all season but suddenly looks a pivotal member of Arsenal’s first XI. A calf complaint sidelined him for a couple of games in the middle of last month but Rosicky has now started each of the last five he has been available for, returning two goals, an assist and three bonus points, with the Gunners dropping just two points – against United – across those fixtures. Handed a role in “the hole” ahead of Jack Wilshere, he comes in at just 5.7 in FPL; far cheaper than Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla in Wenger’s preferred attacking midfield three and with an ownership currently sitting at 0.2%, he looks the ultimate in differentials. Rosicky finishes the season against two of the bottom four – a home clash with Wigan and trip to Newcastle offers the chance of points as Wenger’s in-form side look to clinch a place in the top four once again.
Hatem Ben Arfa
Handed his first start since Gameweek 16 last weekend, the Frenchman picked up a couple of bonus points in Newcastle’s goalless draw with West Ham. Ben Arfa flourished in the role in “the hole” as a result of Moussa Sissoko’s injury absence and with Alan Pardew’s side fighting for their top-flight survival, looks set to retain his starting for the upcoming trip to QPR and home clash against Arsenal. Coming in at 7.3 in FPL, Ben Arfa has an ownership just over 4% and may well prove instrumental in steering the misfiring Magpies to safety.
Robert Snodgrass
With a goal and pair of assists in his last five appearances, the Norwich playmaker continues to accrue the Fantasy points. Snodgrass is head and shoulders above any team mate in the FPL standings this term on 133 points and with set-pieces boosting his appeal, he’s one to consider at just 6.2 with an ownership under 8%. This weekend sees Chris Hughton’s host West Brom in the Canaries’ final home match of the season before a trip to City – if Roberto Mancini’s side clinch second soon, the chances are he’ll roll out some of his squad players on the last day of the campaign, bolstering Norwich’s chances of survival.
Oscar
As a disappointing domestic season comes to a close, the young Brazilian is finally starting to produce for Chelsea. Firmly overshadowed by Juan Mata and Eden Hazard in the Blues midfield, Oscar has restricted his most impressive displays to the European stage but with two goals, an assist and three bonus points in his last four starts, he’s looked crucial to Rafa Benitez’s chances of stealing third spot from Arsenal and Tottenham. Oscar has now started five of the last six under Benitez and once tomorrow evening’s home clash with Spurs is out of the road, he then squares up to Villa and Everton in the last two league games of the season. Although the Europa League final showdown with Benfica is sandwiched in between these two fixtures, there’s a four day gap on either side, suggesting Benitez’s key players will have enough time to recuperate. Coming in at 7.8 in FPL and owned by only 1.2%, Oscar will be hoping to maintain his momentum over the final two fixtures.
Shinji Kagawa
Having been rested for the last couple of matches, the former Dortmund man looks a decent shout to return to the first XI for the final two fixtures. United entertain Swansea at Old Trafford this weekend and Sir Alex Ferguson will be desperate to bounce back from Sunday’s home defeat at the hands of Chelsea before his side make their way to West Brom in Gameweek 38. With three goals and two assists in his last five starts for the champions, Kagawa has explosive potential and at 7.9 in FPL, with an ownership under 5%, will be looking to lay down a statement of intent ahead of next season.
Shaun Maloney
Prior to this evening’s vital home encounter with Swansea, the Wigan midfielder has already highlighted his worth in recent weeks. Maloney has produced a goal and three assists over his last five fixtures, with his creativity proving crucial in the weekend win at West Brom. A victory over Michael Laudrup’s side this evening would lift the Latics out the drop zone on goal difference and while many of their relegation rivals start to capitulate, Wigan’s experience of battling the drop stands them in good stead. At just 5.4 in FPL, Maloney’s role on the left of the front three and share of set-pieces looks outstanding value right now – given their annual heroics, a trip to Arsenal could yet prove fruitful, while a final Gameweek 38 showdown with Villa at the DW could hand Maloney the platform to pull the strings and steer his side to safety yet again.
Adam Johnson
With injury or suspension depriving Sunderland of Steven Fletcher, Stephane Sessegnon and Craig Gardner for the last couple of matches, the former City winger looks more crucial than ever. Handed a role in “the hole” behind the misfiring Danny Graham in last night’s home draw with Stoke, Johnson’s more advanced central berth looks set to bolster his chances of picking up the points over the final two Gameweeks as Paolo Di Canio desperately tries to steer his side to safety. A home game with fellow strugglers Southampton this weekend looks particularly crucial before the Black Cats make their way to Tottenham in Gameweek 38. Priced at 6.8 in FPL and with an ownership under 4%, Johnson’s contribution could well prevent his side from dropping into the Championship.
