GW8: Looking for a differential

He’s going for difference, he’s going for speed

Are you searching for that player who’s going to rocket you up the rankings? That guy who no one else has, who is going to bag points over the next few weeks?

This new column is for you. Every week, we’ll be telling you about a few players to think about getting into your team - based on all the stats, upcoming fixtures, and all the form to boot. 

This isn’t about the obvious picks (the Salahs, Sterlings or KDBs) - it’s about the defenders, midfielders and forwards (that’s right, we’re not going to worry about keepers, because that’s just boring) with less than 10 percent ownership and that will make a difference to your ranking when they inevitably perform. 

Whatever your budget, we’ve got you covered. Ish.

Give it a go.

Defenders

Premium: Azpilicueta (CHE, 5.9m)

After finally registering a clean sheet last week, Chelsea look set for a good run. And the perennial fantasy favourite, Azpilicueta, is in a good position to take advantage. Nailed for that right back spot, and with an assist or goal always in him, he’s a good option for the next five gameweeks (sou, NEW, bur, wat, CRY). 

Mid-price: Cresswell (WHM, 4.9m)

Two games back in the team, two goals. Cresswell has been a quality fantasy asset over the years and his attacking potential has shone through in the last two fixtures. West Ham are looking solid at the moment, and have a lovely run of fixtures that covers CRY, ever, SHU, NEW and bur. 

Budget: Tomori (CHE, 4.6m)

For all the reasons as Azpilicueta, the Chelsea newcomer is a good bet. He’s cemented his spot in the back four and, although not as attacking as the Spaniard, comes in plenty cheaper. 

Midfielders

Premium: The premium midfield slot is dominated by Salah, Sterling, KDB, Mane and Son. We wouldn’t recommend that you bring in anyone in this price bracket apart from these five. So sit tight - or go with one of the big guns. 

Mid-price: Yarmolenko (WHU, 6.0m)

With three goals in the last four, the Ukranian - along with Heller - is looking like West Ham’s most lethal attacking threat. The upcoming fixture run should see him add to his tally, too - if you needed reminding:  CRY, ever, SHU, NEW and bur. 

Budget: McTominay (MUN, 5.0m)

Cantwell is the obvious budget midfielder to have in your squad. But if you’re after another, United’s McTominay might be a good option. The Scot has been ticking along under the radar, starting every game and registering the odd goal and assist. Not a bad player to come off your bench. 

Forwards

Premium: Vardy (LEI, 8.9m)

Aguero. Aubameyang. Kane. These are the guys who dominate managers’ squads. But if you’re looking for an alternative, maybe Vardy is the answer. That’s partly because there isn’t really another premium forward we’d ever consider (sorry Firmino), and partly because he’s shown his ability to register goals in the easier games. And there are plenty of them to come. After Liverpool this week, they’ve got a lovely run up until gameweek 17 - and that includes the very leaky Arsenal in gameweek 12. Compared with the big guns, he’ll also give you a little more cash to spread around the squad.

Mid-price: King (BOU, 6.3m)

King was in many early-season teams before the Pukki Party got started and saw plenty jump the Josh ship. But he’s performed as many people thought he would: reliably. His two goals and three assists are about par for him, with some decent fixtures coming up. 

Budget: Calvert-Lewin (EVE, 5.8m)

We’re reluctant to recommend anyone in the sub-6.0m price bracket, simply because there hasn’t been anyone performing and there’s much greater value in the mid-price realm. But if you really need someone, either go crazy low (like Ayew) or take a punt on the only real prospect at the moment: Calvert-Lewin. He’s scored two in the last three which, indeed, are Everton’s two last Premier League goals.