Differential Potential – Gameweek 17

A busy schedule had meant an extended rest for the Differential XI. This week they’re back with a bang.

The current Newcastle number nine has finally made way for someone who used to fill out the famous jersey.

No, not Shearer. Here’s the Differential Potential’s latest offering.

Goalkeeper

I fancy Rui Patricio for a few saves and a clean sheet to make up a nice score. Bournemouth looked half the force they were a fortnight ago without Callum Wilson in their lineup. Jonas Lossl could also be worth a shout.

Defenders

Christopher Schindler gets another run out this week. Newcastle at home brings good clean sheet probabilities while a few aerial duels should fall his way.

Premier League managers have created a few cheat codes in the game this season, the latest one of which is Callum Chambers. The Arsenal loanee has found himself at the centre of Fulham’s midfield. While he will pick up the usual defensive contributions, three key passes and four shots on target suggests attacking returns could be on the way for this “defender”.

Finally, Kyle Walker Peters could be an incredibly sneaky pick for Gameweek 17. Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier have both returned to some form of training following fitness woes. However, KWP did himself no harm when deputising in the Nou Camp. Having shown himself as a more than capable understudy before, the youngster should get another chance in the home fixture against Burnley.

Midfielders

Aaron Mooy’s long term absence means that someone else needs to take centre stage. Step forward Alex Pritchard. I expect the Huddersfield dynamo to take charge of set piece duties, starting with this week’s appetising fixture at home to Newcastle.

Joining him in our differential midfield is Victor Camarasa. It’s not the Spaniard’s first appearance in our eleven and it’s easy to see why. His last three performances have yielded an average of 10.13 ppm, despite the fact he hasn’t managed a goal or assist in that time. Those will come.

Robert Snodgrass has an ownership of 60% in Fantrax which absolutely baffles me. The Scot is in red hot form having scored one and assisted three in his last three games. Facing Fulham this week presents a good chance of more returns.

Wilfried Zaha’s Gameweek 17 absence means the Crystal Palace baton will be passed on to someone else to lead them into battle against Leicester City. That someone could be Max Meyer. The highly rated German has made a career of underperforming, but has started to look lively in recent weeks. Owned by only 36%, Meyer possesses all of the necessary attributes to be a FPL gem.

Tom Cairney rounds off the midfield this week. Cairney came into the campaign as this season’s Matt Ritchie having dominated last year’s championship. Like Ritchie, he’s struggled for attacking returns so far, however he’s regained his pivotal role in the team under Claudio Ranieri and is one to watch from now on. His ownership of 37% is a bonus too.

Forwards

No, this isn’t a typo. I think you should considered starting Andy Carroll this weekend. Returning from his own fitness issues in time to boost an injury hit West Ham front line, Carroll has uber differential qualities thanks to an ownership of only 10%. His aerials won statistic represents easy points and the Hammers just look like a better player when he plays. Get in the bandwagon before he leaves.

I never thought I’d round off another differential article with my beloved Gerard Deulofeu but here he is again. Whereas previous differential qualities have been represented by his return from injury, this time he is an excellent player looking to regain some kind of form. His 55% ownership suggests many have given up on him. I haven’t. Cardiff at home this week gives Gerry D a great chance to remind everyone what he can do.