Differential Potential – Gameweek 23

It’s that part of the FPL season where you celebrate a Matt Doherty goal, only to realise every other man and his dog has him in their team too.

Copycat teams, template teams, whatever you call them; they’re annoying. Another reason why I love playing draft and would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t already play it.

Whatever you play, you can’t beat a good differential. Therefore, if salary cap is still your thing (good luck to you) then maybe there’s still a helpful tip or two in this lineup to give you an edge over your mini league opponents who will be (no doubt) watching out for Andrew Robertson and Aaron Wan Bissaka this weekend.

Goalkeeper

Martin Dubravka – Newcastle United (36% owned)

Newcastle face Cardiff City this weekend who failed to score against Huddersfield in GW22. Is that a good enough reason?

Defenders

Fabian Schar – Newcastle United (22%)

I’m reluctant to “share” * this tip this week. The Swiss centre back has scored well this season without relying on clean sheets this week. Could be another good haul for him in GW23 thanks to aerials won.

*I’m told that the correct pronunciation of his name is “Share”. Ha. Ha.

Matt Targett – Southampton (22%)

Another one of those ultra modern, ultra attacking wing backs. Great crosser and some set pieces. Shouldn’t be long before Matt is on target.

You just can’t buy this stuff.

Kiko Femania – Watford (6%)

Facing a Burnley side without Gudmundsson and Brady. A clean sheet with an attacking return wouldn’t be a surprise for this old differential favourite. Swap out for Daryl Janmaat if appropriate.

Midfielders

James Ward Prowse – Southampton (27%)

JWP has re found favour thanks to the new gaffer. His deadly set pieces make him an old FPL favourite. Took a penalty last week too…

Christian Atsu – Newcastle United (4%)

Another Newcastle lad right out of the “left field” category. The pacy Atsu has had a good run in the side and has looked very lively in tough fixtures. Cardiff represents a chance of some attacking returns.

Ken Sema – Watford (4%)

The goal and assist at Bournemouth shows that Ken Sema can play a bit. He should be in the side when an improving but still struggling Burnley come to town.

Ander Herrera – Manchester United (58%)

Just under 60% ownership. The Spaniards defensive work sees him pick up easy points. Three attacking returns since the arrival of OGS is nothing to be sniffed at, however.

Forwards

Solomon Rondon – Newcastle United (48%)

Is it truly a differential article without big Rondon? An ownership of the great man of below 50% is a travesty.

Ashley Barnes – Burnley (34%)

Most are going for the other Barnes (not John) this week but I’m sticking with Ashley. Good form, ghost points galore and facing an incredibly unpredictable side in Watford.

Fernando Llorente – Tottenham Hotspur (37%)

Well, if you can’t beat them…