Another week gone and another week where the Differential XI broke the magic 100 point barrier. We’re officially in the business end of the Premier League season, meaning a good differential pick could be the difference between a title challenge and a bottom half finish in your Fantrax FPL draft league.
Once again, Fabian Schar and James Ward Prowse were our star performers, taking us to a tidy 106.75. Can we do it again? Here is this week’s starting eleven.
Goalkeeper
Tom Heaton vs Crystal Palace (home): 49% owned
Tom Heaton gets the nod again, despite a disappointing showing of 0.75 points in GW28. Heaton managed at least 8 points in four of his last six appearances. Facing a Crystal Palace side that creates plenty of chances but struggles to finish them should give the England stopper a good chance of another decent haul.
GW29 score: -1.75
Defenders
Martin Montoya vs Huddersfield Town (home): 3% owned
Martin Montoya last appeared in our differential XI at the start of the month in a 0-0 draw against Watford. The former Barcelona man racked up an impressive 17.5 points against the Hornets and his GW29 fixture against a doomed Huddersfield side gives him an excellent chance to repeat the feat.
GW29 score: 13.25
Victor Lindelof vs Southampton (home): 47% owned
The Swede is the mainstay of Manchester United’s book four since the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Despite failing to keep a clean sheet, Victor Lindelof still managed 13.25 points in GW28 thanks to an assist against Crystal Palace. United will fancy their chances of keeping Southampton out at Old Trafford on Saturday.
GW29 score: 3.25
Jeffrey Schlupp vs Burnley (away): 24% owned
Judging by his recent run in the Crystal Palace side, Jeffrey Schlupp could be a keeper for the rest of the season if you manage to pick him up. A defender in Fantrax, Schlupp is enjoying an advanced role in the last four weeks and his run in midfield has seen him score once and grab two assists in this period.
GW29 score: 18
Midfielders
Anthony Knockaert vs Huddersfield Town (home): 39% owned
Anthony Knockaert’s return to the Brighton side has coincided with the absence of Pascal Gross, making the Frenchman a must have against Huddersfield this week. Knockaert scored a tidy 11 points without scoring or assisting away at Leicester in GW28. Owners can expect an even higher return from a kinder fixture, coupled with the fact that Knockaert should get the opportunity to take over the majority of set piece duties.
GW29 score: 22
Solly March vs Huddersfield Town (home): 59% owned
If Knockaert isn’t available, team mate Solly March is an excellent alternative. March has enjoyed an impressive campaign on Brighton’s left flank and is another one that doesn’t depend on goals and assists for points (of which he has one goal and five assists so far), as demonstrated by the 15 points scored in the 0-0 draw with Watford in GW25.
GW29 score: 0
Manuel Lanzini vs Newcastle United (home): 43% owned
If you’re in the 57% of leagues where Manuel Lanzini is still unowned, now is the time to pounce. West Ham’s midfield conductor managed a full 45 minutes against Manchester City in GW28, suggesting that he is almost ready to start a game. The Hammers host Newcastle in GW29 and I would be surprised to see Lanzini’s name on the team sheet in the starting eleven on Saturday tea time.
GW29 score: 4.5
Robbie Brady vs Crystal Palace (home): 11% owned
Robbie Brady is another FPL favourite with extremely low ownership due to fitness issues. Like Lanzini, Brady managed 45 minutes and should expect a return to the starting lineup on Saturday against Crystal Palace.
GW29 score: 2.5
Alex Pritchard vs Brighton (away): 4% owned
The fact that Huddersfield Town won a football match was probably the headline story of GW28. Alex Pritchard was the star of the show against Wolves and his impressive display produced 10.5 points, including three key passes. Buoyed by their first win on 2019, The Terriers will fancy their chances against a side that are yet to taste victory in the Premier League this calendar year.
GW29 score: 2.5
Forwards
Ashley Barnes vs Crystal Palace (home): 55% owned
GW28 was one to forget for Ashley Barnes thanks to a frustrating night at St James Park against Newcastle. Facing a Crystal Palace side without Mamadou Sakho should see a return to form for the Austrian.
GW29 score: 14.5
Steve Mounie vs Brighton (away): 45% owned
It’s always hard to ignore Steve Mounie when picking an eleven made up of differentials. Mounie has scored 206 points in Fantrax this season, averaging 8.96 per match despite only scoring twice and assisting three times. The king of ghost points. Could his goal in GW28 be the catalyst for a mini run of form between now and the end of this season?
GW29 score: 2
Fantasy Football 92 