Simple fact: a good differential pick is the difference between winning a crucial Fantrax matchup 99% of the time. It’s all very well (and also, essential) having a core of top players. However, that low ownership gem that no one thought of can, more often than not, be the difference between a narrow loss and a convincing win which leaves your rivals in awe of your football knowledge.
Each week on Fantasy Football 92, we pick a full eleven consisting of low ownership players which you can help yourselves to in your league in order to (hopefully) grab yourself the win. All of our differentials are 60% owned or lower.
After another high scorer in Gameweek 7, here are your picks for Gameweek 8!
Goalkeeper
Dean Henderson | Sheffield United | Fixture: Watford (a) | 19% owned
Dean Henderson has been one of the top Premier League goalkeepers this season but will be looking to erase the memories if his fatal Gameweek 7 error.
The United loanee mare the first blot on his copybook when spooning a tame shot through his legs to (ironically) preserve Liverpool’s 100% start.
As ever with out differential goalkeeper, we’re looking for save potential as well as a slight chance of a clean sheet. Henderson ticks both boxes.
Defenders
Jose Holebas | Watford | Fixture: Sheffield United (H) | 42% owned
It’s rare that we get to this stage of the season with Jose Holebas as a low ownership option. That’s what a torrid start to a season can do for you.
Watford have been awful. Owning any of their defenders this season has been a disaster but as we touched upon in our Waiver Wire article, this week is a must win game for the Hornets. Holebas should be good for sone attacking contributions this week as well as representing a decent chance of a clean sheet.
Ryan Fredericks | West Ham United | Fixture: Crystal Palace (H) | 15% owned
Ryan Fredericks has made the right back slot his own this season and has scored well in the process.
Fredericks gets forward well as well as defending solidly, demonstrated by the fact he scored 8 points last week despite the Hammers conceding twice at Villa Park. He should be one who features regularly in our Differential XI.
Frederic Guilbert | Aston Villa | Fixture: Norwich City (A) | 37% owned
Another week and another shout out for our differential pal Frédéric Guilbert.
The Frenchman delivered the assist that his pre season form promised against Burnley in Gameweek 7. He should get plenty more opportunities to continue his decent scoring against Norwich this week.
Ben Davies | Tottenham Hotspur | Fixture: Brighton (a) | 22% Owned
Following the worst night in Tottenham’s recent history, something has got to give. Shipping seven at home is close to being as bad as it gets for Spurs so surely a change in the back line is imminent.
One beneficiary could be left back Ben Davies who has played second fiddle to Danny Rose all season so far, despite the latter’s questionable form. If the Welsh international is going to get a go, you feel like it will be this week. Should he get the nod, he will be a great differential in a Spurs team desperate to make amends.
Midfielders
Marvelous Nakamba | Aston Villa | Fixture: Norwich City (A) | 4% owned
Nakamba’s name is…fantastic.
With a name like Marvelous Nakamba, it’s always going to be difficult to remain unnoticed. Thankfully for him, his performances have meant he’s being recognised for the right reasons as well as just having a great name.
Three key passes contributed to a decent 10.5 point haul in Gameweek 7. At 4% ownership, is Nakamba one of this year’s hidden differential gems?
John Fleck | Sheffield United | Fixture: Watford (a) | 3% owned
From the charismatic name of Marvelous Nakamba to… John Fleck.
As unspectacular as he looks on paper, Sheffield United’s engine room is performing well and getting the points to prove it. With scores of 9.5, 7.5 and 9 over the last three weeks, Fleck is one of those gandy, consistent midfielders who is well worth owning.
If he keeps this steady rate of scoring, Fleck could be that differential who stops you from needing to trade away your in form striker in order to strengthen a weak midfield. His 3% ownership shouldn’t take long to rise if he scores above 7 again this week.
Tom Cleverley | Watford | Fixture: Sheffield United (H) | 37% owned
Tipping the sand players every week is boring. However, the fact Tom Cleverley’s ownership is still below 50% is a joke.
The midfielder continues to score well and a goal or assist (or both) against Sheffield United this week is far from being out of the question. Quite simply, if he’s available in yoyr league, go and get him.
Patrick Roberts | Norwich City | Fixture: Aston Villa (H) | 1% Owned
There’s not many teams in the country that are suffering an injury crisis to the extend of the one being experienced by Norwich City. WIth Todd Cantwell the latest to fall foul of the injury curse (allegedly), it should lead to a chance for Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts to showcase his talents.
In a game that should be a very open one full of attacking opportunities, Roberts would fall into the “uber differential” category at 1% owned. Should Roberts miss out, the similarly low ownership Marco Stipermann is the man to consider.
Forwards
Danny Welbeck | Watford | Fixture: SHeffield United (H) | 15% Owned
Another Watford player makes the Differential XI thanks to their must win game. Danny Welbeck’s latest return to a Premier League starting eleven came last Saturday and he acquitted himself well, scoring 8.5 points in a 2-0 loss.
Should he lead the line against Sheffield United at the weekend, I fully expect a similar score from him, if not more.
Chris Wood | Burnley | Fixture: Everton (H) | 50% Owned
Chris Wood scores goals in groups so it’s a good idea to get on board until he stops scoring! A lacklustre Everton team are who stand in his way, looking to prevent him from adding to three goals in two games.
Burnley will fancy their chances of pulling off a classic Burnley performance against an out of form Toffees team. Owning Wood or Ashley Barnes should pay dividends in Gameweek 8.
Fantasy Football 92 