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.
Here’s your differential XI for Gameweek 13!
Goalkeeper
Ben Foster | Watford | Burnley (H) | 18% owned
Watford look like a much more solid outfit in recent weeks, largely down to the form of Ben Foster. The veteran stopper has performed well lately, with two clean sheets and plenty of saves combining for consecutive scores of 18.75, 12 and 18. He gets the nod between the sticks.
Defenders
Dean Lovren | Liverpool | Crystal Palace (a) | 45% owned
With no rumoured returns for Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren should keep the centre back spot for the Reds. The big Croat has performed well since returning to the Liverpool lineup and should score well against goalshy Crystal Palace.
Frederic Guilbert | Aston Villa | Newcastle United (H) | 45% owned
It’s the first inclusion for a while for differential favourite Frédéric Guilbert. The fixture with Newcastle United on Monday night is unlikely to be a classic but the Frenchman should rack up easy points as always through tackles, interceptions and the odd successful cross.
Djibril Sidibe | Everton | Norwich City (H) | 27% owned
I’m surprised by how low Djibril Sidibe’s ownership is after seemingly nailing down the right back spot at Everton. He grabbed his first assist of the season away at Southampton and the adventurous full back has an excellent chance of doing so in a hone game against Norwich in Gameweek 13.
Midfielders
Onel Hernandez | Norwich City | Everton (a) | 36% owned
Despite the result against Watford in Gameweek 12, Norwich were the better team for large spells of the game and that was largely down to the electric Onel Hernandez. The winger was a constant threat and looked like the real deal against an experienced full back in Daryl Janmaat. Hernandez looks like he will score plenty of ghost points thanks to successful take ons and key passes so you should definitely move to pick him up quickly if he’s available.
Trezeguet | Aston Villa | Newcastle United (H) | 45% owned
Trezeguet looks like he’s found his feet in English football and is playing very well at the moment. His performances in the pitch have translated to good scores in Fantrax and resulted in three consecutive double figure scores. This week’s game at home to Newcastle represents another good chance for the Egyptian to get on the scoresheet again.
Isaac Hayden | Newcastle United | Aston Villa (A) | 18% owned
We’re struggling for midfielders this week. Isaac Hayden isn’t a pick that I love but one that could pay dividends. The game against Aston Villa is one where Hayden will most likely be involved in a tough midfield battle while attacking returns are not our of the question. Solid yet unspectacular.
Will Hughes | Watford | Burnley (H) | 35% owned
Will Hughes has enjoyed more game time recently and performed well at Norwich before the internationals. With Roberto Peryra out injured, I’d expect Hughes to keep his place behind Gérard Deulofeu in the Watford attack and could score well against an unpredictable Burnley side.
Forwards
Divock Origi | Liverpool | Crystal Palace (a) | 55% owned
With rumours of Mo Salah’s ankle injury flying around, Divock Origi looks set to deputise this week and possibly beyond. Getting the Liverpool hero in seems like a no brainer. It’s rare that he doesn’t take his chance when given one.
Allan Saint-Maximin | Newcastle United | Aston Villa (A) | 55% owned
Still under 60% ownership. See last week.
David McGoldrick | Sheffield United | Manchester United (H) | 9% owned
Theo Walcott felt like the obvious choice here but I thought I’d go a bit more left field in David McGoldrick. The Irish front man has scored superbly in recent weeks and has adapted to the Premier League with impressive ease. An open game against Manchester United should give him more opportunities to add to his points tally which has seen him score 11.5, 8 and 20 in his last three appearances.
Fantasy Football 92 