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 are your picks for Gameweek 17!
Goalkeeper
Tom Heaton | Aston Villa | v Sheffield United (a) | 21% owned
Clean sheets are incredibly hard to predict this season, meaning I’m going for goalkeepers who make plenty of saves in my Fantrax teams at the moment.
Tom Heaton has made 21 saves in the last four weeks so gets my vote for this team for Gameweek 17.
Defenders
Joe Gomez| Liverpool | v Watford (H) | 56% owned
Liverpool look to have rediscovered the art of a clean sheet in the last couple of weeks. With Dejan Lovren struggling for fitness once again, Joe Gomez should get the chance to partner Virgil Van Dijk.
Gomez doesn’t score ghost points too well but a clean sheet is a very realistic prospect against goal shy Watford.
Federico Fernandez | Newcastle United | v Burnley (a) | 27% owned
This guy is on fire at the moment! A goal at the weekend saw Federico Fernandez score brilliantly once again in Gameweek 16 and the visit to Burnley this week brings lots of aerial challenges for him. Easy points. This year’s Fabian Schar.
Gary Cahill | Crystal Palace | Brighton (H) | 9% owned
Gary Cahill has been given a new lease of life by Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace. When he plays, he plays well in the heart of a well organised defence. They will fancy their chances of a third consecutive clean sheet when Brighton come to visit.
Cedric Soares | Southampton | West Ham United (H) | 4% owned
Something a bit different. Southampton v West Ham looks like a huge game. I expect to see Cedric Soares bombing up and down the right flank to good effect. I also can’t see West Ham scoring more than once.
Midfielders
Christian Atsu | Newcastle United | v Burnley (a) | 11% owned
Fantasy Football 92 is officially in a period of mourning with confirmation of Allan Saint-Maximin’s injury.
With ASM out for a month, it’s time for Christian Atsu to step up. The Ghanaian speedster started the season well before losing his space and will look to recapture his early form when given the chance again this week.
Gabriel Martinelli | Arsenal | v Manchester City | 23% owned
Where on earth did Arsenal find Gabriel Martinelli? The young Brazilian looks like football’s best kept secret at the moment. When he plays, he scores
Martinelli was finally given his Premier league start on Monday and repaid the faith with a crucial equalising goal. Arsenal fans won’t expect much from the game against Manchester City but the champions have looked far from convincing at the back.
If anyone is going to cause them problems, it’s Martinelli.
Moussa Sissoko | Tottenham Hotspur | v Wolves (a) | 38% owned
Here’s a turn up for the books! Moussa Sissoko is one of a number of players given a new lease of life by Jose Mourinho and has even scored twice since his arrival.
Sissoko’s all action style means he scores well in Fantrax scoring. Definitely worth a start.
Robbie Brady | Burnley | v Newcastle United (H) | 7% owned
This old FPL favourite gets another run out. Robbie Brady may get another start after playing 90 minutes against Tottenham thanks to Johan Berg Gudmundsson’s fitness struggles.
Brady should fare better in a home game against Newcastle United should he get the nod again.
Mario Vrancic | Norwich City | v Leicester City (A) | 2% owned
More of one for the future than one for this week. With the midfield pool so shallow, we bring you a potential diamond in Mario Vrancic.
The Norwich midfielder score 7.5 points in his first start of the season on Sunday and may be one to keep an eye on. Worth a punt with that spare roster spot. You’re welcome!
Forward
Kelechi Iheanacho | Leicester City | v Norwich City (H) | 53% owned
Who saw this one coming a few weeks back? With two goals and two assists in 3 matches, it’s going to be very hard for Brendan Rodgers to leave out Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Nigerian is bang in form, unlike his competitor Ayoze Perez, and a start against a porous Norwich defence would surely mean more points for Iheanacho.
Fantasy Football 92 