FPL Gameweek 14: Differentials picks
By Holly Shand
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With just three gameweeks remaining until FPL managers are given unlimited transfers during the World Cup break, we have a unique period in which to take some punts on differential players to make up ground on our rivals.
A differential is a player owned by less than 10% of fantasy managers; if you pick them wisely and they deliver, the points gained are likely to boost managers up the overall rank standings.
So, which options should we be considering?
Ollie Watkins vs Newcastle United (A)
Unai Emery’s appointment at Aston Villa could spell an upturn in form for the side, including striker Ollie Watkins who scored his second goal of the season in the 4-0 win against Brentford last weekend. He had five shots on target in that game, with four big chances putting him top for expected goals in Gameweek 13 with 1.97.
His underlying numbers over the last five gameweeks have been impressive; he’s top for shots on target during this period with 12, as well as leading big chances with nine. It is open for interpretation whether he’s been unlucky or wasteful with his finishing, but there’s certainly plenty to come from him with Newcastle, Manchester United and Brighton next.
Bruno Fernandes vs West Ham (H)
Manchester United have one of the most attractive fixture lists until the World Cup, facing West Ham, Aston Villa and Fulham. Of their attackers, Bruno Fernandes is the standout for me right now, with a goal against Spurs back in Gameweek 12. We are starting to see glimmers of the player who managed 244 fantasy points in the 2020/21 season.
His underlying numbers are promising, with 12 shots on goal over the last five gameweeks. He’s top for key passes over this period, having created two big chances and taken 11 corners. We also believe he’s on penalties when Anthony Martial and Cristiano Ronaldo are not on the pitch; neither are expected to feature this weekend.
Manuel Akanji vs Leicester City (A)
In defence, Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji could be a great differential over the next three, where the current Premier League holders take on Leicester City, Fulham and Brentford. Akanji has been the main beneficiary of Kyle Walker’s injury lay-off, having started all of their last five games, keeping two clean sheets in that period.
City have been one of the most solid defences in the Premier League this season, leading the way with five clean sheets, conceding just 11 goals. Akanji has registered three shots in the box since working his way into the City squad and is a relatively cheap way into this defence, priced at just £5m.