The first week of fantasy football has been and gone, and with it came mixed results. Eden Hazard failed to perform against Swansea scoring only 2 points whilst fellow big hitter Wayne Rooney collected just 5 points. It was also a bad week if you selected Cech or Courtois with the former conceding two goals at home to West Ham whilst the Chelsea keeper was sent off.
Their was some shinning lights though and ones that we recommended ahead of the weekend. In our Gameweek 1 list was a certain Yaya Toure who scored 16 points and also RIyad Mahrez who scored 15 points.
Mahrez could be classed as a differential, a player who gives you an advantage over fellow FPL users because they are selected by such a small percentage that you could pick your self up a gem.
That's what we are bringing you today, a list of differential players whose teams selected by percentage is below 5.0% to give you the edge over your mini-league rivals.
Dejan Lovren 5.0m � (0.9% Ownership) Now, I know what you're all thinking, “Lovren is awful, I wouldn't have him anywhere near my team.” Well read this before you judge him. Last season Lovren wasn't at his best , his game was riddled with mistakes and he became a scapegoat for Liverpool fans. Things seem to have changed though, in pre season he was very impressive and against Stoke he looked very solid. His performance will keep him ahead of Sakho when he returns. It was probably his best game in a Liverpool shirt with not a single mistake made. He won a lot of aerial duels and tackles when he was called upon. Liverpool play newly promoted side Bournemouth at Anfield this weekend and if Lovren is to start there is a high chance he could keep another clean sheet.
Heurelho Gomes 4.5m � (0.8% Ownership) Similar in a way to Lovren, Gomes is probably known for his mistakes during his time at Tottenham. Since joining Watford in 2014 the Brazilian keeper has looked a different keeper. Last season in the Championship he kept 15 clean sheets in 44 games and at times was unbeatable. Whilst he didn't keep a clean sheet this weekend he scored bonus points for saves. This Saturday Watford play hosts to West Brom and with some FPL managers going through a keeper crisis; Gomes could provide cheap but solid cover for your team. West Brom didn't look the most dangerous of sides against Manchester City on Monday, but they have since secured the services of Salomon Rondon from Zenit. It's yet to be seen if Rondon will be fit for the trip to Vicarage Road but even so Gomes has a great chance of keeping a clean sheet.
Dimitri Payet 7.5m � (4.7% Ownership) What a debut for the Frenchman, he was fantastic against Arsenal and ran the show for West Ham. His slick intricate passing along with his near perfect dead ball deliveries made him a nightmare for Arsenal who struggled to contain the attacking midfielder. He's a fantastic dribbler and all of West Ham's attacking play seemed to go through him at the weekend. West Ham have a run of eye-catching fixtures. They play Leicester, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Norwich at home in their next four home games. The Hammers' will also face Liverpool and Manchester City away but something tells us that Payet is going to be fixture proof due to his assist output. The manager Bilic seems to really like him, which is massive for his confidence. He's the set piece taker for corners and free kicks and is widely tipped to be a high scorer on FPL this season.
Pappis Cisse 6.5m � (2.6% Ownership) Newcastle drew 2-2 with Southampton this weekend with striker Pappis Cisse scoring the Newcastle's first of the game as well as picking up 3 bonus points leaving the forward with a total of nine points. This week Newcastle travel to Swansea who earned a fantastic 2-2 draw away with Chelsea, they did however looked very shaky defensively, which makes a Newcastle striker very appealing. The service provided by Wijnaldum should see the strikers chances increase it's just a matter of finishing them. An important statistic to consider is Cisse has scored 4 goals against Swansea, all of which have come at the Liberty Stadium. If you do pick Cisse it does come with a risk as Newcastle play both Manchester United and Arsenal within their next three games, making him only a good option if you have a striker who rotates well with him. Nevertheless, he looks a solid pick for this weekend so at least consider him for your daily fantasy football teams.
Jeremain Lens 6.5m (0.9% Ownership) After their 4-2 drubbing to Leicester City, Sunderland will be looking to bounce back this weekend as they welcome newly promoted Norwich City who suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace. Lens scored five points this weekend and contributed one assist on his debut. He looked lively throughout the game and looks a real coup for Sunderland. He's had previous experience working under Dick Advocaat that should see him be a mainstay in the side. News broke this week that Adam Johnson expected to be out for six weeks, making the Dutch midfielder the heart of Sunderland's attacking play where his pace and creativity will shine. Sunderland face Norwich and Swansea at home before going to Aston Villa away. Three appealing fixtures for Lens' to prove his worth.
Maarten Stekelenburg 5.0m (2% Ownership) With Fraser Forster out injured for the foreseeable future this gives Stekelenburg the perfect chance to score you plenty of points. Southampton were very regimented at the back last season conceding only 33 goals, 13 of which coming at home. This week the Saints face Everton at home who seem to be going through a rough patch both on and off the pitch. Southampton then face Watford, Norwich and West Brom, which gives Koeman the perfect chance to tally up some clean sheets. With Courtois being banned and Cech looking shaky, Stekelenburg provides a good alternative with a low selection percentage. Stekelenburg doesn't face any immediate competition for his position and looks set to be the number one for the foreseeable future.
Notable Mentions There were a handful of players who missed out on selection but we still want you to be aware of them. Ross Barkley 6.5m � (4.7% Ownership) - Was impressive in Everton's 2-2 draw with Watford and scored a fantastic goal, his problem is he is inconsistent and doesn't provide the moments of brilliance we know he is capable of on regular occasions. If he can continue the form he's begun the season with he could be a great option. Georgino Wijnaldum 7.0m (3.8% Ownership) � The Dutchman had an impressive debut scoring one goal in the 2-2 draw with Southampton. He travels to Swansea who didn't look the best defensively last weekend. Last year he scored 14 goals and created a lot of chances for PSV. That's expected to continue this season with the midfielder looking a real star for Newcastle. Bafetimbi Gomis 7.0m � (2.9% Ownership) � Despite being offside with almost every attack and needing four chances to eventually score from a penalty, Gomis did show signs of his potential for the season. Gomis doesn't have much competition for his position so he looks to have nailed down the striker position. Swansea have a lot of creative players and this will only benefit the big striker. Xherdan Shaqiri 7.0m � (0.1% Ownership) � Yes, this transfer really has happened. Once Champions League winner Sharqiri can finally live up to the famous Stoke City stereotype. A pacey winger who has a low centre of gravity and an ability to change the game in an instant. Let him adapt to England before you consider him. Jay Rodriguez 7.0m (0.1% Ownership) � Jay Rod made his return to Premier League football this week after missing the whole of last season due to injury. Whilst he didn't score or assist he looked very dangerous for Southampton. If he can return to his form of a few seasons ago he would be a great pick up.
FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE TIPS
Dejan Lovren 5.0m � (0.9% Ownership) Now, I know what you're all thinking, “Lovren is awful, I wouldn't have him anywhere near my team.” Well read this before you judge him. Last season Lovren wasn't at his best , his game was riddled with mistakes and he became a scapegoat for Liverpool fans. Things seem to have changed though, in pre season he was very impressive and against Stoke he looked very solid. His performance will keep him ahead of Sakho when he returns. It was probably his best game in a Liverpool shirt with not a single mistake made. He won a lot of aerial duels and tackles when he was called upon. Liverpool play newly promoted side Bournemouth at Anfield this weekend and if Lovren is to start there is a high chance he could keep another clean sheet.
Heurelho Gomes 4.5m � (0.8% Ownership) Similar in a way to Lovren, Gomes is probably known for his mistakes during his time at Tottenham. Since joining Watford in 2014 the Brazilian keeper has looked a different keeper. Last season in the Championship he kept 15 clean sheets in 44 games and at times was unbeatable. Whilst he didn't keep a clean sheet this weekend he scored bonus points for saves. This Saturday Watford play hosts to West Brom and with some FPL managers going through a keeper crisis; Gomes could provide cheap but solid cover for your team. West Brom didn't look the most dangerous of sides against Manchester City on Monday, but they have since secured the services of Salomon Rondon from Zenit. It's yet to be seen if Rondon will be fit for the trip to Vicarage Road but even so Gomes has a great chance of keeping a clean sheet.
Dimitri Payet 7.5m � (4.7% Ownership) What a debut for the Frenchman, he was fantastic against Arsenal and ran the show for West Ham. His slick intricate passing along with his near perfect dead ball deliveries made him a nightmare for Arsenal who struggled to contain the attacking midfielder. He's a fantastic dribbler and all of West Ham's attacking play seemed to go through him at the weekend. West Ham have a run of eye-catching fixtures. They play Leicester, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Norwich at home in their next four home games. The Hammers' will also face Liverpool and Manchester City away but something tells us that Payet is going to be fixture proof due to his assist output. The manager Bilic seems to really like him, which is massive for his confidence. He's the set piece taker for corners and free kicks and is widely tipped to be a high scorer on FPL this season.
Pappis Cisse 6.5m � (2.6% Ownership) Newcastle drew 2-2 with Southampton this weekend with striker Pappis Cisse scoring the Newcastle's first of the game as well as picking up 3 bonus points leaving the forward with a total of nine points. This week Newcastle travel to Swansea who earned a fantastic 2-2 draw away with Chelsea, they did however looked very shaky defensively, which makes a Newcastle striker very appealing. The service provided by Wijnaldum should see the strikers chances increase it's just a matter of finishing them. An important statistic to consider is Cisse has scored 4 goals against Swansea, all of which have come at the Liberty Stadium. If you do pick Cisse it does come with a risk as Newcastle play both Manchester United and Arsenal within their next three games, making him only a good option if you have a striker who rotates well with him. Nevertheless, he looks a solid pick for this weekend so at least consider him for your daily fantasy football teams.
Jeremain Lens 6.5m (0.9% Ownership) After their 4-2 drubbing to Leicester City, Sunderland will be looking to bounce back this weekend as they welcome newly promoted Norwich City who suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace. Lens scored five points this weekend and contributed one assist on his debut. He looked lively throughout the game and looks a real coup for Sunderland. He's had previous experience working under Dick Advocaat that should see him be a mainstay in the side. News broke this week that Adam Johnson expected to be out for six weeks, making the Dutch midfielder the heart of Sunderland's attacking play where his pace and creativity will shine. Sunderland face Norwich and Swansea at home before going to Aston Villa away. Three appealing fixtures for Lens' to prove his worth.
Maarten Stekelenburg 5.0m (2% Ownership) With Fraser Forster out injured for the foreseeable future this gives Stekelenburg the perfect chance to score you plenty of points. Southampton were very regimented at the back last season conceding only 33 goals, 13 of which coming at home. This week the Saints face Everton at home who seem to be going through a rough patch both on and off the pitch. Southampton then face Watford, Norwich and West Brom, which gives Koeman the perfect chance to tally up some clean sheets. With Courtois being banned and Cech looking shaky, Stekelenburg provides a good alternative with a low selection percentage. Stekelenburg doesn't face any immediate competition for his position and looks set to be the number one for the foreseeable future.
Notable Mentions There were a handful of players who missed out on selection but we still want you to be aware of them. Ross Barkley 6.5m � (4.7% Ownership) - Was impressive in Everton's 2-2 draw with Watford and scored a fantastic goal, his problem is he is inconsistent and doesn't provide the moments of brilliance we know he is capable of on regular occasions. If he can continue the form he's begun the season with he could be a great option. Georgino Wijnaldum 7.0m (3.8% Ownership) � The Dutchman had an impressive debut scoring one goal in the 2-2 draw with Southampton. He travels to Swansea who didn't look the best defensively last weekend. Last year he scored 14 goals and created a lot of chances for PSV. That's expected to continue this season with the midfielder looking a real star for Newcastle. Bafetimbi Gomis 7.0m � (2.9% Ownership) � Despite being offside with almost every attack and needing four chances to eventually score from a penalty, Gomis did show signs of his potential for the season. Gomis doesn't have much competition for his position so he looks to have nailed down the striker position. Swansea have a lot of creative players and this will only benefit the big striker. Xherdan Shaqiri 7.0m � (0.1% Ownership) � Yes, this transfer really has happened. Once Champions League winner Sharqiri can finally live up to the famous Stoke City stereotype. A pacey winger who has a low centre of gravity and an ability to change the game in an instant. Let him adapt to England before you consider him. Jay Rodriguez 7.0m (0.1% Ownership) � Jay Rod made his return to Premier League football this week after missing the whole of last season due to injury. Whilst he didn't score or assist he looked very dangerous for Southampton. If he can return to his form of a few seasons ago he would be a great pick up.
