Welcome back to another Fantasy Premier League differential article. This week Callum Read looks at three differential strikers who all feature in Gameweek 35.
This article will compare the last four Premier League performances of Shane Long (£5.7m), Jermain Defoe (£5.1m) and Daniel Sturrdige (£10.0m.) Please note - if the player has a Double Gameweek they will be classed as two separate Premier League fixtures.
We are going to look at recent FPL points, fixture difficulty, goal scoring form and creativity to reach a verdict on which striker you should consider for this Gameweek.
Recent Form:
| # |
Player |
Mins |
Pts |
| 1 |
Sturridge |
288 |
28 |
| 2 |
Defoe |
360 |
18 |
| 3 |
Long |
239 |
17 |
Three goals in his last four Premier League games, coupled with two assists leaves Daniel Sturridge the highest scoring player out of the trio. There is also good news for potential Sturridge owners, with Divock Origi out injured it looks as if the English striker will start this weekend, and for the foreseeable future baring injury.
Jermain Defoe's form is giving Sunderland a real chance of survival, he's almost guaranteed to start all of Sunderland's remaining fixtures due to his Premier League experience and his ability to score goals.
Despite Southampton hitting a patch of form, Shane Long hasn't found the net as often, possible due to being played as one of the three behind striker Pelle. He's still managed to tally a respectable 17 points thanks to one goal and two assists.
Opposition Difficulty:
BCC = Big Chances Conceded, GC = Goals Conceded.
| # |
Player |
Vs. |
BCC |
GC |
| 1 |
Long |
Aston Villa (A) |
6 |
8 |
| 2 |
Sturridge |
Newcastle (H) |
5 |
7 |
| 3 |
Defoe |
Arsenal (H) |
1 |
4 |
It comes as no surprise that Southampton have the easiest fixture of the three players when the Saints travel to already relegated Aston Villa, who have been nothing short of shocking defensively this season.
Liverpool welcome Newcastle and former manager Rafa Benitez to Anfield this weekend, despite the fixture looking easy on paper the Toon are in a relegation battle and picked up a 3-0 win over Swansea last weekend. If anyone can guide Newcastle to a win at Anfield it's the former Reds manager.
It'll be a tough fixture for Sunderland when Arsenal are the guests to the Stadium of Light. With just four goals conceded in their last four Premier League games and one big chance conceded, the Black Cats and Defoe have a tough fixture on their hands if you're to believe the stats.
Goalscoring Form:
BC = Big Chances, SOT = Shots on Target, GS = Goals Scored.
| # |
Player |
BC |
SoT |
GS |
| 1 |
Sturridge |
5 |
8 |
3 |
| 2 |
Defoe |
3 |
4 |
2 |
| 3 |
Long |
2 |
2 |
1 |
Daniel Sturridge looks to be the most active in front of goal, having twice as many shots on target as 2nd placed Defoe, his one goal in just 37 minutes against Everton showed the true class on the Liverpool striker.
Jermain Defoe has found the back of the net twice in his last four games from just three Big Chances, a testament to his ability to score crucial goals, something Sunderland need at this stage of the season.
Shane Long places last, if you take into account he doesn't play as the main striker it's understandable why. He isn't seeing as many chances as the other two places and this is reflected in his tally.
The Verdict:
To conclude, firstly we'd rule out Shane Long straight off the bat, although a good finisher he just isn't getting enough chances to score goals due to not playing as a striker.
Due to his cheaper price tag it's Defoe who catches our eye the most, he's a very good finisher when in front of goal and has proved that season after season, he also has to most to play for out of the three players.
If you can afford Sturridge then he is a strong luxury option to have at your disposal, but bare in mind his injury record AND the fact Liverpool play midweek against Villarreal may reduce his game time against Newcastle.
