Fantasy Football: Identify the differentials

Marco van Ginkel of Chelsea

Here is a roundup on all the picks from Fantasy Premier League (The one on the official website of Premier league) which provide good differentials i.e. picks which are not the popular choices but might turn out to be really good prospects in fantasy football this season.

The value of differentials cannot be emphasized more. These are the players who might make the key difference for your team. With many people choosing the likes of Eden Hazard , Robin van Persie and Branislav Ivanovic, it is imperative to have players which others don’t have.

This is the chance to make up for lost ground or stretch the lead against your competitors. Just recall the impact Michu had last season. The following are some of the differentials for this season:

Marco van Ginkel (Price- 6m, Ownership- 0.5%, Position- Midfielder)

For those who followed Chelsea’s pre-season know that this fellow is pretty good and does stake his claim to start for the Blues. This consistent performer in the pre-season comes at a bargain price of 6 million with a minor ownership of 0.5%.

Chelsea also has a double matchweek to offer which further sweetens the deal to select van Ginkel. 6 million is a very cheap price to enter Mourinho’s midfield as he might be preferred to Ramires or Mikel.

Craig Bellamy (Price- 5.5m, Ownership- 6.6%, Position- Midfielder)

Craig Bellamy

Mr. Experience for this Cardiff team is listed as a midfielder is sure to be an out of position prospect. The thought of Craig Bellamy getting clean sheet points is baffling but true for this season. Sure starter on the left flank for Cardiff is a proven Premier League player with pace to burn even during mid 30s.

Bellamy can score and assist and has a relatively low ownership at 6.6%. Yet, the most attractive aspect of Bellamy’s inclusion in your team might be the fact that he is playing for his home team and the extra drive that Bellamy might have to make it big for his home team.

Marouane Chamakh (Price- 5m, Ownership- 2.1%, Position- Forward)

Get a quality forward (albeit unproven in Premier League) for 5m. That is a good deal. Expected to lead Crystal Palace forward line, he might be the budget striker you are looking for. With Nicolas Anelka taking place in most people’s team as budget forward, Chamakh might be the differential that will get off to a flyer.

Razvan Rat (Price- 5m, Ownership- 1.6%, Position- Defender)

Rat plays left-back for his nation and is very experienced defender. Hammers have proven that their defense is one of the best among bottom half teams (one cannot emphasize importance of value defender enough).

Extremely astute signing by Sam Allardyce provides offensive option through assists. Clean sheets might be tough to come by but West Ham is as good a defense you will get among the bottom half teams. Very little ownership makes him a huge differential.

Joleon Lescott (Price- 5.5m, Ownership- 2.2%, Position- Defender)

Best and cheapest way to get into the Manchester City defense. With Nastasic injured for 2 further weeks, Lescott looks the most probable to start along with Kompany. If you want to use wildcard early, Lescott might a good pick to start before Nastasic comes back. Lescott offers clean sheets and a well proven scorer from set plays.

You can create your own fantasy team and get in on the action here.