How time flies, huh? Not too long ago we were contemplating whether Arsenal can mount a title challenge against champions Chelsea after the Community Shield, while many still believed that Manchester City spent way too much for Raheem Sterling. Well thoughts are different now.
And this unpredictable season has seen Fantasy Football managers panic at results not going their way, with many already activating their wildcard just five games into the campaign.
What is clear though so far this season is that the Big Guns are not firing, with cheaper options such like Riyad Mahrez (6.3), Dimitri Payet (7.6), and Calum Wilson (5.9) all making a mockery of their price tags.
And while their prices have risen due to managers jumping on the trending bandwagon, it is important that we bring in these players before they perform, to not only increase your team value in the long run but to have a player to help you catch up or jump ahead in your respective mini-leagues.
Here are THREE Differentials for your Fantasy Team ahead of Gameweek 5. All owned around the 5% mark or less!
Troy Deeney
At the start of the Fantasy campaign, Watford striker Troy Deeney (selected by 3.4%) was one of the players that managers hope would become the new Charlie Austin. However, after no goals in five games, plenty have jumped ship, selling the Englishman that has resulted in his price dropping from 5.5 to a mere 5.3.
However, Deeney does have two assists to his name, and it won’t be long before the club captain gets on the scoresheet. We’re betting that he could very well do so against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park this weekend, especially with him also on penalty duties.
After the trip to Tyneside, the Hornets have a home clash against Crystal Palace and then away to Bournemouth, giving Deeney every opportunity to match the likes of Calum Wilson (5.9) in the budget striker price bracket.
Jack Grealish
Last season attacking midfielder Jack Grealish (selected by 0.3% priced at 5.4) was the rising sensation at Villa Park, and many are expecting the youngster to go on and became a vital cog for Tim Sherwood’s attack this term.
He began the campaign with an injury, but now five games in Grealish is being deployed on the left flank and got off the scoresheet with a fine strike against Leicester City last weekend.
The 20-year-old should have scored at least two to be honest, and although the Midlands club weren’t able to hold on to a victory against the in-form Foxes, Grealish will be extremely confident when they host West Bromwich Albion this weekend despite the Baggies keeping three clean sheets in their three away games.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan Shaqiri (7.0) is a very decent purchase ahead of Gameweek 6 that would normally not even be considered a differential, but Stoke City’s slow start to the season and the Switzerland superstar still trying to settle into the Britannia has seen him picked by a mere 3.2% of managers.
Everyone knows that Shaqiri has the ability, but now the Potters go on an extremely kind run of fixtures that see them face Leicester City (home), Bournemouth (home), Aston Villa (away), Swansea (away), Watford (home), and Newcastle (away) in their next six.
And we promise that if he manages to produce against the Foxes this weekend, his price will rise very quickly ahead of Stoke’s upcoming games. If you’re looking for an option up top, Mame Biram Diouf (6.6) is a good shout, with the Senegal international only owned by just 4.1%.
