The best differentials for a Gameweek 31 Wildcard
Many FPL managers will Wildcard for the final weeks of the season. These differentials can cause a late surge up rankings and mini-leagues.
Differentials
In this instance, the definition of a differential is a player who was not owned by at least 10% of the top 100k in Gameweek 29. The below is the effective ownership (EO) of this rank, as provided by LiveFPL.
Blank Gameweek 30 has only eight participating teams, followed by a two-week international period. Traditionally, these longer breaks are a good time to Wildcard, especially if players get injured whilst playing for their country.
So when the league resumes on 2nd April, which differentials stand out for the final stretch?
Kai Havertz (Chelsea, £7.8m)
Despite some FPL managers still being scarred from Havertz blanking during a 7-0 win over Norwich in Gameweek 9, it might be time to reconsider Chelsea’s attacking midfielder. Up front instead of Romelu Lukaku, he has played all throughout their last four league matches and delivered four goals plus an assist.
There’s definitely a case for Mason Mount (£7.5m), who is usually deemed the safer starter. However, Havertz may have secured his place as being undroppable for Thomas Tuchel in this crucial part of the season. Here are their great fixtures.
Reece James (Chelsea, £6.1m)
Therefore Reece James is also a consideration. It feels a bit cheeky to class him as a differential considering he gained 300,000 managers for Gameweek 28 and this would’ve continued had he not picked up another injury.
Yet technically, James is a differential right now and offers wonderful attacking returns from defence. Perhaps his minutes get managed amidst their FA Cup and Champions League runs but, considering he has returns of 21, 18, 18, 13 and 12 this season, it’s the type of risk worth taking.
Harvey Barnes (Leicester, £6.5m)
As explored in our look at the best midfielders for Blank Gameweek 30, Barnes didn’t score until Gameweek 11. Since then, his 887 minutes (around ten matches) have produced three goals and six assists that have, unfortunately, been spread out due to injury.
Luckily, he has started four of Leicester’s last five matches and is emerging as their primary attacking outlet. Superb fixtures will have further additions via Norwich (H) and Chelsea (a).
Cucho Hernandez (Watford, £5.0m)
Yes, the FPL community is desperate for another bargain Watford forward to put faith in. Cucho Hernandez is a great alternative to Armando Broja (£5.5m), as he is even cheaper and actually familiar with scoring goals. Three have arrived over the last trio of games, where he played all 270 minutes.
This seemingly puts him ahead of Josh King (£5.7m) in the pecking order, having ‘starred’ in 13 games without a goal and subsequently losing his spot to Cucho. Between Gameweeks 32 and 35, three of the Hornets’ fixtures are at home to Leeds, Brentford and Burnley.
Phil Foden (Man City, £7.9m)
Maybe this is in blind faith that Foden is due a goal and his out-of-position situation will duly bring some. Or maybe it’s acknowledgement that a Man City midfielder needs including, as they approach a very nice fixture run knowing Liverpool are breathing down their necks.
Even so, the eternal question is always about knowing which of them to select. Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) leads the way but is expensive. Bernardo Silva (£7.2m) plays every match but hasn’t scored since Gameweek 15. Then there is Riyad Mahrez (£8.7m) and Raheem Sterling (£10.6m) – all four are on more FPL points than Foden.
Jadon Sancho (Man United, £8.9m)
Elsewhere in Manchester, the recent performances of Jadon Sancho have been very encouraging. Two goals and three assists from his last five starts, at a more budget-friendly price than Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.2m) and Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m). They’re losing ground in the battle to finish fourth, so rotating star players is off the menu. FPL managers could do much worse than Sancho.
Ivan Toney (Brentford, £6.6m)
Finally, the in-form Brentford forward who was heavily-backed at the start of the season but is scoring goals now that he’s not. A hat-trick against Norwich and two more on Saturday versus Burnley, Toney has scored seven goals from his last four starts.
Now on 11 for the season, only Ronaldo has more amongst all forwards in the game. Brentford aren’t quite safe yet, either.
Also on Fantasy Football Community:
Away from differentials, the longview article ranks the remaining fixture runs until Gameweek 38. Plus a look at the dilemma over what to do with Joao Cancelo.
