The Differential Picks article for gameweek 3 included Aleksandar Mitrovic, Theo Walcott and Nacho Monreal, all of whom scored and performed well for their FPL managers. However, popular transfer in Richarlison picked up a silly red card in Everton’s game at Bournemouth, leaving managers to decide who is best to bring in for gameweek 4. Here are some potential replacements, as well as a few under the radar forwards going into the next round of fixtures.
LUCAS MOURA – £7.1m – TSB: 7.3% – Watford (A)
Arguably the stand-out performance of gameweek 3 came in the final fixture. After a competitive first half, Tottenham took control at Old Trafford in the second, beating Manchester United 3-0 to go joint-top of the league with Liverpool. The man who grabbed all of the headlines was Brazilian winger Lucas Moura, who clattered home both the second and third goals in clinical fashion. Moura struggled for minutes after joining Spurs in January of this year, but with Son Heung-Min taking part in the Asian games, Moura has finally been able to claim a starting place for Pochettino’s men, doing so in all 3 league games so far. His goals against Manchester United followed a superb goal in Tottenham’s previous game against Fulham, so Moura is picking up form at just the right time with Richarlison’s red card causing mass sales among fantasy managers.
DAVID SILVA – £8.5m – TSB: 6.6% – Newcastle (H)
Manchester City uncharacteristically dropped points away to promoted Wolves in gameweek three, but will be encouraged by David Silva completing 90 minutes for the first time this campaign. The gifted Spaniard was not afforded his usual space within which to work but was unfortunate to not earn a penalty after Ruben Neves brought him down in the second half. Silva has taken the role of chief playmaker in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, already creating 9 chances in the two games since returning to the side, with only Mo Salah creating more (12 in three games). With games against Newcastle (H), Fulham (H), Cardiff (A) and Brighton (H) up next for the Citizens, expect Silva to flourish.
PASCAL GROSS – £6.9m – TSB: 5.2% – Fulham (H)
Pascal Gross was a fantasy favourite last season, providing 7 goals and 8 assists, with all but 2 assists coming at the Amex Stadium. As a player who thrives in front of a home crowd, the visit of Fulham brings with it the potential of attacking returns for the creative midfielder. Fulham have conceded at least 2 goals in each of their first 3 games since promotion, while Brighton’s last home fixture saw them put 3 past a Manchester United side who recorded the second-best defensive record in the league last season. Gross picked up a goal in the United game via a penalty; his potential is only further increased as the first-choice spot-kick taker. Despite being benched away to Liverpool in gameweek 3, the reasons were purely tactical and Gross should be back in the starting XI for the weekend and ready to pick up returns.
CENK TOSUN – £7.0m – TSB: 5.6% – Huddersfield (H)
With Everton wingers Richarlison and Theo Walcott providing the bulk of Everton’s attacking returns so far this season, Turkish centre-forward Cenk Tosun has not made it onto the watchlists of too many fantasy managers. However, he has contributed to the cause with 2 assists so far and his link up play has been quietly impressive. Huddersfield and West Ham are the next two sides to visit Goodison Park and bring with them the joint-worst defensive records of the season so far (both conceding 9 goals in three games). With Richarlison suspended, the onus is on Tosun to contribute more heavily on the goals front and he has a good chance of doing so with Everton’s upcoming schedule.
JESSE LINGARD – £6.8m – TSB: 3.3% – Burnley (A)
After last week’s big punt on Nacho Monreal brought success, it might be worth looking at another under the radar option. As was touched on earlier, Manchester United are not in good form at all after two consecutive losses. However, Burnley have had a poor start themselves with just a point from their first three fixtures. Alarmingly, they have conceded 7 goals in their last two league games, with manager Sean Dyche suggesting their small squad has been struggling to adjust to the demands of a schedule that includes both domestic and European matches. Though surprising to say about a side who were so consistent at grinding out results last season, Burnley look there for the taking at the moment. Jose Mourinho will be looking for a response from his men and Jesse Lingard (priced around Richarlison’s price-range) is likely to retain his place. With a wildcard looming in the near future for many managers, Lingard could be worth a short-term pick after scoring a double against Burnley last season and finally reaching full-fitness after a long World Cup.
Best of luck everyone!
Written by FPL Forum (@FPLForum)
