Differentials XI – Gameweek 3 FPL Tips – Fantasy Premier League Tips

Another FPL gameweek down, and another disappointing one at that. The Differentials XI, proving that the task is much harder than first thought and perhaps setting a target of finishing in the top third was a bit naive. Let’s try and get in the top 2 million first!

Here’s how the Differentials XI looked at the end of the week:

Differentials XI

So, 42 points would not be so bad on a usual gameweek, but when Aguero and Ibrahimovic who have over 50% ownership each score 13 points, there isn’t too much we can do other than hope one of them picks up an injury soon! The Differentials XI does look strong and there is plenty of potential for us to rise up the ranks.

Just looking at the team’s ownership percentages it’s clear to see next week is going to be a tough one however. At the time of writing this article Diego Costa and Antonio Valencia have exactly 10.0% ownership so I’ve JUST survived on that front, otherwise we’d be looking at a -8 point hit after already having to transfer out the impressive Nathan Redmond as he gained too much traction too quickly. We had to say goodbye to Redmond just before a tantalising home fixture against Sunderland, which Southampton fans would be quick to remind you is a fixture that saw them score 8 goals in recent years.

Here’s the Differentials XI in full:

Differentials XI

Starting XI: Forster (5.1%), Valencia (10.0%), Simpson (2.5%), Terry (5.1%), De Bruyne (5.6%), Sigurdsson (6.7%), Deulofeu (3.7%), Townsend (5.7%), Mirallas (3.1%), Costa (10.0%), Rooney (6.1%).

Bench: Mandanda (3.9%), Ward (1.1%), Taylor (0.8%), Grabban (4.1%).

Although as previously mentioned we had to get rid of Redmond, Forster remains. Still without a clean sheet as of yet, but at home to a Sunderland side that leave a lot to be desired of, we’re hopeful of returns this week. In defence, in what likely will be his last appearance for the squad is Valencia. It’s frustrating that he’ll be gone next week due to his high ownership, but that’s just the nature of the beast when making a Differentials XI; a few good performances and you have to go! Alongside him is Chelsea’s Terry. Rested midweek in the EFL Cup, he should be good to go. Similar to Forster, Terry’s in a notoriously tight defence, but under new management the clean sheet capabilities seem to have dropped. Let’s hope that changes against Burnley. Completing the defence is Simpson. Leicester certainly haven’t started where they left off, but they’ll be hoping to win this weekend on the third time of asking and the best hope of that is not to concede!

In midfield, De Bruyne starts, who returned an assist in his Differentials XI debut for the team last time out, so we can’t be disappointed with that! With all the attacking talent Pep has at his disposal, Kevin De Bruyne will remain a key part of the line-up. Alongside Kevin is Kevin. Wait, what? Replacing the outgoing Redmond is Kevin Mirallas. Despite also being Belgian, he’s arguably not as good as De Bruyne! He’s mainly been brought in as cover for Deulofeu. The signing of Bolasie has really thrown a spanner into the works. Simply put, 3 doesn’t go into 2. One of Deulofeu, Mirallas and Bolasie has to start on the bench and the early indications looking at Ronald Koeman’s substitution-partners is that it might be Gerard that loses his place. Owning both Mirallas and Deulofeu means at least one of them will start at the weekend! Still in the side is Townsend. Yet to deliver since his move to Selhurst Park, although he does have impressive underlying stats. Surely he has to deliver the goods soon and against Bournemouth, there may never be a better chance for him, especially with the fact the Cherries are without their main man Arter after a sending off at West Ham. Completing the midfield is Sigurdsson. Frankly he hasn’t justified his inclusion. If Redmond was still eligible for this week it would have been Glyfi that would’ve got the axe. A hard run of fixtures lie ahead for Swansea and he will be one I’m looking to ship out soon.

Onto the strikers… It’s going to be a fond farewell this week for Diego Costa who will certainty exceed the 10% boundary by the time gameweek 4 comes around. In typical Costa fashion he’s scored in both games, but could’ve easily seen red in both too. Always on the edge and looking to pounce, he’ll be keen to add to his goal tally at home to Burnley. It won’t be an easy task given the fact Burnley beat Jurgen Klopp’s men 2-0 last time out. Finalising the forward line is rejuvenated Rooney. A goal and assist in 2 gameweeks is the exact sort of form I’m after from the Englishman. Impressive but still enough to go unnoticed. His ownership is still relatively low and with the way everyone’s rising, I may have to hold onto Wayne for some time.

Written by FPL Avids (@FPLAvids)

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