Gameweek 9 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is almost upon us. which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some more differential options.
This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Newcastle United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur who we think have the potential to make an impact.
As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.
CALLUM WILSON
- FPL ownership: 1.1%
- Price: £7.3m
- GW9-13 fixtures: cry | CHE | bha | BRE | ars
Callum Wilson (£7.3m) made an instant impact upon his return to Newcastle United’s starting XI in Gameweek 8, as he netted an early goal against Tottenham Hotspur.
As a result, the 29-year-old has now found the back of the net in three of his four Premier League appearances this season, and is averaging an impressive six points per match during that time, a total that only Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m), Michail Antonio (£8.1m) and Jamie Vardy (£10.6m) can improve upon amongst all forwards.
However, this season’s form is merely a continuation of the consistency Wilson offered in 2020/21, when he produced 12 goals and six assists from 26 matches. He was also involved in 58% of his side’s goals when on the pitch, emphasising his status as the Magpies’ talisman.
Newcastle remain winless in the Premier League this season, having drawn three and lost five so far, but will hope to turn a corner against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 9 under new caretaker manager Graeme Jones, who will be desperate to get off to a good start. After that, fixtures are mixed, but it is worth noting that a pair of appealing home games against Norwich City and Burnley follow those detailed above, which does suggest that Wilson could be a solid set-and-forget option right up until early December.
With 15 Premier League goals from 30 games since his move to Tyneside, Wilson usually delivers when fit, and could be the pick of the mid-price forwards in the coming weeks.
PHIL FODEN
- FPL ownership: 4.9%
- Price: £8.0m
- GW9-13 fixtures: bha | CRY | mun | EVE | WHU
With attacking returns in each of his last three Manchester City appearances in all competitions, Phil Foden (£8.0m) is surely one of the best differentials in the game right now.
The 21-year-old has been in fine form since recovering from a foot injury that kept him out of action at the start of the season, and produced an excellent assist for Joao Cancelo’s (£6.3m) opener against Club Brugge in midweek.
Interestingly, Foden played in multiple positions throughout the night, but was at his best as a false nine. However, he seems to be good wherever he plays at the moment, and though there will surely be some rotation in the coming weeks, his versatility – and form – does suggest that he will start more often than not right now.
His numbers have been particularly eye-catching, too. Since making his first start in Gameweek 6, amongst all team-mates, he ranks top for passes received in the final third, penalty area touches and successful crosses, and second for expected goal involvement (xGI).
As for City, they now take on Brighton and Hove Albion before hosting Crystal Palace in Gameweek 10. The former fixture certainly won’t be easy to navigate, especially given the Seagulls’ impressive defensive numbers throughout 2021, but at the same time, it is also worth noting that they have scored 16 goals in their last five league encounters against Graham Potter’s side.
Foden is becoming an influential figure at Man City, and with an ownership of just 4.9%, is a tempting differential route into one of the league’s most potent attacks.
TANGUY NDOMBELE
- FPL ownership: 0.3%
- Price: £5.8m
- GW9-13 fixtures: whu | MUN | eve | LEE | bur
Tanguy Ndombele (£5.8m) has impressed for Tottenham Hotspur in his two most recent outings, which has coincided with a move into a more advanced, central no. 10 role.
The Frenchman was a constant threat against Newcastle United last time out, as he netted his first Premier League goal of the season, and posted match-leading totals for goal attempts, shots in the box and penalty area touches. His performance against Aston Villa in Gameweek 7 was encouraging too, as he forced a smart stop from Emiliano Martinez (£5.5m) during the second half.
There will understandably be scepticism about a move for a player who has so often flattered to deceive during his time at Spurs, but in Nuno Espirito Santo’s new 4-2-3-1 formation – which features Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (£4.9m) and Oliver Skipp (£4.5m) screening the back four in a double pivot – it does feel like Ndombele will have fewer defensive responsibilities, and in turn, be handed a platform to truly express himself in the final third.
As for Spurs, they are currently placed in fifth position in the Premier League table and have now won their last three matches in all competitions. Next up is an away trip to London rivals West Ham United, before matches against Manchester United (h), Everton (a), Leeds United (h), Burnley (a), Brentford (h) and Norwich City (h).
Ndombele has improved in each match he has played this season, and if he can nail down a starting no. 10 spot, could offer real value in the coming weeks.
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