With the season rapidly approaching, what better time than to take a look at some ‘maverick’ picks?! So here are my thoughts on potential differentials for each team.
(Selection percentages correct at time of printing)
ARSENAL
Pepe – (7.5m. 3.6% selected)
The Ivorian finished the season incredibly strongly and with plenty of rest compared to many other Premier League players this summer means that he can continue that form into this season.
He showed his quality, so despite Arsenal’s mixed early fixtures, there’s no reason why he can’t post some impressive numbers.
ASTON VILLA
Cash – (5.0m, 1.9% selected)
With Aston Villa seen as a team that will defend well again this coming season and Martinez 0.5m more expensive, the likes of Cash and Targett are very good options at 5.0m.
Cash gets forward well and like his team-mate on the other flank, he puts in good crosses and will have the opportunity to create chances for the likes of Buendia and Watkins. A good differential.
BRENTFORD
Mbuemo – (5.5m, 1.2% selected)
The young French winger was one of the key elements of Brentford’s promotion last season, scoring very important goals. A good foil for Toney and already has a proven and successful link up with the striker.
A decent option if you need a cheaper midfielder and don’t want to pick Smith Rowe at Arsenal.
BRIGHTON
Veltman – (4.5m, 3.0% selected)
Brighton were one of the tightest defences last season and, although they have lost Ben White to Arsenal, they are predicted to be just as stingy when it comes to conceding goals this season too.
With Lamptey injured and Dunk more expensive, Veltman is a strong option for your 4.5m defender this season.
BURNLEY
Taylor – (4.5m, 1.0% selected)
Burnley have always been seen as a decent defensive side (last season aside) so I was always likely to choose a Burnley defender for my differential pick. While they’re not the most offensive side, any Premier League full back has the potential to get assists and Taylor is no different, especially with Wood up front.
Not my strongest of picks but certainly worth a punt if you need a cheap defender that might pick up occasional clean sheets.
CHELSEA
Silva – (5.5m, 3.3% selected)
Had a decent first season in the Premier League and played an important part in their end to the season and Champions League success.
May not play every game but is cheaper than the rest of the defence and should be trusted to play the majority of their PL games.
CRYSTAL PALACE
Olise – (5.5m, 0.3% selected)
Admittedly, the step up from the Championship to the Premier League is huge. But the talented winger has all the skills and ability to perform well if he’s given the chance.
Playing for an attack-minded manager in Vieira (based on his recent comments) means he will hopefully get the opportunity to attack and put in the sort of performances that earned him the transfer from Reading this summer. A tricky player, so could also win penalties too.
EVERTON
Coleman – (5.0m, 0.6% selected)
The Irishman seems to be being ignored for the more popular Digne, which is totally understandable. But playing for a defensive minded Benitez surely means clean sheets and the 0.5m saved means the option to upgrade a player further forward.
He didn’t show it last season but he has the pedigree to score huge points in FPL and, while he might not be on set pieces, does like to get forward as much as his French team-mate on the other flank.
LEEDS
Harrison – (6.0m, 5.5% selected)
Plays for an attack-minded manager, regardless of who they are against, and a cheaper option than the more popular Raphinha.
Links well with midfield and attacking players and created plenty of chances last season. I expect him to kick on this season now that he’s finally got his move from Man City.
LEICESTER
Tielemans – (6.5m, 4.3% selected)
The more I think about this pick, the more I’m sorely tempted to find space for him in my team. Had a cracking season last year and I don’t see any reason why he can’t do the same, or even better, this season.
Whether Maddison stays or goes, Tielemans is still highly likely to be on set pieces and gets forward nicely too. A great differential in my opinion and good starting fixtures.
LIVERPOOL
Mane – (12.0m, 3.6% selected)
Given his relative similarity in price to his Egyptian team-mate, it’s not surprising to see his ownership so low. But when you actually stop and think about it, is Mane really that bad an option?
He didn’t have the greatest season last year, by his own admission, but he’s had a long break this summer compared to many others and is proven quality in the Premier League. There’s no reason why he can’t score well over 200 points again this season.
MAN CITY
Cancelo – (6.0m, 7.7% selected)
I get that he’s a slight risk given Pep Roulette but he’s started most games in pre-season, unlike Kyle Walker, and has been playing in a similar RB/CM role again so far.
He’s also adept at playing at left back too and played more games last season than I expected so there is no reason why it would be any different this season.
MAN UTD
Greenwood – (7.5m, 3.2% selected)
Given that Cavani and Sancho haven’t even started training yet (though they may start this week), the chances of Greenwood starting the first game or two are increasing.
It’s probably not likely to be a long term punt but he might be a decent option for a couple of gameweeks at least.
NEWCASTLE
Wilson – (7.5m, 4.9% selected)
Yes, we all know the past relationships between Wilson and FPL managers. He’s trolled more people with poor performances despite previous encouraging form than I’ve eaten hot dinners.
BUT, his fixtures suggest the potential for a decent FPL start and if the worst comes to the worst and he trolls yet again, we can always move him on for Jimenez, Watkins or even his team-mate Saint-Maximin (who’s 1m cheaper).
NORWICH
Cantwell – (5.5m, 2.3% selected)
Even without his insane assist in his most recent pre-season game, Cantwell has always been a decent differential option for Norwich and is proven in the Premier League.
His early fixtures are not great, in fact they are absolute dire, but once they improve, he might be a shrewd pick if you need to downgrade a more expensive midfielder to enable a move for Kane or Lukaku (if he signs).
SOUTHAMPTON
Perraud – (5.0m, 0.2% selected)
The French left-back comes very highly rated from Ligue 1. Highly attacking and with the potential to get some assists, he’s a very ‘out there’ pick given his price and the expected lack of Saints clean sheets this season.
One to watch and wait and see perhaps more than one immediately to jump on.
TOTTENHAM
Reguilon – (5.0m, 2.6% selected)
The appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo should mean that Spurs maintain a more defensive approach, surely then ensuring more FPL returns for their defenders, including Reguilon.
The attacking full back could turn into NES’s new Doherty and once their fixtures improve, could be a decent option for a very reasonable price.
WATFORD
Rose – (4.5m, 1.1% selected)
Watford were known for their defensive resilience last season and although the step up to the Premier League is a big one, they are predicted to be tight defensively in 21/22 too.
The ex-Spurs left back has expensive on his side but will also be determined to perform to the best of his abilities and is known to get forward and create chances for team-mates.
WEST HAM
Bowen – (6.5m, 2.1% selected)
A decent option for a mid-priced midfielder slot. On set pieces and firmly established into the West Ham set-up now.
Created plenty of chances from open play and dead ball situations last season and has a decent shot on him too. Being linked with Liverpool so can’t be a bad option, right?!
WOLVES
Jimenez – (7.5m, 3.3% selected)
It might be sentimental reasons but I think Jimenez is a great pick for this season. He has proven season after season that he scores goals in the Premier League, has great opening fixtures (after the first two or three) and is playing for a manager that likes attacking football.
Again, like others, he can always be downgraded to similarly or lower priced options if he doesn’t perform.
FPL Maverick 