Fantasy Premier League: Top 5 differential picks for Gameweek 33

Gameweek 33 is already here, bringing with it a whole lot of questions. Should I use my wildcard ahead of the double gameweek? Should I save my free transfer and plan ahead for reduced gameweek 35? Should I take a -4 hit and save my wildcard?

That’s a whole lot of questions for which answers are needed, but we are here to make your life easier, at least for gameweek 33.

The differential picks often prove to be pivotal in climbing up the rankings because of their low ownership, helping managers gain serious ground over others, especially in mini-leagues.

On that note, we look at 5 players likely to score big points this week.

#5 Ashley Barnes vs Watford (A)

Barnes is in some form!

Our first pick is Burnley forward Ashley Barnes. He has been a mainstay in his side's forward line all season and is currently enjoying some brilliant form coming into this week's fixture.

Barnes has scored a goal in each of his last 4 games for Burnley and has racked up 26 points in the process. He now faces a Watford side that have kept only 2 clean sheets in their last 7 games, and will be looking to add to his tally.

He is owned by a mere 3.3% of managers in the compeititon and has the added advantage of playing twice, in double gameweek 34, as well as in gameweek 35. A real differential who can provide big returns this week.

#4 Dele Alli vs Stoke City (A)

Ally with Alli?

It has not been the greatest of seasons for Dele Alli, but he seems to be hitting form towards the end of the campaign.

The player has enjoyed a good run of late and has 3 goals and 2 assists in the last three weeks. He has also amassed a remarkable 31 points in the process, making him a real fantasy asset as we near the end of the campaign.

He is owned only by 12.0% of the managers at the moment and Spurs have some really good fixtures coming up before the season ends. He also has two double gameweeks coming up.

Stoke have kept only one clean sheet in their last 7 games and with Harry Kane also returning, we can expect some goals in the fixture and Alli to have a say in them.

#3 Eden Hazard/Willian vs West Ham (H)

It's wise to have one of them

A choice that depends on your budget. If you have the cash, bring in Hazard. If you don't, go for Willian. Hazard has failed to score in his last 4 gameweeks and we are due a major explosion of points. Moreover, he is owned by a paltry 6.8% of the managers.

Willian, on the other hand, has been Chelsea's best player of late. As a result, his ownership has increased to 14.0%, but he is still worthy of being labelled a differential. He has scored 23 points in the last 4 weeks.

Chelsea are up against London rivals West Ham next, knowing that any further slip will almost guarantee the absence of Champions League football next season. Furthermore, West Ham have kept only 2 clean sheets in their last 13 games which is another reason to transfer in either of the two.

#2 Riyad Mahrez vs Newcastle (H)

Mahrez a must?

My no.1 pick for the last 3 gameweeks falls down a place on this week's list. The Algerian blanked last week, but is expected to make up ground this time around as Leicester host Newcastle.

Mahrez has 24 points in his last three weeks and looks very likely to punish a Newcastle side that have kept only 2 clean sheets away from home all season. He is still owned by only 12.7% of the managers and it is extremely likely that he rewards us with big returns this week.

Moreover, Leicester have some good fixtures coming up and also have two double gameweeks between now and the end of the season. A perfect time to bring Mahrez in.

#1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Southampton (H)

Auba

-magic!

For all their troubles this season, buying Aubameyang has offered a ray of hope to Arsenal fans this season. The Gabonese international has taken no time to settle in at the London club and has been in excellent form. His ownership, as a result, has increased to 12.9%.

He has 4 goals and an assist in his last 3 outings, thereby scoring 31 points. He scored a brace last week against a determined Stoke City and could've bagged a hat-trick if he had taken a penalty instead of passing on the opportunity to Lacazette.

The forward will play no part in their Europa League tie midweek as he is cup-tied and will be fresh to fire on all cylinders when Southampton come visiting this Sunday. The Saints have kept just 2 clean sheets in their last 11 games and Emirates is always a tough place to keep one. Expect Aubameyang to run riot.