'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
With the hustle bustle of the Christmas season now over, FPL managers can heave a sigh of relief as the fixture frequencies reduce and rotation is now less likely. As the Premier League season spills into its second half, there are templates in place with many managers opting for similar players in their teams.
It is at this time, that the differentials become crucial. Having the right set of differentials at the right time, can propel one's overall rank considerably. Let's quickly take a look at differentials not only at each position, but at different price ranges as well.
Forwards
Marko Arnautovic is finally back for the Hammers and he delivered in style against Brighton, bagging 2 goals to save the game for West Ham. At 6.9, Arnautovic is a terrific FPL prospect and could be a great differential in the short run, before he is shipped in by many managers.
Trending
It's hard to ignore Sergio Aguero (11.2) for long. The Argentine spearhead was injured for a brief while, before returning to the squad against Crystal Palace in late December. The striker has found the back of the net once and assisted another in his 3 appearances since. With a huge loss in the percentage selected by FPL managers, it could be the time to get in the Argentine early, who could explode in any game, and at any time!
Jamie Vardy has not been in the limelight as much since the miracle Leicester season back in 2015/16. However, the Englishman has quietly been racking up the goals, having scored 7 goals so far this season. With a paltry 4.4% of managers having bought him, he could be an excellent differential to rely on.
In the lower price range, Watford skipper Troy Deeney (5.8) is a huge threat in front of goal, having scored a brace and assisted a third in his recent fixture against Bournemouth.
Midfielders
With the focus understandably on Mo Salah, there has been an alarming drop in the number of managers buying Sadio Mane (9.5). Priced nearly 4.0 million lesser than his teammate, the Senegal international has been impressive this season and has been unlucky to not rack up more points in the recent games.
Opting for Mane can save a hefty amount of money which can be used to spread the funds across the team. This move could be a crucial one for FPL managers this season, as it could prove to be the difference.
Christian Eriksen has been an FPL favourite for many seasons now, but has been bought by a measly 6.1% of managers owing to his long absence due to injury. However, the Dane has come back all guns blazing, having scored 4 goals in the last 5 games. With easy fixtures up ahead, the Dane could rack up big points and make up for the time he lost in the first half of the season.
In the lower price range, David Brooks (5.0) of Bournemouth has been impressive with 2 goals and an assist in his last 4 games. The Cherries have good firepower up front, and Brooks could be a steal at his price range.
In the same range, Cardiff City offer exciting prospects, especially considering the fact that they have a great run of fixtures lined up ahead of them. Victor Camarasa (4.6) and Callum Paterson (5.1) are both good value-for-money.
Defenders
Picking defenders based on upcoming fixtures is important as easier fixtures increase chances of keeping clean sheets. Having the right backline at the right time can help boost your overall rank considerably!
FPL tagged defenders who play out of position are gems in the fantasy world. Jeffrey Schlupp of Crystal Palace plays at the left wing for Crystal Palace, despite being marked as a defender in FPL. At 4.4, he could be a great steal, having scored 2 goals recently. The Eagles also have a favourable run of fixtures at Selhurst Park, where their defence is particularly solid.
Another addition to the out-of-position defender is Ricardo Pereira, who was deployed as a left winger for Leicester City in their away game against Everton. Pereira not only assisted Vardy in the lone goal of the game, but also racked up a clean sheet and maximum bonus points.
Sead Kolasinac may be part of a leaky Arsenal defence, but is highly effective owing to his attacking returns and knack to rack up bonus points. He's got bonus points in 4 games out of the 10 he's featured in, and surprisingly Arsenal didn't even keep a clean sheet in 3 of these 4 games!
Liverpool has conceded just 8 goals so far this season, and this makes it hard to look past Dejan Lovren (4.9) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (5.1). The latter is especially exciting, owing to his set piece duties for the club.
Manchester United seem rejuvenated under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Luke Shaw has been impressive following his return from injury. 4.9 million is an attractive price for the United defender, especially considering that they have relatively easy fixtures coming up.
Goalkeepers
Until Matt Ryan's return from international duty, David Button of Brighton could be a good shout if you're looking for a short-term addition to your squad at a mere 4.0 million.
Cardiff's Neil Etheridge is the second-highest scoring goalkeeper this season and is truly a steal at his price tag of 4.5 million. With a neat run of fixtures on the horizon, the Cardiff man could bring some valuable saves and bonus points to add to your tally.
