Fantasy Premier League 2018-19: Differentials to consider for Gameweek 5

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The international break came upon as we have missed Premier League action for close to two weeks now. It was a break in momentum for teams in the English Premier League. On the other hand, it was a break which was well appreciated by FPL managers.

Two weeks of thinking time should have been enough thinking time to re-shuffle squads or make some hard decisions. In case you are still undecided about how who to transfer in for GW5, here are some differential options.

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#4 Raul Jimenez (Wolverhampton Wanderers) – £5.5m

The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward is owned by only 5% of FPL managers for his GW5 match against Burnley. Jimenez has already got a goal at Molineux this season, scoring against Everton in GW1. He has also been Wolves’ main goal threat so far this season.

The Mexican’s 11 shots is the highest any Wolves player has managed, of which seven have come from inside the penalty area. Jimenez has also recorded four big chances, where the player is expected to score.

Burnley visit Molineux having conceded at least two goals in each of the last three GWs. Also, Burnley have conceded the most shots on goal, 73.

Wolves have impressed in both their matches at Molineux, drawing against Everton and Manchester City. However, Jimenez can be the difference as they forage for their first home win of the season.

#3 Cenk Tosun – Everton (£7.0m)

A home match with struggling West Ham United should spark FPL interest in Everton’s forward line.

The Turkey international sits in only 5% of FPL squads ahead of GW5. Tosun has earned assists against Wolves and Bournemouth. Remember last season, he scored five goals in 14 appearances. This season, Tosun has attempted a shot on goal every 41.3 minutes, compared with 52.2 minutes beforehand.

The Hammers arrive at Goodison Park as the only side yet to pick up a point in the Premier League. Only Burnley have conceded more shots on target, with 30 to West Ham’s 29. That fragility in the defence of West Ham hands Tosun the chance to take advantage and score his first goals of the season.

#2 Mohamed Elyounoussi – Southampton (£6.4m)

Ahead of the encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday, Mohamed Elyounoussi is owned by just 0.2 per cent of FPL managers.

Elyounoussi was signed by Southampton during the summer window after recording 11 goals and eight assists for Basel in 2017/18.

Despite a slow start which saw the Norwegian international play only once as a substitute for the Saints in the first two Gameweeks, Elyounoussi has since started the last two Premier League matches.

One thing we have learnt so far about the former Basel man is how good his deliveries are. Despite playing only 186 minutes, Elyounoussi is the joint-top midfielder in FPL for successful crosses, with nine.

He has looked deadly in front of goal so far creating seven chances while playing six shots on goal. The Norway international seems to be the man on set-pieces and has been responsible for 18 of Southampton’s 27 corners. That could be the tiebreaker when they host Brighton.

The Seagulls have conceded 17 chances from set-pieces. Elyounoussi could take advantage and steer the Saints to victory.

#1 Alexandre Lacazette – Arsenal (£9.4m)

Only 3.2% of FPL managers have the French striker in their teams for GW5 – a low percentage considering how good Lacazette can be. However, it is understandable considering the fact that he only started his first game of the season against Cardiff City in GW4.

Against the Welsh side, Lacazette scored 12 points by scoring a goal and an eye-catching assist. That added to his assist as a substitute in the 3-1 home win over West Ham United in GW3.

Despite playing just 186 minutes, the Frenchman’s underlying statistics catch the eye. No Arsenal player has more shots his totals of six shots inside the penalty area – with five of those shots being on target.

Lacazette’s performance against Cardiff should be enough to see him start two consecutive games under new coach Unai Emery.

Arsenal plays a Newcastle side who have a poor defensive record this season. The Magpies have managed just one clean sheet this season. And their 11 big chances conceded will leave Lacazette smiling.