FPL Waiver Wire: Gameweek 5 Differentials

The likes of Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and Tammy Abraham helped a lot of fantasy owners before the break, but there were a few off-the-radar players who drew my eye and deserve more attention.

FPL DIFFERENTIALS

It wouldn't be surprising if Everton players were under-owned the rest of the season, as none of their midfielders or forwards are on more than 7.1 percent (Richarlison is slowly rising) of teams. The addition of Moise Kean and Alex Iwobi to the starting XI provided a needed spark in the attack against Wolverhampton. Gylfi Sigurdsson has often been a fantasy favorite of mine, but using Iwobi, Kean or Richarlison may be the better strategy. Richarlison had one assist last season, but I think working with Kean up front could add a few more to that total. Iwobi is a little harder to trust since playing time isn't guaranteed, but he's worth monitoring as a future add. Either way, it's a good time to buy into Everton with four of their next five matches against Bournemouth, Sheffield United, Burnley and West Ham. 

It's a similar situation for Tottenham because Harry Kane is their only player selected by more than 8.4 percent of teams. Christian Eriksen is stuck at Tottenham and has, at times, looked like a better fantasy player than Kane when in the squad. Kane is the goalscorer, but he's more expensive and has an ownership percentage 20 points higher. Eriksen is averaging 1.93 shots on target and 3.09 chances created per 90 minutes and will undoubtedly see a rise in ownership with a manageable upcoming slate. Eriksen is a differential now, but it wouldn't be surprising if his ownership shot up from 4.3 percent to somewhere near 20 percent. It also helps that their next five matches are as good as it gets, home against Crystal Palace, Southampton and Watford, as well as winnable away matches at Leicester and Brighton. Tottenham aren't playing well, but in addition to Eriksen, Son Heung-Min and Dele Alli recently returned to the squad. Son is probably a bit expensive since a lot of his production comes when Kane isn't in the squad, so I'd stick with Eriksen or Alli. Jan Vertonghen also comes at a discount after he was benched for the first three matches.

At forward, I still have my eyes on Jordan Ayew and Sebastien Haller. I'd wait on Ayew because of schedule, but Haller is at Aston Villa this weekend and lived up to his selection as one of my top differential captains last gameweek. So far, he's been everything West Ham have wanted in a forward, and while production probably won't continue at this rate, I like his six shots on target in three starts. If you're still riding with Bournemouth players like Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson, I'd wait a few more weeks and see if they can break out of their funk. If they don't make the scoresheet in any of the next three matches (Everton, Southampton, West Ham), I'd give up before the trip to Arsenal. If you want to get rid of them now, I'd look at the Everton or Tottenham players first.

That's also the best place to look for defenders, though it's a little different at goalkeeper. Alisson Becker is set to return soon, so his ownership will likely get a boost in the coming weeks. However, there are still a couple goalkeepers who aren't getting any love, partly because most people set theirs at the beginning of the season and that's the last place they look to transfer out. Vicente Guaita is my favorite differential, as Palace have played extremely defensive in the opening month, allowing just two goals. If you want a cheap goalkeeper who won't drop in price, Aaron Ramsdale is barely owned.

FANTRAX FINDS

In draft leagues, you're stuck with defenders and goalkeepers from all of the teams near the bottom of the table, though it's not like there aren't some viable options. Ryan Fredericks is available almost everywhere and, along with the rest of West Ham, has provided better numbers in the two wins. He won't post huge totals, but the Hammers have a decent schedule with upcoming trips to Villa and Bournemouth being manageable. Otherwise, Bjorn Engels has been useful next to Tyrone Mings and home matches against West Ham and Burnley could lead to a clean sheet.

Speaking of Aston Villa's schedule, Jota is available in most leagues and is worth a desperation play in those two home matches. Tom Cleverley also fits the mold of desperation, but he surprisingly has three shots in back-to-back starts. Their schedule isn't pretty, but he could eventually be a viable midfielder when the schedule improves, assuming he continues to start. It's less certain at forward, but if there was a week to back Southampton and Sheffield United players, this may be it because they play each other. Che Adams is still looking for his breakthrough, though Callum Robinson found the back of the net last match. Of note, Robinson tweaked his hamstring over the break and may not be ready. Watford aren't in a great spot against Arsenal, but I have a feeling Ismaila Sarr will become a fixture in their starting XI. 

CAPTAIN DEEP DIVES

Everyone will likely turn to the usual Liverpool, Man City and Tottenham players for captaincy this week, but there are other spots that will produce goals. I've rarely mentioned Arsenal, yet this wouldn't be a bad time to put faith in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He already has three goals, while Watford have allowed eight to inferior attacks. It's never easy trusting the Gunners away from home, but this match is a perfect spot for them to score a few times. I still like Haller against Villa, but Raul Jimenez may be my favorite underdog bet to score. Chelsea can't seem to stop anyone, allowing two goals in three of four matches, and Jimenez has scored in back-to-back outings.