Gameweek 22 saw plenty of teams falter as Chelsea further strengthened their position and are now 7 points clear. Manchester United salvaged a point against Stoke City as Wayne Rooney scored a freekick in the dying minutes of the game to become the Red Devils’ top scorer in all competitions.
Elsewhere, a last minute goal struck in the 98th minute saw Arsenal win against Burnley as the Gunners jumped to 2nd spot. Liverpool were left reeling after Swansea City beat them 3-2 in a thriller at Anfield, which yet again pointed out the chinks in the Reds' armour.
This week let's take a look at some of the differential options to go for in Gameweek 23 which could provide you the edge over your competitors:
#1 Fernando Llorente
Swansea City have been a lot more impressive under new manager Paul Clement and have won 2 out of the 4 fixtures they have played since his arrival. A key man for Swansea has been Spanish forward Fernando Llorente who has been in great form for a team that is fighting relegation. The player has scored 8 times for his club and seems to be the best bet for a budget forward. Available at a cut price of 6.1, the Swansea forward is a part of only about 4% of the total teams and looks like a promising option.
Swansea City play Southampton at the Liberty Stadium this coming week. Saints will be without both Jose Fonte who has joined West Ham and Virgin van Dijk who will be out for three months following an injury. Swansea City should make the most out of this situation and exploit the inexperienced Southampton backline.
Next 3 fixtures: Southampton(H), Man City(A), Leicester City(H)
#2 Chris Brunt
The midfielder is listed as a defender in the game which means that his score gets an added boost. Brunt has been involved in 6 goals for the Baggies consisting of three goals and as many assists. The veteran has been without a doubt one of the best assets near the £5 million mark with consistent returns. Brunt has scored some stellar goals for his club and there is no doubt that we can see more of these.
West Brom have a bunch of fixtures with a difficulty rating of 2-2-2-2-2 and this might be the best time to invest in a West Brom defender. The Baggies play Middlesbrough who have had a hard time scoring goals. Middlesbrough have scored a lowly 2 goals in their last 5 games which mean that investing in someone from the West Brom backline is a brilliant punt.
Next 3 fixtures: Middlesbrough(A), Stoke City(H), West Ham(A)
#3 Junior Stanislas
The winger is one of the biggest goal threats that can be found in the Cherries lineup and with the added responsibility of taking penalties, Stanislas looks like a wonderful budget option at £5.3m. Found in about just over 4% of all the teams, Stanislas is an attractive proposition considering his form which has seen 3 goal involvements in the last 5 matches in the league.
The Cherries host Crystal Palace at home who have been a wreck defensively. The Eagles have conceded 9 in their last 5 games without a single clean sheet.
Next 3 fixtures: Crystal Palace(H), Everton(A), Man City(H)
#4 Stephen Ward
We’ve all been a witness to Burnley’s stellar defensive displays where they’ve frustrated numerous oppositions time and again. Stephen Ward looks like the ideal player if you want to find someone from the Burnley backline but cannot afford Tom Heaton who has been impeccable for the club. Ward who is available for a price of £4.4m can be found in just 1.2% of all teams which makes him a unique player to have.
Burnley are up against Leicester City at the Turf Moor stadium. The defending champions have failed to score a single goal in their last 3 games in the Premier League. Mahrez and Slimani are back for the Foxes, however, a groin problem means that the latter could miss the match.
Next 3 fixtures: Leicester City(H), Watford(A), Chelsea(H)
#5 Manuel Lanzini
After a tumultuous start in the league, West Ham have slowly and steadily performed over the weeks and now sit at the 10th spot. Dimitri Payet’s saga has shifted our attention to another attacking midfielder in Manuel Lanzini who has been in good form for the Hammers. A part of just 0.5% of all squads, Lanzini is available at a price of £ 6.3m. The Argentine also takes free kicks for the club which makes him an additional threat.
The Hammers host Manchester City this week in a fixture that shall definitely be keenly contested. The City defence has been leaky and the team has conceded 8 goals in their last 5 matches. The Citizens dodgy defence has let them down on numerous occasions and this fixture could prove that once again.
Next 3 fixtures: Man City(H), Southampton(A), West Brom(H)
