With the main free hit weeks out of the way, our focus turns to slightly longer-term differentials to see out the season.
We have selected four under-the-radar picks who could be the difference in the final stretch.
Jeremie Frimpong
Ownership in FPL: 5.1%
Price: £5.7m
Position: Defender
As Salah limped off in gameweek 34, many well-laid free hits were undone. There were only two beneficiaries of the unfortunate event. Bruno Fernandes captainers, and Jeremie Frimpong.
The young Dutchman subbed on at right-wing and should continue to start there in Salah’s absence.
Having started only 10 games this season, there is relatively little data to back Frimpong up as a pick. He comes in as a differential because of the prospect of him playing as an out-of-position winger in this Liverpool side.
In Germany, he made his name as a wing-back in Xabi Alonso’s Bayern Leverkusen side. His attacking ability is unquestionable. Across the last two seasons, he racked up 14 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga alone. Being positioned even higher up the pitch for this Liverpool side could bring out the best of him.
The final four fixtures of Liverpool’s campaign are mixed but could be quite open as three are against teams with very little left to play for. This could be a great time for Frimpong to show the Liverpool fans what he is capable of, and become a sneaky differential for the run-in.
Pascal Groß
Ownership in FPL: 2.2%
Price: £5.5m
Position: Midfielder
A player we have spoken about quite frequently over the last few weeks is Pascal Groß. Clearly, we have not been making enough noise about him as he is still just 2.2% owned.
Brighton’s veteran midfielder is their creative maestro, accounting for 26% of their chances created this season while being on the pitch. Everything seems to go through him, and his numbers show this.
He gets a boost from having a large share of set pieces, but no one in the league has completed more crosses than the German over the last six. He is also third for chances created, behind only Bruno Fernandes and Rayan Cherki.
Thanks to his pass completion, chance creation and sheer number of crosses, Groß does very well in the bonus points system. This was on display in his double gameweek, where two assists were enough to secure him five bonus points.
Brighton have it all to play for in the final stages. They are right on the cusp of a return to Europe, but they do have competition. Fortunately for the Seagulls and Groß, their run-in is favourable. Given their excellent performances of late, they could be considered favourites in all four matches and will look to end the season in style.
Eberechi Eze
Ownership in FPL: 8.1%
Price: £7.2m
Position: Midfielder
Another team with everything to play for is Arsenal, which is where we go for our next differential in Eberechi Eze.
The former Crystal Palace man made a quick return in midweek from the injury that forced him off against Newcastle in gameweek 34. Despite playing only 53 minutes, it was more than enough time for him to score the only goal of the encounter.
His goal came from a well-worked set-piece routine that caught the Newcastle defence off guard. Arsenal switched away from their usual balls into the six-yard box to work it short a couple of times.
It appeared that they wanted to make use of Eze’s striking ability from the edge of the box, from where he has had so much joy over the years. He hit the post from a similar distance against City, which could indicate that Arteta wants to rely more heavily on Eze’s strength from this range.
Similarly to Frimpong, there is not much data that jumps out for Eze, but the opportunity he has in the next four is favourable.
He has looked lively in his recent appearances and seems to have worked his way into the best XI. This is just in time for the run-in, where every single game counts for the Gunners. The fixture at home to Burnley in gameweek 37 is of particular interest for anyone backing Eze as a differential.
Alexander Isak
Ownership in FPL: 4.2%
Price: £10.3m
Position: Forward
Finally healthy and starting games for Liverpool is record signing Alexander Isak, who completes our list of differentials for gameweek 35.
Isak’s return to the starting XI was timely for the Reds, who just lost Hugo Ekitike to a season-ending injury. This leaves the Swede as the only out-and-out striker at the club, and he should start every game between now and gameweek 38.
We may have lied when we said there were only two beneficiaries to Salah’s injury. Isak might also stand to profit if the Egyptian’s penalty duties pass onto him. This role would increase his appeal as an FPL prospect greatly.
He scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield in gameweek 34, with a very well taken finish. This can only give him confidence for the final four games.
At this stage of the season, motivations come into play. Liverpool may be almost qualified for the Champions League, but they still need to end the season strongly. They will want to make amends for what has been a disappointing title defence, and Isak will want to begin to pay back the faith they showed in him in the summer.
The security of Champions League qualification could afford Liverpool the opportunity to take the handbrake off for the final gameweeks, and Isak would only stand to benefit.
FPL Gameweek 34 Free Hit Punts: A Round Up
Jeremie Frimpong £5.7m will be a defender playing out-of-position forward in Salah’s absence 5.1% Ownership.
Pascal Groß £5.5m is the creative hub for Brighton and has a kind end to the season 2.2% Ownership.
Eberechi Eze £7.2m is being utilised well by the Gunners, who have everything to play for 8.1% Ownership.
Alexander Isak £10.3m is the only fit striker at the club and could have inherited penalty duties 4.2% Ownership.
