Well, gameweek 27 turned out to be a roaring success! Despite only picking nine starters, the Differential XI pulled in a massive 114.25 points. The target is always 100 and we absolutely smashed it!

Can we follow it up in Gameweek 28? With so little turnaround, rotation is bound to be an issue, meaning picking eleven starting players will be harder that ever. Here goes…

Goalkeeper

Tom Heaton vs. Newcastle United (away) (44% owned)

With Rui Patricio just out of reach (61% owned), Tom Heaton is our differential goalkeeper. Despite their dominance of Huddersfield on Saturday, Newcastle struggled to put away their chances on Jonas Lossl was able to make was able to make 10 saves. A similar performance will result in big points for Heaton.

GW28 score: 0.75 points

Defenders

Jan Bednarek vs Fulham (home) (11%)

You can’t keep big Jan Bednarek out of the differential lineup for long. He was given a week off due to the trip to Arsenal in GW27 but hosting Fulham sees him come straight back in. His ownership is baffling.

GW28 score: 17.5 points

Fabian Schar vs Burnley (home) (57%)

Fabian Schar was one of the star’s of the weekend’s haul. His 17.25 point return means he comfortably keeps his place in this lineup for the visit of Burnley. Expect plenty of aerials and clearances and half a chance of a clean sheet.

GW28 score: 29.75 ⭐

Calum Chambers vs Southampton (away) (47%)

Calum Chambers has had a couple of weeks away from the differential eleven but a winnable fixture at Southampton gets him back in the mix. Despite Fulham’s horrendous defence, Chambers still has four double figure hauls in his last ten appearances.

GW28 score: 4.5 points

Jonny Evans vs Brighton (home) (17% owned)

Jonny Evans scored well on Saturday despite being on the wrong end of a 4-1 defeat. The experienced centre back’s score of 19.5 was aided by the fact that he scored the goal but even without this, Evans scored 15.5 points (factoring out conceded goals) through other contributions. A fixture at home against Brighton should bring plenty of aerial opportunities as well as a good chance of keeping a clean sheet.

GW28 score: 5.25 points

Midfielders

Miguel Almiron vs Burnley (home) (60% owned)

We got burned by not selected Miguel Almiron for GW27 and I’m not allowing it to happen again! At the time of writing, Almiron’s ownership is bang on 60% but judging by his performance against Huddersfield, this will be the last time I’ll be able to select him. A non-goal/assist dependant player is gold in Fantrax and that is exactly what Almiron seems to be. Amassing 24 points without a goal or assist is simply frightening.

GW28 score: 7.5 points

James Ward Prowse vs Fulham (home) (59%)

He’s back! With such a favourable fixture and an ownership which is just about acceptable, JWP is a no brainier this week.

GW28 score: 23 points

Harvey Barnes vs Brighton (home) (25%)

Leicester’s bright spark in a troubling time, Harvey Barnes has fully justified the decision to call him back from his loan early. His 19 point haul in the GW27 team sees him keep his place.

GW28 score: 8 points

Leander Dendoncker vs Huddersfield Town (away) (14%)

As well as being a consistent points scorer, the surprisingly advanced position of Leander Dendoncker makes him an excellent option in GW28. Facing Huddersfield should give him a good chance to adding to his recent goal away at Everton.

GW28 score: 5.5 points

Forwards

Daniel Sturridge vs Watford (home) (14%)

An almighty gamble that could reap great rewards. Roberto Firmino is almost certainly out of Wednesday’s game between league leaders Liverpool and Watford. Predicting who will replace him is the task in hand. A change in formation could see Xherdan Shaqiri come in while Derby day hero Divock Origi may get the nod. However, I make Daniel Sturridge the favourite to fill the coveted centre forward’s role at Anfield. If this prediction is correct, he should be in for a good haul.

GW28 score: 0 points

Ashley Barnes vs Newcastle United (away) (51%)

The day people start picking Ashley Barnes is the day I stop putting him in the differential lineup. Until then, he stays. Why? He just keeps scoring!

GW28 score: 5 points

Total score: 106.75 points