Moving Up

This will be an weekly article that entails the top differentials for the week. Specific game week punts to move you up the ranks, if you’re willing to take the jump. Here's my set of punts for Game week 8: 

Papiss Cisse - Newcastle - FWD

Cisse was ruled out for several months after undergoing surgery for an injury he sustained last season against Swansea. Upon recovery, the forward made his first appearance of the season in game week 4 and is currently Newcastle’s top goalscorer & FPL point scorer, this is very impressive considering he has only been involved in the last 3 matches, playing a combined total of 162 minutes out of a possible 270 minutes. Since his return, the forward has netted four times, picking up 6 bonus points along the way. The Senegal international has already doubled his goals total from last season, where he scored a meagre 2 goals in 24 appearances. It now seems Cisse has rediscovered the excellent form he showed in his first 2 seasons at Newcastle, with 4 goals in his last 3 games. This is the highest number of goals scored by anyone in the league over the last 3 weeks, an incredible feat considering his lack of pitch time in this period. He seems to be the perfect solution to Newcastle’s woes this season, with now a proper forward to lead the line and finish the scores of chances their creating this season - The Magpies have created the 5th highest number of chances this season, 3 ahead of Manchester United and just 4 behind Arsenal. 

This week, Cisse faces a leaky Leicester defence at St. James’ Park. Leicester have conceded 13 goals so far this season, and have performed a lot better at home, with dire performances when playing away from the King Power Stadium. The Foxes have conceded the most Goal attempts in the league away from home, and are 2nd for goal attempts conceded in the box. Their porous defence has also conceded the most chances on travels away from home, all pointing towards their lack of defensive resolve this season and particularly in away games. This looks bright for Cisse’s prospects, with a pervious defence and excellent form on his side. I believe the Newcastle forward is one of the top options for a punt this game week.

Saido Mane - Southampton - MID

Saido Mane came so close to finishing a glaring opportunity created by Bertrand last week, and was inches away from getting his first goal for the Saints. Since his arrival in gameweek 6, the speedy winger has looked quite the player, and has been very direct in his play. He has looked quite the goal threat and looks like a great pacey outlet for Tadic’s creativity. The Senegal International has already picked up an assist in his first two games and has a fantastic goalscoring record albeit being in the A.Bundesliga, he scored 23 goals and managed 18 assists in 50 games for Red Bull Salzburg last season. With him looking like he’s capable of jostling with the big boys in the premier league, Saido Mane could prove to be an excellent differential and punt if he can recreate anything close to his past goalscoring record. This week, Saido Mane faces Sunderland at home, and Southampton will be looking to continue their remarkable streak and if they are to do so, Mane will definitely be one of their main men in attack. 

Santi Cazorla - Arsenal - MID

Arsenal’s no. 10, Mesut Ozil sustained an injury last week against Chelsea that has ruled him out for a few months. So who will replace the former Real Madrid star? Step up Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard who flourished int he no. 10 role for Arsenal prior to Ozil’s arrival has now been presented the opportunity to do his thing once again. The former Malaga man managed a remarkable 12 goals and 13 assists in his debut season, but was knocked out of the first team set up when Ozil arrived. Owners will be hopeful that he can recreate the fantastic form he once had in his first season. Cazorla has been impressive coming off the bench for Arsenal this season, managing an assist and recording quite a number of impressive stats in terms of shots in the box and chances created. The Arsenal man now looks like a great option with a more assured spot in the starting line up.

With two new excellent attacking additions to the Arsenal squad in Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez, Cazorla now has better outlets for his bursting creativity, and also players around him who can create chances for him to have a pop at goal. I believe a Santi Cazorla in the No. 10 role he loves so much, is a top FPL option for this game week for their home fixture against Hull, and also for the coming weeks for their favourable run of fixtures.