Spot the Differential – Gameweek 18
Filed under: Spot The Differential - Posted by: Paul
Another packed Friday comes to an end as we brace ourselves for the frantic festive schedule. Once more, we roll out a trio of overlooked alternatives for your consideration ahead of Saturday morning’s deadline…
Ashley Young
It’s something of an understatement to say Ashley Young didn’t have the best of starts to the current campaign. A single assist in eight appearances over the first 14 Gameweeks was indicative of his disappointing displays for United, as the former Villa man failed to give any indication he was worthy of our attentions.
Indeed, from a Fantasy perspective, United’s midfield has been hugely frustrating. The league leaders may have scored 10 more goals than any other side yet their top scoring Fantasy Premier League (FPL) midfielder is Michael Carrick, with 40 points – three more United defenders have exceeded that score, despite the Red Devils managing a mere three clean sheets. It’s been all about Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney for Sir Alex Ferguson’s table-toppers so far but Young has crept onto our radars after registering an assist in each of his last three Gameweeks and offers an alternative route into Ferguson’s flourishing attack.
The Red Devils roll up to Swansea, having scored three or more goals in five of their last six on the road and priced at 8.2 in FPL and 8.3 in the Sky Sports game, with an ownership of less than 2% in both games, Young could be one to consider for those Fantasy managers still deliberating over a replacement for the suspended Marouane Fellaini.
Edin Dzeko
The City forward may not be too enamoured with his “supersub” tag but, unfortunately for Dzeko, it’s one that his displays have merited. Four of the Bosnian’s six goals this season have come after he climbed off the bench, compared to two strikes in five starts – a crucial factor in his selection for this Gameweek’s article.
Earlier today, Roberto Mancini spoke of his intentions to rotate his team across the festive period as the champions brace themselves for four fixtures in 10 days. With Mario Balotelli ruled out through illness and perhaps uncertain to feature on Boxing Day, the City boss is likely to be careful with the game time of Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Dzeko against Reading tomorrow – the chances are that even if the latter doesn’t start the game, he should see some action.
Bearing in mind the Royals have shipped 13 goals in their last four, the potential for Fantasy points is enticing for the hosts. Dzeko needed only five minutes’ game time to score against Fulham in Gameweek 6, just 12 minutes to bag a brace against West Brom in Gameweek 8 and 18 minutes to notch at home to Spurs in Gameweek 11 – even if Mancini starts with the Argentine pair, then, Dzeko could still prosper if let loose for half an hour or so. Coming in at just 7.3 in FPL and 8.3 in the Sky Sports game, Dzeko’s mid-price FPL valuation and ability to produce from the bench means it would be far less of a blow if Mancini chooses to omit him from the City starting XI.
Victor Moses
Another winger who has failed to produce this term, although the arrival of Rafa Benitez seems to have boosted Moses’ chances. The former Wigan man was rarely afforded an opportunity under Roberto Di Matteo but has started the last two league games at the expense of Oscar in the attacking midfield three behind Fernando Torres.
Handed another chance to impress in the midweek Capital One Cup trip to Leeds, he duly delivered with a goal and assist to vindicate his new manager’s faith. As the fixtures pick up pace, Moses perhaps has the advantage of being a little fresher than many of his team mates – with just four league starts all season, fatigue certainly won’t be an issue. With the Blues looking to continue their recent goalscoring form as Villa pay visit on Sunday, Moses – at just 6.2 in FPL and 6.9 in the Sky Sports game, and with an ownership of around 2% in both games, is a definite gamble but one that could pay off if Benitez keeps faith in his abilities over the festive period.
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paul
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“I am happy with the way I’ve started, but on the other hand, I should have scored four or five more, so that’s something for me to work on.”
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December 21 at 10:58 pm
bt31 says:
Good to go, captain/vice captain?
Jussi
Rafael Olsson Johnson
Mata(C) Michu Morisson Yaya
RVP(VC) Suarez Ba
Begovic, Sterling, Clyne, Cuellar
December 21 at 10:59 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
Good looking team and subs, looks like a promising week
December 21 at 11:01 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
Swap (vc) a (c) imo.
December 21 at 11:01 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
*and
December 21 at 10:59 pm
Oliver Reed says:
bench one of berbs, fletch & puncheon..?
December 21 at 10:59 pm
backflipbedlem says:
Surely Nolan is due something soon?????
December 21 at 10:59 pm
heartsattack says:
A red card?
December 21 at 11:00 pm
JKisthe1 - CR7 returns - March 5th 2013 says:
he’s due a blank next week
Looking at him for Reading though
December 21 at 11:02 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
Fixtures become really good after the blank
December 21 at 11:02 pm
McGurn says:
To be fair his fixtures have been awful recently. They improve soon so a likely Jan wildcard option for me
December 21 at 11:19 pm
Langers_G says:
Had a curry last night I believe, due a dump!
December 21 at 11:00 pm
oxido_76 says:
Lost on last page : Hi guys ! Really need advice. I already do fella. Fo
A) do nothing
B) giroud for defoe for a hit
C) giroud for torres for a hit
December 21 at 11:29 pm
liverpool2332 says:
a
December 21 at 11:00 pm
Chuck Norris - FALCAO PUNCHeon says:
Play Snoddy (wba) or Berb (liv)?
Snodgrass has scored all 3 of his double digit scores on the road including 30 points in his last 2 away games. On the other hand, Berb has returned 6 blanks in a row. Should be a no-brainer shouldn’t it?
December 21 at 11:28 pm
liverpool2332 says:
snoddy
December 21 at 11:00 pm
BestTeamInOrange says:
Jassi (Begovic)
Johnson Shawcross Bassong
Cazorla Pucheon Michu Yaya (Nolan)
RVP Suarez Defoe
Ive already used my free trnasfer so do you think its worth it to replace Defoe with Tevez and Nolan with a budget mid (who I wont play) for -8??
December 21 at 11:01 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
36 transfers for me so far, I think I have a problem
Even when my team is looking good I can’t resist the dark side!
December 21 at 11:01 pm
ajay_kl says:
and i thought I was being over zealous on 22
December 21 at 11:02 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
I’ve taken 6 x 8 point hits, and 1 x 12 pointer
December 21 at 11:02 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
Jesus man, you want some help with that?
I got a brochure of some really nice place for people like you if you want….
December 21 at 11:03 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
* a really nice place
December 21 at 11:04 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
I really do need help… I just can’t resist!
December 21 at 11:08 pm
Captain Shirokov says:
I’m just reading everything you say in Butter’s voice in my head.
December 21 at 11:09 pm
SuperDunny says:
loo loo loo ive got some apples loo loo loo you got some too loo loo loo lets make some apple sauce take off are clothes and loo loo loo
December 21 at 11:10 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
take off our clothes
December 21 at 11:12 pm
SuperDunny says:
Apologies… i just cut and pasted it. Kind of feel like you’ve ruined the vibe now anyway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgsICfJ2D4g
December 21 at 11:14 pm
Champ - "Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way" RIP Hitch says:
December 21 at 11:04 pm
Brutus619 says:
I am so jealous of the fact you have an awesome ranks with that many hits.
I used to comfort myself with the excuse: I take a lot of hits which is why I’m doing badly -_-
December 21 at 11:04 pm
Brutus619 says:
*Rank
December 21 at 11:06 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
Well last week was a complete hit fail, but I do have a specific way I go about it, and I’ve been pretty consistent doing it all season… Its my secret stupid strategy
December 21 at 11:07 pm
Brutus619 says:
My worst one so far was 8 point hit to get rid of Morrison and bring in Gervinho and Gibbs (Can’t remember the others involved). Morrison score, assisted, and got 2 or 3 BP whilst the other 2 got injured with red flags :/
December 21 at 11:09 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
It happens! the way I look at it is you take the hit when you’re sure you can cover the point loss. i.e. I did rafael -> zabaleta this week, knowing rafa won’t play and zab has a high CS probability and attacking returns.
December 21 at 11:14 pm
Brutus619 says:
I did the same exact move for a hit today
High 5! Tbf Gibbs was going to be an awesome buy because he was looking dangerous pre-injury too. Gervinho also had a decent-ish run at one point and I was getting rid of a dud :/ Just unlucky both of them got hurt.
December 21 at 11:11 pm
Fernando "El Nino" Torres says:
im on 41 trannies done a 28 point hit,16 @ 12 @ more :/ i need to see the doctor
December 21 at 11:01 pm
DV8R says:
Last question for the night.. Gibbs or Sagna?
December 21 at 11:01 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
Gibbs, less rotation risk, similar attacking potential.
December 21 at 11:28 pm
liverpool2332 says:
gibbs
December 21 at 11:01 pm
Tayls says:
Following my unceremoniously ignored predos last page…here they are again:
Wigan 2 – 2 Arsenal
City 4 – 0 Reading
Newcastle 1 – 1 QPR
Saints 2 – 1 Sunland
Spurs 2 – 1 Stk
WBA 0 – 0 Nor
Whm 1 – 1 Eve
Liv 3 – 1 Ful
Swa 0 – 2 ManU
Che 3 – 0 Villa
Top points scorer to be Tevez,
December 21 at 11:03 pm
drunken_mess says:
give 2 to villa
December 21 at 11:04 pm
Tayls says:
nah don’t see it, Rafa’s not a mug, he’ll get csheets back at the bridge in my opinion
December 21 at 11:06 pm
drunken_mess says:
benteke
December 21 at 11:06 pm
Wild Rover says:
I don’t wish to be rude, but maybe nobody cares.. You don’t post much…..
December 21 at 11:08 pm
Twisted Saltergater says:
December 21 at 11:12 pm
Tayls says:
fair enough, wasn’t aware people’s interest was so tied to how regular a poster you are. I don’t care who’s written something, still find it just as valid and interesting personally, cool.
December 21 at 11:16 pm
Brutus619 says:
What WR meant was that a boring post may get attention when friendly faces are behind the post. But boring + unfamiliar doesn’t warrant a response.
December 21 at 11:18 pm
Brutus619 says:
By the way I mean that in the least hurtful way possible. Imagine if everyone here posted predicted scores right now, nobody would bother reading them. Surely you’d only expect friends you’ve made on here to care about your weekend predictions and if you’re LUCKY a few randoms like myself.
December 21 at 11:22 pm
Tayls says:
haha, looks like that’s the last time I post score predictions then. A resounding feck off. Don’t spend enough time on here to be in with the regulars, just like reading people’s opinions
December 21 at 11:23 pm
Brutus619 says:
Noooo it’s not a feck off! I’m just saying like certain topics you should expect to only get responses from mates (score predictions are a personal touch, it’s the sort of things I’d discuss with mates on a bus). On the other hand, things like RMT are regular trend through here that generate answers because of the community effort to help each other out. Of course what I’m saying is just my opinion. Others may LOVE to discuss score predictions and hate RMTs
December 21 at 11:26 pm
Brutus619 says:
What is annoying was the unnecessary repost. Not the post itself. Nobody is entitled to responses and I feel like reposts should only happen if you post right before the new article comes out or the comment pages are moving really fast. The worst thing you can do is moan about people ignoring your posts.
December 21 at 11:27 pm
Brutus619 says:
You see from the amount of effort I’ve put into my response that I genuinely want to give you some friendly advice. Hope you’re not put off commenting, that’d be a shame.
December 21 at 11:30 pm
Tayls says:
awkward. oh well.
December 21 at 11:32 pm
Tayls says:
cheers bro, appreciate the time you spent explaining! Shall be more frugal in future with comments, but not stop using the site, always interesting
December 21 at 11:36 pm
Brutus619 says:
No problem
Glad you haven’t taken what I said badly because I would feelt rotten if you did. Have a Merry Christmas 
December 21 at 11:27 pm
liverpool2332 says:
ars3 wig1
city3 read0
new2 qpr 1/0
saint1 sun2
wba1 nor3
whu1 eve0
liv3 ful1
swa2 manu3
che3 villa1
December 21 at 11:02 pm
blauriecon says:
Szczesny
Cameron Clyne Nastasic
Cazorla Mata Michu Toure
Rooney Suarez(VC) Tevez(C)
Begovic Sterling Cuellar Hughes
December 21 at 11:19 pm
liverpool2332 says:
suarez C
December 21 at 11:02 pm
scarlet says:
Captain Silva, Tevez or RVP?
Currently on Silva…
December 21 at 11:02 pm
blauriecon says:
Tough call……survey says RVP!
December 21 at 11:04 pm
Nutts89 says:
Same problem here.
Heart says Tevez, brain says RVP, gut says Silva.
December 21 at 11:18 pm
liverpool2332 says:
rvp
December 21 at 11:02 pm
Fantasy-er says:
It’s looking like I may have to go without any City coverage this GW, which frankly scares the sh!t out of me.
Someone reassure me….. Tell me I’m not the only one without any City coverage…. Tell me City are only going to win 1 or 2-0……Anything…..
December 21 at 11:03 pm
Tayls says:
Yeah mate, went Mata instead of Silva when I had the choice. Screw it, see it as a differential decision, to not own them, and if they fail, you and I will thus prosper compared to the masses.
December 21 at 11:03 pm
drunken_mess says:
5-0 me thinks at least
December 21 at 11:05 pm
blauriecon says:
As I said last night (look at my team), it’ll probably be 2-0 in favor of Reading!
December 21 at 11:10 pm
The Pessimistic Gooner says:
I think Reading will score if tahts any consolation
December 21 at 11:02 pm
JKisthe1 - CR7 returns - March 5th 2013 says:
crickey
RvP has only failed to return less than 4 points 4 times this season, and 2 of those were 1 point cameos
The guy is just immense.
Still gonna risk Silva this week though
December 21 at 11:04 pm
jinswick says:
I just looked over his stats again, and slowly handed him back the (c) armband.
Silva and Walcott being my other options, with Suarez and Ba closely behind.
December 21 at 11:04 pm
Twisted Saltergater says:
Yeah, frustrating. The Rooney switch a month ago was going great until last week.
December 21 at 11:08 pm
blauriecon says:
I have Rooney, Suarez, and Tevez, and I am not convinced that switching two of them out for RVP+somebody at the same total cost would do much better if you look at the first 17 GWs.
December 21 at 11:10 pm
blauriecon says:
I did not have Rooney throughout, but I did compare Suarez and Tevez and the best equivalent was RVP + LeFondre and it was about a draw.
December 21 at 11:06 pm
Jonah says:
Grammar police:
If one fails to return less than 4 points, then surely one scores 4 points or more?
December 21 at 11:06 pm
Twisted Saltergater says:
Depends what effect you’re going for. Nothing to do with grammar.
December 21 at 11:07 pm
JKisthe1 - CR7 returns - March 5th 2013 says:
yes that is correct, only 4 times this season has RvP not returned at least 4 points
December 21 at 11:06 pm
The second coming of Moussa Dembele //Berbasaur// says:
That is impressive. Silva(c) for me too though.
December 21 at 11:08 pm
ajay_kl says:
Yep. I know the risks of not captaining him.
Still firm on Tevez(C)
December 21 at 11:03 pm
BestTeamInOrange says:
Jassi (Begovic)
Johnson Shawcross Bassong
Cazorla Pucheon Michu Yaya (Nolan)
RVP Suarez Defoe
Ive already used my free trnasfer so do you think its worth it to replace Defoe with Tevez and Nolan with a budget mid (who I wont play) for -8???
December 21 at 11:04 pm
Fernando "El Nino" Torres says:
who to captain cazorla saurez silva torres
December 21 at 11:06 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
Suarrrrrez! although your username shows where your heart lies
December 21 at 11:08 pm
Fernando "El Nino" Torres says:
im currently on torres
December 21 at 11:08 pm
SuperDunny says:
Suarez
December 21 at 11:09 pm
Wild Rover says:
If you have RVP?
December 21 at 11:10 pm
SuperDunny says:
Well i am… just. Although it’s tough to argue with anyone giving the handband to the SuperDutchman. I just fancy Suarez to finally hit the net tomorrow
December 21 at 11:13 pm
Wild Rover says:
Me too… such a tough call
December 21 at 11:13 pm
Fernando "El Nino" Torres says:
anypme but rvp taking a risk this week
December 21 at 11:16 pm
SuperDunny says:
Yep, probably true… although i’d give the handband to Aguero in a second if i had him
December 21 at 11:04 pm
The second coming of Moussa Dembele //Berbasaur// says:
Sky Super 6
City 3-0 Reading
Newc 3-2 QPR
Southampton 2-0 Sunderland
Spurs 1-1 Stoke
WBA 2-1 Norwich
West Ham 1-1 Everton
£100k in the bag right?
December 21 at 11:05 pm
Namtab Notlob says:
Giving away my best tip for free: Always pick 8 minutes for first goal.
December 21 at 11:07 pm
The second coming of Moussa Dembele //Berbasaur// says:
Hmm, I’ve gone 10.
December 21 at 11:06 pm
Tayls says:
don’t think there’ll be so many at St James’ Park
December 21 at 11:17 pm
liverpool2332 says:
sunderland 2-1 southampton switch the norwich score westham 1-0 everton spurs 2-1 stoke newcastle 2-0 qpr
December 21 at 11:04 pm
The Pessimistic Gooner says:
Who do you think I should bench?
Berba, Sess or Taarabt
December 21 at 11:13 pm
liverpool2332 says:
berb
December 21 at 11:04 pm
dinsdale says:
Happy with this:
Foster
Baines | Enrique | Clyne
Michu | Silva(c) | Mata | Sterling
RVP | Ba | Defoe
Subs: Federici | Maloney, Reid, Cameron
All set?
December 21 at 11:13 pm
liverpool2332 says:
replace clyne with reid
December 21 at 11:04 pm
franek says:
im a poor imigrant and i need help!!!!
rooney or suarez
December 21 at 11:05 pm
dinsdale says:
rooney
December 21 at 11:07 pm
Butters "The Hitman" Stotch says:
suarez
December 21 at 11:10 pm
Herr Vets - Die Rothosen says:
WTF?
December 21 at 11:11 pm
Champ - "Take the risk of thinking for yourself, much more happiness, truth, beauty, and wisdom will come to you that way" RIP Hitch says:
This is all I can spare http://i304.photobucket.com/al.....-thumb.jpg Now run along
December 21 at 11:12 pm
liverpool2332 says:
suarez
December 21 at 11:07 pm
Home Run Baker says:
Quick question.
Rafael to Nastasic for a hit?
Alternative is to have Davies (mu) or Shorey (mc) come in.
Thanks
December 21 at 11:07 pm
The EJJ says:
Worth it imo.
December 21 at 11:09 pm
Kostja says:
Think long term almost guaranteed not to pay off this week.
December 21 at 11:10 pm
Home Run Baker says:
Voice of reason – thanks
December 21 at 11:13 pm
Kostja says:
No prob. That helped me too as I have the same friggin dilemma. Its just so bad as Rafa could miss one more game, but at the same time every other option you bring in may be rested next week. Its horrible, especially with no clear cut options.
December 21 at 11:09 pm
ajay_kl says:
I have both Rafa and Nasty with same options to replace him. Wondering if to take hit for Shorey—>Clyne/Nelsen
December 21 at 11:12 pm
liverpool2332 says:
take the hit
December 21 at 11:07 pm
BestTeamInOrange says:
Jassi (Begovic)
Johnson Shawcross Bassong
Cazorla Pucheon Michu Yaya (Nolan)
RVP Suarez Defoe
Ive already used my free trnasfer so do you think its worth it to replace Defoe with Tevez and Nolan with a budget mid (who I wont play) for -8??????
December 21 at 11:07 pm
The EJJ says:
How’s it looking? C and VC in order?
Begovic
Demel, G Johson, Nastasic
Dempsey, Silva(vc), Puncheon, Michu
RVP(c), Suarez, Berbatov
Ruddy, Sterling, Cuellar, Nelsen.
December 21 at 11:10 pm
liverpool2332 says:
suarez captain silva vice
December 21 at 11:07 pm
Triggalicious says:
I have a feeling that the number of points on FPL benches might be at least equal to the number of known atoms in the universe tomorrow.
December 21 at 11:08 pm
robinreliant says:
My question most fridays this season. Bench Puncheon or Berba?
December 21 at 11:07 pm
SuperDunny says:
Puncheon
December 21 at 11:09 pm
liverpool2332 says:
puncheon
December 21 at 11:16 pm
dinsdale says:
Definitely Berba
December 21 at 11:16 pm
SuperDunny says:
tut tut
December 21 at 11:17 pm
robinreliant says:
Its a tough call, why did punch have to be such a good budget mid
December 21 at 11:20 pm
SuperDunny says:
Always play 3 strikers. If you have a forward you don’t want to start then you have the wrong forwards…
December 21 at 11:22 pm
robinreliant says:
This is a valid point
December 21 at 11:08 pm
Fishy says:
is bassong to vertonghen worth a hit?
December 21 at 11:08 pm
Home Run Baker says:
No
December 21 at 11:08 pm
Fishy says:
will have a problem next gw with shorey/nelsen/bassong/enrique
December 21 at 11:09 pm
liverpool2332 says:
yes
December 21 at 11:10 pm
Fantasy-er says:
When Bassong is playing a team who haven’t scored for 3 games? I’d say probably not.
December 21 at 11:08 pm
Namtab Notlob says:
@CRANEY91 It makes you go to the transfer page to change captain so maybe it wont accept any changes (even just for captain) because it sees you have no transfers.
Bad design yes, but it would explain it.
December 21 at 11:08 pm
Fantasy-er says:
Aguero owners; how confident are you feeling about Aguero starting tomorrow?
December 21 at 11:19 pm
cruzex says:
i hope so
December 21 at 11:09 pm
craney91 says:
Sky game STATES:
“Captain Changes
Up to 1 captain change per game week. Game weeks run first kick-off Saturday to Friday. Captain changes must be completed by the kick-off of the first scheduled match in a game week to be eligible to score double points that week.”
OK then, why wont you let me select Suarez as my captain against Fulham? But let me select anybody else? I captained Suarez for Villa, no problem….hasn’t let me change to Suarez all week. WTF is all this about….I can understand this if Fulham was within the same week as the Villa game, I.e, midweek fixture vs Fulham….but it aint.
December 21 at 11:10 pm
Namtab Notlob says:
Or it is just not updating the change to you, but it is allowing it. Have you tried a different browser?
December 21 at 11:12 pm
craney91 says:
ill give that a whizz.
December 21 at 11:16 pm
craney91 says:
nope that didnt work. This is crazy.
December 21 at 11:19 pm
Namtab Notlob says:
Mark RVP to sell if it lets you, that might unlock it. I cant think of anything else. Tweet Fenners. I dunno. If it’s any consolation I think RVP will do better.
December 21 at 11:09 pm
oxido_76 says:
Really need advice. I already do fella to mata. Should i :
A) do nothing
B) do giroud for defoe for a hit
C) do giroud for torres for a hit
December 21 at 11:10 pm
mrben says:
Bench one of Nelsen, Cueller or Sterling?