January
11

Spot the Differential – Gameweek 22

Filed under: Spot The Differential - Posted by: Paul

As always, Friday evening closes with some overlooked alternatives for your consideration. Our trio of protagonists all have favourable home games on their respective agendas and while a couple of them are looking to maintain their impressive displays, our final selection will be hoping for a return to the form that ripped apart Premier League defences in the latter part of the previous campaign:

Bryan Ruiz

With many Fantasy managers opting for Dimitar Berbatov as a route into Fulham’s attack, the Costa Rican has been significantly overlooked. The statistics, however, highlight just how consistent Ruiz has been for Martin Jol’s side this season – he has scored or assisted in eight of his 12 appearances so far and averaged 4.8 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points per game. Indeed, his pivotal role for the Cottagers is summed up by their goal returns – Fulham have found the net 25 times in the 12 games with Ruiz in the side in comparison to seven goals in the 10 games without him.

Having recovered from a recent hamstring injury, Ruiz has made an immediate impact, producing a goal, an assist and a couple of bonus points since returning to the starting XI in Gameweek 20. Tucked in behind Berbatov, his creativity makes up for the fact he has found the net just twice – Ruiz has eight assists to his name, a tally beaten by only two other forwards; Robin Van Persie and Carlos Tevez, with 10 and nine respectively. Coming in at just 5.4 in FPL and 7.5 in the Sky Sports game and with an ownership of around 1% in both games, he looks a strong differential for tomorrow’s home clash with Wigan and looks a real alternative for those Fantasy managers eyeing up a 3-5-2 first choice formation with their winter wildcards.

Steven Fletcher

The summer signing from Wolves has been key to Sunderland’s attacking forays this term. Since making his debut in Gameweek 3, Fletcher has played a part in 11 of the Black Cats’ subsequent 19 goals, finding the net eight times and supplying a trio of assists. The Scot has been something of a talisman for Martin O’Neill’s side this term – Sunderland have yet to lose a game in which he has scored and, as a result, Fletcher has also picked up 20 bonus points; only Van Persie, with 25, has collected more.

Coming in at just 7.0 in FPL, he’s the seventh top scoring forward, having racked up 94 points so far – an average of 4.9 points per game. While a home clash with West Ham affords him the chance to further his appeal, Fletcher has a favourable schedule over the next few Gameweeks which could see him continue to rack up the points. Priced at 7.7 in the Sky Sports game and with an ownership of 5% in FPL, he may prove a canny acquisition in the mid-price bracket as O’Neill looks Fletcher to provide the goals to engineer a scramble up the table for the Wearsiders.

Papiss Cisse

Demba Ba’s departure to Chelsea brings his former Newcastle team mate back on the radar after an admittedly disappointing 2012/13 campaign so far. Arriving at Tyneside in last season’s winter transfer window, Cisse took the Premier League by storm, grabbing 13 goals and a pair of assists in just 14 appearances as the central forward in a 4-3-3.

Alan Pardew’s decision to shift Ba into the middle, either in a 4-4-2 alongside his compatriot or as the lone striker in a 4-3-3, proved hugely detrimental to Cisse’s prospects, with the former SC Freiburg man mustering a mere four goals over 19 appearances so far. Tomorrow’s trip to Norwich offers Cisse the chance to finally return to his favoured role and with the Canaries conceding in each of their last nine, he looks an enticing option, with a home game against Reading to follow next time out. Coming in at 8.8 in FPL and 9.3 in the Sky Sports game, Cisse’s lowly FPL ownership of 3% is understandable given his exploits so far, but he could be a different proposition altogether if he comes anywhere close to replicating last terms displays.

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  1. issaclun
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Foster or Begovic?

    1. Evra Forlan Ndlovu?
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Got the same choice, going Foster

      1. issaclun
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        same mate!

        1. unitednations
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          +1

    2. GreenandRed
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Begovic.

    3. Hyperion
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Foster. Reading really don't look up to much going forward.

  2. pgr
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Chesny or Foster? (to go along with Bunn)

    1. Looking Round For Dangers
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      nbhjh

  3. La Roja
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    A) azpilicueta

    B) cashley

    Can't decide who is more nailed on. I think ivan will be benched vs saints. So expecting azpili to keep his spot

    1. Lateriser12
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Azpi has slightly better attacking threat. A.Cole is slight more nailed on. I'd gamble on Azpi

      1. La Roja
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Thought so, cheers lr

    2. aree036
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      tough one, ive gone cole due to his rest against QPR, that should help his cause fro both games, his only threat is from bertrand. if terry comes back azpilicueta could easily make way as ivan moves to the right. might not happen but I reckon az = 80% safety, cole = 90%

    3. Gaz Downright
      • Reputation Level: Club Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights

      Unfortunately for all of us, it is Benitez who decides who is more nailed on.

      I'd guess ACole.

  4. Lateriser12
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    I was expecting Gaston in the differentials. Hmmm. Anyone else taken a punt on him?

    1. Gaz Downright
      • Reputation Level: Club Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights

      Do you mean Gaston Henriquez or Gaston Hernandez?

      1. Lateriser12
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Ramirez

    2. Katie
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Was going to but changed my mind.

      No Soton for moi.

    3. La Roja
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Not for me. But have to admit, it could be a monster differential

    4. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Very tempted, but finally got Lambert instead..

    5. Abhishek - Steven Gerrard :…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Pablo Hernenadez :D

    6. isacki: lols = hc²
      • Reputation Level: Scout
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member

      Expected same and a little surprised but it's just opinion. I think several factors put people off saints, not all of which are solid. First the lallana injury, I think that's a blow but they are still scoring. Also below average goalscoring and shot totals of late. Also the perception that goals spread out too much. They have huge potential though and once Ramirez puts his bloody dead leg behind him (another annoyance) they will provide excellent value. They looked extremely threatening against arsenal, frankly they outplayed us.

      Night!

      1. Lateriser12
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I have him in since about two days. He's my vice. Night :D

    7. unitednations
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I am soon keen on this...wanna do sterling >> gaston...bt it's for a hit and will mean I have to bench michu:(..burnt before so scared of doing it again...ur thoughts?

  5. Gaz Downright
    • Reputation Level: Club Scout
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights

    Hello Doctor, what's the prognosis?

    Foster (Begovic)
    Luiz Hughes Cameron
    Mata Bale Walcott Michu Nolan
    RVP Berbatov
    (CCole, Cuellar, O'Brien)

    0FT, 0.4M

    Will you prescribe any hits?

    1. Lateriser12
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Nolan -> Gaston if anything at all. But you will want Nolan back next week. So, No.

      1. Abhishek - Steven Gerrard :…
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Why are you backing Gaston so much ?

        1. Lateriser12
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          A differential that makes sense.

      2. Gaz Downright
        • Reputation Level: Club Scout
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights

        Cheers. Might be a good backing, but hard to justify a sideways move for a hit.

    2. aree036
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      very healthy, keep nolan for me, you'll just be wanting him back next week. Mata capitano?

      1. Gaz Downright
        • Reputation Level: Club Scout
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights

        Cheers. Yes, definitely.

  6. Abhishek - Steven Gerrard :…
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Shall i go for Suarez :arrow: Ba for free transfer... ?

    1. lfcserg
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      no

    2. aree036
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      if you dont have mata then yes, otherwise I think ba is not a proven long term keeper with rafa rotation and advise caution - saying that i personally made the saurez -> ba move as part of my wild card.

  7. markpis
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Who should i bench out of these five:

    Bale Pienaar Silva Valencia Carzola.

    Any suggestion who should i get?

    1. Katie
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Valencia to Mata if you have the funds.

      Then a coin flip to bench Silva or Cazorla.

  8. YTUMAMMA
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    For GW22 only... Ba or Berba?
    If Ba only plays v Stoke, returns could be limited...
    Berba looks likely to register something v Wigan...
    I'm tired.

    1. aree036
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      its all good logic. I've gone with both in the torment and am still wondering if I should go for ruiz instead

  9. La Roja
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Start R martin vs newc

    Or

    Start clyne

    The thing is saints shipping goals for fun, so i expect clyne to get 1 or 2 pts over dgw

    Thoughts?

    1. Lateriser12
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Clyne.

    2. Deicide
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Double gw, clyne.

      Southampton looks a bit good in defence now.

    3. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      R. Martin, imo. Saints can only attack. Could you please explain why him over Turner though?

      1. La Roja
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Cos of his ridiculous goals consistency recently

        1. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          What about Whittaker getting fit? Not afraid of losing his place?

          1. La Roja
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Not in near future

            1. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              I see..

    4. Katie
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Clyne - 2 chances, slim, but nonetheless two chances.

      I'm tipping Newc to score a few.

  10. Deicide
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    New try:

    http://i.imgur.com/su29i.jpg

    I got rid of Fellaini and Sterling...

    Looks good?

    1. La Roja
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Done well mate, u r good to go now imo

      1. La Roja
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Oh, just saw o brien in there.

        Get demel in instead

        1. Deicide
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Done.

          1. La Roja
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Good luck to both of us

            :lol:

            1. Deicide
              • Reputation Level: Scout

              Good luck.

              Nice rank and great team by the way :) .

  11. marlborored
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    okay guys i desperately need your help and advices. im last place in the league i’m playing, losing by about 150 points to the first place. So obviously I kinda need a differential here and I’m having a hard time choosing my captain. I have 3 options, Mata/Ivanovic/Hazard. I’m leaning towards Ivanovic because I’m kinda in need of a ‘jackpot’ to catch my friends up. What do you think? Thanks guys :)
    btw my team is
    Howard
    Bassong-Baines-Ivanovic
    Michu-Mata-Hazard-Snodgrass
    Suarez-Berbatov-Chicharito

    1. stupendous
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      wow you have all your priorities messed up, and the reason you are so far behind, is the same as mine, and that is that you have no RVP. I missed out on RVP for almost half the season. You have no Fellaini....no Bale....no Walcott or Santi.......and no RVP.

      Mata and Hazard I like for this week, you should then do one of them for Walcott or Santi.

      Berbatov good, Chich good for another week but then ROoneys back.

      Get rid of Baines or Ivanovic, downgrade bassong to a 4m/4.1m, and do some work.

      Do you have either WC left?????

      1. Hyperion
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        I haven't had RVP and am ahead in most of my mini leagues. He is not essential and is most certainly not the way to go now that he's 150 points behind.

    2. Hyperion
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Captain Mata. I like the front 7 for this week but as said, do Hazard -> Walcott next week.

  12. stupendous
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Fellas this is my final WC. It has been a long week of chopping and changing, and wondering what if, and selling and buying etc. etc.etc............

    Time for bed. Let me rest at ease gents please..............................

    Bunn
    Harte Gibbs R.Martin
    Mata(c) Michu Walcott Fellaini Bale
    Ba RVP

    vorm, pog, davies, demel.

    Big gamble on Norwich cleanie.
    Harte over Demel for this week.
    Subs rotate great, and goalies rotate well.

    1. La Roja
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      It is not big gamble on norwich cleanie

      It's a monster gamble on it

      1. stupendous
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Figured id go Vorm/Davies and Bunn/Martin, as both pairs rotate perfectly, and ill either get 4pts of each pair a week, or 12 plus. The rest of my team should pay off, and of course I can always upgrade/downgrade/shift along.

        Slim pickings for with the big 5 (whats this bloody P5 mean) and RVP n Ba in :(

        I havent managed my money well AT ALL this season. In fact, I have just lost over 1m in the space of 2 days by taking out Michu and bringing him back (rather than playing, I confirmed at lost .7m), and selling Begovic.

        Im gonna have a bit of fun to end this season...probably writing the whole thing off here soon.

    2. GreenandRed
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Looks good. Maybe Davies instead of Harte. Wouldn't expect either to keep a CS but Davies has a chance of assis or more with Michu playing.

  13. Aatish
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Bench Michu or Puncheon? :|

    1. lfcserg
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      RVP ;)

    2. Lateriser12
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Who else?

      1. Aatish
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        RVP - Ba

        Michu - Fellaini - Mata - Puncheon - Walcott.

        1. Aatish
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          Ruiz as well.

        2. Lateriser12
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          What. Thats 7.

          1. Lateriser12
            • Reputation Level: Scout

            Bench Ruiz or Theo.

    3. Abhishek - Steven Gerrard :…
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Michu.. :)

      Trust me he will not deliver that much in rest of the season left.

      1. Lateriser12
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Last time Aatish and me benched him, he scored twice.

        Also, with due respect, your last sentence is a whole lotta sh*t. ;)

        1. La Roja
          • Reputation Level: Scout

          :lol:

      2. GreenandRed
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        You're right. He's scored just 13 in PL so far. He won't deliver that much from now til end of the season. Probably just 12 goals and 10 assists ;-)

    4. Yoda
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      I benched Michu. One of the toughest decisions I've taken all season.

    5. GreenandRed
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Bench Fellaini. Can't ignore Walcott's and Michu's form and Mata/Pucnheon DG. You've an embarrasment of riches in that midfield ;-) Who's your third striker?

  14. lfcserg
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Chances that O'Brien will be back for the dgw? not sure whether to keep him or ship him for dawson/collins

    1. lfcserg
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      im on my wc btw

    2. GreenandRed
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Ship for Collins. Dawson is unfortunately not nailed on though I hear either he or Gallas will be going to QPR in place of Nelsen. Hopefully Gallas goes and Dawson gets the CB spot until Kaboul is fit. Who's your other backs?

  16. blokeman
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Just finalising my defence...

    Killgallon or Bramble

    AND

    Harte or Gunter/Pearce (SHorey played a full 90 for reserves so he wouldn't start, right?)

  17. potatomasher
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    In a predicament here on who to captain and who to bench:

    Begovic
    Vertonghen Reid McAuley
    Mata Walcott Fellaini Snodgrass Michu
    RVP Ba

    Bench: Ruiz

    Do I captain Ba or Mata?

    Do I bench Michu or Snodgrass for Ruiz?

    1. GreenandRed
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Snoddie

  18. Acquafresca
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    WC Team:

    Bego, Bunn
    Luiz, Davies, Martin, Demel, XXX
    Mata, Bale, Walcott, Michu, XXX
    RVP, Ba, Lambert

    Alright.. Not sure if I should go for:

    A) Punch+Gibbs (No Nolan next week)

    or

    B) Nolan+Clyne

    1. Lateriser12
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      New post...

    2. GreenandRed
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      A. So you won't have a Southampton defender who might get you 4 DGW points max.

  19. stupendous
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    ok ok ok ok im not going to bed.....damn ive just taken Bale out and I can get such a great team imo......

    Mignolet
    Sagna Evans Azpi
    Mata Michu Walcott Fellaini
    Berbatov RVP Ba

    1. stupendous
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Azpi to Zaba

      . . . Migs
      Sagna Evans Zaba
      Mata Michu Walcott Fellaini
      RVP Ba Berbatov

    2. stupendous
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Anyone?

      This lineup/line of thinking or stick with the 3-5-2......Bunn, Harte, Gibbs, Martin, Mata michu walcott fellaini bale rvp b?

    3. GreenandRed
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      Not a bad team but Sagna is in poor form, United will probably (hopefully!) concede v The Mighty Reds so Evans is chancey, Azpilicueta isn't nailed on now Terry's return is imminent.

      Get the likes of Gibbs, Demel, Davies, Cole/Cahill and AN Other in defence, Puncheon as your 5th mid cos the rest is quality.

      1. stupendous
        • Reputation Level: Scout

        Well then it just goes right back to the above mentioned team mate :)

  20. stupendous
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Bunn Vorm
    Demel Harte Gibbs Martin Davies
    Michu Bale Mata Walcott Fellaini
    Pog RVP Ba

    Thats it then Green N Red. Three Swans :O

  21. lappingitup
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    This is so tough, I'm currently on wc with Lambert and Punch, the option is Fellani and and Pog ( I play pog, if play my fifth midfielder) but if I stick with my current team I can do punch to Cole next week and use two frees to get Fellani the week after.

    Southampton have a home fixture next week so I'm better of sticking aren't I?

    1. lappingitup
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      If I go with pog I won't play him I'll play Walcott my fifth midfielder.

  22. AUTOBOT RVP BRIGADE (ARB)
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Which 2 to play among Nasty, Hughes, Nelson, Davies (& What order ) ???

  23. Lofty Forehead
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Hi guys, I'm new here and need some help. Are there any Southampton fans who can tell me which of your three GKs are likely to play this week?

  24. arcticmonkey
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Chaps what is the general consensus on Demba Ba?

  25. Carden
    • Reputation Level: Scout

    Just finished my early transfer and here's my team for ARS double:
    Jussi
    Luiz Gibbs Davies
    Walcott (C) Bale Fellaini Mata
    Suarez RVP Pod

    Bego Punch McCartney Nelsen

    My only worry if Luiz get rotated, no one will be there to back up him with Nelsen and McCartney out...

    1. Carden
      • Reputation Level: Scout

      oops wrong article

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Scout Picks

Team of the Season 2012/13

  • Jääskeläinen
  • Baines
  • Vertonghen
  • Zabaleta
  • Davies
  • Walcott
  • Mata
  • Michu
  • Bale
  • Suárez
  • van Persie
  • Evra
  • Cazorla
  • Benteke

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Goalkeepers

Player Club Factors
No Change Hart MCI B, Vs
Up Cech CHE B, Vs
Up Robles WIG C, Vs, £
No Change Lloris TOT C, Vs
No Change Foster WBA C, Vs
No Change Vorm SWA C, Vs
No Change Mignolet SUN B, Vs
No Change De Gea MUN A
Up Boruc SOT B, Vs, £
No Change Jääskeläinen WHM A
No Change Begovic STO C
No Change Howard EVE A

Defenders

Player Club Factors
No Change Kompany MCI B, Vs, Rest
No Change Vertonghen TOT A, Vs, Rest
Up Luiz CHE A, Vs, Rest
No Change Baines EVE A
Up Boyce WIG C, Vs, OoP
Down Bassong NOR B, Vs
Up McAuley WBA C, Vs
Down Johnson LIV B
Up Jones MUN A
No Change Sagna ARS B
Up Huth STO C
No Change Cuéllar SUN B, Vs, £
No Change Rangel SWA C, Vs
Up Clyne SOT B, Vs, £

Midfielders

Player Club Factors
Up Bale TOT A, Vs
No Change Mata CHE C, Vs, Rest
Up Walcott ARS C, OoP
Up Hazard CHE B, Vs, Rest, Inj
Up Maloney WIG B, Vs, £
No Change Y Touré MCI B, Vs
No Change Silva MCI B, Vs, Inj
No Change Fellaini EVE C
No Change Coutinho LIV B
Up Morrison WBA C, Vs
Down Cazorla ARS C
No Change Snodgrass NOR B
Up Kagawa MUN B, Rest
Up Walters STO B
Down Lallana SOT C, Vs
Down Sissoko NEW C

Forwards

Player Club Factors
Up Tevez MCI A, Vs, Rest
Up Koné WIG B, Vs, £
Down van Persie MUN A, Vs
Up Sturridge LIV B
Up Lukaku WBA B, Vs, Rest
Up Benteke AVL A
Down Aguero MCI B, Vs, Inj
Up Rodriguez SOT A, Vs, £
Up Defoe TOT B, Vs, Rest
Down Lambert SOT C, Vs
Down Rooney MUN C
Up Carroll WHM A, VsX
Up Ba CHE C, Vs, Rest
Down Berbatov FUL C
Up Cissé NEW B
Down Remy QPR B

Selection Factors

A, B, C Current Form
Vs Favourable Fixtures
VsX Unfavourable Fixtures
Rest Rotation Risk
Inj Injured/Returning from Injury
OoP Out of Position
£ Potential Bargain
Sus Suspended/Near Suspension

“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.”

Robin Van Persie talks about his early form at United ahead of his first Manchester derby