[sbu_large_image] Spot the Differential
3 March 2015 2153 comments
James Barnes James Barnes
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In an attempt to capitalise on the double Gameweek for Tottenham and QPR, we look beyond the usual suspects, picking out a reliable Belgian defender and an emerging Scottish talent who, coincidentally, were both selected in The Puntmaster’s Gameweek article earlier today. We also reckon Liverpool’s exciting Spanish wing-back looks a strong shout for points at both ends of the pitch this weekend as Burnley roll up to Anfield.

Jan Vertonghen

With Tottenham facing two favourable match-ups at home to Swansea and away to QPR in their double, seeking out coverage for the north London outfit is imperative. Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, who’ve combined for eight goals in their last five outings, are the clear frontrunners, but pinpointing a third viable candidate is a trickier proposition.

Neither of Mauricio Pochettino’s first-choice midfield pairing – Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb – have a goal to their name this campaign, while the likes of Nacer Chadli, Erik Lamela, Andros Townsend and Mousa Dembele are too subject to rotation for our liking. We turn, then, to the Lilywhites’ defence, with Belgian centre-back Jan Vertonghen emerging as a strong shout.

Unlike the 4.9-priced Danny Rose – who, admittedly, boasts superior form with two goals in seven starts – Jan Vertonghen (5.9) faces less competition for starts in his favoured role, with Eric Dier and Federico Fazio tussling for the second centre-back berth. The former Ajax star has been the one mainstay in Tottenham’s defence, as evidenced by his run of 15 successive league starts, while Ben Davies has shared left-back duties with Rose.

Although Tottenham have struggled to shut out teams of late – with one clean sheet in seven – the scoring form of their opponents this week is far from prolific. The Swans visit White Hart Lane having only registered two goals in their previous three road matches, while the Hoops have drawn a blank in three of their last four clashes at Loftus Road. If he can roll back the years and return to the six-goal form of 2012/13, Vertonghen could prove a canny acquisition over the double and beyond, bearing in mind Spurs also host Leicester and Villa and travel to Burnley in the next five.

Matt Phillips

QPR’s double Gameweek fixtures, at home to North London pair Arsenal and Spurs, at first don’t appear all that conducive to healthy Fantasy returns. However, in spite of their abysmal away record, the R’s have proved to be far more resilient at home – only four teams have bested QPR at Loftus Road. Clearly, top scorer Charlie Austin is the standout performer in Chris Ramsey’s outfit, yet the recent output of resurgent winger Matt Phillips (4.6) shouldn’t be overlooked.

Since the new manager’s installation, Phillips has recorded three assists in three starts. To further illustrate his increasing importance to QPR’s offense, only Eden Hazard (11) created more chances than the 23-year-old Scotland international (10) between Gameweeks 24-26 prior to QPR’s blank Gameweek 27. With no midfielders in Phillips’ price bracket offering consistent attacking returns anyway, his inclusion could be profitable based on appearance points alone if managers are scouting for a budget fifth option. Like Vertonghen, the following fixtures are also in his favour – Phillips also plays Palace, West Brom, Everton and Villa in the next six Gameweeks.

Alberto Moreno

In light of Liverpool’s redoubtable defensive record across the last seven Gameweeks – a period in which they’ve recorded five clean sheets – it would be remiss of us not to consider the Reds’ rearguard. With on out-of-position berth on the left of a 3-4-2-1, full-back Alberto Moreno (5.2) offers an intriguing route into the Merseysiders’ defence. The 22-year-old has notched two goals this term and has been one of the main beneficiaries of the new formation – since Brendan Rodgers switched tactics in Gameweek 16, Moreno sits joint second for shots inside the box (eight) amongst defenders, whilst his 16 key passes has been bettered by just two other backline options.

On paper, Liverpool’s Gameweek 28 home tie with Burnley represents a fine opportunity to record another clean sheet – the Clarets failed to score in the reverse fixture and looked bereft of ideas in their 1-0 loss to Swansea on the weekend. Beyond this Gameweek, a tough trio of fixtures (swa, MUN, ars) might dissuade potential investors, yet recent shut-outs on visits to Southampton, Everton and West Ham showed Rodgers’ side are capable of stifling potent attacks.

  1. COW
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Can we talk about next week yet?

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yes we can!

  2. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Now everything is locked in. Show of hands who didn't captain Kane? Who did you go for?

    1. COW
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      o/*

    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksennnnnnn

    3. Wishdom Teeth
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      aguero

    4. Kshitiz Basnet
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen

    5. Zasa
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Went with Aguero

    6. Miami Monkey
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      lamela

    7. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I bottled it and went with Kane after all. Baaaaaaaaaa.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        😀

  3. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Good thing I benched PVA after all, first sub though

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      my bench
      walters (EVE), wolly (EVE), bellerin (qpr) 😯

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Why did you bench Bellerin if I may ask?

        1. POLSKA GOLA
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          It makes sense to bench Bellerin if you have Austin.

        2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          terry clyne and rose

          tough choices

  4. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    GL

    http://i.imgur.com/1C1EXKC.png

    1. Kerz
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Very nice.

      1. Parm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks 😉

    2. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      BL

  5. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Pants down.

      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        God damn.

  6. Teahupo'o
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Glad I still have a WC in hand to dismantle my backline. This gw: Ivanovic Kompany Vertonghen (Clyne Bellerin)

  7. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else have problems with the fpl site freezing intermittently on a macbook?

    brand new out the box, but struggled to even get on the site!

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No. Mines fine.

    2. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Don't have a macbook I'm afraid but didn't have any problems on PC

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I'm having problems with my Sony Vaio the cursor keeps freezing for a few mins every now and again

    4. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No

    5. Richd
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Did you buy it purely for this game week ?

  8. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard captain! Anyone else got huge cojones?

    1. Wishdom Teeth
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      aguero 😛

    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Average here.

    3. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Your nuts

  9. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Pick the Best plz ???

    A- Play Janmmat v.s MUN (H)

    B- Wisdom > Rose SWA (H), QPR (A) & Bench Janmmat

    B for - 4 pts

    1. drughi
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      it's over mate

  10. Richd
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    No goals tonight please

    1. adammc
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Mane

    2. A guy
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      haha same

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      This, please.

  11. HippyChopper -A Milford man
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Last minute decisions were made tonight. Left an Arsenal goalkeeper and defender on the bench.
    Best of luck to all.

    1. POLSKA GOLA
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I've left Bellerin on the bench as well. Now hoping for Austin hatty 🙂

  12. adammc
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    At least that madness is over !!!!

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      oh no no no no
      now comes even more madness, as 1 or more dgw players either dont play, or get injured or bench players score a hattrick

      1. adammc
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        For me doubt downing , Naughton or PvA will do anything especially a hat

  13. A guy
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I'm trying to go with the flow of pre-deadline anxiety on this page, but just can't fit in, since I set my team on Sunday and haven't changed it since.

  14. All about the galacticos
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Saw puncheon, zaha, bolasie and gayle start in line up = putting clyne on bench.

    Good luck everyone.

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      But the question is "do you have any of them"... 😀

  15. garbage1
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    most likely to keep a cleanie foster or forster?

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Forster. In fpl, and also scrabble.

    2. A guy
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Forster still, but this is always a gamble anyway.

      1. garbage1
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        good point. cheers

  16. Breadbin
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Where's Jinswick with his list of options for next week?

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Did you fight him irl yet?

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      i love your new grav btw 🙂

  17. Richd
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    If you went Caulker , you may beat Jonathan Walters Fpl record this week. Good luck !!

    1. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😆

  18. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    cant wait to see the top10k stats for captains.............. surely kane 75%, eriksen, 15%, aguero10%

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      kane 95%
      the rest 5%

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        hm i reckon aguero will get a decent showing

      2. Rotation City
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Where do you find those stats?

        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          https://fpldiscovery.wordpress.com/

          usually provides an update soon after the deadline

          and at the end of the gw for average scores

          1. Rotation City
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 2 months ago

            Thx

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kane way more than 75%

  19. TheCurseOfRaheem
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Started Puncheon over Moses....hope he's still playing centrally.

    1. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.....right you are.

  20. Studgie G
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    i guess most went kane (c) who went with eriksen instead ?

    1. maff
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      eriksen here

      1. Studgie G
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        i had him switched to kane think it failed though lol...

    2. adammc
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

  21. GaGa Over Gazzaniga!!
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Ok then.....lets see what our rivals did with their team... 😀

  22. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    So who did you all captain?

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

    2. The Mighty I
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      HurriKane

  23. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Decided to sell Sanchez for Eriksen for -4 and held onto Cazorla..

    No regrets.....until tomorrow 😉

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      i did the other, but only cos of the cost of gettin sanchez back.............. prob bite me in the arse

      1. Optimus.
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        1 of us should be happy then 🙂 ..Losing Sanchez for Eriksen means I can get Giroud next gw for Austin

        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          smart... wish id thought of that

      2. Studgie G
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        think you made the right call even if he hasn't got the pts lately he could have easily scored pts

  24. Not Irish
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Tom Cleverley is a Championship player, if that.

    1. Alan The Llama
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      A few years ago on here, he was the future of English football

    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Back to Utd soon then.

      1. Not Irish
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Good one. Like, really good.

        1. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          I know right, so original.

  25. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    2 FT used http://i.imgur.com/NFA2mz7.png?1

    Woof

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Miaow

  26. icywrists23
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    best chance of scoring out of these 4

    a) jelavic
    b) berahino
    c) n'doye
    d) defoe

    thanks

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Bera

      1. icywrists23
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        sounds good thanks!

  27. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Puncheon owners are looking at Palace's away stats and rubbing their hands.. Soton defenders are looking at CPL on the ticker and expecting a CS.
    Defoe ex owners are hoping he blanks, while PVA owners are hoping they concede, while pantilimon owners are hoping he gets saves while no one really expecting a CS cause they've been poor
    West brom defender owners are expecting a CS.. while there are 0 villa attacker owners..

    Happy being a west brom defense doubler tnite 🙂 .. for now

  28. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    It's still a couple of days ahead but now PVA is still injured, you guys reckon I'd deal with this problem first?

    My original plan would be:

    Next week: Sanchez + Cazorla to Ozil + Silva
    The week after: PVA to Naughton

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      still dropped * (no idea why I said injured)

  29. Telpuialion
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Which game is everyone watching?

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Saints v Palace

    2. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      None.

    3. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Not watching any. It's to prevent me tearing my hair out 😀

    4. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Foster + Dawson vs Benteke.. gonna be an early nite if brom concede

  30. Wirtzle Gummidge
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Kane Troll Prediction:

    Hurts his foot warming up before playing Swansea. Recovers for a two minute cameo vs QPR.