Spot the Differential

Spot The Differential – Gameweek 23

With forwards still struggling to bring in the points, we’ve chosen a pair of midfielders and a budget defender as our first trio of differentials for 2018.

A Bournemouth winger who has quietly been producing sensational numbers in recent weeks takes centre stage. A Chelsea stalwart with kind fixtures also catches the eye, while the prospect of a double-figure score has drawn us back to a West Brom defender favoured heavily in the early season.

Jordon Ibe

Bournemouth’s Jordon Ibe is emerging as a fresh budget fifth midfielder option on the back of some fine recent showings.

Setting us back just 4.8 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), the winger has impressively registered more shots (17) than any other midfielder over the last four Gameweeks.

Indeed, only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (seven) has produced more efforts on target than Ibe (six) over that spell.

The Cherries winger notched his fourth assist of the season in the 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion in Gameweek 22 and has also impressed with his creativity.

He has registered 13 key passes over the same four-match spell, which is bettered only by Brighton’s Pascal Gross (14) among midfielders.

Ibe is benefitting from a sustained run in the side.

The signing from Liverpool has started the last five, having previously only been selected in the starting XI for seven of the opening 17 matches.

It remains to be seen if Ibe can retain a starting role on the right flank, though Ibe’s convincing recent form could force the returning Junior Stanislas to compete with Ryan Fraser for a role on the left.

Eddie Howe’s men entertain Arsenal tomorrow, colliding with a Gunners rearguard that has shipped eight goals in their last four encounters.

Arsene Wenger’s side, who will be without key defenders Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal, have also allowed 46 shots from inside the penalty area over their last four matches. Only West Ham United (47) have conceded more.

Ibe, meanwhile, has helped the Cherries fire 50 shots from inside the box since Gameweek 19, more than any other side.

With the fixture list (whu che STK hud NEW) also kind for some time to come, the 0.4%-owned winger looks an enticing option for those getting frustrated by the injury-prone Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Cesc Fabregas

A home fixture against a Leicester City side that has managed just a single clean sheet on their travels this season brings Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas into our thinking.

The Spain international has registered a modest one goal and four assists so far but is impressively creating a chance every 22 minutes – more frequently than any player who has made at least two starts.

Fabregas is currently benefitting from playing as the most advanced of the three central midfielders for the champions, pulling the strings behind Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata.

Chelsea’s upcoming schedule remains favourable over the coming weeks (bha BOU wat WBA), so the 3.4%-owned playmaker could also provide a longer-term solution.

Available at just 6.8, Fabregas can be a cheaper option from the Blues attack at a time when Morata and, to a lesser extent, Hazard are struggling to justify their premium price tags.

For those Fantasy managers who need to find differentials capable of double-figure hauls, the Chelsea midfielder looks worthy of serious consideration over these next five Gameweeks.

Ahmed Hegazi

Although the West Bromwich Albion defender is nominally part of 18.9% of FPL squads, a high proportion of those are doubtless unmanaged ‘ghostship teams’, ensuring that the Egyptian is now a differential of sorts among active managers.

It is fair to say that this afternoon’s home clash against Brighton has all the hallmarks of a 0-0 draw – both sides have had four goalless draws this season, more than any other teams.

The centre-back, who has now returned to his original starting price of 4.5, has picked up bonus points on three occasions when the Baggies have kept a clean sheet.

He has registered an eye-catching 219 clearances, blocks and interceptions, which is 102 more than any team-mate and third overall among defenders.

Hegazi also boasts a significant set-piece threat – only three defenders have had more big chances (four) than the three for the Baggies centre-back.

Most significantly, Brighton have conceded more goals (14) from set-plays than any other side this season and also rank first for the most set-piece chances allowed, with 112.

With the potential to produce points at both ends of the pitch, Hegazi is finally back on the radar as an option – albeit in the short-term.

1,378 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Chances of Elliott actually playing this gameweek, or will Darlow keep his place?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      More likely darlow plays I would guess but Elliot will get either 90 mins or 0 so doesn’t really matter if you want to start him

  2. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Will WBA finally win today?

    1. Teror
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe

    2. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I don't think so

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd say it's a good shout, but a draw looks more likely on paper.

    4. el polako
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Who cares ?

      1. Teror
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Innit! Such a pointless club

  3. Pras (FPL)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Start Kenny or Robertson?

    Thinking Robertson purely for a chance for assist.

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. Aussie Rules
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Robertson

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Robertson

    4. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ta

    5. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd agree - though I would not be surprised to see a bore draw at Wembley.

    6. che
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Home team has the edge most of the time on tight calls for me

      1. Patch
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Unfortunately Richarlison and Hazard both have Home fixtures...so what you gonna call...

        1. che
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Haz on form and potential explosiveness. Both?

    7. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I've got the same dilemma, starting Robertson but thinking of getting rid.

  4. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play one:

    A) Kabasele
    B) Ogbonna

    1. rvp786
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      b

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. Sponge-worthy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      b

    4. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Tough as both have been leaky. Kabasele edges it just

    5. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      As I thought, that is guys

      1. Evasivo
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks guys

    6. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A. Bournemouth are a much better attacking side than Southampton

    7. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      A West Ham only 2 away CS vs Brom and Stoke. Wagner will be targeting this as must win for survival

  5. Sponge-worthy
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play Ogbonna or DCL?

    1. rvp786
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      oggy

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Og is defo starting
      DCL isn't

    3. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ogbonna. DCL might not start and even if he does play Big Sam won't go on the attack.

  6. Jumping Jurgen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Salah in for Sterling?

    Have both Firmino and Aguero so will need to double down on Liv/Manc. Heart says Salah...

    1. rvp786
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      salah and sterling are close to both being essential IMO

    2. Sponge-worthy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Should have both..

    3. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Absolute bananas. If you don't have both you're lost this season

      1. Jumping Jurgen
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I did have both, foolishly transferred out Salah for Son when he was injured and now can't afford both. Sadly has to be one or t'other, so question still stands which one 🙁 ?

  7. Teror
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    CAPTAIN ..... SALAH or ALONSO ?

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Neither

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Nor sterling

        1. Teror
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          You're taking the Mkhi, you are

          1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 2 months ago

            At least I'm not making a misteak

    2. rvp786
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      ALONSO

      1. The Nuttman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        THIS!!!

    3. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Probably not no

    4. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Salah

    5. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Both should get 6-10 points so either really

  8. Defile
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    on a WC, any tips/advice appreciated!

    Pope Adrian
    Alonso Jones VVD Schindler Duffy
    Lingard Salah GroB KdB Doucoure
    Kane Aguero Ayew

    0,2 ITB

    thanks!

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      KDB to sterling
      Gross to someone good

    2. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      KDB to sterling and upgrade a cheapie

    3. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Downgrade Ayew to quaner for the extra saving

  9. thewhitepele
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Adrian
    Alonso Ota Ogbonna Mee*
    Salah Sterling Son Arnie
    Kane(c) Morata

    Elliot, Carroll, Kabasele, Quaner
    1FT, 0.8m ITB

    G2G or something worth using FT?

  10. Plymouth
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Foster
    Jones Vert Masuaku Christensen
    Salah Arnie Riksen Sterling
    Kane Firmino

    Eliott; Ota; Loftus; Ayew

    0,4ITB, 1 FT

    Gents: What would you do? Save the FT is what im on atm..

  11. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Liverpool has only conceded 4 goals at home, City only 5 away

    Liverpool has scored 21 goals at home, City 25 away

    I fancy a 1-1 with defences holding out

    1. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      4-4 it is then 😉

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      City in 1-0 win "Shocker"

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        That would be a giggle with many benching Otamendi

  12. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Alli to hazard, yes or no ?

    1. Genji3lade
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yes and captan

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No
      Alli hitting a streak

    3. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Nope

    4. thewhitepele
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      negative

    5. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      thats what I am doing. Can't believe Hazard has only 8% ownership

  13. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who should be first sub?

    Kenny

    Or

    Dcl

    Thanks

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Doesnt really matter. I'd say dcl maybe

    2. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Both probably going to get 0 or 1 point.

  14. The Curse of Falcao
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    All good?

    Elliot
    Christensen Jones Ogbonna
    Salah Richarlison Lingard Sterling Son
    Aguero Kane(c)

    Pope | Mee | Kenny | DCL

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Nice team

  15. Scout
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Current team
    DDG
    Kenny otemendi Jones alonso
    Silva sterling son salah
    Kane Rooney

    1) keep
    2) Silva, Kenny, 3.9 def, Rooney for pogba, VVD, bellerin, niasse (play 5-4-1) will use wildcard
    3) other

  16. nazrijack
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play OGBONNA or OTAMENDI?

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Otamendi.

    2. Scout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Otemendi

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ota

    4. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ota

    5. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ota

    6. drughi
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      oggy

  17. jurgenklopp.8
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Elliot
    Alonso - Maguire - masuaku
    Arnoutovic - richarlison - sterling - salah - alli
    Kane - Firmino

    pope - maguire - DCL - Kenny
    1ft 0.2itb

    Any ideas what to do? Save ft and get aguero next week?

    1. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Save.

    2. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Richarlson to lingard

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Who is your second Maguire?

  18. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Sky FF moves: Alli & Kenny ➡ Salah & Jones. Any thoughts?

    1. Scout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah

    2. Teror
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Nice moves

  19. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play Ogbonna or Depoitre?

    1. Teror
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Depoitre

    2. Scout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Depoitre

    3. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Ogbonna

  20. KP02
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed, If I am chasing in my ML who would you captain?

    A) Lingard
    B) Kane
    C) Salah
    D) Son
    E) Alonso

    Thanks

    1. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Too early for that kind of thinking IMO

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      B

    3. thewhitepele
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane(c) anyway

    4. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane probably

    5. jack149331
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      risk it with salah as i think will be big scoring game like 3-3

      1. jack149331
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        kane will get 1 with son and than they'll park the bus whre as salah could get 2 i think

  21. nonprophet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    I'm thinking of doing dcl to kun and Eriksen to ibe. Want Kun for 4 games. I love ibe, his stats in members area are impressive. On corners. 4.8.mil. the thing is I have coutinho.. I can't afford to docout to ibe and dcl to kun without the extra 0.3 from Erikson.. Pretty sure I want to do it, but am I silly to hold coutinho til next week. I think he holds value for 3 weeks Rest of team is
    Courtois (Elliot)
    Christensen Jones Ogbonna Duffy Kenny
    Salah sterling Cout Eriksen Arnie
    Dcl Quaner Kane

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I swear he has never scored a premier league goal

      1. nonprophet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Ibe?

        1. Klip Klopp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Coutinho to lingard this week and do the others moves next week

    3. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      2-2-2-2-5
      That’s what you want ?

    4. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kun will get rested cuz they got CL game soon. He won't play 4 games

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Five league games before CL

  22. Bushman
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Arnie to Lingard or save? Ta

    1. Scout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Yeahb

    2. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Save

    3. jack149331
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      if it's no hit than yes

    4. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      I'd save

    5. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Save

    6. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Save

    7. Bushman
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers guy. That’s what I thought but I struggle saving transfers!

    8. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Save, check West Ham fixtures

    9. Podge
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Lingard could easily get 2

  23. Union_Jacks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Elliot
    Alonso, Jones, Masuaku
    Hazard (C), Salah, Sterling, Richarlison, Lingard
    Morata, Firmino

    Fabianski, Mbemba, Quaner, Kenny

    Morata > Kane -4 and (C)?

    Already on -4 as it is, cheers.

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Switch off the computer for a few hours and go for a walk 😉

      1. Union_Jacks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Haha, cheers.

  24. jack149331
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    rich to lingaard for -4 hit thoughts? If not which 2 should i start from vardy, rich and arny? who should I start between adrian and elliot? reasons would be nice thanks

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Vardy and arny

      1. jack149331
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        what about the hit with rich..for lingaard

        1. Klip Klopp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 2 months ago

          Dont do it

  25. Lrf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play Kabasele or Dunk? Watford with the better fixture, but can't seem to keep a CS. Dunk with the BP potential aswell, but RMT is saying Kabasele.

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Dunk

    2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Dunk. Watford suck

  26. Yogi_mike
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who to Cap a differential Chasing ML..

    Elliot
    Gomez Chirstensen Masuaku
    Salah Son KDB Arnie Alli
    Kane Murray
    A) Allí
    B) Son
    C) Arnie

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      No need for a differential captain

    2. The Nuttman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Kane

    3. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      All 3 are good differential shouts

  27. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Firmino to Morata for a hit?

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Lol log off and go back to bed

      1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        I thought so

      2. Pras (FPL)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

  28. Earwicker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all. On a WC and the tinkering gene has just switched on.

    At the mo I'm on:-
    Pope*, Adrian
    Ogb, Ota*, Jones, VvD*, Alonso
    Salah, Pogba, Lingard, Sterling, Arnie
    Kun, Firm, Quan*
    Fairly safe with good subs for Sterling and Kun and options to move for Ramsey and Christensen. Decided to reap the harvest before GW28, but I'm 30 points behind in my ML and he has Ota, Jones, Firm, Alonso etc as well

    Is this worth a risk for differentials in the next few weeks?:-
    Ota, Jones, Firm to Stones, Shaw, Morata

    Cheers and good luck

    1. Union_Jacks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Okay about going without Kane?

      1. Earwicker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        He's my bogie man this year, decided to drop and spend at the back/mid.

  29. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Play Ogbonna or Depoitre?

    1. Klip Klopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 2 months ago

      Check my post a few above

      1. KLOPPTOMANIA
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks, I think it's close

  30. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 2 months ago

    Who is more likely to score?
    Swansea or West Brom?