Spot the Differential

Spot the Differential – Gameweek 21

With Fantasy managers scouring the market for a Theo Walcott replacement this week, we give the nod to a couple of overlooked options with “previous” on their side. Our third alternative is starting to find his feet up front and has already kicked off 2014 in some style.

Santi Cazorla

After impressing in his debut season at the Emirates, the Spaniard has failed to live up to our expectations this time around. Cazorla ended last year as the second highest scoring midfielder in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, with 12 goals and 13 assists helping him to a total of 205 points but has been quickly forgotten in 2013/14, with Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott – all too briefly – excelling in the Arsenal midfield instead.

An ankle injury has hardly helped but it doesn’t detract from the fact that Cazorla has produced just a single goal and a pair of assists over 14 league appearances so far. His goal in last weekend’s FA Cup north London derby win over Tottenham suggests the Spaniard is starting to find his form, though. This is backed up by a series of displays over the last few Gameweeks which, as our recent Big Numbers article for members showed, have seen him offer significant goal threat without yet reaping reward.

While Ozil has received over 100,000 transfers in as a result of Walcott’s season-ending injury this week, Cazorla has kept firmly off the radar, with just 11,000 Fantasy managers prepared to take a punt. Arsenal’s next four fixtures could hardly be more enticing, though – Monday’s trip to Villa is followed by home games with Fulham and Palace, with a visit to Southampton sandwiched in between. For those Walcott owners still undecided, Cazorla – at 9.5, and 3% owned, in FPL, (8.7 in the Sky Sports game and 6.0 in the Sun Dream Team) – certainly has the fixtures and underlying numbers to suggest he may be set to finally replicate those 2012/13 displays over the next few fixtures.

Clint Dempsey

Fulham’s prodigal son returns in time to boost his side’s bid to beat the drop. Having left Craven Cottage for Spurs in somewhat acrimonious circumstances back in the summer of 2012, Dempsey has been snapped up by Rene Meulensteen on a two-month loan deal and has seven league matches to redeem himself in the eyes of the Fulham faithful.

The top scoring midfielder in the FPL game back in 2011/12, with 209 points accrued, the US international racked up 29 goals over his final two years with the Cottagers. A disappointing stop-start season at the Lane under Andre Villas-Boas followed but, with starts looking guaranteed as Meulensteen turns to his top-flight know-how, Dempsey is back on Fantasy radars once again.

Coming in at 7.4 in FPL (7.7 in the Sky Sports game and 4.0 in the Sun Dream Team,) he entertains Sunderland this weekend and even sits seventh in this week’s Captain Poll so far. Following that, Dempsey has the likes of Swansea, Southampton and West Brom in his sights as he looks to help fire the Cottagers to safety before making his way back to parent club FC Seattle at the beginning of March.

Wilfried Bony

Swansea’s £12m record signing arrived at the Liberty with big expectations on his shoulders. Bony racked up 31 goals and eight assists in his final year in Holland with Vitesse Arnhem but has struggled to justify the premium outlay, with just six goals to his name in the Premier League thus far.

His overall record for the Welsh club suggests the Ivorian’s impact hasn’t been quite as ineffectual as many believe, though. A total of 13 goals and three assists across 28 games in all competitions demonstrate that Bony has turned in a steady stream of goals for Michael Laudrup’s side and, as his New Year’s Day double against City and FA Cup winner at United suggests, he’s more than capable of delivering against the odds.

Bony rolls up to Old Trafford once again this weekend looking to repeat the feat of last Saturday. With David Moyes’ side in disarray, he looks in the mood to pillage the Red Devils’ defence once again and stake a claim for our wildcard consideration over the next few Gameweeks. Following the United clash, Swansea have three home games in four (TOT, FUL, whm, CAR) to help their chances of climbing the table and, with Michu still stuck in the treatment room, Bony – at 7.3 in FPL, 8.0 in the Sky Sports game and 3.5 in the Sun Dream Team – looks crucial to their attacking potential.

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1,138 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Suarez killed FPL.
    One of the major ways to advance was with inspired captain choices, now it's almost pointless.
    I can go with lukaku(c) or ozil (c) or even eriksen (c) but most likely I will curse the lost 5-10 points difference between their score and Suarez.

    Shame.

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    1. Clay
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Same. Should be deciding between Lukaku and Ade but have never once contemplated shifting it from Suarez.

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    2. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I see a 0-0 vs Stoke. We always struggle there.

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      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Not on Sunday. Pool to win

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    3. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      He's not gonna score big every game

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    4. KujaliaFC
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      On the other hand, because most players think this way, captaining Lukaku today will allow you to make that progress you crave.

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  2. mayz19
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Gerrard or lallana?

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    1. fantasykid
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Gerrard

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      1. Clay
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Stevie G, without doubt.

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    2. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Lallana has had 2 more double scores this season and a better run of games

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      1. KujaliaFC
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Lallana also has a more attacking brief than Gerard.

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    3. 50shades of o'shea
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Lallana

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      1. Wavey Wambz
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Gerrard.

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    4. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Lallana.

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  3. diabydoesgallas
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Foster - Davis

    Kosc - Clyne - Nastasic - Ward - Chester

    Ozil - Silva - Oscar - Hazard - Bannan

    Jrod - Suarez - Lukaku

    Enough left to do ozil - Ramsey and luka to kun...

    Any suggestions?

    Cookie for the best suggestion.

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    1. Grumpy Camel
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      hash?
      nice team although oscar to lallana or gerrard IMO

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  4. Old Timer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is Adebayor eligible play v ManC in gameweek 23 ?

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    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

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    2. The Hound
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Spurs bought him and your only eligibile if its a loan. City still pay some of his wages tho!

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    3. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      He'll play and score

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  5. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A. Hope Barkley plays and bench Rooney. (If Barkley doesn't play I have Ward off the bench).

    B. Rooney to Adebayor -4

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    1. Grumpy Camel
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      a

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  6. HVT
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Will Boruc start ?

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    1. Clay
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I would think so. He was integral to Saints' impressive start to the season. I have Davis on the bench so not so much of an issue for me I guess.

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  7. Clay
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    How do people feel about doubling up on Citeh midfield. I'm currently with both Yaya and Silva and like the look of it, certainly short term. Overkill?

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    1. John Nerdelbaum
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I wouldn't have an issue with it.

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      1. Clay
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. I see you too have quite an impressive double pivot in midfield there, John!

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    2. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No, far from it. Highest scoring team in league.

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  8. mozza
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Lallana or Yaya for next two weeks?

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    1. Clay
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      If money no object then Yaya before almost anyone, in my humble opinion.

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    2. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Fpl brain says Lalana but this seasons Yaya means he wins

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      1. mozza
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers both. Instead of keeping cash for Aguero I'm toying with the idea of upgrading lallana to yaya... Sitting on it for two weeks and then downgrading to bring Aguero in. Seems a waste not utilising the cash

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  9. Bobadoba
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Gerrard or Oscar in wc team?

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    1. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Oscar, easily.

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    2. mozza
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Gerrard more nailed on and more consistent. Oscar more likely to get a haul at some point

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    3. Clay
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      That's a prickly one. Gerrard gets a lot of points when coupled with Suarez and gets his fair share of dead balls. But he hasn't been back long and isn't getting any younger. Oscar is highly rated and a potential points machine. I'd go the Chelsea man, simply because I think they will finish higher.

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    4. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure I'd have either in my WC team actually.

      Oscar if I had to.

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  10. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    So with Liverpool struggling against Stoke over the last few years, although not a Stoke run by Mark Hughes, does this week present the lowest risk for those wanting to punt on a captain?

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    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Pool have never beaten stoke away in the premier league but I think they will on Sunday

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  11. mayz19
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Finally set on my wc team
    Mannone/Davis
    Sagna Coleman koscielny ward Chester
    Gerrard yaya hazard ozil noone
    Negredo lukaku Suarez

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    1. Dwightster
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Nice. Mine is almost identical...but with Mert instead of Sagna, llalana and jan instead of Gerrard and noone...and Adebayor instead of Lukaku.

      I am debating switching kosielny/llalana for Turner/Gerrard...

      But Llalana has a better game run than Gerrard and I'm hooked on an Arsenal double!

      What you reckon?

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      1. mayz19
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I just feel like Liverpool due a peno in the next couple game weeks. I had lallana but I'm going with the money talks approach and I don't think Southampton are in the best of form currently. I feel like arsenal def going to rack up cleanies So I'm sticking with the double up. So it comes down how big of a gamble you are willing to take. I've played it relatively safe this season and currently sitting at a 18k spot

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      2. mayz19
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Well I called that gerrard pk goal lol shoulda went to the bookies

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  12. bialk
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    RMWWCT:

    Marshall, Mannone

    Terry, Coleman, Koscielny, Ward, Chester

    Hazard, Özil, Silva, Gerrard, Whittingham

    Lukaku, Adebayor, Suárez,

    0.4 ITB

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    1. Dwightster
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Very nice. Great mid.

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  13. MisterT
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Guys, WC in play could really do with some words of encouragement or advice on changes:

    Boric Davis

    Mert Koscielny Coleman (Chester, bardsley) doubling up on Arse as mini league leader has 1 Arse defender.

    Yaya, hazard, Lallana, janu, Ozil

    Suarez, Ade (Hooper)

    Yaya/Hooper switch for Aguero.

    Any comments much appreciated!

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  14. seldomathleticfc
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    OK Guys, help needed! Any of you cheeky chappies care to cast your eye over this sorry lot? Done my subs for the week. Just wondering if I'm playing the right starting XI?

    Mignolet

    Walker Terry Mertesacker Coleman

    Barkley Silva Lallana

    Giroud Suarez (C) Negredo (V)

    Subs: Boruc Henderson Cabaye Vermaelen

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    1. Thesmasher83
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      would get rid of giroud for adebayer he will keep scoring got cp then swansea
      barkley wont play swap with hendo not bad team in all make sure u got coin for aguerro next rnd

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  15. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Coleman & JRod or Azpilicueta and Lukaku?

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    1. Cravex
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      a

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    2. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Coleman & J Rod

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  16. Cravex
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    which 2 defenders .

    kompany + terry

    or baines + either kos or sagna?

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  17. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Right, this is my bunch of reprobates for this weekend's proceedings:

    Mignolet
    Williams, Evra, Clyne
    Mutch, Ozil (v), Yaya, Hazard
    Lukaku, Suarez (c), Adebayor.

    Bencj: Myhill, Ravel, Gabbidon, Rosenior

    WC still intact.

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  18. Wavey Wambz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Eriksen or start Sturridge?

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  19. Seamy
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all, Last WC decision

    Third striker until Aguero returns
    A) Lukaku
    B) Giroud
    C) Negredo

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  20. indy13
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Ok guys first time in here in a while have just played WC due to injuries
    Would you rmt please?
    Names in capitals are dead certs
    MANNONE, Speroni
    MERTESACKER, COLEMAN, CHESTER, Gabbidon, Whittaker
    HAZARD, OZIL, Silva, Gerrard, Ki Sung (I'd only take out Silva for Yaya)
    ADEBAYOR, NEGREDO, SUAREZ

    So for me if there's any debate it's whether to strengthen either Ki, Speroni, Whittaker at the cost of Gerrard. With Lallana and Eriksen obvious choices

    Really appreciate any help
    Thx

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  21. Wavey Wambz
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    PRMWCT. Any help, feedback or alternatives would be much appreciated. Team Value 108.8 and 0.6 in the bank. Thanks in advance. Have the funds for Negredo-> Aguero and Ozil-> Ramsey next gameweek. Good to go?

    Marshall
    Koscielny, Clyne, Coleman
    Ozil, Oscar, Eriksen, Lallana
    Suarez(C), Negredo(VC)

    Subs: Mannone, Sturridge, Ward, Chester

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  22. Vague88
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Marshall
    Coleman, Merte, BTurner
    Ozil, Yaya, Hazard, Oscar, Lallana
    Negrado Suarez

    Mannone Berahino, Ward, Chester

    With enough in bank to allow for Oscar-- > Eriksen/Cabaye + Negrado ---> Kun

    Want to try to be a bit different with 3-5-2 sound any good?

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    1. MisterT
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Like it - very tempted myself

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  23. Qubit
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Double up with Nasri and Silva or Sagna and Koscielny?

    First one seems the more sensible option, but Nasri has just 2 assists away from home to his name this season which would suggest doubling up on the Arsenal defence is possibly a better bet.

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  24. Perthite
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is Rooney -> Adabeyor worth a 4 point hit?

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  25. Alberto Tomba
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Should I downgrade Szezesny -> Marshall (rotating with Mannone) so I can get aguero in next week?

    Seems like I'm losing long term points for a short term punt :/.

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    1. Alberto Tomba
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      :-/

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      1. Alberto Tomba
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        (too old to do meh smiley)

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  26. ejpt123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    any last minute changes needed for WC team

    Mannone (Speroni)
    Coleman Mert Bardsley (Chester, Baker)
    Yaya Ozil Hazard Januzaj (ward-prowse)
    Negredo Saurez Ade (c)

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  27. footballmick78
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is Rooney to Torres a good shout -4 hit

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