634x258 Spot the Differential
24 August 2013 1173 comments
Paul Paul
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Our weekly look at some overlooked Fantasy alternatives arrives for your perusal this morning. As always, we highlight a trio of protagonists with some favourable fixtures on their respective agendas in the Gameweek ahead.

Nikica Jelavic

Having taken the Premier League by storm during the latter half of 2011/12, the Everton forward struggled in his first full season on Merseyside last time out. Jelavic notched just seven times over David Moyes’ final year at the Goodison helm and with new Toffees boss Roberto Martinez snapping up Arouna Kone from former club Wigan, it seemed the Croatian would be edged out of the picture.

Jelavic has risen to the challenge, though, and over the summer returned to the form of old, notching four of his side’s 12 goals across the pre-season fixtures. With Martinez’ possession-based game affording Everton an extra attacking edge, the former Glasgow Rangers star is benefitting from the move to a 4-3-3, with Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar offering support on either side; no longer is he reliant on knock-downs from the aerial threat of Marouane Fellaini.

Coming in at 7.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Jelavic has remained an under the radar option ahead of this morning’s Fantasy deadline. Just over 2% of managers have acquired his services thus far but with his confidence restored, the Croatian has a home clash with West Brom and trip to Cardiff look enticing opportunities for Fantasy points.

Peter Crouch

After a narrow defeat at Liverpool last time out, Mark Hughes’ home debut in charge of Stoke sees Crystal Palace pay visit later this afternoon. The Potters’ following three fixtures (whm, MCI ars) could well see them toil, making a victory against Ian Holloway’s men all the more essential at the Britannia.

With Hughes’ men set to go on the offensive against the Eagles, then, Crouch, as the lone target man in a 4-4-1-1 set-up, could be an unlikely Fantasy ally over the weekend. Hughes may be looking to implement a more possession-based approach but Crouch’s aerial threat may well prove the visitors’ undoing, with crosses aplenty expected from the likes of Matt Etherington out on the left. Coming in at 6.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and with an ownership under the 4% mark, he may appeal to owners of Nicolas Anelka or Romelu Lukaku looking for a short-term gamble.

Tomas Rosicky

An injury to Mikel Arteta keep the Czech midfielder in the first-team frame at Arsenal right now. With Jack Wilshere slotting in alongside Aaron Ramey in the double-pivot as a result of the Spaniard’s absence, Rosicky has started both of Arsenal’s fixtures in “the hole” behind Olivier Giroud and looks set to get the nod ahead for today’s lunchtime trip to Fulham.

A convincing midweek win away to Fenerbahce silenced the doubters and handed the Gunners a real confidence boost as they roll up to the Cottage. Martin Jol’s men may have scraped a victory at Sunderland but the Black Cats had 20+ attempts on goal at the Stadium of Light and with injury depriving the hosts of half their first-choice back-four (Kieran Richardson and Fernando Amorebieta) and keeper, Maarten Stekelenburg, Wenger’s side will be buoyed heading into this one.

At just 5.5 in FPL, with a 1.1% ownership, Rosicky is a short-term, under the radar option as Wenger’s side look to build on Wednesday’s morale-boosting victory in Turkey.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. Tim Canterbury
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    I'm doing slightly better than last week. Up at 4am through excitement. Two hours improvement

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  2. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    I have spent the better part of an hour deciding between soldado wally Giroud and benteke, I think at this point i might just take a point on Wally going crazy at fulham. Your thoughts?

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    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      I really wanna captain Wally or Dzeko but no one seemed interested last night. Need some moral support

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      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        I'm with you on Wally but still not sure about Dzeko even after a good GW1 performance, I mean you still have to remember City spent a ton of money on Jovetic and Negredo so they definitely will cut into some of his minutes

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  3. JPSpurs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Mignolet or Boruc?

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    1. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Boruc for me, honestly the point total wont show it but up until the penalty migs looked pretty out of form

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      1. JPSpurs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, my thought exactly, just looking for some positive reinforcement. The other choice is RVP or Soldado for Captain. Chose Lukaku last week and think RVP is always the safer option...

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        1. Nice to Finally Michu
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          I agree if you have RVP its not worth the money if you don't captain him

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      2. Tim Canterbury
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Realised yesterday that the instant Migs saved that penalty his owners secured themselves TWELVE more points than they otherwise would have done. Crazy

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        1. FC Tinker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          I don't think we should discount goalies who can save penalties.

          Think about it. There were 4 or 5 other penalties taken GW1 and any number of goalies could have achieved a lot more points.

          Mignolet is a good keeper and will save at least 2 or 3 penalties this season. I don't know what Boruc' record in penalties is.

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          1. Tim Canterbury
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 5 months ago

            Just checked and he's only saved one other pen in the last three years. Not sure how many he's faced

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            1. FC Tinker
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 5 months ago

              I couldn't find Mignolet's penalty saving record, but I did notice that he has scored previously for St. Truiden. 😯

              http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Mignolet

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      3. Mickeylicious
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        helooked out of form for the first 30 minutes or so. he made an excellent save towards the end of the first half and then he was solid. I am not a Liverpool fan btw

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  4. hillbillypete
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Argh...ravel Morrison went down in price.....

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    1. Al Pacino
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Basically anyone who didn't play, or barely played, has moved down in value. Kneejerk galore

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    2. FC Tinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Unravelling Morrison?

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    3. ccc
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      I bought Thomas, hoping he would not drop, and luckily he has not, but he is also injured.

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    4. hillbillypete
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      if he doesn't have any mins this week im guna have to sell

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  5. Tim Canterbury
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Those with RVP who have you had to sacrifice and how much does it hurt? Soldado? Benteke? A city defender?

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    1. Dub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Soldado, sturridge and any chance of getting Aguero.
      Hurts like waxing your eyelashes.

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      1. Tim Canterbury
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah see I think I would feel the same if I ripped my team apart to fit him in. Was originally planning to get him for the good run of fixtures startin GW4 but feel like I enjoy the game more with more money to spread around

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  6. junitrules
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Night. I'm finishing work so good luck all

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  7. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Play M turner or toure?

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    1. ccc
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Kolo nearly scored against Stoke

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      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Good point cheers

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  8. oi no professionals
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Having a real wobble on who to (C) Soldado, Silva or Lambert or even Benteke!?!?

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  9. Pohaku
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    I'm dumping Ivanovic today to free up funds for Silva (ahead of Chelsea's game vs Man U and a blank gameweek), but the question is:

    Rose (TOT) or Shaw (SOT)?

    Rose is slightly cheaper, but any Spurs fans comment on how likely he is to remain a starter and how much of a threat is he on crosses etc?

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    1. Mickeylicious
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      shaw as he is more nailed on and probably more likely to get more points

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  10. Blue Samurai
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    who is better captaincy choice, lambert or soldado?

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  11. KJ-
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Taking the HBA punt. Wish me luck!

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    1. Admiral Stark
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      +1

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  12. indiangunner
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Is Dzeko certain to start? or should I go with Lambert?

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    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Not certain, but likely for this gw and more explosive.
      Lambert will prevent you future headache thou.

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  13. fyeara
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you guys pick up front?... Dzeko or Aguero????.....

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    1. Evans
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Both

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  14. Jam on a toasted bread
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Who else is like me now?
    Having a captain conundrum!

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  15. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Spot check on my GW2 team guys. Good to go?

    Migs (Lewis)
    Toure Zabaleta MTurner
    Walcott Silva Miralles Barfa
    Aguero (c) Soldado Tekkers (vc)

    Subs: Chester Grandin BTurner

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    1. KJ-
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      I'm not a fan of Mirallas but other than that looks sharp.

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  16. hillbillypete
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    very tempted to put my balls on the chopper and captain Dzeko

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    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      I'm with you. We can hold hands

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      1. hillbillypete
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        that would be nice

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        1. Evans
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          Room for one more ?

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        2. Mickeylicious
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 5 months ago

          get a room guys 🙂

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    2. LWO23
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      I'm back and forth between Wally and Dzeko. Think I will go with Dzeko. City should win by a few, whereas tough to call Arsenal's form (despite injuries for Fulham). Damn, I'm not really convinced.

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  17. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Dembele + Wally or Rosicky + Hazard (or in fact any mid up to 9.9m)???

    Last decision I think....

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    1. nedfoo
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Rosicky + Wally

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      1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Not too much arse overkill?

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  18. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Walcott (c).
    Who's with me?

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    1. Alfonso79
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Me too!

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  19. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Just need some opinions on my defense

    Boruc
    Coleman ( 2 of Chester murner ivanovic)
    Miralas hazard Wally coutinho
    Soldado dzeko lambert

    2 week plan is to do
    ivanovic+hazard+dzeko >> def (4.5) + mid (6.4) + rvp

    1) which two defenders shd I play
    2) since I will be taking a hit in the next 2 gw's, I might as well take a hit now to get rid of ivanovic?

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  20. chambers
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    What do I do with Lukaku once he scores a brace against Man U?

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    1. Evans
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      As moyes says " let them go"

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    2. KJ-
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Wake up because you're dreaming.

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  21. Flying Nugget
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Me, our weekend's could be destroyed before 3 o'clock!

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  22. Big Bad Barry
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Boruc
    Coleman lesscot peiters
    Walcott Barkley silva snoddy
    Rvp Tekkers Soldado

    All set think its got to be Rvp capt!

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    1. iain_90
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Good looking team for this week man. Not sold on Barkley myself but he could certainly do well.

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  23. TJ
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    play Ivanovic or M.Turner?

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    1. Evans
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Ivan

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  24. nedfoo
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    My rival is playing mind games.. he says he's going to captain Walcott or Whittaker.. what to believe?

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    1. Evans
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      It's only gw 2 lol - mind games

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    2. Pratik
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Walcott's a possibility

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  25. Pratik
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    I have Aguero and Soldado, but I think I'm gonna play it safe with Soldado.......

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    1. Evans
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Has to be Aguero

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    2. ccc
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Soldado for safety

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  26. ccc
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    RVP (c) or Soldado (c)

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    1. Evans
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Soldado

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  27. Absinthe 42
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Just looked at home vs away record for my (c) options.

    Walcott - much better at home
    Silva - better at home
    Sturridge - better away
    Dzeko - better away

    So Sturridge or Dzeko..... coin flip time

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    1. Evans
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Dzeko

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    2. King Kohli
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      What do you reckon about Benteke and Soldado?

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      1. Absinthe 42
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        I reckon you should pay to use the members area 🙂

        Benteke is a little better at home.
        Soldado no data to look at.

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  28. Biancazzurri
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    Who should I start: Nolan or Barkley?

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  29. div
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    S Taylor >

    A. Lovren
    B. Hughes
    C. Whittaker
    D. Rose
    E. Celustka

    For Sky Sports FF, so above player will be playing every week!!!

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    1. ccc
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      Rose is a midfielder

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      1. ccc
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        oh, ignore me

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  30. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 5 months ago

    start barkley or lukaku? id rather start the one with the better to chance to either start or not feature at all. wouldnt that be barkley. but ive also heard lukaku could start.

    Thoughts?

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    1. @FuzzyWarbles
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 5 months ago

      or is a hit for lukaku for a 7.9 or less striker reasonable?

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      1. Pratik
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        Dzeko?

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      2. @FuzzyWarbles
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 5 months ago

        7.8 or less, i shoulda just taken a hit, damn it all lukaku

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