[sbu_large_image] Spot the Differential
17 January 2015 2348 comments
Paul Paul
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This week’s trio of overlooked alternatives offers an option for all three outfield positions. Liverpool’s raiding wing-back, the Magpies’ summer signing from Montpellier and Everton’s barnstorming Belgian all look in promising form ahead of some kind weekend fixtures.

Romelu Lukaku

Just as Tony Pulis prepares for his first away match in the West Brom hotseat, the former Baggies favourite is starting to find his form. As mentioned in this week’s Say What article, Lukaku has cited a more direct style of play as proving beneficial to his fortunes and with Roberto Martinez also claiming his big-money signing is finally fully fit, it was perhaps no surprise that Lukaku was amongst the goals in the midweek cup clash with West Ham.

Certainly, it’s about time the big Belgian rediscovered his eye for goal. Lukaku’s failure to score in each of the last seven Gameweeks has been a key factor in Everton’s recent struggles and with Martinez’ men sitting just three points ahead of the drop zone, Monday’s meeting with the Baggies looks vital to their prospects of building momentum in the second half of the season.

Now down to 8.8 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Lukaku also has showdowns with Palace and Leicester in the next five to add to his surprisingly low tally of just six goals so far. Encouragingly, Lukaku’s average of 29.1 minutes per shot is almost on a par with last year’s 27 – the issue has been a drop in conversion rate from 14.9% down to 10.2%. If he can start finding the net with a little more regularity, though, it could be worth reconsidering a player who has scored 15 and 17 times in the previous couple of campaigns.

Remy Cabella

A peripheral figure under previous manager Alan Pardew, the Frenchman was handed his fist 90-minute appearance since Gameweek 5 in Newcastle’s 2-0 loss at Chelsea last weekend.

Praised by caretaker boss John Carver for his Stamford Bridge display, Cabella carried the Magpies’ main goal threat by firing three attempts on goal against the Blues and looks poised to earn another opportunity to impress as Southampton roll up to St James’ Park.

With the Saints set to be without Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama in the centre of the park, their ability to earn another shut-out looks in question and Cabella – who racked up 14 goals and seven assists for Montpellier last season – could be set to benefit. Available for 7.1 in FPL, Cabella offers a route into a side that has won five and drawn one of their last seven on Tyneside and looks a viable option for those seeking a real punt prior to wielding their winter wildcards.

Alberto Moreno

Liverpool’s recent change of formation looks to have boosted their summer signing’s Fantasy fortunes. Handed the left wing-back berth in each of the last three Gameweeks, the 5.0-priced Spaniard has grabbed a goal and clean sheet to collect 15 points for the ever-improving Reds.

Up next is a trip to Villa Park and with the home side scoring just once in their previous six fixtures, Brendan Rodgers’ side will fancy their chances of earning back-to-back shut-outs for the first time this term.

Moreno’s attacking stats over the last three also bode well ahead of this afternoon’s encounter. Only two defenders have produced more than his five key passes, whilst the Spaniard leads the way for attempts on goal (five) – crucially, all of those efforts have arrived inside the area and underline his improved close-range threat as the Merseysiders look to heap more misery on under-fire Paul Lambert.

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2,348 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Clump
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Given Saints midfield injuries, any opinions on JWP @ 4.8 as a fifth mid? .1 diff to Boyd.

    1. Judeksi
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      great option if you got the money, I would say do it.

    2. Super PVA - Small Spuds
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Sounds good

      1. Clump
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Thank guys. Just think it moves away from template a little.

    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      shhh

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        This 🙂

        1. Clump
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Sorry 🙁

          1. Daniel Exeter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 6 months ago

            Jack Cork is also on his way back

            1. Clump
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 6 months ago

              You think JWP will play for next month or so?

              1. Daniel Exeter
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 6 months ago

                I reckon so, we'll know this weekend anyway

                1. Clump
                  • 11 Years
                  11 years, 6 months ago

                  Ta

    4. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      great option.

  2. Judeksi
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    So what's the situation with Lucas now?? Is he going to be transferred or not? (he seems to be starting today for Liverpool)

    1. boogle
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Doubt it - one of our better players recently

    2. Clump
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Rogers said he s staying until at least the summer.

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

      Papertalk had him linked with a move, reckon he will stay imo

    4. Kuqi Monster
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      May bring him in for Boyd on wc

    5. Clump
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Reds fan. He'll share time with Allen and Gerrard. Not an FPL option.

      1. Belli2007
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        It's a risk worth taking to save .4m in my opinion.

  3. snowman
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Duff > Moreno or save FT and start 3 of

    Vergini, Berty, Dummet, Wisdom?

  4. Belli2007
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Morning all.

    What is the consensus on Tomkins starting today? Anyone seen any news on Reid?

    I have Tomikns in team for this week and have 0.4m left over to upgrade Silva to ADM next GW if ADM shows some form.

    Options are:

    A) Play Tomkins (PVA or Baird off the bench if he doesn't play) - no hit to upgrade next week
    B) Put Jenkinson in which would require 4pt hits to get ADM in next wee.

    1. -Matador-
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I think tomkins-collins will start in CB. reid benched

      1. -Matador-
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        If Reid is back in the team, then it is 50/50 between tom and collins

      2. Belli2007
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I am currently on A)

        It will be all academic when Hull spoil the party and score!! I can afford the hit next week in my MLs but enjoying a cup run so trying to avoid hits if I can.

  5. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Which is better, first to...7 wins

    A)
    Downing - Silva - Hazard - Sanchez - ADM
    Costa - Kane

    B)
    Silva - Hazard - Sanchez - ADM
    Austin - Costa - Kane

    1. Stimps
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Manic Miner
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Very close to call, B

  6. Sid07
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    1)play boyd or siggy
    2)play pva or wisdom or walsi

  7. TorresMagic™
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    How much does Borini & Markovic starting affect Sterling?

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Borini starting? Source?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        No Gerrard too. All based on training.
        Could easily be wrong.

        1. Timtastic03
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 6 months ago

          Would really appreciate any thoughts a couple pages back?

    2. Timtastic03
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Markovic not too much imo, Borini would mean he doesn't play as striker anymore?

  8. Get up ya bum
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Damn. Really like my team but has a big weakness. No way to bring in adm/walcott/fab/silva with a ft. Hmmm template i guess

    1. Timtastic03
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I replied to your earlier post.

  9. -Matador-
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Hazard or Costa cap?

    1. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I've gone Costa

    2. Eleven Geckoes
      • 17 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Hazard

      1. Doar1986
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        None

  10. Chris_White
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Any other WC'ers taking a one week punt on Cresswell?

    1. Banana Shaqiri - HMD, PUP
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Tomkins

      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Sure he'll start this week?

  11. Rex Lapis
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Who to play?
    A. Wisdom (eve)
    B. Dummet (SOT)

  12. Jinkys Oars
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Repost : Any Fabregas owners considering captaining him this week as a differential to Kane/Kun?

    1. nosejob
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Not me. Hazard maybe though.

  13. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Who should I play out of

    De Gea (qpr) or Forster (new)

    Any ideas would be welcomed

  14. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone got cs odds for:

    - West brom
    - Sunderland
    - Swans

    Need to field 2 out of the above 3

      1. UnitednationsXI
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        thanks, joined Lms 🙂

  15. TorresMagic™
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    555 in LMS now 🙂

  16. Mak_Gold
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Repost: Would you take a 4 point hit for Zabaleta to Bertrand?

    1. -Matador-
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Never ever

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

      Not worth -4 this week

    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      nope

  17. Takamba
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    I do wonder if Aguero might take a game or two to get back into his rhythm. With Arsenal and Chelsea away next, is everyone being a bit premature?

    I remember when he came back from injury last year after a long lay-off. Never recaptured the form he showed before.

    Thoughts? Ramblings of a scared non-owner??

    1. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      No, that is completely well reasoned. There simply are better options out there for the next two GW's.

      1. Takamba
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks. Thought I was going to get hammered for that comment!

        Do genuinely feel it is well reasoned. I could WC and get Aguero...just think it is 2 weeks too early.

        Appreciate the team value argument though, for some

    2. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      I'm thinking the same, holding off this week at least

    3. Takamba
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      In addition, the 6-3 last year and the 2-2 this year aside, this isn't historically a high scoring fixture

    4. Ginkapo FPL
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      All extremely logical.

      The counter argument is simply this:

      But its Aguero!

      1. Takamba
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        That's what scares me! Wouldn't be at all shocked if he walked off with the match ball.

        I'm top 50 and trying not to take unrcesary risks, but on the other hand don't want to get left behind.

        Would love to know what % of top 50 have got Aguero in this week

  18. Bring on the shots
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Double Chelsea Defence - bad idea?

    1. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      No.

    2. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Man City next week
      If the hype behind Aguero for the next two is to be believed it's risky

  19. pax888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Will Aguero start tomorrow?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      maybe

    2. Stimps
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, if not, he will get 30+ minutes, and score

  20. Cat Face
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Complete lunacy to bench Sanchez this week? Poor away form against a re-strengthened City at the Emirates?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      yes it is

    2. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Is it not at Etihad?

      1. Cat Face
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Yes it is, that's what I meant

    3. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      re-strengthened ...? How so...?

      1. Cat Face
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Kompany and Aguero recently returned

  21. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Kane, Costa or Hazard for the armbamd?

    Fixtures and form point to Kane but I'm not sure about Spurs.

    1. Matsy123
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Odds to score

      Kane 8/11
      Costa 4/5
      Hazard 3/2
      Aguero 10/11

      Kane for me too

      1. Matsy123
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        *hazard 11/8

  22. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    If u have Kane

    Would u do Eriksen out ADM in for FT?

    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      No.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Comparison tool for last week says?

    3. chubbyalonso
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      100% yes. Even Chadli in for Eriksen makes sense for me.

      I've previewed the match up on my blog (ChubbyAlonso.com) if you're keen to check it out for a better explanation.

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Eriksen scored 1g 2a in this fixture last season.

  23. mozza
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Go with Panti or Foster (to play every week)?

  24. simosalminen
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Repost from the bottom of last page...

    Bench one out of:

    A) Austin (MUN)
    B) Silva (ARS)
    C) Fabregas (swa)
    D) Sanchez (mci)

  25. Gooner Kebab
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Current backline:

    Adrian
    Hutton, Bertie, Duff (?) (Azpi, Bartley)

    Not sure if Duff will play, max 6.5 def.

    a) No hit
    b) Azpi to Trip
    c) Azpi to Janmaat
    d) Azpi to Dann

  26. chubbyalonso
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Highly controversial but I've gone for a certain Olivier Giroud to make all the difference in the Sergio v Sanchez duel. Also went for the Carroll captaincy, partly sentimental but mostly a lot of sense - Hull are as weak an opponent as it gets! Sunderland also aren't as bad as they sound.

    I've written about this on my blog (chubbyalonso.com). If anyone's keen you can check out how i explain my choices here: http://chubbyalonso.com/2015/01/17/sweat-my-squad-sanchez-meets-sergio-gomis-meets-costa-master-meets-apprentice-gameweek-22/

    (I've also made the educated choice of benching Ivanovic, Austin and Clyne......)

    1. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Oh

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

      Surely form over fixtures means no one should be benching Ivanovic, Austin and Clyne

      1. chubbyalonso
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I guess - I have admittedly been stung from underestimating Southampton on many occasions, but I think it's an art to be able to pick and choose as well and it's one i'm trying to refine, even though I know it's impossible to perfect.

        Also it's much more fun that way, ha!

  27. Who Ate All Depays?
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Need a defender upto 6m to play alongside Berty?
    other cheapies are PVA, Wasi & Wisdom

    1. Stimps
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Cresswell

    2. Chrissy Waddle - 2025/26
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Stretch funds for a CHE defender

      1. Who Ate All Depays?
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        Terry is possible if I downgrade PVA,&Wisdom -> Baird & Bruce/Yun

  28. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Defoe has scored in ever single debut for a new club, hmmm...

    (Steps away from computer)

    1. Limbo
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Wouldn't bet against it today. The reason I'm going for a Stoke defender over Rose.

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 6 months ago

        I would, if not for the fact I have 0fts and my strikers are ings, Kane, costa

  29. tbhogal
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    PVA or Hutton?

    1. FALCAO & MOU
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      Hutton

  30. mouldy_uk
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 6 months ago

    Panty
    Zaba / Hutton / Clyne
    Siggy / Silva / Sanchez / Hazard
    Austin / Kane / Costa

    Fabianski / Boyd / Wisdom / Azpil

    1FT, 1.1 itb

    (a) Azpil > Terry (though not sure who I would drop to play him)
    (b) Costa & Azpil > Aguero & 5.4M Defender (-4 points)
    (c) Save trannie
    (d) Other?

    Thanks in advance

    1. Voodoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 6 months ago

      C