[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. NLB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    First? 🙂

    Foster
    Jones Wolls Dawson
    Sanchez Hazard Silva Eriksen
    Aguero Giroud Kane (c)
    Subs: Hamer PvA Naughton Boyd

    1 free left
    A. Jones to Rose
    B. Giroud to Austin
    C. save

    thanks guys

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

      A

      1. Boss Hogg
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        A.
        But I prefer Vertonghen.

    2. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Well done

    3. MadridistaRants
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Can you afford Vertonghen instead of Rose?

      1. NLB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        unfortunately no. decided to get rid of Caz instead of Sanchez for Erikesen so not much cash left over.

    4. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      A

    5. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      B

    6. Ser Football 42
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Would rather have Walker or vert over rose

    7. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Im in the exact same boat...

      Thinking either Jones to Spurs def or Giroud to Austin!

      I know ill kick myself in Austin gets 2 goals over the games whereas the defence....

      1. NLB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        What're you leaning toward?

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

          Think im gonna do the Austin move as its for free...

          Then Austin to Costa over the next 3

  2. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Subs order correct?

    Moses, Puncheon, Cawson

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      think so

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

      Myes

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

      Play dawson

  3. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Pants in goal..

    Play: Wollscheild .. Dawson .. Bellerin
    Bench: Jones .. PVA

    Does this look correct???

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

      ie. bench and subs in order

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

        PvA before Jones imo

    2. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      PVA first sub over Jones imo

    3. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      maybe jones instead of wolly

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

        thanks lads.

  4. Planet Jo
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Can only play three of these four. Who to leave out?

    A. Sanchez
    B. Cazorla
    C. Austin
    D. Matty Phillips

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

      D

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

      d

    3. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Phillips

    4. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      d

    5. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

      Phil

    7. NLB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      D

    8. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Have you had D for a few weeks?

      1. Planet Jo
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        thinking of getting him (not FPL, different game), but would have to leave an Arsenal player out

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

    Bench 1st: Yoshida or PVA?

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      yoshi

  6. The EJJ
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Predictions for tonight's games?

    Aston Villa 1-1 West Brom
    Hull 2-1 Sunderland
    Southampton 2-1 Crystal Palace

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

      0-0
      1-0
      3-1

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

      I think they will be quite boring, can't predict the scores but not expecting tons of goals

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

        I also don't think there will be tons of goals. If there are there will be some big negative scoring defenders.

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      1-1
      0-1
      1-0

    4. athreya
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Southampton 1-2 Crystal Palace. Soton running out of gas.

    5. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      1-1
      1-1
      2-1

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

      so you dont have any defenders playing tonight ?

      1. The EJJ
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I've got Clyne and Pantilimon. But expect Palace and Hull to score

  7. Whattheheck!
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Play Wolly or double up on WBA defence?

    1. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Wolly

      1. Whattheheck!
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        cool done it thanks!

  8. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    According to bookies

    Bellerin
    Jones
    Dawson
    Wolly
    PVA

    In that order

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

      Take those odds with a grain of salt though

  9. Jimbo123
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Assuming PVA starts:

    Wollscheid (EVE) or PVA (hull) ???

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Pva

    2. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      wolly

    3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Pva

  10. Dimen
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Will Ideye start? Anyone know?

    Bench Ideye or Puncheon??

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Punch

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

        u mean bench punch yes? 🙂

  11. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Sanchez > Townsend? Will take me upto -12pts

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

      It's silly season after all 😎

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

      Has to be

    3. athreya
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Townsend on penalties. Do it!

  12. Jones Town
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Spread the risk and play Panti & Dawson? Or double up Foster & Dawson?

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      spread, panti should get more saves than foster also

      1. Jones Town
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Ta - was leaning towards this. Feels like one of those weeks where the clean sheets won't be so obvious...

        1. Forza Juventus
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 2 months ago

          I second spreading.

          I personally this gameweek have Panti & Dawson playing, benching PvA. Similar reasoning.

  13. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    How certain are we of Clichy starting this week?

    Clichy -> Vert (-4) - Yay or Nay?

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      nay

  14. Viper
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Who 1 should I start?

    Wollscheid, PVA or Bruce?

    Starting Panti in goal..

    1. Doctor X
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      W, B - Home games I guess. Can't see anything else to place them apart.

    2. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I think I'd go with Wolly, Viper

    3. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      bruce

    4. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Wolly for me

  15. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    2 of these were Puntmaster's picks

    Let's have something different 🙁

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Walker
      Herrera/dembele
      Ideye/lukaku

  16. TheOneAndOnly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Had my heart set on Walker, article swaying me towards Verthonghen.. Any reason not to go for Walker??

    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      go with your gut

    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Vert more likely to start both games

    3. Ser Football 42
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Vert is a little better in my opinion. A little more nailed too but Walker is a good choice. It's who I'm going with since he is .1 cheaper

      1. TheOneAndOnly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, are u being forced into by 0.1? Surely Walker is more likely to start both matches than Eric Dier? Unless Fazio starts 2mo I suppose... Hmmm

  17. Sol Campbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    What are any of us with a wildcard still left doing with it? Waiting until Chelsea week to use it? or using it this week?

    1. TheOneAndOnly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Gw 34, better late than never..

    2. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      later in the season

    3. TuttiFrutti
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      waiting

    4. Ser Football 42
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Waiting for another DGW most likely

    5. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Will use it when I need it

  18. Somalion
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    This is my lot

    Panti

    Kosc Clyne Wolly

    Silva Hazard Sanchez Ozil

    Kane (C) Aguero (VC) Austin

    Krul Cork Naughton Baird.

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

      G2h Somalion for sure, good luck this week

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

        And to you, Zasa. Hopefully no major cock ups!

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

          Cheers! Yes, no cocks please

  19. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I'm playing a dead team in H2H with Vert & Lloris in their team 😮

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

      You about to be killed by a dead team 😯

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

        Couple clean sheets x 2 and I'm sunk 😛

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

          😯 Adds to my desire for them to concede a lot!

  20. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I am on -4, only 3 DGW players (Kane, Austin, and Eriksen), and no Silva. I am pretty worried.

    1. bdwhite91
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      If it makes you feel better, I have just Kane and Eriksen. DGW have always been bad to me, so I don't like to overload.

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

      So tempted here to bring in Silva for ADM 4 pointer thou

    3. bakayoko
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      pepin
      need help here play clark against wba home, or pva
      and as for my goalkeepers play foster or pantil
      so
      a. foster and clark
      b.pantil and clark
      c.foster PVA
      d. pantil pva(which is not happening)

  21. BrockLanders
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    ADM to any top midfielder for a 4 point hit is not worth it, yeah?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No.

    2. Ser Football 42
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Depends. Adm to like hazard I would say is worth it

    3. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yes imo

  22. bdwhite91
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Does anyone expect Villa to score?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      2-1

      1. bdwhite91
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        What about Hull, Palace, or WHU?

    2. Doctor X
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      They're so poor going front, I don't know man.

    3. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, they will go for it. Benteke with the goal.

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

      people with w brom def: no
      people without w brom def: yes

  23. rozzo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Good to go?

    Panti
    Clyne Ivanovic Dawson
    Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Cazorla
    Aguero Kane Giroud

    Gilks Puncheon Naughton Hutton

    Anything worth a hit? 0.1 itb

  24. Doctor X
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Jones (new) - Starting
    Hutton (WBA) - 1st sub
    Wollscheild (EVE) - 2nd sub

    Does that order look alright lads? Or should I start Hutton instead.

  25. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Bench two from:
    Wollscheild .. Dawson .. Bellerin .. Vert.. PVA

    PVA and .......?

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

      Wollscheild & Belllerin for me

    2. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Wollscheid

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

      bellerin

  26. thechipchump
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Panti
    Clyne, Jones, Rose
    Hazard, Cazorla, Sanchez, Mane, Erikson
    Kane, Aguero

    Subs: Jelavic, Monreal, Bardsley

    Finding it hard to pick my XI. Should i start/bench someone else? thinking maybe Cazorla > Jelavic?

  27. Paganoi
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Play Hutton or PvA?

  28. mutatedllama
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one to bench:

    A) Ivanovic (whu)
    B) Dawson (avl)
    C) Clyne (CPL)
    D) Bellerin (qpr)

    Currently have Ivanovic on the bench but it feels so wrong.

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

      Between Bel and Dawson
      Dawson IMO

  29. tornadoamr
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    who to bench ozil or hazard?

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

      Neither