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

    Where's our favourite article of the week?

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

      Top that page hoggers 😎

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

    which one please

    1)PAV --> Vert or

    2)Krul - > Lloris

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

      1

    2. kalmoffit
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      2

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

      Both

  3. Miami Weiss
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    So fellow Villains, how are we are feeling about the line up? New manager but still cleverly hangs in there. Still no Gil yet the Zog get a start. Please not another loss. Having one day ruined each week by the football is bad enough but two this week.... And to the baggies....

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

      depressed. Bought Gill into my team on a punt a couple of weeks back too

      1. Miami Weiss
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        A decent punt I would have thought. Our midfield is crying out for goals

    2. Red Star Toro
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      No idea, but I'm one of the biggest AVL fans today good luck lads

  4. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Ah well, hit confirmed:

    Cisse + Jones + Cazorla > Austin + Rose + Eriksen -4 kept Sanchez, confirmed

    1. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Good moves, good luck!

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

      Needs more Taarabt

  5. mdm
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Play Kosc or Fonte ?

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

      Kosc bit toss up really

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

        But

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

    My players to do well. Heard it here first.

    1. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Only the ones that are the same as mine, you heard it here second

      1. Breadbin
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Deal.

    2. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Mine are out for blood. 5k or bust by the end of this racket.

    3. COW
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      bookmarked?

      1. Breadbin
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Bit sad.

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

          Dun dun DUUUUN.

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

    sanchez to Eriksen or Downing to Eriksen?

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

      Downings fixtures don't look great.

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Downing.

  8. simosalminen
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one

    a) Bellerin (qpr)
    b) Jones (new)
    c) Wollschied (EVE)

  9. tm245
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    12 point hit.

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

      Snap.

      Damn you PvA

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

      really? for who?

    3. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Genius or Moronic, time will tell

    4. tm245
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Ivan Kane Austin Eriksen in for Baird Naismith Giroud Sanchez

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

      You may or may not be my main rival. Think he did the exact same thing.

      1. tm245
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I hope he is more genius than moron.

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

    Only have 2 tonight. What anybody else at ?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      2

    2. Demí
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      3

    3. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      3

    4. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      2

    5. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      1 😯

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

      4

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

      3

    8. Ruth_NZ
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Just 3 now Toby and PvA are out.

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

        No, just 1. Foster clean sheet all I need tonight.

    9. Hibbopotamus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      2 -- Mane and McShane. Going all the way to the back of the bench with Toby and PvA out. Oh well.

  11. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    you can tell its dgw madness........ bellerin 3rd sub on my bench 😯

    1. mouldy_uk
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Same

  12. HonestBlatter
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Legendary Gruu-->Austin for a hit? (C)ane.

    1. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Rebel.

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Yes.

  13. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Quick help please

    Bench 2 of these

    Clyne

    Dawson

    Terry

    Kosc

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Kosc and Dawson.

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 2 months ago

        done

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

    Aguero or Austin captain?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      auzzie

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Austiin

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

      Hurrikane.

    4. DannyBoy....
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Really? Was thinking Sergio :/

  15. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Puncheon or Hazard?

    1. Teahupo'o
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Haz

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      to play..... haz fo sho

  16. Think
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Final piece of jigsaw who to play in defence.

    Bellarin Zouma Hutton Wollschieled (pva not playing)

    Plz help !

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Wollschieled

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

    Forster in goal, play Bertrand or Bellerin?

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

      Bellerin imo

  18. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Pick the Best plz ?

    A- Play Janmmat v.s MUN (H)

    B- Wisdom > Rose SWA (H), QPR (A) & Bench Janmmat

    B for - 4 pts

  19. Teahupo'o
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Vert or Rose?

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

      Vert

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

    From FPL teamtalk page,

    TOP FIVE VALUE FPL PLAYERS 2014/15:
    Kane (TOT), FWD, £6.2m, 21pts per £
    Fabianski (SWA), GKP, £5.2m, 20.2pts per £
    Foster (WBA), GKP, £4.7m, 20.2pts per £
    Austin (QPR), FWD, £6.3m, 19.8pts per £
    Berahino (WBA), FWD, £5.5m, 19.8pts per £

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

      No Downing?

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

        Sad face, may be due to his form of late

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

      Flappy 😯

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

        Legend

  21. snowman
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Shall i save FT or do

    Wisdom > Rose/Moreno?

    Pants
    Wolsch Fonte Kosc
    Hazard Punch Silva Eriksen
    Aguero Kane Giroud

    Subs: JWP, PVA, Wisdom

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

      do it

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Do it

  22. Ninja Škrtel
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    a. Elia, , Milner
    b. Elia, Downing
    c. Downing, Milner

    ?

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

    no 1 last year just did sanchez to eriksen

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      mav... er ....ick

    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Gaf

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

      Where are they this year?

  24. 9I6
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Really want to get rid of JWP as he's came of the bench every week since January with barely any points, but it means taking -4 which would be mad. Although JWP->Phillips (QPR) is tempting

  25. Blue Gaffer
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    ADM----->Silva worth -4?

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

    jones or wolly to play ?

    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      wolly

  27. Lallana_
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    None of my attackers play tonight but all my defenders do.

    *yawn*

  28. BabyB
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Giroud or Moses?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Gru.

  29. Takedog1
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Kane or aguero

    Quick!!!!

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 2 months ago

      kane

  30. Niz Super X1
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Tick Tock