Spot the Differential

Spot the Differential – Gameweek 4

Bournemouth and Villa’s wide men are on our radar in this week’s scour for overlooked Fantasy options, whilst Tottenham’s out-of-position defender also plays a part in the Gameweek 4 thinking.

Max Gradel

Having notched 17 times in 31 outings for Ligue 1 outfit Saint Etienne last season, Max Gradel returns to former club Bournemouth in fine scoring form. The 6.0-priced midfielder – who sits at a 0.5% ownership – was a peripheral figure in the Fantasy Premier League until he served up a brace of assists during the Cherries’ 4-3 victory over West Ham last weekend.

Since being handed his first start in Gameweek 2, Gradel places second for shots (three) behind Matt Ritchie (seven) among the south coast club’s midfield contingent, though he’s tallied the most penalty-box touches (six) and key passes (five) across that stretch. Although the latter’s Fantasy allure is intensified by his share of free-kicks, Gradel posted a far superior shot conversion rate (16.6%) than Ritchie (9.9%) last term, which suggests he’s more of a clinical finisher.

Bournemouth will be buoyant in the wake of their maiden top-flight victory, so recruiting from their attacking corps looks like an astute strategy in the coming weeks. Eddie Howe’s troops embark on an excellent quintet of fixtures (LEI, nor, SUN, sto, WAT), ensuring that this differential pick is afforded ample time to flourish.

Jack Grealish

Having recovered from a hamstring injury picked up during Aston Villa’s pre-season tour, Jack Grealish was handed a start on the left of a front three against Crystal Palace on his return to action. The 19-year-old Academy product then went on to play the full 121 minutes of the Villains’ midweek League Cup win over Notts County, getting him one step closer to peak fitness.

Although Scott Sinclair’s hat-trick hogged the headlines, Grealish also turned in a fine performance against the League Two opposition, serving as Villa’s most creative outlet and bagging two assists in the process. In light of the fact that Tim Sherwood’s men rank second-bottom for chances created (17) over the opening trio of matches, the former Spurs head coach will be desperate to funnel their play through the winger, augmenting his appeal as a Fantasy asset.

Priced at 5.4, Grealish occupies a bracket that’s devoid of any sure-fire bets (Riyad Mahrez has shot up to the 6.0-mark), so there’s value to be had in unearthing a hidden gem. A home tie against Sunderland – who’ve conceded more goals (eight) than any side this term – should certainly afford Grealish plenty of possession to showcase his burgeoning talents.

Edit: Grealish has emerged as a late doubt for Villa’s meeting with Sunderland with reports stating that he has sprained an ankle in training.

Eric Dier

Eric Dier has been deployed in the double pivot alongside Nabil Bentaleb and – more recently – Ryan Mason this term, furnishing Fantasy managers with an out-of-position prospect. Although the former Sporting Lisbon centre-back is yet to launch a marauding run of the ilk that saw him net a late winner in the opening Gameweek of last term, he’s already found the net in his previous home appearance against Stoke and ranks joint-second among defenders for headed attempts (two).

Spurs are yet to register a clean sheet this campaign, but there were signs of improvement during their visit to Leicester. Mauricio Pochettino’s men limited the high-flying Foxes to just seven shots inside the box, one big chance and two attempts on target, implying that Tottenham forced Leicester into unfavourable shooting positions.

The Lilywhites conceded just one goal against Everton in the previous campaign, winning the home leg 2-1 and triumphing 1-0 at Goodison Park in the final Gameweek. Notwithstanding their dominant performance away to Southampton, the Toffees have mustered just 10 attempts on target this term, offering hope for Dier’s shut-out prospects as the hosts look to clinch their first win of the season.

1,751 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Puzzle
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Would you play Sakho or Westwood this week?

    1. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Westwood!

  2. Messsiaah
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    payet or williams/shaw?

    1. Chelsea Dagger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Shaw

    2. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Payet, obviously Payet

  3. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Albrighton and Mahrez, too much?

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

    2. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Not at all.

    3. clooz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I've toyed with the idea.

  4. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Should I play Williams or Darmian this week ?
    Thanks.

    1. Chinu
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Darmain

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Williams

    3. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Williams

  5. ClassAct
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Who to drop?

    Redmond (3-5-2) vs Gomis (3-4-3)

    1. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Redmond

    2. Chelsea Dagger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Red

    3. Gloria Kanchelskis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Drop Redmond

  6. James LeBron
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Shaw vs Cedric, Currently have Cedric because of his fixtures and his price.

    1. garpheet
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      not sure manu will have cleansheet this gw

    2. Gloria Kanchelskis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Play Cedric imo

  7. Dr Kenneth Noisewater
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Thinking of utilising WC during international break for some TV building - do we anticipate many price increases in this period or were people over enthused for the first 3 GWs?

    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Might be a good idea. Surely to be some price rises.

    2. Tree House
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      if you need to wildcard then do it. I wouldn't pay too much attention to whether its an international break or not.

    3. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      i dont think there will be many double price rises

    4. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Playing it in international week holds no more/less benefit than playing it in any other given gameweek. If anything I expect the market to slow down a little, most people tend to wait till after the international games to make their transfers. Complete myth that you gain more transfer value because it's over a longer period of time, you don't

      1. Dr Kenneth Noisewater
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Never thought of it that way - alternative perspective. Cheers.

    5. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      If there are some big scores from individual players (hatricks, defenders scoring and keeping a cleansheet etc), then it will be a perfect time.

      1. Dr Kenneth Noisewater
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Maybe that's what I should be waiting for. Much appreciated.

  8. Acquafresca
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Shitting my pants not owning Kolarov...

    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks.

      1. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        No problem. Followed Jonty's "dullard" Kompany pick.

    2. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Brave man

      1. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Bad life choices.

    3. TheOneAndOnly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Likewise, sitting on Sagna

    4. white lightning
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      You should get adult nappies haha.

  9. Game...Blouses
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys. Pick one:

    A) Gomez (WHU)
    B) M. Richards (SUN)
    C) Targett (NOR)

    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      pick one for what? bench/ play ?

    2. Game...Blouses
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Sorry, pick one to play

      1. Acquafresca
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Gomez for me.

    3. clooz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Gomez

    4. Game...Blouses
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks guys!

    5. Tree House
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Gomez. I need to pick between the other two if you could help below please!

    6. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      To play? It's time for bench boost....

    7. Gloria Kanchelskis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      They are in the right order in your post

  10. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed out on previous thread.

    Which two to play out of these four:

    A) Shaw
    B) Williams
    C) Sakho
    D) Westwoood

    Cheers!

    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      CD

    2. Game...Blouses
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      C and D for me

    3. Dr Kenneth Noisewater
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I always like to include their fixtures in queries like these to save others the leg work.

      For me, I'd choose Shaw for attacking threat and Sakho for goals - he's been involved a lot in the box and unfortunate to not bag one yet.

      Saying that, I did transfer him out this week...

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks everyone.

    4. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A & D

      Our defence has been solid.

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Interesting. Swans playing at home (5 goals this season). Wouldn't it be better to back Williams against a United attack that has only scored twice?

        1. Make United Great Again
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Fair point. Maybe it's my bias but I fancy us getting a result down there.

          But statistic wise yeah Williams should start

  11. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Who will take Eriksen place? Chadli?

    Payet to Chadli? Y/N

    1. Tree House
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      save and reassess next week. perhaps you will want to upgrade to a heavy hitter which you can do with two transfers.

  12. Turtlepower
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    On wc, have only 4.4 for a def, who should I take? Coates?

    Have Butland, McCarthy, Kolarov, Francis, Richards, Gomez.

    1. Tree House
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      might as well get saylor and pocket the money

      1. Turtlepower
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Coates is nailed but Saylor isn't.

  13. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Am on a WC and don't have Hazard. Is this smart? I keep feeling like I should have him and second guess.

    Others out there without Hazard and Shachez instead feeling comfortable this GW?

    1. Breadbin
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, and I have neither.

    2. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I would get one of them so it's easy to swap to the one in form, since they're relatively close in price.

    3. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I'd get at least one of them.

    1. Galfadez
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      ps this is a WC team

    2. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Targett is not a good option on WC.

      1. Galfadez
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        who would you pick over him? they way I see it my DEF is strong enough to cover him missing a game and given all his transfers in I can't see him dropping below 4.0 even if he is benched

    3. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Targett over Darmian in the pecking order?

  14. Sebbo29
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Any change necessary for a -4 or gtg

    Butland (Ruddy)
    Azpi/Kola/Cedric (Francis/Prodl)
    Haz/Ozil/Payet/Mahrez (Wanyama)
    Kun(C)/Wilson/Pelle

    Obvious choice would be Ozil to YYT but ARS play NEW so maybe not
    0.4 itb

    Thx lads

    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Good to go.

  15. Tree House
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    start one:

    A) Richards (SUN)
    B) Targett (NOR)

    Thanks!

    1. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Game...Blouses
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Richards

    3. TheOneAndOnly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Im starting both 🙂

  16. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Play one please :

    A lens (avl)
    B payet (liv)

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Lens

    2. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Tough one.

      A

    3. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      a

  17. HarryS
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Play Pantilimon Or Schmeichel?

    1. Game...Blouses
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Pants

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      P

  18. James LeBron
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Is Pedro nailed?
    in saying that Pedro or Coutinho?

  19. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Butland
    Richards, Williams, Kolarov
    Payet, Ayew, Sánchez, Mahrez, Silva
    Gomis, Agüero(c)

    Subs: McCarty, Darmian, Francis, Koné

    1FT 0ITB folks - really need some help!

    Thinking:

    A) Gomis -> Wilson/Diouf
    B) Payet/Ayew -> Shaqiri
    C) Hold

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      C

  20. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Kompany >> Kolarov for -4

    Yay or Nay?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Nay

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Nay

    3. Acquafresca
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Nah

    4. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      cheers fellas.. I will stick to good Kompany..

    5. footballoholic
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Nop

  21. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Current team :

    Butland
    Darmian, Kolarov, Morgan
    Sanchez, Yaya, Mahrez, Pedro
    Aguero, Gomis, Diouf

    Subs : McCarthy, Westwood, Saylor, Ward

    Right lineup and subs order?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, just wait for the points

      1. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Liking this more 😀

  22. Rossamous
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Odds that Benteke starts? I want to captain him

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      1/10

      1. Rossamous
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Big believer in the bib theory eh

        1. Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          doesn't 1/10 odds mean .. he will start?

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Why wouldn't he start? Do you know something we don't?

      1. Rossamous
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 8 months ago

        Bib theory is making me hesitate

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 8 months ago

          Hmm. Has to be bollocks, surely? If I had him, I would be sorely tempted as well to give him the armband. But if there is a slight doubt in your mind, then captain Aguero like everyone else.

    3. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Rested this GW

  23. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Butland
    Darmian | Richards | Kompany | Gomez
    Mahrez | Sanchez | Yaya
    Diouf(vc) | Gomis | Aguero(c)

    McCarthy | Payet | Westwood | Jenkinson

    2.0 ITB & 0 FT

    Good to go?

    Thanks!

    1. Gigging Order
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      I'm also going 4-3-3 and benching Payet this week, so looks good to me.

    2. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Play Payet over Darmian

  24. Gigging Order
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    I woke up a couple of times in the night (young kids) and everytime I did, I got this thought that I should captain Sanchez over Aguero.

    Is it just lack of sleep, or is he actually the better option?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero

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

      I would captain Sanchez if I had him

  25. Jigger & Pony
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Play Williams, Morgan or Richards?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      R

    2. Gigging Order
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Richards

  26. mikess
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Would you start Francis or Payet?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      P .. BOU will concede ..

    2. Gloria Kanchelskis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Payet but not by much

  27. Gigging Order
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Bench this week:

    McCarthy (che) Westwood (SUN) Payet (liv) Darmian (swa)

    I reckon if McCarthy had a decent fixture, I could have played my bench boost this week.

  28. Samkeezy
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Kolarov in for a hit?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Kolarov is an exception to the hit rule, so yes

  29. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 8 months ago

    Last bit of business.

    Who is the best 4.1 and down defender to own longterm.

    Still Oxford? Or someone like Saylor or Targett..

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 8 months ago

      Long-term none of them.