[sbu_large_image] Spot the Differential
1 February 2016 4067 comments
James Barnes James Barnes
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As the real life wheeling and dealing comes to a close on Deadline Day, we roll out a trio of overlooked alternatives for your Monday night consideration. Arsenal and Tottenham’s midfields supply us with a couple of options, whilst we also turn to West Ham’s wide man ahead of clashes with three of the bottom four in the next four rounds of fixtures.

Alexis Sanchez

Having completed his comeback from injury with a 34-minute run-out against Chelsea last Gameweek, Alexis Sanchez (10.9) reaffirmed his Fantasy potential with a goal and assist during the Gunners’ 2-1 FA Cup win over Burnley on Saturday afternoon. Although the Chilean failed to net in his previous six league starts, his capacity for explosive returns (six goals and 46 points in three outings from Gameweek 7-9) ensures that he’s the fourth-most transferred in midfielder (90,000+) this week, with many Kevin de Bruyne owners making a straight swap.

Taking the campaign as a whole, Sanchez still ranks top among Arsenal’s midfield contingent for attempts (57), shots inside the box (40), joint-top for shots on target (17) and top for penalty-box touches (112). Moreover, despite the fact he was sidelined for eight matches with a hamstring complaint, he still manages to sit second among all midfielders – behind Sadio Mane (46) – for shots inside box, while only Philippe Coutinho lays claim to a superior shot frequency (one every 19 minutes compared to 20.7).

In the wake of Arsenal’s two consecutive blanks, Sanchez – who sits in just 11% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) sides – is poised for a timely return to the starting XI for Southampton’s visit on Tuesday. Although the North Londoners came up short last time out at the Emirates, they’re the clear frontrunners with regards to big chances created on home turf (37), which bodes well for the Chilean’s attacking prospects.

Michail Antonio

In light of Dimitri Payet’s spellbinding displays since being discharged from the treatment room, it’s easy to overlook the excellent form of Michail Antonio (5.3). Since Gameweek 18, the  former Nottingham Forest winger – who’s valued 2.9 below his more illustrious, 8.2-priced teammate – has drawn a solitary blank in six appearances, notching two goals and five assists along the way.

Delving deeper into the statistics, Antonio ranked among the top 10 midfielders for attempts (nine) over the past four Gameweeks, while only four of his counterparts mustered more shots inside the box (seven). Despite clocking almost half the pitch time of Payet (780 to 1394 minutes), the robust winger has tallied one more shot inside the box (14) at a superior shot frequency (41.1 minutes to 49.8), furnishing us with an alluring budget route into the Hammers’ attack.

Considering that the Irons are about to embark on a superb quartet of fixtures (AVL, sou, nor, SUN), which includes a home tie against Sunderland in Gameweek 27 – at a time when Man City, Everton, Liverpool and Newcastle face a blank – the platform is set for Antonio to flourish.

Christian Eriksen

Scoring for the first time since a free-kick double against Swansea City in Gameweek 8, Christian Eriksen (8.4) bagged a brace at home to Sunderland a fortnight ago, before serving up an assist in Tottenham’s Hotspur’s 3-1 win at Crystal Palace. Were it not for the headline-grabbing exploits of Dele Alli, the Danish playmaker might well be attracting more interest on the Fantasy market ahead of a favourable pair of match-ups against Norwich and Watford.

Over the past four Gameweeks, Eriksen ranks joint-third among midfielders for attempts (13) and joint-top – with Alli – for accurate shots (seven). Taking the season as a whole, he places joint-third in terms of shots on target (21), underlining his influence in the final third. On the distribution front, no midfielder has racked up more key passes (19) since Gameweek 20, while he ranks third in that respect (65) this term.

Having tallied 13 more attempts (90) and seven more shots on target (31) than any team over the previous four Gameweeks, Spurs are well placed to punish a Norwich City outfit that ranks second for goals conceded (43) and top for big chances surrendered (57). Beyond that head-to-head, they’ll fancy their chances when Watford pay a visit, given that the Lilywhites have carded more shots on target (87) in home matches than the rest of the field.

  1. boredjames
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Butland (Elliott)
    Mertesacker, Toby, Evans
    Sanchez, Silva, Alli, Antonio
    Lukaku (V), Aguero (c) Kane

    Mahrez, Moreno, Simpson

    0 FT

    Set up right? Better to play Antonio over Mahrez?

    1. Triple P
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hard choice... Liverpool defence is not in the best shape, so Mahrez could get some points... I'm gonna keep him in 😉

      1. boredjames
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Whoever I bench will probably do well!

        1. Triple P
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah, I've got the same feeling... see my post below here.

          I'm thinking of benching Alli now

          1. boredjames
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Alli has slightly better odds to score than Mahrez if that helps. But not much in it.

            1. Triple P
              • 11 Years
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Cheers 🙂

              And since I got zero responses on my post..... What do you think of Adebayor as a punt? You think he will start?

  2. Triple P
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Currently on WC, 1.2 itb. I have 2 questions.

    1. Adebayor a good punt? Or go with Austin (although I don't like Southampton schedule).
    2. Having doubts which one to bench from these lot, currently on Alli.

    Mahrez (LIV) / Ayew (wba) / Payet (AVL) / Sanchez (SOU) / Alli (nor)
    Aguero (sun) / Vardy (LIV) / Adebayor (BOU)

    Any help and thoughts are much appreciated!! 🙂

  3. Painter
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Zouma worth a shot? Or stick with dier

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      stick imo

  4. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I have average as my opponent in H2H this week. (Cash ML) Its a good opportunity for me to take a hit for Ozil -> Alexis.

    Should i or wait and watch?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Id hold Ozil

    2. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I am currently battling with the idea of going KdB and Ozil to Alexis and Firmino for free.

      Don't think I'd do it for a hit though as in your case LR.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I like those moves AK. But i'm an aggressive player.

        1. AK ⭐
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Like a certain Vidic. And it works for you too. I think Ozil could have a god day if Koeman goes with 3-5-2 again

          1. AK ⭐
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Good*

      2. dennis the menace
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        KDB> Sanchez. Carry a FT

        1. AK ⭐
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Would have done that but don't have the funds for that

          1. dennis the menace
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Unlucky, only a .6 or .7 in it

    3. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      50/50 on who scores most out of the two of them this week, LR (and I'm being generous to Sanchez based on points projection) - so not really worth a hit for what is essentially a sideways move. Save it for when Sanchez is a little more match-fit and you can do it for free.

      1. AK ⭐
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Would you do it for free this today if you could though?

        1. Pasqualinho
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I wouldn't - I think the saved FT is potentially more valuable. But it's a 50/50 - could go either way.

      2. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Done.

  5. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Plan is to do Ozil - > Firmino after this GW, and ditch Lukaku for Vardy GW27

    1. dennis the menace
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yer I'm doing your first one if Ozil blanks

  6. gunner267
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    On my WC. I think i'll settle with this after 5 attempts.

    Henn (Butland)

    Wimmer, Bellerin, Dawson,Williams (Simpson)

    Alli, Sanchez, Payet, Firmino (Gosling)

    Aguero(C), Kane, (Ighalo)

    Thoughts?

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      gtg

  7. Kevtheotter
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    G2G. Anything worth a hit?

    Butland
    Rose Evans Bellerin
    Payet Ozil Wijnaldum Barkely
    Aguero(c) Lukaku Kane

    McCarthy Stanislas Huth Targett 2.3 ITB 0FT

    Cheers

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      G2G

  8. Jeremiah
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    GTG? 🙂

    Butland
    Bellerin - Alder - Ward
    Mahrez - Sanchez - Payet - Alli
    Kane - Aguero (C) - Lukaku

    McCarthy - Moreno - Westwood - Francis

    1. BendtEffect
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      strong lineup. gtg mate

  9. Xenq
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Should I save? I've got KDB. 1FT, 0.3ITB.

    Butland, Myhill
    Bertrand, Moreno, Williams, Souare, Huth
    KDB, Payet, Firmino, Mahrez, Drinkwater
    Aguero, Kane, Lukaku

    If I save I guess I have to play Danny Drinkwater over KDB.

  10. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    DDG // Hennessy
    Kosceilny // Daniels // Ward // Evans // Smith
    Sanchez // Ozil // Mahrez // Alli // Westwood
    Kane // Aguero // Lukaku

    1FT and 0.0 in the bank..

    1. Jeremiah
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ozil > Payet?

      1. itsmilks
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        My quandary of the week.
        I bought Sanchez back in last week. Tempted to bin Ozil for Payet or Firmino

    2. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Brought in Sanchez for KDB..

      Should I go ahead and do Ozil ---> Payet (free)

    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Save imo

    4. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      What GK are you playing?

    5. dennis the menace
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Save

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

    Who would you play out of this sorry selection? Or would you make a transfer for a -4?

    GKs:
    A) Schmeichel (LIV)
    B) Butland (mun)

    DEFs:
    1) Bellerin (sou)
    2) Williams (wba)
    3) Huth (LIV)
    4) Moreno (lei)
    5) Francis (cry)

    Cheers!

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

      Bellerin is at home actually (SOU)

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B134

  12. @theTinkermen
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Morning all.
    Have 2 free transfers but was going to hold off till next week.

    Barkley to Sanchez
    &
    Bellerin to Target

    Thoughts?

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Barkley could outscore Sanchez tonight, find another way to get Alexis in

  13. dhamphiir
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Bench two from here ?
    A. Cresswell (Aston Villa - H)
    B. Ivanovic (Watford - A)
    C. Alderweierld (Norwich - A)
    D. Targett (Arsenal - A)
    E. Simpson (Liverpool - H)

    And Bench one from here
    Y. Ayew (West Brom - A)
    Z. Mahrez (Liverpool - H)

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      EY

    2. Jones Town
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      DEY

    3. BendtEffect
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      DEY imo.

    4. The Man Pastore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      DEY

  14. KeepCalm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    When is the best time to play WC if you also have bench boost available

    1. trinzoo
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      somewhere before GW34

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      right after a DGW I guess, but not sure about that...

    3. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I would just consider them separately, just play bench boost whenever you think that you're whole squad will score well. I played mine last gw as I had some difficult benching decisions to make and I gained 23 points.

  15. trinzoo
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Butland (Henn)
    Toby / Kosc / Ward
    Sanchez / Payet(vc) / Barkley / Alli
    Kun (c) / Kane / Lukaku

    Stanislas / Smith / Bennett

    am I g2g folks ?

    1. gunner267
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Why Butland over Hennessey? Strong otherwise

  16. Roy Rovers
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    GTG 1mil ITB & 1FT

    Cech
    Azpil. Toby. Simpson.
    Ozil. Payet. Mahrez. Alli.
    Kun. Kane. Lukaku.

    Mcarthey. Daniels. Woolshed. Arnie.

    1. dennis the menace
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg

  17. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Teacher caught me using cell phone in class.She will deduct 5 marks from my next class test 🙁
    I was looking for DGW news 🙁

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

      Get off your phone!

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      -5 is worse than -4 imo 🙂

    3. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Just realised how old I am.

    4. KeepCalm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You took a hit man.

      Never take a hit

    5. Pards Against Humanity
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Starting a test on a -5. You should probably play triple captain this week.

      wait...

    6. Mavric Marco
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Nothings going to change in the next few hours until you finish class.

  18. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Myhill
    Smalling - Huth - Rose
    Payet - Mahrez - Alli - Ozil
    Aguero - Kane - Lukaku

    Schmeichel - Stanislas - Daniels - Bertrand

    Any thoughts for changes? 2.3m ITB - 2 FTs

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Myhill is the obvious one, fancy Cech?

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

        I think if I transfer out Myhill it would be for Hennessey

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Myhill > Elliot maybe

    3. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Same front 8 as me

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

        Same front 8 for a lot I expect. Maybe throw a KDB in there instead of Alli 🙂

  19. axos86
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    please help!!!!

    De Gea or Hennessey????

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

      De Gea

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think DDG is worth the extra cash for security of starts

      1. axos86
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        i have them both!!

        The question is who to play for this weekend???

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Mmmm excessive punctuation ....

          DDG

    3. Mavric Marco
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      DDG

    4. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Diddy

  20. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Is Ramsey > Sanchez worth a hit?

    It would mean benching one of:
    Mahrez, Payet, Alli, Firmino
    Aguero, Lukaku, Ighalo

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      not for a hit, against 5 at the back of Soton

    2. dennis the menace
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Tough. You might not make back your 4 pts this week but you will over the next month. I would

      1. ViperStripes
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Who would you bench?

  21. Mavric Marco
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Very happy with my transfers this week... 2 FT's

    KDB > Sanchez & Ramsey > Firmino

    😎

  22. Stephen - Robot Daniels
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    So reading through the posts it seems we don't know when the DGW will be, but we know it won't be this side of the blanks.

    Is that correct?

    1. Whats the Huth
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Nope. Still could be dgw25

      1. Stephen - Robot Daniels
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Blimey, cheers.

      2. The Man Pastore
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        nah

  23. Pards Against Humanity
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Payet | Mahrez | Sanchez | Ozil | Alli.

    Im planning on benching Ozil, as he's probably the least in form and I have Sanchez cover.

    Is this the correct course of action? Is cover a myth?? WHO AM I

    1. Guy Demel's SH
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Looks the correct call to me.

    2. boredjames
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I would def bench Ozil if i were you.

    3. dennis the menace
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Exact same midfield. I'm playing all of them. 3-5-2.. Benching Vardy up top

    4. Pasqualinho
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Personally I don't see the point of buying Sanchez and benching Ozil - although I admit that this could still turn out to be the most effective. FFF projections have Payet 5.9, Ozil 5.7, Sanchez 5.5, Alli 5,2, Mahrez 4.8. For me the bencher has to come from the bottom 2.

      1. Pards Against Humanity
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Ok interesting points. I brought Sanchez in as I had KDB. And then realised that I had a benching headache. But yes good points!

  24. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    I didnt own KdB so his injury has made a lot people get players which I already have. Should I be:

    A) Happy that my players will now go up in value and im saving a transfer
    B) Gutted that I have lost differentials

    1. Guy Demel's SH
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm gutted that a lot of people have removed an expensive out of form player from their teams

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      C) Happy that you don't have to deal with an injury

    3. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      In that order, aye.

  25. majorbriggs
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one to play alongside Bellerin (SOU) and Alderweireld (nor):

    A. Daniels (cry)
    B. Targett (mun)
    C. Simpson (LIV)

  26. Guy Demel's SH
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Feeling nervous about benching Daniels...who would you bench, Daniels or Ward?

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

      Daniels.

    2. Individual
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I've got the same issue: have decided on a Never Bench strategy with him because of the potential for a penalty and also attacking returns.

      I'd bench Ward - personally, I'm playing my palace option, too (Dann) and benching Zouma. For better or worse.

    3. Sydney Saints
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      daniels

      1. Guy Demel's SH
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks chaps

  27. aleksios
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Do we know if Willian is fit?

  28. Individual
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Any of the new guys on anyone's radar?

    Niasse is on mine - decent price vs. Lukaku and a good scoring - and assisting, 11 last season - record. Just remains to be seen if he starts. You've got to think he might for £13.5m!

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

      Doumbia

      1. Individual
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yes! Fifa gold (Roma were unstoppable last year) and mainstay of many a FM team.

        All the credentials to succeed in the prem. Reports he's not yet fit, though!

  29. CFC1990
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench?

    a) Mahrez
    b) Barkley
    c) Alli
    d) Ozil

    Need to bench one.

    Please help.

    Many thanks!

  30. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 months ago

    A) Silva

    B) Firmino

    Choose one for KDB - 2FT so using 1FT

    🙁

    1. Mavric Marco
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 months ago

      B