Spot the Differential
9 December 2017 738 comments
James H James H
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Last week was simply spectacular for our three differential picks, with Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson, Southampton’s Charlie Austin and Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho all getting on the scoresheet, producing a whopping 34 points in total.

So for our latest choices, we’ve headed back to Anfield to select another member of the “fab four,” while a former team-mate of Sigurdsson and Spurs’ in-form attacker also make the cut.

Wilfried Bony

After registering his first goal of the season last weekend, Swansea City forward Wilfried Bony gets our vote ahead of this afternoon’s home clash against West Bromwich Albion.

The Ivory Coast international produced an eye-catching five goal attempts in the 2-1 defeat to Stoke City, which was only bettered by Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette and West Brom’s Jay Rodriguez among Fantasy Premier League forwards in Gameweek 15.

Having completed 90 minutes in each of the last three matches, Bony’s sharpness is beginning to return following a couple of seasons in the wilderness at Manchester City and on-loan at Stoke.

In his last full season in south Wales back in 2013/14, Bony totalled an impressive 17 goals and four assists.

While he may struggle to reach those heights in this Swansea side, at just 5.7 in FPL he could provide a possible solution as a cheap third forward.

This afternoon’s match-up looks crucial for the Swans, who dropped to the foot of the table last weekend.

West Brom arrive at the Liberty Stadium having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six away matches.

They have also conceded more headed chances (42) than any other side, which is an area where Bony can pose a threat – he is joint-first for headed shots among Swansea players with five, despite only playing 484 minutes this season.

Owned by just 0.3% of managers, the striker may be worth considering as he plays three of his next four matches in front of his own fans.

Son Heung-min

A favourable match-up at home to Stoke has us turn back to Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Son Heung-min.

The South Korean is in many ways destined to be a strong differential in any given Gameweek, with the lack of certainty surrounding his start meaning his ownership is always likely to remain low.

But on the back of a goal last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Watford, and having started Spurs’ last six home matches, we’re confident he’ll keep his place in the starting XI.

Son has scored three goals over the last seven Gameweeks, and has tallied 31 points over that period – more than both Christian Eriksen (21) and Dele Alli (23).

Part of just 1.6% of squads, Son has impressively averaged a big chance every 179.25 minutes this season, superior to both Eriksen (624.5) and Alli (205.33).

Stoke travel to Wembley having given up 35 big chances, more than any other side, while they are second to only West Ham United (32) for goals conceded, with 30.

The Potters have lost 4-0 in each of their last three meetings with Mauricio Pochettino’s side, with Son registering two goals and an assist when the two teams met at the bet365 Stadium last term.

Available at 7.9 in FPL, and with a favourable home fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion to follow on Wednesday night, Son could prove to be a very effective short-term differential.

Sadio Mane

While all the talk of a Liverpool midfield double-up has revolved around Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho, it would perhaps be foolish to overlook Sadio Mane.

His two goals in the 7-0 demolition of Spartak Moscow in midweek received few plaudits, but were more evidence of a player who is also capable of big returns.

Mane’s FPL ownership has been falling, with more than 24,000 managers shedding the Reds midfielder since Saturday’s deadline.

Having been handed a rest in last weekend’s 5-1 win over Brighton, he is arguably more likely to avoid the same fate over the next three Gameweeks.

Despite injuries and suspension limiting the Senegal international to just eight starts, he has still registered four goals and three assists.

Interestingly, he has the same number of big chances created as Salah (three), who has played over 500 minutes more, and one more than Coutinho (two).

The rampant Liverpool attack come up against Everton in the Merseyside derby tomorrow.

Despite keeping clean sheets in their last two matches, the Toffees still rank fifth for the most big chances conceded over the last four Gameweeks, with eight, and are yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels.

Mane also has history against Everton, having scored in both meetings last season, including a dramatic late winner at Goodison Park.

Liverpool’s fixture list over the next few weeks (EVE WBA bou ars SWA LEI) is also very kind, adding further appeal to the 8.2%-owned midfielder.

While Mane (9.4) is currently losing out to Salah and Coutinho in terms of popularity, he has the ability to match and even better their output.

If you’re in desperate need to make up lost ground against rivals in your mini-leagues, it could be worth taking a chance on the former Saints wide man to find his best form over the next few Gameweeks.

738 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Son 😆

  2. BrockLanders
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Really want to captain Salah 🙁

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Do it.

  3. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Will Azpi start?

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Probably not.

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Azpi had a rest last week (in the midweek PL game). Doesn't need a rest now

    3. Jacket Potato
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Why would he not?!

      1. theodosios
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        He trolls all morning, don't pay attention

        1. ooooo
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 3 months ago

          what

    4. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

  4. Harmonica1967
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Play

    A). Ward
    B). Abraham
    C). Francis
    D). Surman

    Already have Pope and Richarlison playing so a bit worried about Burnley double up

    1. ooooo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      d

    2. Tom Heat-is-on
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      B

  5. Jaap O
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Snow! Snow! Snow!

  6. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    g2g?
    DDG
    Azpi Otamendi Ward
    Salah Hazard Richarlison RLC
    Kane(C) Morata Abraham

    Elliot Dunk Choupo Yedlin.

  7. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else had continued luck on nailing down the budget defenders at the right time? 😉

    Lowe 4 cs in 4

    Mee- 3 cs in 6

    Daniels 2 cs in 4

    Stephens 2 cs in 4

    Foster 3 cs in 5

    So thats combined 14 cs in 23 matches and none of the costs more than 5m. (apart from daniels everyone costs around 4.5m mark)

    Hoping the same from Kiko. (looking at cresswell from gw18 onwards too)

    1. ooooo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      I had Lowe and Stephens when they were getting clean sheets

    2. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Brilliant returns. I think we all overlook how important getting the cheap players right is

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

        One of the most important factors in the game.
        Anyone can pick 6 or 7 players to score points. It's the 2 or 3 cheapies that can make the difference. The extra 4-6pts a week from getting the cheapies right can put you right up the rankings.

  8. Fpldonny
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Just switched captain from Kane to Haz... I dont know how I feel :/

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Nice move. Haz has been in sparkling form.

      1. Fpldonny
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        I've always been guilty of ignoring form over fixtures/reputation in the past, not this week!

    2. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Good decision! I did the same

      1. Fpldonny
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        I just wish I didnt leave it til this morn. If Kane hauls now and Haz blanks its gona hurt twice as bad!

    3. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Well done

  9. Le _ Professeur
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    RLC - Wilson - Shaqiri

    Can't decide who to bench ! 🙂

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      RLC

    2. Meinhoff
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Shaq

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

    A morata --》 lacazette
    B Moreno--》 Kenny

    1. ooooo
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Moreno to someone else?

      1. Yozzer
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        Not sure who

        Have zeeg and mee.
        Only have 4.6
        Gomez may not play

    2. That Fantasy Guy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Why the Morata exodus?

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, I don't get this at all, good form and fixtures. I've just brought him in.

        1. Yozzer
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 3 months ago

          If he pulled up in training it usually suggest muscular. Even a slight pull he not going to start

    3. timski8000
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Do you need to make a transfer? Why don’t you save and give yourself the option of a double switch midweek.

      Or bank it for the Kane out/in strategy.

      Sometimes doing nothing is braver.

      1. Yozzer
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        Thought about that mate but with niasse Moreno on bench

        2 players in the derby and morata who may not play. Thought I should address it?

  11. 8ull5hit
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Morata to 4.6? 2FT

    1. 8ull5hit
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Moreno I mean

    2. Thiga
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Kiko maybe?

  12. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Snow postponements in the PL being massively overhyped IMO

    1. That Fantasy Guy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Are there any games that are being threatened?

      1. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        Apparently the ones tomorrow

      2. Get up ya bum
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        Manchester and Merseyside. Unlikely they get cancelled

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      over zealous health and safety experts disagree

    3. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Always are

  13. That Fantasy Guy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else who captained hazard last week and going kane this week?
    Cant explain it but it just feels right

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Me. Have a feeling Kane will grab a brace

    2. timski8000
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Stoke fan here.

      Spurs + stoke = no match of the day for me.

    3. Fpldonny
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      haha I'm doing the opposite! Capped Harold last week but he burnt me again, I'm going Haz because of superior form.

    4. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Same

  14. Rash
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Morning chaps am I g2g?

    DDG
    Christensen ward naughton mee
    Salah coutinho richarlison hazard(c)
    Kane morata

    Elliot RLC niasse kiko

    1. That Fantasy Guy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Looking sweeeeeeeeeet

    2. Toplad
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      I wouldn’t double up on Burnley, swap mee/ward for RLC or Kiko?

  15. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Hey guys, is Sane to Coutinho for FT still a good move?

    Cheers

    1. That Fantasy Guy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      I did it

      1. That Fantasy Guy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        Not that im good or anything. Seemed logical to me with the pool run of fixtures

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Not with his injury and chance of snow. Bad, bad move.

      1. That Fantasy Guy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        Coutinho is injured?

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 3 months ago

          No he isn't. Wasn't pictured training so people have assumed he is. My (non-owner) take on it is that Klopp gives his players time off and this is one of those occasions...

    3. Rash
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      I made that move last night

  16. Shultan
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Play otamendi or kabasele?

    As a utd fan the club v fpl loyalty thing has got me playing kabasele...i want to cheer on utd goals

    1. That Fantasy Guy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Do it kabasele

  17. @NF_Janner
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Helsea v westham on Sky 1 today (Y)

  18. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Hope Spurs play 4 at the back today

    Lloris
    Trippier - Dier - Vertonghen - Davies
    Winks - Dembele
    Eriksen - Alli - Son
    Kane

    1. Ballistics
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Last chance saloon for Davies he’s on thin ice (or snow) brrr.

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Actually think that's the exact line up they'll play

  19. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    it's snowing!

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      In your pants?

    2. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Where? It isnt in Coventry lol

  20. Blue Gaffer
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    2FTs £0.2 itb not got Hazard

    1. Morata & Gross---------Hazard & Bony/Austin
    2. Morata & T. Carroll-----Hazard & Quanar
    3. Sterling, Azpilicueta, Ottamendi-----Hazard, Christensen, Tarkowski - 4
    4. Neither of these

    1. Ballistics
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      None of those

    2. That Fantasy Guy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Im not sure Id want to lose morata but if its that then A.

    3. FC nelo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      4

  21. Ballistics
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Took Aguero & Choupo out for Mane and Quaner last night so this article makes me happy.

  22. Nightf0x
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Whom to replace jesus and moreno

    1. Ballistics
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Moreno get Kiko

  23. BraxterStockman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    How can I possible choose between these captains?! 😀 Any advice?
    Even though I have been leaning towards them all at some point, I'm at this particular moment thinking Coutinho.

    A) Hazard
    B) Sanchez
    C) Coutinho

    Thanks in advance!

    1. Ballistics
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Not got (K)ane?

      1. BraxterStockman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        No Kane 🙂

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Sanchez a good differential

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

      Form is hazard or coutinho but if you feeling coutinho the go with the gut.

    4. Jacket Potato
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      A all the way

    5. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      A

    6. BraxterStockman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks for the replies guys!

    7. G-Whizz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Hazard(C)

  24. waldo666
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Play Begovic or Ryan?

    1. Jonny HOW SON?
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Ryan

    2. Ballistics
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Ryan

    3. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers both.

  25. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    What was the source for the Morata injury news ??

    1. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Bul**hit

      Ignore the scaremongering. No-one knows nothing on here.

      1. Qaiss
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        It was reported yesterday he pulled up in training. But he also went with the team to the hotel. So I have no idea why people are making assumptions about it.

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      People on here are saying he pulled up lame at training and needed to go for a scan. Talk of him having fatigue too.

    3. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Standard Sport.

  26. Blue Gaffer
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    2FTs £0.2 itb any idea how to get Hazard?
    Fabianski, Elliot
    Kolasinac, Azpilicueta, Ottamendi, Dann, Rangel
    Gross, Richarlison, Sterling, Salah, Carroll
    Benteke, Morata, Kane

    1. Morata & Gross to Hazard & Abraham
    2. Morata & T.Carroll to Hazard & Quanar
    3. Sterling, Otamendi & Azpilicueta———Hazard, Christensen & Mee -4
    4. Benteke, Gross, Sterling———-Hazard, Lingard, DCL -4
    5. Something else

    1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Morata to Firmino
      Save the second

    2. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Be different.

      Salah > Hazard

    3. Ballistics
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      I would do Benteke Carol to Quaner Rambo

  27. waltzingmatildas
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    How does ward to femenia for -4 look?
    Already done lukaku and rlc to firmino and ramsey

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Kiko would need to get a CS just to match whatever Ward +4 gets

  28. Paul Psychic Octopus
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Aaghh!! Dyslexic typing earlier.

    A. DCL + keep 1.0m in reserve (wasn't RLC!)
    B. Austin

    On wc

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 3 months ago

      Dcl and rotate with rlc at 5th mid.
      Look at Austin in January. He's barely played this season can't imagine him playing every game and che tot utd away is as bad as it gets

      1. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 3 months ago

        I don't have RLC - Gross is my 5th Mid (decent bench for December)

        Austin has scored 3 goals in last 3 games.

        Would then have 2FT for GW18

  29. The Red Devil
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Start one-
    Duffy
    Daniels

  30. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 3 months ago

    Play RLC(BOU) or Daniels (CRY)?