Spot the Differential
28 April 2018 2204 comments
James H James H
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With only three Gameweeks to go, opportunities to catch mini-league rivals or achieve any pre-season targets are fast running out.

With that in mind, we’ve picked three differentials who have the potential to make an impact for the final push.

A rested Manchester City star, Chelsea’s in-form front-man and a Liverpool player who could benefit from rotation all earn our seal of approval ahead of today’s deadline.

Leroy Sane

After being rested for last weekend’s 5-0 win over Swansea City, we’re expecting Leroy Sane to return to the Manchester City starting line-up for their trip to West Ham United on Sunday.

The German international had been one of City’s form players prior to Gameweek 35, producing two goals and two assists from his previous six league appearances.

Over the last four matches, only David Silva (11) has created more chances than Sane among City players, while the wide man also registered nine shots over that period.

Interestingly, his last four goals have all come on the road, offering encouragement ahead of the London Stadium clash.

The Hammers have conceded 17 goals in their last seven matches, while only Stoke City (73) have allowed more shots over the last four outings than West Ham’s 63.

Following their attacking returns last time out, it is Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling who are leading City targets this week.

They are the second and third most transferred-in players, gaining over 200,000 new owners between them.

By contrast, Sane has only been snapped up by 13,000 FPL managers, while his ownership sits at just 11.8%.

Now priced at 8.6 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), the winger might be worth taking a chance on if you believe he has had his rest and is the attacker most likely to play all four remaining matches.

With such a kind run-in (whu HUD/BHA sot), that potential pitch-time could make all the difference.

Olivier Giroud

With three goals in his last three matches in all competitions, and having seemingly established himself as Antonio Conte’s first-choice striker, Olivier Giroud can be a relevant Fantasy asset once again.

Found in only 1.8% of FPL squads, the cultured Chelsea target man looks an ideal option as a differential in a front three.

Since making his Blues debut in Gameweek 26, the Frenchman has produced more shots (23) and penalty area attempts (21) than any other team-mate, despite making just three starts.

His average of a shot every 26.1 minutes is superior to Alvaro Morata (35.3), Eden Hazard and Willian, who have both managed an attempt every 50 minutes.

After netting the opener in the 2-0 FA Cup semi-final victory over Southampton, Giroud should enter this evening’s encounter at Swansea City full of confidence.

His prospects should also be boosted by the fact the Swans have injury concerns over both Federico Fernandez and Kyle Bartley.

In addition, Carlos Carvalhal’s side have conceded nine goals over the last four matches, with no other team allowing more during that spell.

Giroud’s performances have played an important part in Chelsea recording three successive wins and, with confidence levels rising, the 8.2-rated forward should be on our radars once again.

Conte’s men crucially play twice in Double Gameweek 37 (LIV/HUD), and having proved he can make an impact as a substitute, even if he doesn’t start one of those fixtures, Giroud may be worth the gamble.

Danny Ings

A plum home fixture against Stoke City, and the fact Jurgen Klopp is likely to protect Sadio Mane ahead of Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League semi-final, make Danny Ings an intriguing differential option.

Mane picked up a minor problem against Roma on Tuesday night and missed training on Thursday.

So after leading the line against West Bromwich Albion last weekend, and getting on the scoresheet, Ings may again start as the central striker, with Roberto Firmino possibly set to move to the left of the front three.

And if the Reds have the luxury of making early substitutions, it is perhaps Salah and Firmino who are most likely to be withdrawn, giving Ings the opportunity to play the full 90 minutes.

He produced three shots and received two big chances at The Hawthorns – more than any other player involved.

This afternoon’s match-up with the lowly Potters could hardly be more inviting.

They have conceded more goals (65) and given up more big chances (85) than any other side.

Paul Lambert’s men also need to win at Anfield in order to keep their fading survival hopes alive, which could make for an open encounter.

Available for just 5.4  and owned by only 0.2% of managers in FPL, Ings represents the ultimate differential for Gameweek 36.

Liverpool enter today’s match having scored 16 goals in their last four home matches in all competitions, and look primed to heap further misery on Stoke.

As a one-week punt, Ings should be a tempting option for managers needing to pull a Fantasy rabbit out of the hat.

  1. @fpl_phenom
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Lowton or Tarkowski and why?

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Im playing both because my team is stuck in a WC32 rut.

      Id probably play Lowton over Tark for assist potential

    2. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Lowton for attacking potential

  2. Ohh1454
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is firmino starting ?

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah

  3. jamie1972
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Has Gundogan's minutes only been guaranteed because of the Fernandinho suspension?

    Gross > Gun

    Or just save for 2 ft's next week?

    1. benpilmer
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Don't bite. Fernand is back this week. Gundo might play a game in GW37

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yes and don't transfer

      1. jamie1972
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers.

        I'll hold...

  4. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    whats the liverpool lineup?

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yawn
      Salah and are playing

  5. TrollMasterDeluxe
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Heard a rumour that Mahrez/Morgan may get a rest? Can someone please give me the source, thanks.

    1. La vida FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      This true?

  6. GreenWindmill
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Nice to see Sane in this article, just took an uncharacteristic hit to bring him in for Mahrez and I'm not comfortable with it. Severe sleep deprivation has got me playing looser than usual.

    1. La vida FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I am tempted to do the same. It feels right

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Do it - I could do with the company 🙂

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe going to do Mahrez > Son.
      Y or N?

      1. La vida FPL
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        If you have city cover then yes

        1. ILOVEBAPS
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I don't and can't get Sterling in one go.

      2. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I'm a Son owner and he's been a bit crap for a while but hard to argue with the fixtures for the run in so it's a good gamble I think.

        1. ILOVEBAPS
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Mahrez's fixtures in the double are great tho! That's what's making me hesitate.

          1. GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Yeah, it's partly why I got him in GW32 but Man City and Tottenham's are better and he's gone right off the boil so I'm jumping ship. Might regret it but it's done now - as I say, if I was playing my normal tight game I might not have done it, there's value in sticking very often.

          2. TrollMasterDeluxe
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            His past four fixtures has been great but he has been SHITE

    3. Balls of Steel
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I've made same transfer also as didn't have funds for Sterling

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Sure, but you have balls of steel.

  7. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    DDG
    Kompany Maguire TAA Lowton
    Alli Son KDB Mahrez
    Firmino(C) Jesus

    Ryan Murray Mustafi Cork

    G2G? Could start Murray ahead of Lowton..

  8. JB_FC
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Guys, which is the most important transfer this week?

    A) Mustafi --> Vertonghen
    B) Mahrez --> Sterling
    C) Both for -4

    1. g40steve
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      C

      Mahrez is already on the beach & Mustafi, look at last three performances, say no more.

  9. ILOVEBAPS
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Is Mahrez still a decent option for the double or is he on the beach?

    1. g40steve
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Already got his towel down.

  10. el polako
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Wow, 5 comments and no question about who to captain !

    1. Delph & Safety
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Should I captain Salah or Kane?

      1. el polako
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        First tell me all about your mini league rivals.

        1. Delph & Safety
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Two of them have got rid of Kane in v recent GW’s. I’ll be ok just owning him.

  11. manchesterisblue
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Barnes vs Gud?

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      The Gun

    2. WVA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Barnes

  12. FPLAdmiral
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Start DDG or Karius?

    1. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      DDG

  13. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    The armband is going on Salah for me today as I'll be there live at Anfield watching on as he carries on his goal scoring form.

    1. Patch
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      How much do you pay?

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I'm a fancard holder but I pay £42 for my ticket in the Kop

  14. manu4life99
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    G2G?

    Lloris
    Vert Lowton Otamendi
    Zaha Sterling Arny Salah(C) Willian
    Jesus Firmino

    Barnes, Schindler, Mustafi, Foster

  15. arndff_
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Asked about Kenedy vs. Barnes. Most of the lads told me to go with Barnes.

    However, if your main rival plays Kenedy (he hasn't got Barnes), would you block him?

    I'm leading with 120pts as the difference comes here:
    - he'll use BB at 37 whilst I'll use TC.

    Cheers! 🙂

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      * MAIN difference

    2. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Don't worry about blocking. I'd say it's nigh on impossible now to catch you

    3. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      You have 120points difference. Don't think you could be caught even with half that amount. Trust your instincts. I would go Barnes

    4. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Play Barnes just because I think he's a better pick

    5. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Thank you all. I wanted to play Kenedy but as you said + RMT tool too: Barnes should start.

      The guy's on form and also WBA played good imo last 2 games.

      1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Good luck mate, I agree with the Barnes pick.

    6. benpilmer
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He who walks in anothers track leaves no footprint

  16. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    GTG?

    DDG
    Long-Dunk-Lowton
    Mahrez-Salah(C)-Son-Willian
    Kane-Barnes-Jesus

    Ryan,L Cook,Morgan,Alonso

    Damage limitation and bring on GW37

  17. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Salah has to be the most obvious captain pick of all time this week. Why are people asking whom they should captain

    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      This!
      No Salah or Kane for me

      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        RIP

        1. Fresh_From_Desh
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          If I had I would captain.

          Maybe if your chasing and u have nothing to loose you would captain someone else

  18. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Mili or Arnie?

    Last decision!

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Milli Milli .......

  19. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Take a -4 for Salah or Sterling? for mahrez?

    1. Visionaries
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling will repay it back over the next few but surely has to be Salah

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      For Salah

    3. SkipperTG
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling.

      Think long term.

  20. Daghe Munegu
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    For 37
    A: Sanchez and Vertonghen
    B: Eriksen and Smalling

  21. Visionaries
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A Mane > Eriksen
    B Mane > Son
    C Mane & Willian > Son & Sane -4

    1. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      C

  22. OldBenKenobi
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    What’s the deal with Yoshida?
    He wasn’t playing for a long time?
    Is he nailed?

    1. Kanga roo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      looks like you answered the questions on your own

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Wasn’t sure if he was injured or not?

  23. DrNinjamonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    4.4 in the bank and no clue what to do with it. Suggestions?

    40 points behind in ML. TC next week. This is my WC team.

    Ederson
    Dummet - Schindler - Vertonghen - (Hunmeier, Mbemba)
    Son - Lingard - Salah - Sterling - (Carroll)
    Kane - Jesus - Ayew

    Maybe Schindler to Azpi and switch him to Alonso next week?

    1. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Upgrade schindler maybe to united defender

    2. Goalosaurus
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Ayew to vardy or Carroll to sane/Arnie doesn't seem too bad a move

  24. Weilong7
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    lkk and mahrez out for jesus and sterling for a hit?
    or just make one (which one)???

  25. Oddjobleff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Do you have to be on twitter yourself to see everything? I'm not, looking at AE twitter and can't see any lineups

    1. Kanga roo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      not looking hard enough then

    2. Limit80
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A few tweets back. 17h ago ish.

    3. Oddjobleff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Sorry, you're right. I was being rubbish. Thanks.

  26. anton1337
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Smalling or Chillwell in d?

    Have Aubemyang playing and no one from palace...

    1. -SB-
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Smalling

      1. anton1337
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        to hit that Aubm and smalling both score?:)

  27. No Totti No Party
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I guess Robertson wont play again, Best replacement for 5.9 ?

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Jones

    2. Andy'81
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Save the FT, Lowton and Smalling have decent looking fixtures and toss a coin between Dunk and Chilwell.

  28. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Can someone link me the liverpool leaked lineup please

    1. Fresh_From_Desh
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Type in Anfield express on Google and visit the twitter page

    2. Scapegoat Salah
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Karius, Trent, Gomez, Van Dijk, Klavan, Moreno, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Ings.

  29. Flynny
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Mahrez to sterling - 4??

    Thanks

    1. No Totti No Party
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nah

    2. -SB-
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I did the same already.

  30. SkipperTG
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone else on here making decisions that are tactical for your mini league than typically the best thing to do?

    Certainly I am.

    He takes a hit, I use that to sort my team out for next week.

    1. -SB-
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Agreed.