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. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Bench chilwell?

    A) Monreal
    B) Chilwell
    C) Moreno
    D) Long

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

      B...lol

    2. John Nerdelbaum
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      a or b

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

    Vardy >> Jesus for a hit...worth it?
    - no other city cover
    - was going to take the hit anyways next gw
    - only benefit is not doing the (and saving ft) is incase jesus gets injured or vardy scores a brace in which case i will need to reassess

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

      Yes

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

      I would keep vardy. Any other city midfield possible to bring in? Currently in a similar position

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

        Have a feeling sterling will be benched

    3. Voodoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Same situation as me, I went for it. Would want him next week anyway so won’t need many transfers next week now.

  3. scoreonemore
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) sane & j.ayew
    B) Vardy & gundogan

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

      A

  4. Ruinenlust
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pick 2 this week out of: David Silva, Sterling and Eriksen

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

      Sterling and Eriksen

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      The last 2

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

    Play Lingard or Groß?

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

      Lingard

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

      Lingard

    3. Cojones of Destiny
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      lings

  6. merin
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    GTG? Or would you change anything for a hit?

    DDG
    Smalling Morgan Dummet
    Salah(c) Son Sterling Willian
    Kane(v) Vardy Wood

    (Fabianski Lingard Dunk Lowton)

    FT: 0, ITB: 1.3

    1. JurgenRocks
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      That looks good

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      i’d bench morgan for lowton lei will concede defo

  7. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any help with my team would be appreciated

    DDG Ryan
    Vertonghen Christensen Chilwell Lowton Dunk
    Alli Son Mahrez Willian Lingard
    Lukaku Vardy Wood

    Thanks in advance

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

      Mahrez to Sterling /Sané

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

        This^
        Gotta find a way to get Kane for next GW though

        1. corderz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          You find me a way to get Kane in ........

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

      Marhez to Sterling

    3. corderz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez > Sterling
      Christensen > Naughton?

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

    Sell Mahrez to Sterling

    A) For a hit
    B) Wait till next week

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

      Will Sterling start this week? That is my concern

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

      If you don't want him for the double do it now

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

      Take a hit now.

      If using BB next week, I wouldn’t like to take any hits.

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

      Wait a week!

      Reason: Sterling may not be nailed. If rested you know he's likely to feature in DGW. If he plays then maybe Sane or someone else becomes better midfielder to get. Mahrez playing Palace with rumors reoccurring this week about a move away, Time to perform

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

    Salah last 8 scores at Anfield:

    9, 14, 11, 15, 10, 8, 29, 8

    Captain material

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      #statingtheobvious

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

        This.

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

      Outrageous

    3. HonestBlatter
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Kane outscores

  10. Maltezer
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Walcott or Chilwell? Leaning against playing Walcott because Palace usually scores or what do you think guys?

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

      Theo

  11. TheRealDog
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    I'm actually considering selling De Gea for Fabianski. Gives me funds for Mahrez->Sterling and I get to keep Alonso for DGW37. Options:

    A. De Gea->Fabianski
    B. Alonso->Vertonghen
    C. Lukaku->Jesus

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A or B! C next GW

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

      A

  12. Dirty Leeds
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Has Mark already posted his team? Asking for a friend...:)

  13. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    All set? 😎 good luck!

    DDG
    Smalling • Lowton • Morgan
    Eriksen • Willian • Sterling(v) • Kenedy
    Kane(C) • Lukaku • Austin
    (Ryan / Albrighton / Mustafi / Alonso)

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

      Lukaku to Jesus for -4 is a no brainer 🙂

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

    Sterling or Salah?

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

      Why not both?

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

    teams here dun have much lkk..
    jesus or lkk a better pick for this week and future?

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

      are you trying to say gundogan's first name?

  16. ooooo
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Do this?
    GW36: Alonso + Mahrez to Walker + Sterling(-4)
    GW37: Lukaku + Lowton to Jesus + Davies(-4),

  17. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Bailly to Jones and Mahrez to Sterling for a hit?

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

      Bailly will start. Bookmark this

      1. doublyG
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Is this a guess?

  18. evilfish
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Damn, only 1 scoutpick and I've benched him!

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

    Take a hit this week, means I get have 3 city next week

  20. Tinchy770
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    De Gea (Hen)
    Lowton, Long, Jones (Alonso, Morgan)
    Alli, Son, Mahrez, Willian (Ibe)
    Kane, Lukaku, Barnes

    What do I do?
    A. Roll forward transfer (leaning towards this tbh)
    B. Mahrez out Sterling in
    C. Alonso and Mahrez out, Salah and Mawson in

  21. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Sterling Sane or Silva for the run in?

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

      Sterling

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

      Sterling

    3. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Sterling but I'm going to double up with D Silva next week

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

    Quick question for ya lads. Who do I start?

    A) DDG
    B) Dubravka

    Cheers

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'd start B

    2. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Id go Dub looking at Newcastle home record and v a side with little firepower

  23. Pascal's Triangle
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    start Bailly or Otamendi?

  24. magic-m
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Looooong time viewer (maybe even voyeur at this stage who knows

    1. magic-m
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I give up!

      1. magic-m
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        , first comment all season! The nerves...

        Considering -8 to get Jesus in and may even captain. Have exact funds to do
        Vardy > Jesus, Christian > 3.9 def.
        Already did Mahrez > Sterling.

        Would leave me with:
        DDG
        BDavis Long Smalling
        Sterling Willian Mili Son
        Kane Lukaku Jesus

        Ryan, Chilwell, Carroll, 3.9 def

        Chasing 30 points in ML. Had it back to 12 last week and did silly stuff like bought in Monreal on FH last week at 11.29...and stuck on bench due to updating

        Rip it to shreds, any help appreciated. Starting to think now to maybe leave Vardy as I write this out...going mad!

    2. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      you are living up to your name by making things disappear!

      1. GENERATION X
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        team depends on if you have any chips left

        1. magic-m
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Ha! Only third time lucky. Was having a nice little chat by myself for awhile!

          Only TC left for next week. BB brought me back into contention 2 weeks ago with 116. ML leader was sweating buckets.

  25. Sky Blue Sun
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    De Gea
    Vert Lowton Long
    Salah(c) Mahrez Son Willian
    Kane Vardy Barnes

    Ryan, Groß, Morgan, Dunk

    Bench seem correct?

    1. magic-m
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      For what it's worth I currently have Ryan in for DDG. Also have Smalling playing so balancing there.
      I expect Arsenal to score while losing and Brighton v Burnley to be a exciting mind blowing 0-0 draw.

  26. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Bournemouth to score at Southampton?

    1. jam
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      i think so.

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

      Probably. But could be a CS as Sot will be desperate for 3 points.

  27. jam
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    i'd like a City replacement for Mahrez but cant aford Sterling. Who's next?
    Sane/DSilva/BSilva.

    Wasn't going to bother buy Walker was on the radio last night saying Pep really wants the point record.

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

      Sane for me

  28. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Lingard or Gross?

  29. Samwise the Brave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    No Salah or Kane

    Lukaku or Sterling or vardy for (C)

  30. Mikey44
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Who is more likely to keep a clean sheet?

    A- Man City
    B- Newcastle

    1. JayLegend
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      lol city