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. klopp it guys
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Captain picks then???

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Previous page

  2. Frank Koscielny
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Bench Dunk or Morgan?

    1. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Same dillema but with Chilwell

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

        I’m currently on Chillwell but may drop Alonso for Soares or TAA and would in that case bench Chilwel

  3. SB007
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Son or Eriks and why?

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

      Eriksen not threatened by rotation.

    2. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Eriksen easily

      1. SB007
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        True......dilemma is Son explosive at home and cheaper?

        1. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Son's minutes are uncertain. Son owner here but if I had to choose between the 2 I'd most definitely go eriksen

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

      Eriksen unless the extra money makes a significantly better elsewh

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

    Before I get sterling in, are we even sure he starts tomo?

    Maybe safer to get eriksen instead??

    It's a -4 for mahrez.. ..

    Thanks

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I’m hoping he’s rested and fresh for next week

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Get Sane if u want

    3. Frank Koscielny
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I’ve decided to hold

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

        Think I'll get Eriksen and reassess city mods for next week

        Have jesus already

  5. adam28193
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    kiko > Dummett -4 or Mustafi > Davies/Vertonghen -4?

  6. La Roja
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    How’s she looking gents?

    DDG
    Smalling Dummett Long
    Eriksen Salah Sterling Arnie
    Kane(c) Barnes Jesus

    Hart Kenedy Chilwell VDH

    1FT & 1.4m ITB

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nice

  7. Johno99
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Mustafi and Murray to Vertongen and Ayew worth it? -4

    Spurs fixture this gw, then both better last gw and more nailed for dgw?

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Probably a good couple of trades

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        yep

  8. enrico.palazzo
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any thoughts other than a big sofa to hide behind for the Liverpool game?

    De Gea (Ryan)
    Lowton - Chilwell - Takowski
    Mahrez - Willian - Gros - eriksen
    Kane (c) - Barnes - lukaku

    Morgan, Ive, Alonso

    0.4 1 ITB

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Get double sofa

      1. enrico.palazzo
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I have a 3.5 seater. Still not big enough!

        1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Captain your sofa to make it a 7 seater

          1. enrico.palazzo
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Haha

  9. FPL Emu
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Weird question maybe, but who scores more points?

    A) Lowton (BRI) this week, Alonso next + 4 points
    B) Bavies (WAT) this week and the next

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  10. Evasivo
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Who to bench out of Ayew Lingard Gudm?

    DDG
    Tarkowski Morgan Lowton
    Salah Son Gudmun Sterling Lingard
    Ayew Vardy Kane

    Ryan * Dunk Alonso

    1. enrico.palazzo
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Gudm

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Ayew

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

      😮

    4. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Lingard

  11. Paul
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Ibe or Albrighton?

  12. Rex Lapis
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Lowton or Yoshida?

    1. Paul
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Lowton

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

      Lowton

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

    Can somebody please post the clean sheet odds for Newcastle and Man City? Can't access them

    1. Paul
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      HT

  14. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    For a kane capper and salah owner if Salah scores a goal(which he will) will my rank slide or rise or stay level. I am at 50k. Whats his Eo?

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

      Cant know till after deadline but it should be over 100%. So slide.

  15. Zareos
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Struggling with my final wildcard picks because of rotation doubts.

    A. Ederson and Davies, or
    B. Lloris and Otamendi?

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

      A

    2. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Tough one that... I'd go A

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

    Thoughts on my WC please! Will use BB in GW 37.

    De Gea, Fabianski
    Smalling, Davies, Chilwell, Masuaku, Dummett
    Salah, David Silva, Sterling, Arnautovic, King
    Kane, Jesus, J Ayew

    Will do Salah -> Eriksen next week.
    Or should I just drop Salah and get Eriksen this week?

    Thanks

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

      I don't know what it is but I like it

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

      what is your squad value?

  17. Scout
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Captain
    Salah
    Sterling
    Son
    Kane

    Salah May be rested?

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Salah plays its leaked

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

        Who do you reckon for captain?

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Depends on u.If u are in the higher echelons like top 5k and wanna maintain ur rank go Salah. If chasing go Kane. I personally want to go for kane

  18. Mayo for Sam
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any suggestions here? Changed to Mo last minute!
    1ft 0.4 ITB

    DeGea
    Smalling, Lowton, Tartowski
    Salah(c), Eriksen, Willian, Sterling, Mililovic
    Kane, Jesus
    Ryan, Barnes, Morgan, Simpson

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Last minute? lol

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Still 3 hrs to go

    3. Mayo for Sam
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Jesus lads, it's a figure of speech! I just wanted to make it sound dramatic.. I changed it on Tuesday!

  19. SB007
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    D silva miss training this week?

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He missed it so much that he came back to train with the team

  20. BigAsGiroud_
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Pogba to D.Silva or Sane
    B) Mahrez to Sterling
    C) Auba to Jesus

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      C if no other City players

  21. adam28193
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    pulling trigger on mahrez and mustafi > Sterling and Vertonghen -4, thoughts?

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

      Should pay off by the end of the season

    2. @sund1ata
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Go for it.

  22. Big P
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    So many playing safe with Salah.

    I know it’s risky, but feel Kane has a higher ceiling this week.

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      What’s that based on?

      1. Big P
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Salah will be hauled off early to rest him for Roma. He will be tripled marked. No Mane making space for him.

        Kane is chasing golden boot, will play 90mins and Watford are garbage.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Agreed

    3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Same mate. Stoke will be dogged and think Salah will get his customary 7 or 8 pointer but its the fear isnt it

      1. Big P
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Go for it. If you own Salah then 7 points won’t kill you, will it?

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          A 15 pointer would. Damn

    4. d3bug
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Different gw. Same hope.

    5. Amsterhammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I agree he has a higher ceiling under normal circumstances. But their form going into this week suggests Salah.

  23. Moves like Dejagah
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Chances of Anfield Express lineup being wrong?

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Slim to none

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      None

    3. Mini Mane Mo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Being a fan, could remember he only got it once wrong this season.

      1. ENZO SZN™
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        And that's only because of last minute knock during the warm up.

    4. Amsterhammer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      About 1in 35 or 3%.

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

    Which option will score more this week?

    A) D.Sanchez - Gross - Lukaku (free)

    B) TAA - Sterling - Lukaku (-4)

    C) Morgan/Christensen - Salah - Ings (-4)

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Probably A just

  25. d3bug
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play one of these

    Dummett (WBA)
    Long (BRI)
    TAA (STO)

    Thanks.

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Play all

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        This

      2. d3bug
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Bavies & Smalling are the other 2 defenders.
        So if I bench smalling, still have to play 2 of those.
        This is more difficult than I thought

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

    1FT

    A) Lukaku > Jesus
    B) Mahrez > Sterling
    C) Alonso > Vertonghen
    D) multiple moves for a hit?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Considering the same moves and I've decided to save the transfer. A hit this late in the season has 2 gameweeks to "make up for it", whereas a hit early in the season has 30+ chances of redeeming itself.

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

        Agreed with the concept of hits. I was nailed on for doing Transfer A. But I realised I can afford B in one move.

  27. trinzoo
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Would you start Robertson ahead of Lowton giving he might be rested?

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Robertson isn’t playing today anyway.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Start Lowton

  28. Blame It On Rio-ddermorten
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play Dunk (burnley away) or Morgan (palace away)?

    1. d3bug
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Dunk

  29. ZeBestee
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Start Arnie or Barnes?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Barnes

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

      Barnes

    3. d3bug
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Both

  30. BigAsGiroud_
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    For a hit,
    A) Auba and Christensen to Jesus and Otamendi
    or
    B) Mahrez and Christensen to Sterling and Kompany

    1. @sund1ata
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B