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

    Moses anyone?

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

      Good pick. Chelsea's best defender at present

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

        *best FPL def

      2. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        He does seem in good form. Zappa clearly worries me for the double though.

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      lol

    3. I'm looking for Ray Fi…
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Did i see you comment about a leaked Liverpool team?
      Is there a link?
      Ta

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

    Klopp comments about fair play, contradicts his Europe League rotation 2 seasons ago. Just occurred to me that he could feel obliged to return a favor to Soton by destroying Stoke. I think Salah could play as many as 80 minutes. Easy captain choice.

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

      Also his line-up against Everton.

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

    Lukaku + Mahrez to Jesus + Sterling(-4) this week and then Alonso + Willian to Kompany + Alli(-4) next week. Do it?.

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

      No

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

    Here's me. A bit different as per usual!

    DDG
    Long - Lascelles - Moreno
    Sterling - Eriksen - Salah - Alli - Sané
    Jesus - Aubameyang

    McCarthy - Barnes - Lowton - Chilwell

  5. mblack751
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Sane to Marhez for -4? Thanks

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

      Why buy Mahrez now? Madness

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

        I think it's the other way around!

      2. Jairzinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Nailed on, easy fixture, double fixture next week, is becoming a differential, has gone down in price.

        Still, I wouldn’t do it for -4.

  6. Superflymonk
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Okay, really need to get my captain right this week, Kane or Salah and why?

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

      See hot topic...

    2. Dreaming of glory
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Flip a coin because no1 knows

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

    Play Morgan or Mustafi?

    1. Sponge-worthy
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm benching mustafi.

  8. simosalminen
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Bench one out of:

    A) Wilian (swa)
    B) Gross (bur)
    C) Lindgard (ARS)

  9. Fishy-o
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Currently on WC ready to BB next week

    De Gea, Fabianski
    Bavies, Smalling, chilwell, VDH, dummett
    Sterling, sane, Willian, son, Kennedy
    Kane, Jesus, j ayew

    GTG?

    Should I

    1, keep Salah and Ward in this week for Smalling and willian then -4 next week

    2, nite the bullet and risk going without Salah this week to save -4 next week

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

    Couple of quick questions:

    1) Pogba or Mahrez till end of season?
    2) Davies or Vertonghen?

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

      Mahrez and vertonghan

  11. Sarnab
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Christensen to Smalling for a hit?

    Or play

    Morgan?

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

      Play Morgan.

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

    Current team:

    DDG
    Yedlin Klavan TAA
    Milli Sterling Sane Salah(c)
    Jesus Aubamayang Kane (vc)

    Adrian Loftus-Cheek Long Mustafi

    Start Klavan or Long?

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

    Is it only my PL app that's gone really laggy/bad?

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

      Never had much success with app. Mobile browser always better for me.

  14. Legomané
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Aaarrrgghhh!
    Racing toward GW36 with no Salah v Stoke...Stokeeeee 😮

    _
    [A] No Salah Plan (-12)

    36: G2G (-4)
    37: Willian Christensen > Sané Naughton (-4)
    38: Sané Alonso > Salah Robertson (-4)

    _
    [B] Mo Salah Plan (-16)

    36: Willian Alonso > Salah(c) TAA** (-12)
    37: Salah Christensen > KDB Smalling (-4)
    38: KDB > Salah (FT)

    **4.5 defender: TAA, Tomkins, Stephens, VDH, Yedlin...?

    _
    DDG
    Vertonghen Christensen Lowton
    Sterling Son Willian Milivojevic
    Kane(c) Jesus Barnes

    (Ryan Lingard Chilwell Alonso)

  15. FISSH
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Which city defender to get? Or shall I go for a spurs one instead?

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Vert seems popular choices

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

    A. Fabianski and Long, or
    B. McCarthy and Dummett?

    Final places on my bench boost wc.

  17. There Can Be Only One
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Play one of

    A) wood
    B) milivojevic

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

      Wood

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      b

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

      i guess mili
      his home form is superb

  18. Fantasizer
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    play one
    A shaqiri
    B kenedy

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

      B

  19. YouReds
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Lukaku, Willian > Jesus, Silva -4?

  20. Feloh
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    How many of us wish that the anfield express leak was wrong?

    1. AD2110
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Whats the line up?

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

        Karius - TAA - Gomez - VVD - Klavan - Moreno - Hendo - Wij - Salah - Firm - Ings (If I recall correctly)

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

      o/

    3. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, a benched Salah and Firm would of been nice ...

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

    Sigh, starting to panic...thoughts on below till end of season

    A: Alonso (lowton this gw), Pogba, Sterling, Jesus (-4)
    B: Davies, Sterling, Mahrez, Jesus (-8)

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

      A

    2. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      So essentially it’s

      Alonso, Pogba

      Vs

      Davies, Mahrez -4

      A all day long.

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

      suprining answer but i am glad about it.

      whats your rationale though?

  22. The Yink
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    DDG
    Vertingan, TAA, Long
    Sterling, Salah, Erikson C, Sane, Kennedy
    Kane, Jesus

    Hennessy, JAyew, Dummett, Chilwell

    This is my WC team. Any suggestions or am i good to go?

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

    Which option is better?

    A) TAA & Salah (-4)

    B) D.Sanchez & Mahrez (free)

    1. Dreaming of glory
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      A

  24. Aston-villain
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Captain Jesus or Kane?

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

      Jaysus

  25. Gaffa914
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Sanchez and Mahrez —> Eriksen and Sane for a -4?

  26. jezstatham
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Sorry to ask but ive looked everywhere and cant see the leaked liverpool line-up .

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

      Anfield Express

    2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Anfield Express on twitter?

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      anfield express on twitter leak it

    4. jezstatham
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

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

  27. @Team Shark FC
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Start Willian, Lingard or Barnes?

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

      barnes

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

    any help appreciated!

    De Gea
    Robertson - Morgan - Lowton
    Salah - Willian - Mahrez - Gross
    Kane - Lukaku - Barnes

    Ryan - Lingard - Van der Hoorn - Alonso

    1 FT, 0.0 ITB

    A) Robertson > Dummett or other def max 4.6
    B) Alonson > Vert
    C) One of above + Mahrez > Sterling (-4)

  29. PlayPercentage
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Might have a punt on B. Silva (7.2, 1.4% ownership).
    I think he will get plenty of game time in the remaining fixtures.

  30. dark91
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Shall I do
    1) Shaqiri--> Salah (-4) and bench Perez
    Or
    2) Start Perez and bench Shaqiri?