Spot the Differential
13 May 2018 3273 comments
James H James H
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Sunday offers us a final opportunity to identify a differential to inspire a final push up the rankings.

In recent seasons we’ve witnessed a goal rush in Gameweek 38, so we’ve opted for two French threats from Manchester United and Arsenal, while Liverpool’s cut-price full-back also finds a place in our selection as a result of his attacking prowess.

Alexandre Lacazette

While team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the most transferred in-forward this week, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Alexandre Lacazette has also been in sensational form for Arsenal.

The French striker has produced five goals and one assist over his last five appearances and, after being rested for the 3-1 defeat to Leicester City, he should return for today’s trip to Huddersfield Town.

Lacazette is likely to start as the central striker for the Gunners, with Aubameyang playing from an inside-left position.

Interestingly, Lacazette has the edge in terms of minutes per shot between the two, averaging an attempt every 31.7 minutes, slightly superior to Aubameyang’s 33.

Although Arsenal have failed to win a single point on their travels in 2018, the fact the Terriers meeting is Arsene Wenger’s final match in charge of the club should provide strong motivation to end the season on a high.

The party atmosphere at the John Smith’s Stadium in light of Huddersfield securing Premier League safety could also be a factor.

The Gunners registered an emphatic 5-0 win when the two teams met earlier in the season, with Lacazette on the scoresheet.

Priced at 10.3 in FPL and ending the campaign full of confidence, the striker looks to have the platform to produce a third consecutive double-figure haul.

Owned by only 7.4% of managers, Lacazette is a player who has the potential to be a game-changer, particularly if he is also considered for the captaincy.

Anthony Martial

With Jose Mourinho revealing that Anthony Martial will be in his line-up today, the midfielder enters the equation as a final day gamble.

The France international has had limited first-team opportunities since the arrival of Alexis Sanchez in January, but the Hornets match-up looks crucial if he is to prove he has a long-term future at Old Trafford.

Martial has produced nine goals and six assists this season, while his average of a goal every 175.7 minutes is only bettered by Marouane Fellaini (153 minutes) among United players.

Watford travel north with just a single point gained from six away matches since Javi Gracia took charge, and having conceded ten goals in away defeats to top-six sides Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Available at 7.8 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Martial may be an option for managers who can afford to upgrade underperforming players such as Chelsea’s Willian.

With an ownership of 2.5%, the Frenchman represents a major differential for Gameweek 38.

An impressive record against Watford adds to his appeal. He has produced a goal and an assist in the corresponding fixture last season, which Mourinho’s side won 2-0, while he also netted in a 4-2 victory in the reverse fixture in November.

With a point to prove and an FA Cup final spot to play for, Martial fits the profile of a potentially explosive differential.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

While an extended run in Europe has blunted Liverpool’s attack of late, their defensive record at Anfield remains resolute.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have recorded four successive home clean sheets ahead of a visit from a Brighton side that rank joint-bottom for goals scored (ten) on the road.

With that in mind, we’re turning to Trent Alexander Arnold (5% ownership) as our final selection.

Having started only four of the last seven Gameweeks, the youngster’s acquisition admittedly comes with a slight caveat.

But with the Champions League final against Real Madrid taking place 13 days later, we reckon that the Reds’ manager will field a full-strength line-up to ensure a top-four finish.

This should see Alexander-Arnold return to the back-four, having been stationed in central midfield against Stoke City and Chelsea.

Over his last four at Anfield, the right-back is second only to Mohamed Salah when it comes to key passes (seven to eight) for the Reds.

Compared with other defenders over their respective last four home matches, he is placed fourth for both key passes and crosses (28).

Handily, his FPL output has profited from those underlying numbers – Alexander-Arnold has served up 29 points in his last four home fixtures, bagging maximum bonus on two occasions.

Second only to Patrick van Aanholt for transfers-in among defenders, a cost of only 4.4 looks ideal for those seeking to free up cash while recruiting a player with the potential for double figures.

  1. Not again Shirley
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else concerned about how many minute Salah will play today? Currently my captain but thinking Kane will get more minutes against worse defence. But then again Kane has cost me quite a few points recently.

    Also, the last time I removed Salah as captain shortly before game week deadline he went and bloody scored 29 points (made Mane captain for differential)!

    Much love.

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      You kind of answered your own question there.

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

      He's got 2 weeks rest

  2. BIGREDDOG
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Would you rather VDH (STK) or Daniels (bur)

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Good chance VDH won’t even start

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

        So Daniels? Scared VDH might get like 20 minutes

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

          He won't come on as sub. Swansea chasing goals, why bring a centre half on?

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

            True. Thanks

  3. Mike82
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Vertonghen out?

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Why do you say that?

      1. Mike82
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Just a few posts a few pages back about Foyth starting

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

          Could it be for Trippier?

          1. Mike82
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Bloody hope so ha

          2. Yozzer
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Foyth is a centre back

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

              You just shat on my hope

    2. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Nop

  4. OldBenKenobi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Going to miss this place!
    I will still pop by occasionally to see how everyone’s pre-season planning is coming along 😀

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

      This is not a place, padawan

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

        Unless you are referring to the bending of space and time and internet through Jedi powers

    2. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No world cup ?

      1. OldBenKenobi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Oh yeah! Of course 😆

  5. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hey guys, is it worth keeping Jesus and doing Vardy > Kane instead if it means my incoming enabling midfielder is Mili instead of Zaha or Arnie?

  6. The Pep Revolution
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Pogba to Zaha worth a 4 point hit?

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Potentially.

    3. Neebster
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      yes

    4. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Thats what am doing

  7. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hennessey
    Cedric/Otamendi/Davies
    Eriksen/Sterling/Salah/Arnie
    JAyew/Kane/Jesus
    (DDG/Morgan/Yedlin/King)

    0.0m ITB, 1 FT & TC available....Any ideas of who to TC/ transfer for FT?

    A) Sterling
    B) Salah
    C) Kane

    1) Jesus to Auba
    2) Jesus to Firmino
    3) Cedric to TAA
    4 ) Another?

    Many thanks in advance

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B1

    2. RomeluAndJuliet
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B1

  8. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Smalling to Robertson or TAA?

    1. Neebster
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Robbo

  9. jazzy30
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    christensen out for Robertson or TAA?? which one to chose for a -4?

    1. Neebster
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Robbo is a beast

  10. Pringle
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Pogba to Zaha worth a hit?

    1. Neebster
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      yes

    2. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      yes thats what am doing

    3. MTPockets
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Probably. I've done similar (for Lingard).

    4. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Who to.gobfor Captain:

      1) Sterling
      2) Salah
      3) Kane
      4) Jesus

      1. Neebster
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        salah

      2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        salah last game of the season at home for me

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

        Salah

      4. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        1, 2 or 3.

        1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          What do you have against Jesus?!

          1. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Out of him and Sterling, if Man City won 5 nil he's the one I wouldn't be surprised to come away with just 2 points.

        2. ZeBestee
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Who u going with personally?

          1. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Probably Sterling.

            1. ZeBestee
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Cheers probably doing the same as well.

      5. GreenArrows
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Sterlingfor differential, Salah if protecting ML lead / rank

        1. ZeBestee
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          On Sterling as we speak.

          1. GreenArrows
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Same

            1. FPL Blow-In
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              😯

          2. FPL Blow-In
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Get off him, I need him to play.

    5. GreenArrows
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      GTG or take a hit?

      Ryan
      Azpi Lowton Long
      Sterling (C) Salah Son Arnie GroB
      Kane Vardy

      DDG Crouch Morgan Smalling

      0FT 0itb

    6. bentekkers2299
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Thoughts on this:
      a) Martial and Bobby
      b) Ramsey and Auba

      Tryna chase in my ML! Cheers

    7. mr messi
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Why do we think Zaha will do well? Palace have nothing to play for. Is it just because they are playing West Brom?

      1. Neebster
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        precisely

      2. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I guess so, even though WBA are at the top end of the form table.

      3. Teddy Brewski
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Look at his last two home returns. And there is your answer

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

        I thought West Brom were good now?

      5. barracuda
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Because he is in form and he is a beast.

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

        Darren Moore doesn't seem like the kind of guy to go down without a fight.

      7. Hairy Potter
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        He’s not the type of forward that Dawson and Hegazi would want to play against.

      8. Loðbrók
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Nothing to Play for? 10th-15th place

    8. Rik Waller
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Any last minute team news lads?
      Much appreciated

      1. Spike ⚽️
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Waiting until the last minute 🙂

        1. Rik Waller
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Haha true. I'm getting hasty. What's this vert rumour doing thr rounds? Just a standard ffs rumour?

    9. Ligdon
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Should i do jesus to :
      A) Aubameyang
      B)Lacazette
      C)Firmino
      D)Other
      Note:Already own Kdb and Sterling and have no Liverpool or Arsenal

      1. Neebster
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        auba if you have to, I'm playing jesus

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

          Dont have to, other could be keep

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

        For free?

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

      Is Mikhitarian to Arnautovic worth a hit? I’m worried the former won’t start/ play minimal minutes.

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

        Why would he not start?

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

          Welbeck was taken off after 20 mins last game and may be given a chance?i guess I’ll take the risk

      2. Neebster
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        mkhi should play, leave him

      3. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        No

      4. nevins84
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        No

    11. TaiwanHC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Thoughts on what to do with this team? 0.3 ITB and 1 FT.

      De Gea - Hennessey
      Alonso - Mustafi - Morgan - Dunk - Lowton
      Eriksen - Sterling - Willian - Arnautovic - Cork
      Kane - Jesus - Ayew

      Thanks guys!

      1. Neebster
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        willian to ramsey/zaha if you can afford.

    12. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Smalling & Alli to Long and Salah -4

      Protecting a lead and rival has Salah.

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

        Can you afford TAA?

    13. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Eeek, team is in tatters - how many hits here?

      DDG
      Smalling, Bavies, Mawson, Lowton
      Sterling, Son, D Silva, Willian
      Kane, Vardy

      Ryan, Gross, Barnes, Chilwell
      Bank 0.1m, 1FT

      1. Neebster
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        willian+smalling > Robertson+Ramsey/zaha/arnie

        1. Jinswick
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Sounds like D Silva hasn't travelled 🙁

          1. lespaul
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            So where was he flying to?

      2. BIGREDDOG
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I did Smalling & Silva to VVD and Martial but I'm chasing 🙂 You could do Silva, Willian, Smalling out to one of the good picks this week like Zaha, Arnautovic, Martial and a Pool defender.

    14. nevins84
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Chasing a 14pt lead....

      McCarthy
      Naughton Chamb Bavies Masuaku
      Salah Sterling Erikson Zaha
      Lacazette Jesus
      Subs:DDG Perez Cedric Kennedy
      1ft 0.1itb

      Worried McCarthy might end up with 0pts...

      A)DDG to Romero/Karius ft

      B)DDG&Kennedy to Adrian&Ramsey -4

      C)DDG&Perez to Adrian&Rashford -4

      D)DDG&Kennedy to Adrian&Mata

      1. RichRover
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        What GK does he have?

        1. nevins84
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          None without a hit.. No hit yet..

          1. RichRover
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            A, Romero

    15. Slitherene
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Ederson*
      Smalling - Vertonghen* - Sakho* - Cresswell*
      Willian* - Salah (C) - Arnautovic* - Sterling - Zaha*
      Kane

      Bench : J.Ayew* - Naughton* - Perez*

      * - Differentials

      Chasing a 36 point lead. Good to go?

      1. Neebster
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        gtg

    16. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      How do we think WBA will do away to Palace now that they know they're down? Do we expect the defensive resilience to continue or will Palace blow them away?

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Palace are crap though.

        1. Jet5605
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Are they? Roy has arguably turned them around from the crap that they were at the start of the season.

        2. Brosstan
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Palace stopped being crap when Benteke finally got relegated to the bench.

      2. MTPockets
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I think palace will win or low scoring draw.

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

            Or lose.

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

        Report:

        A) DDG + Mahrez -> Adrian + Salah (-4)

        B) DDG + Mahrez + Lingard -> Karius/Romero + Salah + Gudmundsson (-8)

        1. nevins84
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          A

        2. AdamJ91
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I like A.

        3. The Sundance Kid
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Id go for a. Not worth an extra 4 point hit

        4. Neebster
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          a. -8 excessive

        5. caldracula
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I actually prefer B

        6. caldracula
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I think Karius scores more than Adrian and also dance gud today

        7. caldracula
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Fancy

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

          Thanks lads

      4. The Sundance Kid
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Best way to get Salah in?

        A. Eriksen + Jesus > Salah + Firminho
        B. Eriksen + DDg > Salah + Romero
        C. Son + DDG > Salah + Adiran

        Other keeper is Pope, other striker is Kane

        1. The Sundance Kid
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Any suggestions?

      5. AdamJ91
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Which one looks better?

        A) Firmino & Ramsey
        B) Salah & Perez

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

          A

        2. nevins84
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          A

        3. Neebster
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          A

        4. MTPockets
            7 years, 7 months ago

            b

          • The Sundance Kid
            • 15 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Assume you've already got Arnie... If not I'd pick him ahead of Ramsey.

        5. Weeb Kakashi
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Juan Foyth could start? If that Happens then who misses out? Vertonghen or Sanchez or Alder?

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

            Toby maybe

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

            Nobody knows

          3. Hazz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            My guess would be Vertonghen. Seen some Spurs fans on reddit and the forums wanting to rest him as he looked a little off the pace.

            Whether that actually happens, though...

        6. Tmel
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          A point between my rival and I, here are our differentials below based on expected starting XI:

          Me:
          Ryan, Tark, Lowton, Vert, Naughton, Gross, Salah

          His:
          Lloris, Long, Tomkins, Smalling, D Silva, Pogba, Zaha

          Do I captain Kane (we both have) or Salah (only I have)?

          1. Positive vibes
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Smalling, D Silva maybe not play. Surely he will C Kane?

        7. ppv
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Bavies to start, stay on bench or get end of the season 1 minute run out?

          1. nevins84
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Im playing him so a 1pt run out...

            1. ppv
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              Cheers. Not sure whether to take him out for TAA or Lowton

              1. nevins84
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 7 months ago

                I wouldnt see changing him for a hit paying...

                1. ppv
                  • 14 Years
                  7 years, 7 months ago

                  Thanks but have FT to use

        8. lespaul
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Someone on blue moon just posted they've not seen Silva at the hotel

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

            He's in Spain

            1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              It was posted on Blue Moon he came back to England this week.

            2. lespaul
              • 16 Years
              7 years, 7 months ago

              But he was on a flight on friday

              1. MTPockets
                  7 years, 7 months ago

                  Flight to where?

                  1. lespaul
                    • 16 Years
                    7 years, 7 months ago

                    Likely the uk