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. Essrick
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Morning chaps,

    My defence is in bad shape! Which 3 would you play?

    Christensen, Duffy, Morgan, Lowton, Long

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

      Lowton, Christensen and Long prob

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

        Thanks. I'm thinking the same.

        Probably bring in PVA for Duffy for free and play Christensen, Lowton & PVA with Long off the bench if Christensen doesn't play.

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

      Same issue out of Azpi Smalling Morgan Long Lowton

      Playing Azpi Long Lowton

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

        Not using a transfer to bring in PVA, Cresswell, Robertson etc?

  2. i wanna ORD
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Arnie or Zaha?

    1. JD @JDCochran2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      great question

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

      Went with Arnie

      1. JD @JDCochran2
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        thanks

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

    No idea what to do, 1ft

    Ddg -- ryan
    Alonso Lowton Maguire Smalling —- cedric
    son Pogba sterling Arnie — king
    kane jesus -- barnes

    A: Smalling + Sterling >> Masauku + Salah (-4)
    B: Smalling + Pogba >> VVD + Zaha
    C: Smalling + Pogba >> VVD + J.Ayew
    D: Something else?
    E: smalling + Maguire + pogba >> Long Masauku Salah (-8)

    A lot is dependent on if I expect pogba to start

  4. Super Frank8
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Who to start between Iwobi or Van der Hoorn?

    1. Big Sum
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Iwobi

  5. FPL ElasticO
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    What to do with DDG & Smalling??
    They probably won't play and i have Ryan & Morgan/ Dunk on bench.... Will look to transfer out atleast 1 ..... What can i do?? already spent my FT ....

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

      Romero the easy option to free up funds.

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

      Ryan could easily get 3-4 pts even if conceding.

  6. RAMZES666
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Jesus to Firmino or Auba for a hit worth?

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

      Same boat, rival has both dunno wether to ditch Vardy or Jesus

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

    OR rank check - mini league rank check
    24k here - 2nd out of 37 in main minileague (26 points behind so not totally over), 1st in smaller ones.

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

      OR 14.2k
      ML 1st out of 29, lead by 85 points

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

      7k, 2nd in ML (first is top 100 world).

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

      52k
      1st & 1st in ML

  8. Luton_Fan
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Gross to

    A. Ramsey
    B. Mata
    C. Zaha

    ?

    Help pls gents. Im leaning towards ramsey

  9. UpAndAway
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Chasing a 15 point lead. Can go Sterling to Salah or Mahrez to Martial as a punt? Don’t want to take a hit.

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

      Get someone he doesnt have and captain him

  10. i wanna ORD
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Mahrez & Silva --> Arnie Zaha?

  11. Catastrophe
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Any changes worth a hit? 0 ITB.

    Romero
    Vertonghen, Otamendi, TAA, Lowton
    Zaha, Eriksen, Sterling, Salah (C)
    Kane, Jesus

    (Ryan, Mustafi, Barnes*, Kenedy*)

    Cheers

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

      Nope. Gtg.

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

        Cheers.

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

    Rashford (c). Let’s go.

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Hopefully you can survive for next 2 hours

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

      Wow. Nice one. Good luck.

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

      Having him is enough differential imo.

  13. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Ryan
    Vert Alonso Long Lowton
    Salah (c) Sterling Son
    Ayew Kane (v) Jesus

    Ddg* Lingard Ki Morgan. 0ft.

    Gtg?
    Right bench?

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

      Gtg, I am starting DDG just in case and Ryan will sub on anyway

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

        Yes - makes sense.

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

          Unless Romero goes off with an injury after 30 mins.

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

      I've got same team apart from Arnie for Son. I was thinking of starting Lingard over Lowton just in case he plays?

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

      Gtg. Please help me below. Ta.

  14. Reckoner
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    And the last question: Who would you omit from thse 5 defenders (I'm starting 4-3-3 due to shortage of starters)

    Alonso - Long - Fernandez - Tomkins - Francis

    I'm edging towards benching Francis - low attacking threat, and less probable CS....

    Thanks!

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

      Yep, Francis.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Francis easily

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

      Frans

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

        Thanks, so gtg definately.

        Good luck!

  15. smithsj1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    So got Barnes who I can switch to Ings

    or

    maguire to Blind.

    Decisions decisions

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Ings may not start if mane is fit

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

        Mane won’t play today, according to inside sources.

        1. TrollMasterDeluxe
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Source?

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

            Adriancocking_ in twitter

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

        Might not start even if he is not.

    2. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Big Sum
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      maguire to Blind

    4. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      try vokes

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

      Talk that Lallana may play if Mane ruled out

  16. Buck The Trent
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Laca or Firmino ?

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

      Bob

    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      laca probably, by a hair

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

      Bobby

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

      Choose Laca as more. differential. Please help me below. Ta.

  17. Big Col
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts on this?

    A) Lingard to Gudmundsson (-8 for the week)

    B) Play Maguire & Cedric (bench Lingard)

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

      Maybe other choice than Gudmundsson?
      Please help me below. Ta.

  18. Rhodes your boat
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Should I take a -4 to do Ddg and Vardy to

    A) karius and bobby
    B) Hennessy and laca
    C) don’t take a hit

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

      I’m prob gonna do exact same to A or I may do Hennessy and Firmino

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

      A or B, B if you have Salah imo.

    3. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A

  19. TrollMasterDeluxe
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Pick a captain
    A) Kane
    B) Sterling
    C) Arnautovic
    D) Zaha

    a few points in difference between ML rival, he will probably C

    1. Kane
    2. Salah (If he brings him in for a hit)

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

      Sterling

  20. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    gross and vardy to zaha and rashford for -4

    yes or no?

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

      Yep

    2. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Difficult choice-not sure I would

      1. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        its either take a hit or play austin...

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

      Yes. Please help me below. Ta.

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

    JAZZY30 13th May 2018 10:22
    That time of the year!
    DDG, RYAN
    Lowton, Christensen, vertonghen, chilwell, maguire
    son, salah, lingard, wilian, mcarthur
    jesus, kane, barnes

    I have triple captain chip left. Thinking of a -8 to get Arnautovic, TAA and one of Martial/Zaha/David silva in the team..please suggest!!!!

    thinking of taking our lingard,wilian and christensen for above subs..please help guys!

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

      Good moves, but not Dilva. Please help me below. Ta.

    2. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Arnie + Zaha

      Not sure if -4 is worth to replace Christensen

  22. Tommy J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Who would you prefer today?

    A Jesus
    B Vardy

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

      A

    2. Carcetti
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Jesu

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

        Thanks Guys

    3. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      a

  23. Carcetti
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Guys,

    A) Pogba Out for Zaha + Vardy Out for Lacazette (-8)

    Chasing a 20-point lead. Lead by 9 points from 3rd.

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I’d only do that if you were going to captain Laca.

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

        I'm triple capping Salah

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I’d just do Pogba to Zaha then.

          Vardy loves scoring against he top 6.

  24. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    News about Vertonghen possibly being benched is worrying me....

    My defensive is Alonso | Vertonghen | Mawson | Simpson | Chilwell

    Considering Chilwell is out and Simpson is a risk, should I do Chilwell to TAA for -4? I guess it comes down to the likelihood of TAA getting more than 4 points?

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

      Don't take hits on defenders

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

        Unless as an enabler for a must have

    2. Tommy J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Doesn't make sense-4 points is a reasonable core vs the 'possibility' of 6

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

        *score

  25. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Haven’t kept up with any pressers this week, was there anything about Alli?

    Can’t see him being a risk of not starting?

  26. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Does anyone have the Poch quote about playing Foyth? Seen a few mention that Vert might be a risk now but can't find the quote.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Is he a CB?

      1. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Think so. Just found the quote: “I think Juan Foyth deserve to play and he is doing fantastic and I will repeat that so maybe, I am thinking, maybe it is not crazy to see a player like him or Kyle Walker-Peters in the starting XI.”

  27. WE GO FOR IT
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Pick 2 of these as differentials:

    A. Martial
    B. Mkhi
    C. Ramsey
    D. Lanzini
    E. Mata

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

      A C

    2. Carcetti
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      A C

    3. WE GO FOR IT
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers both! 🙂

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

    A Smalling to TAA and Gudmundsson to Ramsey

    Or

    B DDG to Karius and Smalling to VVD or Robertson

  29. gilean
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Vardy + Pogba - > Salah (C) + Ayew for -4, or just Pogba to Arnie/Zaha and captain Kane?

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

      Get Salah

  30. KJT123
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Mourinho is the ultimate troll. Expect DDG and Smalling to play.

    Remember Jones red flagged and still played?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Wouldn't surprise me but I am getting rid

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

      Possibly but not taking that risk as no bench back up

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

      Also said Shaw is one of the best defenders during one of fridays pressers and then doesn’t even have him in the team at the weekend