Spot the Differential

Wood’s aerial presence could cause problems for Arsenal in Gameweek 25

Gameweek 24 saw double-digit returns for 17 players, 10 of whom have ownership of 5% or less – encouraging our search for effective differentials.

Options such as Jack Stephens (£4.4m), Nathan Redmond (£6.2m) and Aaron Mooy (£4.8m) all delivered for those willing to think outside of the box, while two of last week’s selections, Joe Gomez (£5.3m) and Sébastien Haller (£7.0m), returned eight and seven points respectively.

This time, we focus on three low-owned picks who we like for Gameweek 25 and beyond.

Chris Wood

Ownership: 1.5%

Price: £6.2m

GW25-29 fixtures: ARS | sou | BOU | new | TOT

Chris Wood’s (£6.2m) goal in the recent win over Manchester United took him to 10 for the campaign, which means he is now one of only 12 players to have scored 30 or more Premier League goals since the start of the 2017/18 season.

The New Zealand international has been a model of consistency since joining the Clarets from Leeds United in August 2017, with his latest goals helping to deliver back-to-back wins for Burnley, who now sit 13th in the table, just four points behind fifth.

His tally could be even higher this season, with his 24 big chances only bettered by Jamie Vardy (£9.9m). That points to a player who more often than not, is getting into good positions in front of goal.

With Arsenal, level with Burnley on 30 points, due at Turf Moor on Sunday, Wood’s aerial ability could be key.

His five goals from set plays are more than any other player this season, whilst only Newcastle United have conceded more attempts from dead ball situations than the Gunners.

Sean Dyche’s team appear to have moved up a gear when it comes to attacking in recent weeks, with more confidence on the ball, and given Wood has scored in his last two games, more could be on the way.

Harvey Barnes

Ownership: 0.9%

Price: £5.9m

GW25-29 fixtures: CHE | wol | MCI | nor | AVL

In recent weeks, Harvey Barnes (£5.9m) has established himself as one of Leicester City’s main offensive threats.

The 22-year-old winger has scored three goals in five appearances during January, netting against Burnley and West Ham United in the league, with his performance in the 4-1 win over the Hammers arguably the best of the season to date.

Barnes’ ability to create has caught the eye, too.

He has assisted seven goals for the Foxes so far this season, which is two more than James Maddison (£7.6m).

Whilst rotation is a slight concern, he’s now started 16 of the last 21 league matches, and seems to be finding his feet at the top level.

Leicester currently sit third in the Premier League table and look well-placed to finish in one of the Champions League spots. They have an opportunity to move 11 points clear of their opponents Chelsea, who sit fourth, this weekend, while it’s also worth noting Frank Lampard’s men have struggled to keep clean sheets away from Stamford Bridge this season, with just one in 12.

Under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, there aren’t many hotter prospects than Barnes right now in the English game.

Martin Dubravka

Ownership: 1.6%

Price: £5.0m

GW25-29 fixtures: NOR | ars | cry | BUR | sou

Since arriving on Tyneside in January 2018, Slovakia international Martin Dubravka (£5.0m) has firmly established himself as Newcastle United’s number one.

In a season where the Magpies have often struggled in front of goal, Dubravka has produced a number of key saves.

In fact, his total of 97 is the best of any goalkeeper in the league, six more than second-placed Bernd Leno (£5.0m), which combined with six clean sheets, has seen him rise to fourth in the overall goalkeeper standings, on 92 points.

Newcastle boast one of the best home defences in the league this season, conceding just 12 goals in 12 games – only Liverpool (9) and Sheffield United (11) have conceded fewer.

They have also improved their form in recent weeks, having drawn at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton and won 1-0 at home against Chelsea.

Surprisingly, only 1.6% of FPL managers own Dubravka ahead of his home match against Norwich City.

A clean sheet is a real possibility with the Canaries only scoring six Premier League goals on the road all season. They’ve also created the fewest amount of Big Chances (seven) over the last six Gameweeks.

With a kind fixture run, Dubravka could be a major influence in the second half of 2019/20.

Which FPL assets topped goal threat, creativity and clean sheets this month?
1,630 Comments Post a Comment
  1. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Lundstrum, Kelly & Ricos chances of starting this GW?

    1. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rico should start.The others, No idea

    2. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      30, 80, 60.

    3. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lund starts I think. Be v surprised If not

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Why wouldn't Besic start?

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Started last few and Lund just needed a rest as looked shattered. Could well do but I reckon Lund for this game

          1. Jullepuu
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Hmm cheers. May start Lund over Ings this week then

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        This is good to hear! Thanks

  2. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hopefully one last start for Lundy this weekend then get rid

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Who should I get - Baldock, Stevens, or someone else?

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yup. Enddaaa oh enda stevens

      1. Woy_is_back
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Over Baldock?

  3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Sane back in training - I'm pretty sure I remember reading something towards the tail end of last season that was looking at Sterling's returns with & without Sane on the pitch...

    I think the gist was that he was much more productive when Sane was on the pitch than when he wasn't... Can't remember the exact stats though

    But sterling might be worth keeping an eye on now

  4. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi guys- any ideas on below?

    A) Chances of Lundy starting?
    B) Chances of Kelly keeping his spot with Ward back?
    C) How long is Mane out for? Any further news?
    D) Abraham to Jimi for free? yes or no?

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      D. Yes

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A. Pretty good - T. Sparkes
      B. Pretty bad - Pingissimus
      C. Back for Norwich maybe reduced minutes that game - consensus on FFS
      D. Yep

  5. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any reason to wait till tomorrow with transfers?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Unless you're waiting for some lei v che leaks, then no.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Aight thanks

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Always the same - one extra days information vs one extra days price rises

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        True. The "confirm transfer" button is really itching me right now

  6. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best Sheffield Utd defender?

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Enda

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        And the best cheap one? Thanks

        1. Jullepuu
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          5.1 is still cheap and best value for money. O'Connell then..

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah it is, just one of my moves only allows upto 4.6m

        2. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Surely O’Connell from what I’ve seen

        3. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          O'connell

      2. Woy_is_back
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Baldock has more attacking returns though.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      O'Connell on stats

  7. UTFB
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Striker for this gameweek only... up to £7.5m... who would you go with?

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Haller.

    2. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wood

    3. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wood or Cilson.

  8. Rbyrne95
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts? Cant decide...take in aguero for vardy, get in Jimenez/Wilson for Greenwood or Different keeper for Pope with 4.1m in the bank.

    Pope (Button),
    TAA, Robertson, Baldock, Lund, (rico),
    KDB, Salah, Grealish, Trossard, (Sarr)
    Vardy, DCL, (Greenwood

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hold an option? Pope to NUFC keeper?

  9. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play two from:

    A) Cathcart (EVE)
    B) Rico (AVL)
    C) Lundstram (cry)
    D) Ings

    In regards to Lundstram, I'm already playing Henderson.

  10. Manani
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Mane, Tammy>Auba,Grealish?

    Already have 3 blanks so that will make 5 in total. Greenwood is my 8th attacker

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Tammy to Jimenez

  11. Football Heaven
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Auba or Aguero? Just can’t decide

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kun if you can only get one

  12. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Looking at having this backline by GW27:
    TAA, Soyuncu, Stevens/Baldock, F. Fernandez, Rico.
    Thoughts?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Soy and Rico not great

      1. BNMC
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Rico won't play. And I think LEI will get back to their best in due time - fixtures turn green in GW28 too.

  13. Next year
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi! Didn't catch Klopp's presser. But from what I read he only mentioned Shaq, Origi, Milner and Lallana concerning injuries. Is Mané suddenly fine, or did I just miss it?

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep seems like he didn't mention. No news is good news

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I will keep Mane then

      2. Next year
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks! Let's hope so. My team doesn't look good, so it would be great if he actually played.

  14. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A. VVD, Enda Stevens
    B. Robertson, Lundstram

    On a WC

    1. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Next year
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'd actually go Robertson Stevens. But I got five 1 pointers last round, so don't listen to me:)

  15. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    For 2 next GW only:

    a) Auba
    b) Aguero

    1. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Auba (bur, NEW) - nailed
      Kun (tot, WHU) - rotation risk

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kun - can haul in a cameo and imagine what he might do to West Ham

    3. So Troublesome
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Auba definitely.

  16. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    WC

    Dubravka
    Trent Robertson Fernandez Stevens
    Salah DeBruyne Grealish Traoré
    Aubameyang Jimenez

    McCarthy Ings Mooy Taylor

    Newcastle defensively sound at home, been on Bertrand for a bit but think Fernandez is a stand out option, any thoughts? All set?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Stephens for Fernnandez to avoid double up.

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Think I’ll go Bertrand but still a Dbl up with McCarthy..

  17. So Troublesome
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best swap for Ings for this GW?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Haller maybe.
      But I would play Ings

    2. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wood

    3. So Troublesome
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not keen on either, let me re-jig.

  18. Football Heaven
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Even if mane is back, would you go to double defence on wc?

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Triple defence

  19. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Bottomed.
    Which two to play?
    A. Ings
    B. Kelly
    C. Cantwell
    D. Greenwood
    E. Lundstram
    F. Soyuncu

    (1)

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yikes, plenty average here

    2. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A + E, maybe C

    3. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A E

  20. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Soy+Mané+Greenwood >> O’Connell+Traore+Auba (-4)?

    Would give huge benching headaches though?

    McCarthy
    TAA • Lunds • Rico
    KDB • Salah • Grealish • Mané* • Mahrez
    Vardy • Maupay
    (McGov. Greenwood. Soy. Aurier)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Or an NUFC defender

  21. Gunner1290
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best midfielder replacement for mane? Already have Kdb salah Traore mahrez

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Bruno

  22. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    In case you wasn't on Salah (C) already. Counter attacks..

    https://twitter.com/thetomkinstimes/status/1223248065470926850?s=20

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Southampton are a very different prospect now to most of the period covered in that table. I'm on Salah (C), but this doesn't make me feel any more confident about it

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Fair dos

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nice

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      that's a lot of games under a different manager/system though right?

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Correct, but fact remains for Liverpool

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          cool

    4. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      TAA could haul aswell

    5. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Not reason to touch the armband on him for the next few tbh

  23. Manani
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Are a lot planning WC on GW28? If not when?

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Most likely in 37 for me

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Some time between 34 and 37

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Week before a big DGW and then BB during the DGW.

  24. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Do we know when the DGW will be? Or rather, before or after the blank?

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Likely 34 and 37 with a slight possibility of the odd one inbetweeners.
      Dgw before 28 looking increasingly unlikely

      1. Werner Bremen
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks man

  25. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play Cathcart (EVE) or Rico (AVL)?

  26. hammersp2000
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hey Guys,

    Have Mane & already have Salah (& KDB) so the obvious transfer is not an option.
    Cant decide what to do out of these 3:-

    1 ) Keep Mane, play Cantwell instead & let the transfer roll
    2 ) Swap him for someone like son
    3) Take a -4 to swap Mane & DCL for Traore & Kun

    Any help appreciated

    Thanks

  27. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    £30m for Josh King wtf

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Dude's injured all the time too..

  28. Football Heaven
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A. Gomez and Mahrez
    B. Robertson and

    1. Football Heaven
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Don’t know what happened there:

      A. Gomez and Mahrez
      B. Robertson and

      1. Football Heaven
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Ok for some reason it isn’t working lol

  29. JonnyOnionRings
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    How likely is Martinelli to start now that Auba is back?

  30. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hey fam!

    Schmeichel Button
    TAA Lundy Williams Rico Kelly
    Salah Mane KDB Martial Dendo
    Vardy Deeney DCL

    1 FT
    0 ITB

    Mane & Kelly to Robbo & Traore?