Spot the Differential
13 January 2023 1804 comments
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Double Gameweek 20 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is almost upon us, which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some more differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City who we think have the potential to make an impact.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN

FPL Double Gameweek 20 differentials: Eriksen, Gakpo + Mahrez 1
  • FPL ownership: 3.4%
  • Price: £6.3m
  • GW20-24 fixtures: MCI + cry | ars | CRY | lee | LEI

Christian Eriksen (£6.3m) has shown his value for Man Utd this season, playing an important role in their revival under Erik ten Hag.

Despite playing a deeper role, the playmaker has still been able to impact games offensively. In his last six matches, Eriksen has provided a goal and four assists.

Averaging 6.2 points per match in that time, he’s posted team-leading totals for crosses and passes received in the opposition half, whilst sitting fifth among all FPL midfielders for xA, only behind Kevin De Bruyne (£12.5m), Bruno Fernandes (£9.8m), Martin Odegaard (£6.7m) and Solly March (£5.0m).

His ability from dead-ball situations is key to his FPL appeal, with the imminent signing of Wout Weghorst – a proper target man – further boosting his potential.

Man Utd head into Double Gameweek 20 full of confidence, having lost just one of their last 10 league matches, with three consecutive wins to nil following the restart. Now, they meet Man City at Old Trafford, before visiting a Crystal Palace side that have conceded seven goals in their last two home outings.

Eriksen is one of ten Hag’s most important players and now settled into a central midfield role where he can dictate play and have a real influence on games, could be an effective mid-price differential.

CODY GAKPO

FA Cup Scout Notes: Gakpo's debut, Chelsea injury latest
  • FPL ownership: 0.9%
  • Price: £8.0m
  • GW20-24 fixtures: bha | CHE | wol | EVE | new

Cody Gakpo (£8.0m) signed for Liverpool just after Christmas from PSV and made his debut in the FA Cup last weekend.

The 23-year-old started the 2-2 draw with Wolves at Anfield and featured for 84 minutes, lining up on the left of Jurgen Klopp’s front three. He did, however, sometimes interchange positions with centre-forward Darwin Nunez (£8.9m), which was apparent during the Uruguayan’s first-half equaliser.

During the match, Gakpo had a hand in Mohamed Salah’s (£12.8m) goal and also showed signs of forming an effective partnership with Andrew Robertson (£6.9m). While Luis Diaz (£7.8m) is more of an out-and-out winger, Gakpo likes to drift inside, allowing the Scottish full-back to hold the width on the left, where he is generally at his best. Gakpo’s signing, as a result, could potentially benefit both players going forward.

Statistically, it wasn’t a great night for Gakpo as he attempted just one shot, but there were encouraging signs.

Now, the Dutchman will have another chance to open his account for his new club on Saturday when the Reds visit in-form Brighton. Albion have won two of their three matches since the restart, but Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking approach can leave gaps for opposition attackers to exploit, which should suit Liverpool, who can be deadly in transition.

Gakpo – the reigning Dutch Footballer of the Year – is an exciting signing and at just £8.0m in FPL, an intriguing differential.

RIYAD MAHREZ

FPL Gameweek 20: Taking a hit could be worth the risk
  • FPL ownership: 3.1%
  • Price: £7.5m
  • GW20-24 fixtures: mun + TOT | WOL | tot | AVL | ars

A move for Riyad Mahrez (£7.5m) ahead of Double Gameweek 20 carries risk, given how often he has been benched in the past by Pep Guardiola.

However, the Algerian winger has hit top form following the restart, returning either a goal or assist in each of his three league outings, a period that has seen him average 7.0 points per start.

In addition, he claimed a brace of goals to help City secure a dominant 4-0 FA Cup third-round win over Chelsea and was also on target in last month’s 3-2 EFL Cup win over Liverpool.

“The quality of Riyad is everything. He loves to play football, he helped us to play the game. It was really good. It was a fantastic free-kick. He played an outstanding game. He never lost his love. He loves to play football. The way he is training now and playing was exactly the same in Abu Dhabi. Riyad in important games is fantastic. The last game he didn’t start at Stamford Bridge and the impact he had was incredible. When they play in this way, and maybe complain [about not playing every game] I say ‘yes, you’re right’. Before, he cannot complain because he wasn’t playing at the level he is now. It’s not just about quality, it’s more in football, you have to do more. [But] now since we came back for World Cup, he is playing really, really well.” – Pep Guardiola on Riyad Mahrez after last weekend’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea

It’s a double-header for Man City in Gameweek 20, as they travel to Man Utd before hosting Spurs on Thursday.

After being rested against Southampton in the EFL Cup in midweek, you’d expect Mahrez to start at least one of those games, perhaps both, with his potential clear when handed minutes. Indeed, he produced six double-digit hauls in just 15 league starts last season.

Owned by just 3.1% of managers, Mahrez has the potential to propel his owners up the ranks.



1,804 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Who to start?

    A Mitrovic
    B Almiron
    C Lewis
    D Odegaard

    1. C'mon the Fylde
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Brehmeren
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bench Boost

      1. Limbo
        • 16 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yep.

    3. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      D or B, preferably both

  2. highsguy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Cancelo, Almiron, Darwin -> Botman, Mahrez, Kane

    Yes or no?

    1. MGD
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looks pretty good tbf. Even for -8.

      Might want Almiron back though?

    2. highsguy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      -8 I should add

    3. Pukki Pies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Mahrez is always a punt, but could work out

  3. Pukki Pies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Kepa to DDG/Ederson for a hit?

    A) DDG
    B) Ederson
    C) Keep Kepa

    1. highsguy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      C

    2. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      C

    3. Vlekz
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It's very close. I did B this week. C is also fine

    4. Pukki Pies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Seems marginal. Will probably keep I think, but I am fed up of him and Chelsea

  4. MGD
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed

    Kepa
    Shaw*, Cancelo*, Trippier, White
    KDB*, Rashford*, Salah, Martinelli
    Haaland*, Mitrovic

    Ward, Andreas, Greenwood, Patterson

    0,8 ITB, 1 FT.

    I’m looking at making no transfers

  5. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    WILDCARD!

    DDG Ward
    Shaw Trip Botman White RLewis
    KDB Saka Rashford Rodrigo Mitouma
    Haaland Kane Toney

    Rip it apart please.

    1. MGD
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Looks good. Odegaard over Saka? Ederson instead of DDG?

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      When will you BB with that squad?

    3. CROWLEY NOT CRAWLEY
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Similar to what I would consider. My only considerations would be Martinelli instead of Saka and Bueno instead of Botman.

      Rather have the extra cash and personally not keen on 2x Newcastle right now.

      Either way - looking good.

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

      Good team.

    5. Nanook
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nice team. Possible 6 PK takers there. Have you considered bench boost in 23? If so, Saka to Odegaard allows you to upgrade second keeper to that end plus enough money to move Rodrigo to Martinelli etc for the 23 doubles/BB.

  6. basilfawlty
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Kepa > De Gea for a -4? Yes or No?

    1. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No

    2. MGD
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No way. I may consider it for free though.

    3. Pukki Pies
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      see above. think this has talked me out of it

  7. Saka White Rice
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    2FT so have to use one transfer
    A) Darwin to Toney and play White
    B) Amartey to Botman and play Botman instead of White

    A higher ceiling vs B safer?

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

      A

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

    A) Save FT - start Darwin, castagne 1st off bench if needed
    B) Darwin to Toney

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

      B

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

      B

  9. BBC_TF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    4.6M to remove Reece James.

    Doherty or Botman?

    Constraints:
    I have Shaw/White/Trippier.
    and Haaland/KDB/Mahrez so cant get a city def.

    1. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bot

    2. south park ranger
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Botman

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

    On a WC:

    Doherty or Mee?

  11. agueroooooney
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) Kepa -> Ederson
    B) Andreas -> Odegaard (play ahead of Mitrovic)
    C) Roll FT

    Kepa
    Trippier - Shaw - Schar
    KDB - Almiron - Rashford - Martinelli
    Haaland - Kane - Mitrovic

    Ward - White - Bueno - Andreas

    1 FT 2.6 itb

    1. shaymoose17
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm not buying into this man city defense (ederson). They're too leaky and they play united and spurs. You really think those are clean sheets? I'd focus on another city attacker like Mahrez. Almiron is not at the peak of his form anymore. I'm moving on from him...cheap enough to get back if needed.

      1. agueroooooney
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I don't think they're highly likely. Not a fan of Mahrez as a long term pick though.

  12. Bishopool
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    After Shaw, who is the most reliable option for double? Stones out means 2-game-door for Akanji or Ake?

    1. agueroooooney
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Think they're both fairly reliable for the double but not longer term

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

    Who to bench?

    A Mitrovic
    B Odegaard
    C Lewis
    D Almiron

    1. Mirror Man
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Odegaard

  14. Netters2018
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ake, Akanji or Doherty?

    1. Veni Vidi Vialli
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Any of the two City boys really, but Akanji is my bet.

  15. yanky
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    currently on a -4
    Cancelo > Ake
    James > Shaw
    Darwin > Kane

    also have salah and mount starting.
    is salah > kdb or mount > mahrez worth another hit ??

    1. Vlekz
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Mount to mahrez might pay off with the extra fixture. But you know the risks.

  16. FCSB
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Cancelo >>

    1. Ake
    2. Akanji

    1. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      2

    2. south park ranger
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      2

  17. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    First sub?

    A) Saliba

    B) Andreas

    1. Veni Vidi Vialli
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

  18. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thinking- 8 for this team
    Darwin Salah Cancelo to Kane KDB Doherty /Botman

    Worth -8 and would you get A Botman or B Doherty?

    Kepa
    Trippier Doherty /Botman Shaw
    KDB Saka Rashford Almiron
    Haaland Kane Mitrovic

    Ward White Andreas Patterson

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

      Yex, and Botman

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

      I’d hesitate to take a -8 hit with Kane just because of the 4 yc. -4 or free I think is excellent. I did that myself this week, but I worry about the risk when you start getting into -8 and above of that 5th yc.

  19. speardrops
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone else ever had the issue where you login on FPL and the page just refreshes?

  20. DavvaMC
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Mount > Mahrez for a -4

    Yay
    Nay

    Thanks

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

      yay

  21. basilfawlty
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anything worth a hit or G2G?

    Kepa
    Trippier Shaw Bueno
    KDB Mahrez Rashford Martinelli
    Haaland Kane Mitrovic

    Ward Andreas White Patterson

  22. south park ranger
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Saka&Darwin to Mahrez&Toney (-4)?

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

      why not?

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Definitely not.

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

      Go for it.

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

    A. Mitro/Darwin to Kane and Ferguson -4
    B. Cucu to Perisic
    C. Darwin to Toney

    Team ATM
    Ederson(Ward)
    Shaw, Trippier, Culu or White (patterson)
    KDB, Rash, Kulu, Martinelli (andreas)
    Kane, Haaland (Ferguson).

    Thanks.

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

    A) Start Castagne
    B) Start White
    C) James -> Botman -4 and start Bot
    D) James -> Doherty -4 and start Doc

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

      c

  25. shaymoose17
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on Salah + Martial ----> Mahrez + Kane?

    Unsure of Martial's playing status and salah is ot holding up to his price value...

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

      yes

    2. DaftPunk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Darwin's potential absence could work in Salah's favour positionally, and Brighton's defence has been porous since De Zerbi has come in. Maybe keep hold of him.

      1. shaymoose17
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I see that as lessening the attacking prowess of liverpool and reducing salah's returns.

  26. Gizzachance
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Haaland t/c? Utd an tot?
    Tot have been poor in defence keep conceding,Palace game papered over the cracks, utd have had few easy games, think a few may do it?

    City Have dgw 23, ars an villa, looks better, could be injured by then, rested etc in one?or cup games around it
    Only had 3 games since restart, after the rest in w/cup, further down the line, means more games played

    Seriously now thinking bout it.
    Most casuals will i think, as unlike some, don’t overthink, or look further down the line
    Good luck all

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

      No

      1. Gizzachance
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers, just seeing on people’s thoughts

    2. I Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm going for it.

  27. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Should I go with Ederson or one of the City defenders on WC?

    Already have KDB and Haaland locked

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

      i did, only last week has it come in though

  28. Boss Hogg
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Points predictions for this dgw?

    a. Mahrez
    b. Kulu

    ???

    1. Mirror Man
      3 years, 7 months ago

      3
      5

  29. tim
    • 17 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Any chance Darwin starts?

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

      Nah

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Less than 25% i reckon

  30. Bobby Digital
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    TC Haaland anyone?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Plenty will but not many here

    2. Veni Vidi Vialli
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah, think i’ll press that TC button and just get it over with. GW23 not an option as City’s schedule is way too tight.