634x258 Spot the Differential
10 December 2011 689 comments
Big Dunc Big Dunc
Share:

As we continue our countdown to gameweek fifteen, it’s time to take another look at the players that can make a difference on a budget. The Scout Selection Committee has been locked in debate and out of it comes another set of β€˜Differential’ picks.

Even our friends at Paddy Power seem to agree with our selection this week, with two of our picks making the top five most likely to score list. I’ve been confident before of course. In fact I’m confident every Saturday morning, it’s Saturday afternoons that are the problem….

Danny Welbeck

Man United’s injury list just keeps on growing and with Nemanja Vidic and Javier Hernandez also ruled out this week, Ferguson has been rightfully cautious in easing Danny Welbeck back into the side. After starting on the bench against Basle on Wednesday however, the young England star is expected to lineup against Wolves this weekend, and priced at just 6.6 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, with a great run of fixtures coming up, he looks like an outstanding Fantasy prospect.

Last week’s injury to Javier Hernandez is expected to rule out the Mexican until the New Year, meaning that Welbeck may only be an option for four or five games, but with favourable opponents in those matches and the January wildcard offering a ready-made exit strategy, he’s well worth considering as a short term punt. Welbeck’s current ownership of just 2.3% makes him a huge differential if your rivals are still clinging onto Rooney, and at just over half the price, that extra cash could be a key factor in the run up to Christmas.

Craig Bellamy

The issue with Craig Bellamy has always been his game time, and although his ability to complete 90-minutes is still a concern, it appears that Bellamy has now shrugged off his β€˜super-sub’ label and has been picking up some regular starts. Ignoring the Man City game that he withdrew from at the last minute, Bellamy has now started Liverpool’s last three games and even made the starting lineup against Fulham on Monday, despite Carroll and Suarez also taking their place on the teamsheet.

If he can keep his run of starts going then Bellamy’s Fantasy potential is obvious; his pace and movement clearly suits Liverpool’s style of play and is always a threat when coming inside from a wide position.

Back in the 09/10 season, when he last played consistently in the Premier League, Bellamy picked up 10 goals and 10 assists – perhaps a bit low by Van Persie’s standards, but still excellent returns for a mid-priced striker. Priced at 7.4 and owned by just 0.5% of all managers in the FPL game, Bellamy has the potential to provide some strong differential returns over the next few weeks, starting with profitable fixture this weekend at home to QPR.

James Morrison

One that has perhaps gone unnoticed in recent weeks is Scottish International James Morrison. The tricky winger has been in great form and although his recent FPL scores are average at best, he’s been the biggest threat of any West Brom midfielder in recent weeks, and his performance statistics suggest he could be in line for some decent returns now that fixtures are easing up.

Zoltan Gera’s season ending knee injury has also seen Graeme Dorrans emerge as a differential option, but it is still unclear whether Hodgson will switch back to a front two of Peter Odemwingie and Shane Long. Morrison is also very capable of playing the support striker role if needed so with him looking more assured of starts he seems the better option right now. At 5.3 and ownership of 0.4% he looks decent value over the long term, and with Wigan and Blackburn up next, it could be a great time to take a punt.

Big Dunc If you're going to get sent off, make sure its for something worthwhile... Follow them on Twitter

689 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. living the dream
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Bing Bada Boom

    Open Controls
    1. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Great start to the weekend hey LTD? πŸ™‚

      Open Controls
      1. living the dream
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        Yeah lets hope it continues!

        Open Controls
  2. Philman
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Who would you bench - Yak or Eagles?

    Open Controls
    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Yak, until he starts scoring.

      Open Controls
      1. O Fenomeno
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        +1

        Open Controls
      2. Manamongst
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        huh???...hahaha...I get it...

        You mean Eagles until he starts scoring...

        Link still broken Philman...

        I'll just say Sunderland are ripe, and this is week 2 he'll be in my squad...but still no armband.

        Open Controls
      3. Manamongst
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        It's all good though, I'm betting on MON NOT being a believer either; he'll show "the people" some attacking football...yippie!! Have a sip of Yak will ya?

        Open Controls
    2. hillbillypete
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      y would u bench yak?!

      Open Controls
      1. Manamongst
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        He's trippin, and the cost of his kneejerk gives him the self-confidence to think he can discard him for some tosser...probably some one that will let him down again (see Brunt or Ramsey...lol).

        Open Controls
  3. Kick Some Goals
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Mata or Nani from next week on?

    Open Controls
    1. keotes
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      I'm thinking of getting Mata in next GW, but I've got Nani as well πŸ™‚

      Open Controls
      1. living the dream
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        I think both is a good option. I have had both for a while and they are slowly picking up speed with the FPL points.

        Open Controls
        1. Kick Some Goals
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          So the concensus is get both. Not really that helpful! πŸ˜‰

          Open Controls
          1. heartsattack
            • 14 Years
            14 years, 25 days ago

            I think Mata will outscore Nani. I have both though.

            Open Controls
  4. keotes
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Should I bring in McAuley or Evans?

    Open Controls
    1. alsybach
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      not getting all the love for a west brom defender...........

      Open Controls
      1. keotes
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        Any other cheapies I should consider around the 4 mil mark?

        Open Controls
        1. big oak
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          monk

          Open Controls
  5. Fitzy.
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Nice write up Dunc...

    Open Controls
    1. Big Dunc
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Thanks Pete. Would love to bring in Welbeck myself this week, but taken a hit already.

      Open Controls
      1. Fitzy.
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        Yep, he's the one for me if Ba or Ade go down I think.

        Open Controls
        1. si
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          I am dithering on whether to bring in Sturridge or Wellbeck. Sturridge is the safer option but Wellbeck has the potential of a huge haul this week.

          Open Controls
  6. living the dream
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    I like the option of Welbeck but i dont want to drop any of my front 3 to accomodate him. Suarez would be the obvious choice to drop but as i have held on this long surely he is going to repay the belief i have put in him with a hat trick today?:-)

    Open Controls
    1. Fitzy.
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      "Suarez would be the obvious choice to drop" You were going so well at this point too mate, but then had to keep those lips flapping... πŸ˜‰

      Open Controls
      1. living the dream
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        You cheeky mare πŸ™‚

        Open Controls
    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Welbeck has played 13 minutes since back from injury. I would want a couple of full games and a number of points before trusting him with one of three precious forward spots.

      Open Controls
      1. si
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        Very good point but sometimes it is making these decisions early that can make a big difference. My main concern is that these so called "easy fixtures" that United now have, are realistically tricky for them at the moment.

        Open Controls
        1. In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          You're right about the early acquisition Si, and your second point, their last 4 have been "Easy" 1-0s. I shall get Rooney when he looks to be back up front and enjoying his football. He currently looks like everything is just too much effort.

          Open Controls
  7. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    if rooney doesn perform this week its rooney --> welbeck and walters --> nani

    Open Controls
    1. Random_Guy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Nani isn't exactly performing either...

      Open Controls
      1. heartsattack
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        He's still picking up ok points though.

        Open Controls
  8. Menly
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Who should I play
    Sess or Eagles?

    Open Controls
    1. hillbillypete
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      both

      Open Controls
      1. Menly
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        I can't when the rest of my mids are Bale, VDV and Silva, and my front 3 are Sturridge RVP and Ade

        Open Controls
        1. In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          I would go Eagles as Given is out, and any new Sunderland look may only give Sess a bit part today. Long shot I know Menly, but I imagine Eagles will get the full game.

          Open Controls
    2. heartsattack
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Eagles. I think I expect a fairly cagey Sunderland performance. With not conceding the priority.

      Open Controls
  9. big oak
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    very worried that my bench is benarfa raylor & shawx
    team is linked

    Open Controls
    1. Low-Life
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      What are you worried about?

      Open Controls
    2. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      my 3 on bench are inj/suspended

      Open Controls
  10. gaurav_k28
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Bale or Mata?
    Adebayor Ba?

    You guys think will Richards play?

    Advice please.

    Open Controls
    1. hillbillypete
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      i have all 4 and playing all 4

      dont think ricahrds will

      Open Controls
    2. Kick Some Goals
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Not risking Richards myself, think Chelsea will score anyway.

      Probably Ba over Ade, can't split the other two...

      Open Controls
    3. Retro
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      All four. And no.

      Open Controls
      1. The Finnisher
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        +1 on both !

        Open Controls
  11. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Friedel
    Baines - Shorey - Simpson - Wilkinson
    Silva - VDV - Walters
    RVP - Rooney - Ba

    Ruddy, Toite, Allen, Caulker

    Am i right to keep my transfer for 2 next week!?

    Open Controls
    1. big oak
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      yeah cnt see anythin pressin

      Open Controls
      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        You're not looking at the Grav closely enough then. πŸ˜‰

        Open Controls
        1. big oak
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          πŸ˜€

          Open Controls
        2. Menly
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          Damn Flynn you beat me to it!

          Open Controls
          1. SuperMario
            • 16 Years
            14 years, 25 days ago

            πŸ™‚ cheers!

            Open Controls
    2. Random_Guy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Nice ass.... I mean, team.

      Open Controls
  12. tw
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    ramsey to sess? or is there a better alternative im missing? (already have walters)

    Open Controls
    1. Kick Some Goals
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Larsson?

      Open Controls
    2. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Larsson

      Open Controls
    3. Random_Guy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Larsson.

      Open Controls
  13. George Agdgdgwngo
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Morning all. Got two free transfers, not too sure what to do.

    1 st one probably best to change given, but not sure who for?
    2 nd one probably upgrade defence, any suggestions?

    Got £1.1m in the bank, current team is-

    Vorm, given
    Enrique, Simpson, brown, Wilkinson, Taylor (swansea)
    Mata, nani, bale, silva, dyer
    Rvp, ade, ba.

    Open Controls
    1. Menly
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Given > Krul/Lindegaard, upgrade elsewhere

      Open Controls
    2. Big Dunc
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Save it this week.... You'll play Vorm anyway so if no news on Given next week, you can bring Krul and still have another transfer. Def looks fine

      Open Controls
      1. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        brown to smalling and save the 2nd transfer or sort your keeper!

        maybe howard / friedel for the dgw

        Open Controls
  14. Menly
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Youre all up early! Or maybe its late where you are... hmm

    Open Controls
    1. Retro
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      This isn't early! I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Been up for hours πŸ™‚

      Open Controls
    2. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Bit of both Menly, not slept yet. Looks like I've missed the chance now for today. Oh well.

      Open Controls
      1. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        "studying " for final Uni exams πŸ˜‰

        Open Controls
      2. O Fenomeno
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        Why haven't you slept yet? Just do your ten, go to bed, set an alarm for half 2 and get yourself down the pub for 3 o'clock.

        Open Controls
        1. In Like Flynn.
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          L5er O Fen. πŸ™ The way it is some days.

          Open Controls
  15. xyz
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Who would you have on the bench - Walker, Drenthe or Neil Taylor, keeping in mind I have Vorm

    Open Controls
    1. liamhennessy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      b

      Open Controls
  16. kieranmac7
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    morning lads, looking to bring a forward iu for hernandez? have 10mil to spend. have RVP and Ade already. Suarez? (surely due a big game), Welbeck, Long, Ba? What ye think?

    Open Controls
    1. O Fenomeno
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Drogba? You have the extra 0.1? If not I think Ba.

      Open Controls
      1. kieranmac7
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        U think Ba can keep his form up? Was thinking Welbeck could strike gold but, and there's always a but, he won't be match sharp. like the idea of drogs. never thought of him. think chelsea will score too

        Open Controls
        1. O Fenomeno
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          I think Ba will continue to score, yeah. I know what you mean about Welbeck because I was in the exact same situation as you (selling Hernandez) and decided to get Ba. But I wish I hadn't as I want Drogba now. I agree that there will be goals in that game.

          Open Controls
      2. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        BA

        Open Controls
  17. O Fenomeno
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Mata and Rooney of Drogba and Nani?

    Open Controls
    1. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      a, just

      Open Controls
  18. gaurav_k28
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Rooney or Aguero?

    Open Controls
    1. O Fenomeno
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Aguero.

      Open Controls
      1. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        rooney πŸ˜‰

        Open Controls
  19. Solenya
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Vorm or Westwood ?

    Open Controls
    1. Incorrigible Brat
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      vorm
      fulham are having trouble scoring.
      as for blackburn the yak could run riot.

      Open Controls
  20. living the dream
    • 15 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    What is the story with Drenthe? He got injured without anyone knowing he was injured and now it appears he has dissappeared off the planet. I would sub him out but cant think of a good 6m replacement.

    Open Controls
    1. living the dream
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      There is more news coming out of Everton on the Drenthe front than on here and thats saying somet.

      Open Controls
  21. Don Cortese
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Morning/afternoon/evening all, wherever you would be.

    Is it nuts to consider VDV and Baines out for Verm and Nani in? It'd be for a 4pointer... Trouble is, I'd want the two I transfer out back for next week; so in essence an 8ptr. What are my chances of positive scoring, let alone breaking even?

    Open Controls
  22. chris_webs23
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Adam, nani or mata?

    Basically money is no matter and I am looking for a mid...

    Open Controls
  23. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    anyone know the deal with Caulkner?? thought he was meant t be back like 2 weeks ago

    Open Controls
  24. Incorrigible Brat
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    shud i bring in pilks for bale or try my luck with bale??
    or shud i transfer pilks out??
    team linked.
    any help appreciated. πŸ™‚

    Open Controls
    1. Solenya
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Surely bale.
      Get pilks out his purple patch is over πŸ˜€

      Open Controls
      1. Incorrigible Brat
        • 14 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        to whom??

        Open Controls
        1. Solenya
          • 14 Years
          14 years, 25 days ago

          I am personally monitering Ben Arfa this week.
          If you have some money in the bank may be get walters ,he is quite consistent.

          Open Controls
  25. NED KELLY
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Rooney (C) anyone....... ?

    Open Controls
    1. Solenya
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      I dont have but yes why not RVP has a not so easy game.
      I m captaing BA πŸ˜€

      Open Controls
    2. Random_Guy
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Well, 435 other people on this site are with you...

      Open Controls
  26. keotes
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Who should I bring in as a cheap defender

    Evans, McAuley, Monk or Wilkinson?

    Open Controls
  27. RafaMC
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Worth bringing in Evans as my free transfer. May not play all the time but a cheap way into a Utd defence that may still get some clean sheets even with the loss of Vidic ?????

    Open Controls
    1. Solenya
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Smalling

      Open Controls
      1. RafaMC
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        would need to take a 4pt hit to finance........... I know that Smalling would be a better long term option.

        Open Controls
  28. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Krul Vorm
    Brown Shawcross Simpson Boyata DeLaet
    Silva VDV Sinclair Sessegnon Dyer
    RVP Adebayor Rooney

    2 FTs , 0.6 in bank.

    What option is best

    a) DeLaet to a defender up to 4.5
    b) Do a striker/mids change for 2 new players
    c) Any other options

    Which 2 defenders would you bench currently?

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      DeLaet & which other defender?

      Open Controls
      1. SuperMario
        • 16 Years
        14 years, 25 days ago

        del laet -> evans as a punt! save the 2nd transfer and bench simpson, shaw x

        Open Controls
    2. Retro
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      That's tricky. You've too much money in attack I'd say. But I guess you can't take out Rooney at home to Wolves now that you have him. Maybe Adebayor to Ba or Sturridge and then bring in Jones or one of the more expensive mids.

      Open Controls
  29. Solenya
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Repost
    vorm or westwood?

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Vorm

      Open Controls
    2. Kick Some Goals
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Vorminator

      Open Controls
    3. heartsattack
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Vorm

      Open Controls
    4. Screaming Midget
      • 15 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Sunderland more likely to keep a CS...

      But if you're playing a Sunderland/Swansea defence you might as well spread the risk.

      Open Controls
  30. weaver93
    • 14 Years
    14 years, 25 days ago

    Morning all,

    Have 0.6 left. only one FT left.

    Would you do

    Kompany - P Jones

    or

    Sturridge to Ba

    Can't do both, not enough funds.

    Cheers

    Open Controls
    1. weaver93
      • 14 Years
      14 years, 25 days ago

      Anyone???

      Open Controls