Spot the Differential

Spot The Differential – Gameweek 38

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.

3,273 Comments Post a Comment
  1. soup natsi
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is otamendi not playing?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      There is a rumour that there is a rumour that he doesn't play.

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      some talk about him not been seen on the team bus but its not 100% confirmed yet!

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        It's tinted!

  2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Good luck everyone see you next season!

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      you'll be back before the 2pm deadline 🙂 goodluck!

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I'll be back at 5pm gloating that I won my minileague and made it into the top 400k! 😉

        1. ChristoBisto
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Can I join your mini league for next season please?

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Good luck!

    3. doy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      you too tobes

  3. Tauruspt
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Current squad looking iffy at rotation
    And leading
    Do I need to take a -4?

    Loris
    Ota vvd davies monreal
    Sterling salah mili
    Ayew kane jesus
    Dub lingard maguire kennedy

    Risk ota davies monreal
    Do I team change or take a hit?

    TIA

  4. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Son Alonso > TAA Salah (-4) worth it?

    No other way to get Salah

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      do it lad

    2. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No

  5. Eo_K
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    De Gea - Smalling - Lingard headache...

    Rest of squad: Ryan; Alonso-Vertonghen-Lowton-Morgan; Salah-Sterling-Gudmundsson-A.King; Kane-Jesus-Ayew

    A/De Gea-Romero
    B/Smalling-TAA
    C/Lingard-Townsend
    D/De Gea,Lingard - Romero, Arnautovic (-4)
    E/Smalling-Lingard - TAA, Arnautovic (-4)

    1. Ceebes
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      D and maybe Karius over Romero?

  6. palalmas
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is DDG & Lingard -> Karius/Romero & Zaha woth -4?

    And Karius or Romero??

    1. Jumping Jurgen
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yes

  7. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Would you take a -4 hit to get Kane (c) or should I just rely on Sterling (c) and do Willian > Zaha?

    Chasing 14 point gap and leader has no Kane and will likely Salah (c). We both have Eriksen and I also have Son.

  8. Rik Waller
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I'm at work...any reason not to bring in Zaha and TAA? cheers

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      2 great options

    2. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Office policy wouldnt allow.

    3. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah. You should concentrate on your work.. enough of a reason?

      1. Rik Waller
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Absolutely not 🙂

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      You brining them into work.

      1. Rik Waller
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Haha. It's "bring a premier league footballer to work" day

        1. DA Minnion (Former great)
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          You don't want ozil then
          He would do nothing.

    5. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Boss might cause a scene out of it.

  9. N00B
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Repost but I cant decide.

    Best Palace player for this week ?
    - Mili
    - McArthur
    - RLC

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mili if can afford

    2. bertie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Luka

  10. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Last options, which one better?
    A. Adrian, Sane, Firmino
    B. Romero, Zaha, Laca

    Thanks 🙂

    1. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      -8?
      B

    2. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Not keen on Firmino so B.

  11. MOZIL
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Jesus or Firmino

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Jesus

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino

  12. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Time to get rid of Jesus for Auba ???

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No

  13. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Ryan
    Robertson Vertonghen Lowton
    Sané Son Sterling Zaha
    Kane Jesus Ayew

    DDG Smalling Mustafi King

    Salah + DDG in for Son + Romero - 4?
    Yes or no?

    1. Daghe Munegu
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Salah + Romero in for Son + DDG

  14. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Whats the latest news (players wont play)

  15. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is Otamendi really not playing?

  16. UKG
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Play Perez or Tark/Klavan?

  17. Blue Gaffer
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Gross, Ritchie, Vardy—————-Arnautovic,Zaha, J.Ayew -8 yes or no?

  18. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Would you play this? Or lingard to arnautovic (-4) and bench naughton instead?

    DeGea
    Naughton, Veryonghen, Robertson, lowton
    Sterling, Salah (vc), Zaha
    J.Ayew, kane(c), Jesus

    Ryan, lingard, gross, Morgan

  19. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Gtg? No Ft left. Anything worth a hit?

    Lloris
    Mustafi, lowton, smalling
    Son, Zaha, Arnie, Sterling
    Vardy, (K)ane, Jesus
    Sub: ryan, mawson, young, morgan

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I hear Smalling isn't playing as per a few previous posts?

  20. dark91
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Which option would be better
    1) Hazard+Lingard -> Salah+7.3 mid (who?)

    2) Hazard+Jesus-> Salah+Auba

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      2

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard due a biggie.

      1. dark91
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        I am afraid he may get reduced minutes and the idea of going without Salah is too scary for me 😀

    3. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A. Zaha or Arnie.

      1. dark91
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        That is exactly my thought. Still deciding who to get out of those 2 since I have Mili already

  21. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    would love to have a 3rd WC chip right about Now lol

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Would atleast like the first WC not burning automatically if not used, to use it anytime in the season.

  22. Ceebes
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Headache - chasing 5 points in ML.

    1. Lingard to Ramsey
    2. Sane and DDG ---> Salah (and captain) and Karius (-4)
    3. Lingard and DDG --> Zaha/Arnie and Karius

    Any help much appreciated!

  23. Sancidino
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Is Otamendi out for sure?

    1. Mike82
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nothing is sure

    2. soup natsi
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      There's a rumour that there's a rumour that there's a rumour that he's not on the team bus

    3. Sancidino
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks!

  24. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    We need some pre-deadline tweets from players giving us a heads up they aren't playing like Josh King did last year, that would be real useful.

  25. Rik Waller
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    How many times have you checked that the deadline is at 2?

  26. Oh Mane Mane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Keep Son or Willian?

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Willi

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Son

  27. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Son/Silva/Vardy -> Salah/Zaha/Rashford [-8]

    Would leave me with:

    Ryan
    Alonso - Davies - Long
    Salah - Sterling - Arnautovic - Zaha
    Kane - Jesus - Rashford
    (DDG -- Lowton - VDH - L Cook)

    Thoughts? TAA worth another -4?

    1. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Son and Silva to Salah and Mili/Gudmundsson?

  28. Jumping Jurgen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    smalling to VVD for -8? otherwise Murray/yosh will be in the first 11

  29. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Would you take a -4 hit to get Kane (c) or should I just rely on Sterling (c) and use my 1 FT to do Willian > Zaha?

    Chasing 14 point gap and leader has no Kane and will likely Salah (c). We both have Eriksen and I also have Son. A hit would increase his lead to 18 and Kane's lack of double digit hauls may not be worth the gamble.

    1. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      You seem to have a point. So no.

  30. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Play Naughton or

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Tomkins

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Tom

        1. JustPark
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Forget it. Toss coin.