Spot the Differential

Goal-hungry Duffy among three differentials for FPL Gameweek 26

This weekly series puts the spotlight on three players who all have an ownership of 5% or under in Fantasy Premier League.

We’re just about to enter into the final third of the season and for those Fantasy managers chasing a mini-league deficit or seeking a short-term measure to improve their overall rank, a considered differential pick could have an impact.

Joao Moutinho (£5.3m) was all set for a starring role in this piece given his form, his freer role in the Wolves midfield since Leander Dendoncker‘s (£4.3m) promotion to the starting XI and Newcastle United’s weakness at set plays, but the Portuguese star’s ownership has surged to 6% this week after a flurry of transfer activity in FPL.

Instead, we have turned to another Wolves asset and two defensive options for our selections this week.

Shane Duffy (£4.6m)

FPL ownership: 5.0%

The Irish centre-back just – only just – qualifies as a differential pick, given that he has a not insignificant following in FPL already.

No defender has scored more Premier League goals than Duffy (four) this season and, in the past six Gameweeks, the Brighton stopper has had more attempts from inside the opposition box and efforts on target than any player in his position.

Duffy had three shots on goal in the 0-0 draw with Watford alone and with Pascal Gross (£6.7m) supplying the ammunition – the German having created a staggering ten chances himself last weekend – further opportunities should arise from corners and free-kicks in Gameweek 26.

Only two clubs have allowed more attempts on goal from set plays than Burnley over the last six Gameweeks, with just Watford conceding more headed chances.

Four of Brighton’s five clean sheets in 2018/19 have arrived at the Amex, with the Seagulls boasting the second-best home defensive record this season among teams outside of the “big six”.

While Brighton don’t have a match in Gameweek 27 (and possibly Gameweeks 31 and 33, if the Seagulls progress in the FA Cup), their fixtures around that blank are among the best in the division and Duffy is arguably benchable next weekend at his current price.

Victor Lindelof (£5.0m)

FPL ownership: 4.7%

***UPDATE: Reports on Friday afternoon suggest Victor Lindelof is not among the Manchester United squad travelling to Fulham this weekend***

Manchester United have recorded three straight clean sheets on the road and indeed no Premier League side has registered more shut-outs than the Red Devils over the last six Gameweeks.

While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has tinkered with his team on a weekly basis since taking charge in December, Lindelof has been an ever-present under the Norwegian interim manager and has greatly impressed at centre-back.

The excellent form of David de Gea (£5.7m) is a huge boost to Lindelof’s clean sheet prospects but the Swede and his fellow defenders have kept it fairly tight at the back of late, with only two clubs allowing fewer big chances than United over the last six Gameweeks.

At the other end of the pitch, Lindelof has registered five attempts on goal (one of which found the back of the net) in the last four Gameweeks – only five FPL defenders, two of whom are playing “out of position” in midfield, can better that tally.

Four of those five efforts were from Lindelof’s head and only two clubs have allowed more headed chances than Fulham (this weekend’s opponents) over the last six Gameweeks.

No Premier League side has conceded more goals or big chances than the Cottagers during that time, either.

Lindelof is guaranteed a fixture in Gameweek 27 – albeit against Liverpool – before the Red Devils take on Crystal Palace and Southampton.

Diogo Jota (£6.0m)

FPL ownership: 3.5%

While Moutinho has surged past the 5% barrier, Jota remains a relatively low-owned route into the Wolves midfield.

The yellow flag may be a deterrent to some FPL managers but the knock that caused the Portugal under-23 star to miss the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town is not thought to be serious and his omission from the match-day squad on Tuesday was only precautionary in nature.

Santo’s side sit top of our Season Ticker for the next four Gameweeks, with a home fixture against Newcastle United kicking off that excellent run.

Jota bagged an 11-point haul in the reverse fixture at St. James’ Park and has five goals and four assists in his last seven Premier League starts.

No FPL midfielder has had more big chances than Jota over the last three Gameweeks (five of which admittedly arrived in the 4-3 win over Leicester) while only four players in his position (all of them expensive premium options) have registered more shots on target during that time.

Jota has actually had more penalty box touches, shots on target and big chances than Raul Jimenez (£6.7m) over the last three Gameweeks.

685 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Start Digne bednarek or awb.

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      First two, IMO.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Bench Digne

  2. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Currently have Sane on the bench and playing this starting 11: https://ibb.co/DLH7znW

    Thinking about just rolling the transfer and having 2 FT's next GW. Thoughts?

    1. MTPockets
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Sure, but think Sane needs to start if you have him

        1. Maddi Son
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          It's difficult but I honestly don't think he outscore's Jonny tbh.

          1. MTPockets
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Fair enough then, I sold him for the same reason.

        2. drughi
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          like the gross and batman picks, gtg

      • cuppatea78
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I have two free transfers. Thinking off doing:

        Aguero to Auba
        And
        Fraser to Jota

        Would do you think?

        1. ChelseaB123
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Keep aguero

          1. nico05
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Keep Aguero, he will start Sunday

          2. cuppatea78
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Auba has a good run of fixtures and Aguero has no game next week.

        2. Solanke
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          My exact questions - though rich instead of Fraser for me. Reckon both aub and Jota will start. If not for a hit then should do it for fixtures and potential.

          1. cuppatea78
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Could possibly do Richarlison instead of Fraser. Get my thinking cap on

      • n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Need to ship out these 2 but who are best replacements?

        A. Brooks
        B. Richarlson.

        I have 2 ft. Thought of keeping Richarlson this week has crossed my mind but He has been a huge let down of late.

      • St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I'm probably going to do Ings to Laca for free but still sore from when I had him earlier in the season and all those bench splinters he got. Seems to be more secure now though, yep?

        1. ChelseaB123
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          No brainer

      • ChelseaB123
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Play one:
        A) Holebas (EVE)
        B) AWB (WHU)
        C) Digne (wat)

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          B

      • diesel001
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Nice update to this article! Bold and large font.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Should be in red.

      • nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Is it worth swapping Sane to De Bruyne?

        1. ChelseaB123
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Blank next week, so probably not

      • GuillermoDickero
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yes / No

        Already own Son so would you do.....

        Hazard ---> Mane?

        1. Patron
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Yes

      • Yoshioka
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        These are playing each other. Start one.

        a) Declan Rice (A)
        b) AWB (H)

        1. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          A - could score from set piece and Palace may be without Tomkins who is key to their defence

      • THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Bench order correct lads?

        Hojbjerg AWB Digne

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          other way around imo

        2. Yoshioka
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Looks backwards.

        3. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers both

      • Vlad Tepes
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        I love when they say that Kane might be back for the Burnley game. Why have they not learned from their past mistakes. Why rush it? Let him rest and heal instead of increasing the chance of getting injured again.
        And every time Kane has come back earlier he has been really bad, it is not good for his confidence.

        But I guess who cares now, I will only stick with Son.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Maybe they aren't rushing him back? Maybe he is fine?

          1. Vlad Tepes
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            doubt that, I think it is Kane that wants to come back. Want that Golden Boot badly.

            1. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              If you say so!

        2. JohnnyMagrinho
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Pure conjecture

        3. SMOOTH
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          arsenal training pics dont show auba

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Better off getting better at home.

            1. SMOOTH
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              so he might be out. but after the aguero fiasco its best not to make any conclusion

        4. Son is Rising
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          That Mendy story is incredible 😆

          1. ZeBestee
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            A lie is not incredible.

        5. I Have No Idea What I'…
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I’m seeing Arsenal fans on twitter claiming Aubameyang hasn’t travelled to Huddersfield. Has anyone reliable said this or is it all rumours and guess work?

        6. Gamer18
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Should I make any changes?
          Fabianski
          Robertson Shaw Alonso
          Salah Hazard Richarlison Sane Martial
          Rashford Barnes

          Button Bednarek AWB Kamara
          2 FT
          0.1m ITB..

        7. Giovanni Giorgio
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Evening. What's the latest on TAA?

        8. Malkmus
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Evening all. A little help would be appreciated. 0.1 ITB, 1FT

          Fab (Hamer)
          Doherty - WB - Luiz
          Haz - Sane - Pogba - Salah (c)
          Rash - Jimenez - Firmino

          Subs - Bennet, Danilo, Billings

          A - Sane to Son
          B - Haz to Son, Firmino to Auba (-4)
          C - Save
          D - Other

          Was planning on B until the auba illness news.

          Ta !

          1. T96
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            A and possibly play Bennett instead of Luiz

            1. Malkmus
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Ta

        9. T96
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Best midfield replacement for Hazard in GW27?

          12.5m to spend!

          I own:
          Salah
          Son
          Pogba
          FAnderson

          1. nico05
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Thinking outside the box here but you could downgrade his midfield slot and get Lacazette? Cracking upcoming fixtures

          2. EmreCan Hustle
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Mane

            1. T96
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Plays United...

              1. EmreCan Hustle
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                I'm guessing you are playing a 3-5-2. So I would pick someone in the premium price bracket and then switch to a City mid in GW 28. If you downgrade you'll be tempted to spread the cash elsewhere then later struggle to bring in a premium mid.

                Eriksen maybe or Alli if fit?

                1. T96
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 1 month ago

                  Yes I am. Yes I could get Sterling in in 28, unfortunately I have 3 Pool players already so couldn't get Mane without taking a hit. Also own Son and wouldn't feel comfortable doubling up. Doesn't leave me many options really, don't like doing it but maybe I should go for just a one week punt on someone with good form and a good fixture?

        10. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          My plan is/was;
          1. Aguero to Auba this week.
          2. Get rid of Digne and Richarlison for a hit after GW 26.

          But now, with Auba a slight doubt do I keep Aguero and take a -8 next GW or do I stick with my initial plan?
          A third option is to hold Digne for the blank, which doesn't excite me tbh.

          Thanks.

          1. nico05
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I was going to do the same with Aguero but Im holding on now

            1. EmreCan Hustle
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Will you be left with 3 blank players next GW then(Aguero included)?
              What are your plans with them?

        11. ct mariner
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Current line-up

          Fab
          Robertson Doherty AWB
          Salah (c) Richarlson (or Sane) Pogba Fanderson
          Rashford Firmino Jimmy

          Boruc Sane (or Richy) Bennett Digne
          1 FT and 0.2 IB

          2 disasterous weeks and too much money on bench but tempted to roll-over the 1 FT transfer until next week unless anyone has any inspired thoughts for this week?

        12. Ron_Swanson
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Sorry if it’s been posted already, but this can’t be good for Mendy

          https://mobile.twitter.com/socceram/status/1093920617869520898?s=12

          1. Maddi Son
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Apparently Mendy was joking or something and not actually in Hong Kong.

            1. Hughes the Daddy
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              He is a bit of a card. I remember in the All or Nothing prog one of the medical staff in Barcelona I think it was asking after the 'crazy guy'.

        13. Atimis
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          GTG? 😉
          Any changes between starting XI and bench?

          Fabianski
          Doherty/Shaw/WB
          Salah(c)/Mane/Son/Pogba
          Auba/Rashford/Jimenez

          Hart/Bednarek/Digne/Puncheon

        14. fab
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Got Auba on WC. Stick in the hope he plays, or pivot to someone else? Can't see stand out alternatives though..

          1. NATSTER
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Laca is interesting

        15. boroie
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Was planning on saving my Bench Boost for a DGW but I’m sitting this week with a bench of:

          Guaita (WHU)
          Digne (wat)
          Llorente (LEI)
          Hojbjerg (CAR)

          Is it worth using my BB this week?

        16. Maddi Son
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          It's a shame Schlupp isn't a regular starter. 4 goals in 900 minutes for a 4.4m defender is pretty crazy.

        17. NATSTER
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Umm.. Likely to keep Kun as it still doubtful for Auba.

          So, Sane -> Jota ?

        18. Hughes the Daddy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Stuck in a spin with who to bring in as a mid-priced midfielder. Suggestions really welcome as I'm struggling.

          Jota the obvious choice but it's part of a double transfer bringing in Jimenez and already own Doherty and Bennett so maxed out on Wolves.

          What about Maddison? Form not great but history shows he does best against the weaker teams and nice run incoming for Leicester.

          Also considering Matt Ritchie. Sold P Anderson recently as he annoyed me so much with his inconsistency. Struggling for other ideas. Budget up to 7.6mil.

          Cheers for any help.

          1. MTPockets
              5 years, 1 month ago

              I'd get Maddison

              1. Hughes the Daddy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 1 month ago

                Thanks MT Pockets. Remember why I don't usually bother asking anything on here despite answering more than I ask. Barely ever get a response sadly.

          2. Vlad Tepes
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Bench two players. Currently I am benching C), E). Don't know who should be first sub, afraid TAA will get a cameo. If he was 100% to start I might bench Llorente for him. Thoughts?

            A) Doherty
            B) Llorente
            C) Trent Alexander Arnold
            D) Hazard
            E) AWB