Spot the Differential

Martial could make mockery of £7.5m price tag this year

Wish the summer and your weekend afternoons goodbye, as it’s that time of the year again… Fantasy Premier League is back.

As we hurtle towards the Gameweek 1 deadline, Fantasy Football Scout has all the information, advice and tips you need to help you with your team.

Our best XI for the opening weekend comes out later on Friday but for now, we have something for you mavericks out there.

If you want something slightly different to the crowd, here are three players with low ownership that may be worth considering for Gameweek 1…

Anthony Martial

Martial could do well for Manchester United this year if he gets a run in the team

Price: £7.5m

Ownership: 5.0%

GW1 Opponent: Chelsea (H)

There is no denying that Manchester United did not finished the 2018/19 season on a high. As soon as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was offered the manager’s role on a permanent basis things began to take a turn for the worse as the Red Devils agonisingly missed out on a coveted Champions League spot. 

If there’s one person who could help turn things around with a run in the side, it is Anthony Martial

He averaged an attacking return every 115 minutes in the Premier League last season.

Despite being listed as a midfielder he often plays in advanced positions, such as a centre forward on three occasions during pre-season.

His record of scoring 34 goal in 113 Premier League games is very reasonable, especially when considering his FPL price tag (£7.5m) and position. 

Historically, a combination of injuries, rotation and being subbed off often limited his game time. 

With that said, he is one of United’s most experienced attacking players and, fitness permitting, he should start matches regularly and will be relied upon to perform at his best on a consistent basis. 

Manchester United will be up against a transitional Chelsea team on the opening weekend. 

Interestingly, the last time Martial featured against them he scored a brace in a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s defence has not looked too solid in pre-season and they have just lost David Luiz (£6.0m) to Arsenal.

After last season’s woes, Manchester United will want to get off to a good start and players like Martial will need to make more of a difference with improved motivation.

Kyle Walker-Peters

Kyle Walker-Peters (left) in action for Spurs this summer

Price: £5.0m

Ownership: 3.03%

GW1 Opponent: Aston Villa (H)

Kyle Walker-Peters was far from being one of Tottenham’s firstchoice full-backs last season, but a unique opportunity has presented itself to the youngster.

The departure of Kieran Trippier to La Liga and the injuries to Serge Aurier and Juan Foyth have unexpectedly brought him to the fore. 

Walker-Peters has only featured in nine Premier League games during his entire career and yet averages an assist for every 112 minutes played. 

Moreover, last season, 32% of his touches were in the final third of the pitch. 

Of course, three of Walkers-Peters’ assists came from one game, but it provides an evident glimpse of attacking capabilities.

In fact, you won’t get many other starting £5.0m defenders from last season’s top four, espcially not at wing-back.

The transfer window has now closed and Tottenham’s did not sign any new right-sided defenders. 

Walker-Peters may not be a hugely long-term option and may need transferring/wildcarding out when Foyth or Aurier comes back but we don’t know exactly when that will be yet. 

Tottenham kick start their campaign against newly promoted Aston Villa in Gameweek 1, a favourable fixture.

Walker-Peters has a chance to establish himself in the team and with a few good performances he may prolong his presence as a regular starter.

Ashley Barnes

Burnley’s strike force could enjoy their Gameweek 1 opener against Southampton

Price: £6.5m

Ownership: 0.9%

GW1 Opponent: Southampton

Ashley Barnes was a great differential last season, registering 12 goals and 3 assists. 

This attacking output alone was responsible for 33% of Burnley’s goals, which shows you how important he is to the team. 

There are many other strikers currently priced at £6.5m with similar contributions, such as Josh King, but Barnes has an extra edge. 

For every season that he has played in the Premier League he seems to be progressively scoring more goals:

14/15 Premier League season 5 goals in 35 games
16/17 Premier League season 6 goals in 28 games
17/18 Premier League season 9 goals in 36 games
18/19 Premier League season 12 goals in 37 games

The former Austria Under-20 international’s performance trajectory clearly shows that he is getting better at the top-flight level.

He is at the peak of his powers and there isn’t anything stopping him, even if they’ve signed Jay Rodriguez as an additional forward to add to the mix. 

Sure, Barnes won’t end the season with 20+ goals, but would it be hard to reject him for your third budget striker spot when he could exceed last season’s points tally? 

Burnley start the season with Southampton at Turf Moor. Barnes has scored two league goals in his last two starts against the Saints and he should be more than capable of causing havoc to their backline once again.

MORE TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS CONTENT

Arsenal | Aston Villa (manager) | Aston Villa (defence) | Aston Villa (attack) | Bournemouth | Brighton | Burnley | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Leicester | Liverpool | Man City | Man United | Newcastle | Norwich (manager) | Norwich (defence) | Norwich (attack) | Sheffield United (manager) | Sheffield United (defence) | Sheffield United (attack) | Southampton | Spurs | Watford | West Ham | Wolves

3,661 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I'm starting with Rashford and have Greenwood as my non-playing forward. Would need to see a better attitude and returns from Martial before considering him anyways.

    1. Yip Jaap Stam
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Agree. He always seems so crestfallen and lacking in confidence.

  2. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope
    VVD - TAA - Digne - 4.5 def

    Salah - Perez - Sterling - Trossard

    King - Kane

    4.0 def - 4.5 mid - 4.5 forward

  3. TOBY1
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who scored more - 6.5m forward or defender?

    1. Bonus magnet
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      forward

    2. Leeds2116
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Def

  4. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    bernardo Silva naildness?

    1. skeptical
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Probably first name on the teamsheet at the moment.

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

      Higher now Sane is out.

  5. Supersonic
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Lads thoughts please

    Ryan
    Robbo-taa-kwp
    Salah-siggy-maddison-b silva
    King-wood-Kane

    (Button-Montoya-lundstrom-dendonocker)

    Cheers

  6. flipthebuzzard
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Stick with VVD
    Or squeeze an extra 0.5 out for Robbo/TAA

    Worth it or not ??

  7. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is there a Marco Silva presser today? I want to know if Kean is going to start! Same with Lampard and Barkley.

    1. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      barkley is nailed on to start vs utd

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Are we sure on that? Mason Mount can easily start. He started the last friendly with what looked like Chelsea's first choice team.

    2. Evil Genius
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lampard won't start.

    3. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      was this morning, nothing of note was said

  8. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Heaton
    Vvd taa kwp digne
    Salah-c kdb teilemans wilson
    Kane-vc rashford

    Button greenwood dendonker lundstrum

    Gtg?
    Xx

  9. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pep:

    "Cancelo is not going to play. He arrived two days ago but he’s going to settle well, having played at an important team in Juventus. You are used to that mentality. Rodri, every day I’m more convinced that the deal we have done with him will be one of the best we have done in years."

  10. Wolfman180
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is Laporte fit to play?

    If so, which is the better option?
    A) Zinchenko + Coleman
    B) Laporte + 4.5 def (Taylor possibly)

    1. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Manchester Evening nows now:

      "Mahrez and Laporte clear to play

      Riyad Mahrez is free to play after that medical issue ruled him out last week, and Aymeric Laporte has overcome a knock."

      1. Wolfman180
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks, I did hear he was cleared fit but didn't know the source.

        Do I put him back in team or keep Zinchenko? :/

        1. sirmorbach
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Laporte myself.

          Pep just now about Cancelo: "Cancelo can play on the left as well so it’s good for the team."

          Zinc could be rotated a lot.

  11. Golden Delicious
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Can't make my mind up on the following:

    A) Moura, Fraser, Rashford, Wilson

    or

    B) Martial, Kane, Perez, King

    1. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Smakies
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      a)

    3. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      both good, i'll go with B for the penalty takers

      maybe B with Fraser instead of Martial? I am not sure on him yet, he's so 50/50

    4. Golden Delicious
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Cheers, I was swaying towards B so I'm sticking with that.

  12. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on Leno?

    1. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe one for the WC if Arsenal new look defence is decent

    2. Evil Genius
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      That's just it, he doesn't think.

    3. The Mantis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wouldn't even consider him tbh

  13. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    "Kyle came and gave us something we didn’t have. Without him, it would have been so difficult. His physicality is beyond normal but we need competition. For Kyle, it is important to have good competition. What he had with Danilo, and with Cancelo it will happen again. Both have to fight for the position, Cancelo can play on the left as well so it’s good for the team. The guy who is more confident has more chances to play but Kyle knows everything about the way we want to play. Kyle right now is the first one."

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'm selling Zinch. Don't want to wait to be surprised

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

      What a teaser Pep is

  14. The Wanton Trader
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    This is me!

    Pope
    Coleman / VVD / Montoya
    Salah / Sterling / Martial / Perez
    King / Kane / Wesley

    McGovern / Dendonk / Guilbert / Rico

    See you on the other side... 🙂

  15. A19
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Boring one, but who to start as my 11th player:

    A) Montoya (wat) 442
    B) McGinn (tot) 352

    Montoya has the better fixtures but I can see Watford scoring. McGinn has a tough game but are Spurs really solid at the back?

    1. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

      1. A19
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks! That's what I'm on atm

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

      b

  16. Evil Genius
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Does King offer any real attacking potential?

    Or is he literally he poor mans Wilson just to get some BOU cover?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lol

      1. Evil Genius
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        You know the answer, don't you?

  17. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Manchester Evening News:

    "Mahrez and Laporte clear to play

    Riyad Mahrez is free to play after that medical issue ruled him out last week, and Aymeric Laporte has overcome a knock."

  18. steven8991
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    1.Robertson and
    A. Alonso
    B. VVD

    2. Which combo for GW1
    A. Moura + Trossard + 0.5ITB
    B. Moura + Perez
    C. Siggy + Trossard

    1. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      1.B 2.B

  19. Gassemannen
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    which combo to go for?

    A: Sterling + Ryan (Greenwood)
    or
    B: Kane + Pickford (Dendoncker)

    1. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  20. Sonder
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who do you guys prefer in both comparisons? I'm debating if it's worth downgrading Wilson and Digne/Robertson/TAA to get KDB.

    Comparison 1:
    A. King, KDB, and Coleman
    B. Wilson, Fraser, and Digne

    Comparison 2:
    A. King, KDB, and VVD
    B. Wilson, Fraser, and Robertson (or TAA)

    Thanks!

  21. Leeds2116
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    B Silva good pick?

  22. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Digne and Sigurdsson too much Everton?

  23. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Moise Kean to start?

    1. tikka mo'salah
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Unlikely, it seems. Had him for a while, but rather not risk it and assess during the next weeks.

    2. Semaj1990
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Worth a go with those fixtures.

    3. Evasivo
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Best use of £14.5mil in Midfield?

      I'm on Mili and Moura

    4. Clueless_91
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A 4 5 1.
      Ederson Button
      Robertson KWP VVD Montoya Rico
      Bilva Salah Sterling Martial Moura
      King Greenwood Wickham

      Or

      A 4 4 2.
      Ederson Button
      Robertson KWP VVD Montoya Rico
      Dendoncker Salah Sterling Martial Moura
      Wilson Jota Greenwood

      1. Dannyb
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        B all day long

      2. kitier katba
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        second option

    5. onetowatch
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      all which combination is better:

      a) deeney, cahill, lundstrom (cahill is first sub, lundstrom second)
      b) wickham, zinchenko, zouma (zouma is first sub and wickham second)

    6. Dain Bramage
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Robertson Taa De Bruyne BSilva
      Or
      Laport Digne Perez Sala

      Have Stirling already

      Cheers

    7. SOTHPAW
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Is Wilson worth the extra 1.5m over King, thinking of going King to improve midfield.

      1. MTPockets
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I don't think so

      2. Ian Davis
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        AWB or Gomez?

        1. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Gomez is not nailed

      3. LanMi
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Deulofeu + King or King + Wilson

        1. Saka Punch
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          You mean Deulo and Wilson vs King and Wilson? If so personally have gone with the latter