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. Crystal Ball
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Appreciate some help, cheers guys

    1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      ?

  2. BadgersBoys
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thats it! Going template, turning it off and hitting the pub. Good luck!

    Ryan
    Robbo, AWB, TAA, Digne
    Salah, Sterling, Fraser, Perez
    Wilson, Deulofeu

    Button, Greenwood, Kelly, Dendonker

    1. F0oTBall GuRu
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      gtg good luck

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

    I think Liverpoo will concede tonight

    1. H-SF
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      So do I

  4. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is Trossard worth it?

  5. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is Zouma nailed?

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

      Definitely until Rudiger is back from injury at least. Would expect Christiansen and Zouma as the CB pairing to start with. Only other CB is Tomori really.

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

    Liverpool vs Norwich score prediction?

    1. BadgersBoys
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      3-1

  7. LAMB TEA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What is the template now? i have no draft yet help 🙂

    1. H-SF
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      just captain Salah and you’ll probably do fine

  8. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A. AWB & Wilson

    B. Jota & King

  9. L9
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    bilva/sigy/martial/moourchose 2.
    currently on marial+bilva.
    i reckon bilva playing as a left attacking mid and not deep like last season (due to sane inj)
    also martial will likely start up front
    i like siggy too but everton has not scored many goal in preseason

  10. The Man With The Plan
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    G2G?

    VVD AWB Digne Dunk

    Salah Sterling Perez Fraser

    Kane Jota

    Button Greenwood Denocker Kelly

    Any changes to Perez/Fraser you could make upgrade any of the defenders?

    1. The Man With The Plan
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pope in goal

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

        Fraser to Robinson and stick Alisson and Walker/Zinchenko. Or Perez to Robinson and upgrade Dunk to Zinchenko.

  11. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Wilson or King?

    Whichever I pick will fail 🙁

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pick King then please

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

      go king then

      1. Invincibles
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        whichever I pick will fail and Im 1005 on Wilson

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

      If money no object has to be Wilson. But if funds are right King is a good alternative

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Cash is always a part of this

    4. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I will probably pick both so doesn't matter

    5. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Can you pick Wilson then?

    6. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wilson probably the better choice but for 1.5 less King is a very tidy option

  12. Crystal Ball
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Appreciate some help, cheers guys

    A) sterling, Barkley, van Dijk
    B) de bruyne, bilva, Robertson

    1. Botman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  13. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A. Barkley and fodder defender (343)
    B. Zinchenko and 4.5 mid (433)
    C. 4.5 defender and Robinson (343/442)

  14. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    So Which do you prefer:

    A) Zinchenko (City) or
    B)Robinson (Sheffield Utd)

    Yes, I know they play different positions.

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

      I'm playing both

  15. tyron
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    holebas
    or two 4.5s if so who

    1. Invincibles
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Holebas the player of the gw HEARD IT HEAR FIRST

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

        lol ok

  16. A Team Of James McCleans
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Will Rico start GW1?

  17. thomashl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is this bangers or mash? RMT

    Heaton
    Robbo KWP Digne VvD
    Salah(c) Sterling Trossard Perez
    Vardy Wilson

    (Button - Greenwood Dend Lundstram) 0itb

  18. Sponge-worthy
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Zouma or KWP?

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

      I'm starting with KWP. Chelsea's two first fixs aren't super easy, plus then I can wait n see who the first choice defensively is while cashing in on Spurs (at least) one clean sheet.

  19. Bloodsweatandbeers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is it really risky to rely on no price rises to stop SIGG+WILSON turning into KDB+JOTA after gw 2????????????????

  20. Polar_Bear
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Robinson or Barkley?

    1. ameenkw
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Barks

  21. ameenkw
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Can you rmt this lot?
    Ryan
    Zinchenko / vvd / taa / digne
    Salah / sterling / bilva / Perez
    Wilson / king
    Button / Rico / dedoncker / greenwood

    1. KLOPPTOMANIA
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      not too far from my below - good to see another Bilva.

  22. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    My RMT:

    0.5 in bank for flex

    Pope
    Digne Zinch VVD
    Salsah Sterling Bilva Robbo
    King Vardy Jota
    (Ddoncker Lundstram Kelly)

  23. The Man With The Plan
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    G2G?

    Pope
    VVD AWB Digne Dunk
    Salah Sterling Perez Fraser
    Kane Jota

    Button Greenwood Denocker Kelly

    Any changes to Perez/Fraser you could make upgrade any of the defenders?

  24. TVG
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Reposting since I badly need assistance.
    Hey guys pls do help me with my team below. Thanks in advance.

    Team 1:
    Heaton, Ryan
    AWB, Zinchenko,Coleman, Lund, Targett
    Perez, zaha, salah, sterling,Den
    Kane, King, Ings

    Team 2:
    Heaton, Ryan
    AWB, VVD,Dinge, Lund, Targett
    Fraser, zaha, salah, sterling,Den
    Wilson, King, Ings

    0.5 in Bank.

  25. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts? If Rico doesn't play I will just play 3-4-3
    Would of like to get VVD in for Dunk but really don't want to get rid of Salah, Sterling or Kane

    Pope
    Ake /Robbo / Rico / Dunk
    Salah / Sterling / Perez
    Jota / Kane / Wilson

    Bench: Heaton, McGinn, Dendonker, Lund

  26. JasonG123
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Why is everyone going Montoya over Dunk? Different role this season?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      wing back, 3-4-3

      1. JasonG123
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Did he not play as a wing back last season?

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          He was competing with Bruno plus I think they played 4 at the back

  27. Henning
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    1 or 2

    1. Pope

    Robertsson VVD Digne

    Salah Sterling Fraser Perez

    Jota King ings

    Heaton KWP Montoya Dendoncker

    2. Pope

    Robertsson VVD Digne KWP

    Salah Sterling Fraser Perez

    Jota Wilson

    Heaton Montoya Dendoncker Greenwood

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      King and Ings over Wilson and Greenwood

  28. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Robinson or McGinn?

  29. lumzy
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Think you have what it takes to top a league then join mine for a chance to share a #fpl prize pot of £100! League code: rhgh89
    T&C Kindly follow us on twitter @fpl_rocks and RT