Spot the Differential

Pépé’s positioning could finally unlock Fantasy potential

In a season characterised by highly-owned premium assets disappointing their owners, differentials continue to grow in importance.

In fact, Sadio Mané (£11.7m) was the only player priced over £9.5m to feature among the top 50 points-scorers in Gameweek 8.

This just goes to show that there is still plenty of success available to those prepared to move away from the tried and test options.

Even the popular choices can have off days and you can’t always over-rely on them, especially if they all choose to blank at once. 

So with an international break’s worth of time behind us, it’s time to reset and re-appreciate some differential options for Gameweek 9…

Nicolas Pépé

Nicolas Pépé has been receiving the ball in dangerous positions at Arsenal

Price: £9.3m

Ownership: 3.5%

GW9 Opponent: Sheffield United (away)

It’s probably a hard-sell to champion a player that is priced over £9.0m and has only two attacking returns since Gameweek 4 but I feel that more is still to come from Nicolas Pépé (£9.3m). 

After all, he registered 22 goals and 11 assists in Ligue 1 last season. 

While it is unlikely he will replicate those numbers in his debut Premier League campaign, Pépé has the quality to excel in this attacking Arsenal team so long as he can continue to adapt to life in English football.

So far this season, he has received more passes in the final third (97) than both Mason Mount (81) and James Maddison (79). With a bit of refinement that presence in the most important part of the pitch could be converted into goals or assists.

From a Fantasy perspective, the main concern about Unai Emery’s Arsenal is the inevitable rotation and minute-management caused by the club’s Europa League commitments.

Pépé may have started every league game for Arsenal since Gameweek 3, however, he hasn’t played a full match since Gameweek 6. To complicate matters, Alexandre Lacazette is nearing a return to full fitness which could also have an impact on his minutes in the long term. 

With that said, an opportunity presents itself for him to put in a match-winning performance in Gameweek 9 when the Europa League has had a break and Lacazette might not be risked from the start.

Arsenal have only lost once to Sheffield United in a league match since 1973 while the Blades have only kept one clean sheet at home this season.

Given Arsenal’s attacking play, it could prove difficult for Chris Wilder’s men to keep them out on Monday night.

Wesley Moraes

Wesley is starting to settle into Premier League life very nicely

Price: £6.1m

Ownership: 2.8%

GW9 Opponent: Brighton (home)

Any striker that has scored three goals in as many games can be considered is worth considering for any FPL manager.

After only registering one goal in his first five games, Wesley (£6.1m) is coming to the fore as he continues to settle into life at Aston Villa.

The former Club Brugge forward’s five attacking returns mean he has been involved in almost 40% of his team’s Premier League goals in 2019/20.

Without any other strikers to rival him in the team, it’s relatively safe to say that Wesley free from the risk of rotation. 

With the likes of Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Anwar El Ghazi providing ample support you would expect him to be a threat to opposition teams. 

Up next for Aston Villa will be Brighton who have improved defensively having kept two clean sheets since Gameweek 6. 

However, the Seagulls have at times shown defensive frailty away from home as seen with the Etihad and Stamford Bridge this season, which bodes well for Wesley.

Neal Maupay

Maupay is becoming the established number one centre-forward at Brighton

Price: £6.0m

Ownership: 0.6%

GW9 Opponent: Aston Villa (A)

If it wasn’t enough to have one differential striker from a mid-table team to ponder over, here’s another one featuring in the same match. 

Neal Maupay (£6.0m) started his Premier League debut campaign with a bang after he came off the bench and scored a goal in Gameweek 1. 

Ever since then his minutes on the pitch have become more regular and he’s gradually becoming one of Brighton’s more reliable attacking assets under Graham Potter. 

It’s probably unfair to over analyse his stats from one isolated match, however in Gameweek 8 (among all strikers), he had the most number of touches in the opposition half (44) and the joint-second number of touches in the final third (30). 

All of this hard work proved fruitful as he scored a goal against Tottenham in a resounding win at the Amex.

However, despite his pedigree of scoring over twenty goals in the Championship last season, he has yet to even score back-to-back goals in the Premier League. 

The lack of consistency at present puts a small question mark over him but it certainly doesn’t make him prone to being dropped. 

To put it simply, I can’t see Glenn Murray challenging him any time soon for his berth up top. 

Looking ahead to this weekend, Aston Villa have conceded six goals in their last two games and if there was a moment for Maupay to start the wheels of his future bandwagon this could be it. 

984 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LM00091
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this line-up?

    (3-4-3)
    Ryan / (Button)
    TAA, Periera, Tomori (Kelly, Lund)
    McGinn, KDB, Salah, Mount (Cantwell)
    Aguero, C.Wilson(v), Abraham (c)

    1. InterUranus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I have:
      Ryan (Heaton)
      TAA, Soyuncu, Tomori (Montoya, Lundstram)
      KDB, Mount, Mane, McGinn, (Cantwell)
      Aubameyang, Vardy, Abraham (c)

      So go for it.

      1. LM00091
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        lol not a bad line-up! Good luck in GW9 mate

        1. InterUranus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Haha i'm jealous of the Salah/Aguero/Wilson combo not gunna lie.

  2. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Chances KDB rises before deadline?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Double rise tonight knowing FPL.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Would be great, casual sellers punished

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Who on earth has been transferring KDB out this week?!

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Wilcarders

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Approximately -0%

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Going to be a mad rush to get him in.

    5. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      169,000 out and 112,000 in so I would say no price rise tonight............Pep didn't sound exactly positive but who knows with Pep.....

  3. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    On wildcard...

    A) Son (WAT)
    B) KDB (cry) + 1FT

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Sailboats
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      B.

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

      B x infinity

    4. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      B ofc

  4. In Bale We Trust
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed.

    Best 5m defender available you reckon? Soyboy maybe?

    Also any chelsea fans want to shed some light on tomori? Seen christensen is out, presumeably him and rudiger are first choice when back?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Rather go Boly. Higher points ceiling.

      1. In Bale We Trust
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        He was also on my mind. Initially wanted jonny but then saw they priced him at 5.5 this season!

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Soy has 0 attacking threat and Leicester dont do cleans. Don't see the appeal

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        They are top of the defence fixture ticker

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Now look at where man city is at the attacking ticker

      2. In Bale We Trust
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Unbelievable fixtures means there's a hope they'll squeeze out a few. I'm not too keen on him either which is why I'm asking.

    3. InterUranus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I think the faith Lampard is showing in young English players means we can expect Tomori to continue to feature unless there's any sudden dip in form.

  5. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Start 1

    A Rico (NOR)- on corners so assist potential

    B Cantwell ( bou) assisting Pukki

    1. Lexi2014
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Cantwell for me

  6. Lexi2014
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Best Digne replacement?

    1. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Im wondering Tomori og Söy? Söy maybe more nailed?

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Down to Boly

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        or Abbey

        1. Fpl Richie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Thinly veiled tory propaganda?

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I'd probably keep for now

    4. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      TAA

    5. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Keep this week but I think Tierney could be great option going forward

  7. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Ugh all this talk about Son not starting is really starting to grind. I’m sure he starts but now the doubt creeps in when so many think not.
    We just aren’t going to know until it happens are we.
    If I knew he was out I would do Son>Alli, (yes no joke)

    1. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Is Alli back?

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Played 70 mins in that Bayern game so yes he is fit ready to go and had no internationals, Eriksen and son both doubts.

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Just to clarify I wouldn’t recommend any one get Alli because it’s just a crazy move, but I myself may do it.

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Great game to give Moura a start, the talk of Son being benched is warranted

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Don't worry about it. He either starts or he doesn't but you can't sell Son before such a good fixture. He can get a return even if he doesn't start and if he doesn't play at all you have a bench.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Yea true I said this to myself last night

  8. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Son to Mount this gw or next?

    1. Lexi2014
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      This week

  9. Sc007
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is son to kdb worth a -4?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No brainer

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Nope. Do it next week for free.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        But next week is the one he's likely to play. It's just pure nonsense to wait. If you want to keep of course keep. But if the plan is to sell anyway there's no point waiting

  10. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Lundstram
    B) Rico
    C) Cresswell

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      New FFS rule....never bench Lundy

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Lundstram when it’s that close.

      Think it’ll be painfully viewing for benchers on Monday night.

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      B

  11. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Can see everyone wanting Martial in a few weeks. Should return this weekend

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I've already added him to my watchlist. If he gets minutes this weekend I'll be very tempted to get him in for the Norwich game.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Mark one step ahead of the game again...

      1. Rash
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Has mark kept hold all this time? Would love to know the reasoning behind that.

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Madness.

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Maddison to Martial rage transfers look likely

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        😆 not selling Maddison after a double digit

    4. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Staying well clear of United forwards until they get a new mamager.

    5. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Surely he must be down to like 7.2 now given how long he's been out. Great price!

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        You will be disappointed

  12. I Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    It's fine to prioritise Wilson over De Bruyne this week isn't it? Won't stop me from getting Kev next week.

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Indeed

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Prioritise KDB over Wilson any day, but don’t even know the KDB situation yet.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        So why would I prioritise someone who we don't know the situation about over someone who could be the best captain this week?

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Well now that i am certain he would start from the comments, i’d say KDB is the far more important one to bring in over troll Wilson.

          1. I Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            I just don't see him outscoring Wilson this week. Palace capable of frustrating, Norwich have the worst defence in the league.

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 5 months ago

              Just really concerning how Bou weren’t even able to knock one past Arsenal, i’ve just never had good experiences with Wilson, i personally will never be bringing him into my team so may be bias, but could see Norwich pulling off a good game.

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

    Start:

    A) Aurier (wat H)

    or?

    B) McGinn (bha H)

    1. InterUranus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      B - Spurs are all over the place

  14. Karhumies
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Play Cantwell or Saka?

  15. Monya Meow Meow
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Please choose:

    1) TAA, Boly, McGinn/CHO
    2) Robbo, Guilbert, Maddison

    Thanks!

  16. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    How nailed is Rico, Could Adam Smith play LB when he's back or do we think Rico is "safe" until Charlie Daniels is back ?

    Thanks guys.

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I am doing Rico to Robbo after the deadline.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      He'll eventually lose his spot imo

  17. Willllsonnn!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    RMWCT please as I thought I was settled but basically ripped it up today and now doing my head in.

    Pope
    TAA / Boly / Fredericks / Lund / Rico
    Mane / KDB / Maddison / Mount / Cantwell
    Kun / Tammy / Wilson

  18. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Newcastle, Brighton or Rico for the final defensive spot?
    Particularly interested in finding out who's the go to options for the former. No clue on nailedness etc.

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Newcastle interests me

  19. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Firmino and son out

    Aubs and mount in?

  20. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Last couple pages i’m hearing KDB is a doubt, and then KDB must be brought in and plays.

    Which is it? Is he fit and ready to play? What’s Pep said?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      "Kevin is back"

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Is that all he said? How are people taking away from that he doesn’t start then?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Pretty much

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Ok sorted thanks, looks a likely starter then i reckon.

        2. Sailboats
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          He trained with Man City this week

    2. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Said he is back

  21. Monkey Hanger
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    FPL about to hit seven million accounts in the next week or two. Who apart from Mark 🙂 could have envisaged that. Just how big can this phenomenon become?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      People love to be disappointed so it’ll keep growing in numbers 🙂

  22. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    To WC or not to WC? That is the question (changes in CAPS)

    Current Team
    Ryan /Button
    TAA / Otamendi / Digne / Lundstram / Rico
    Salah / Sterling / Maddison / Mount / Dendocker
    Pukki /Abraham / Haller
    (0.2 ITB, No FT)

    WC Team
    Ryan / McGovern
    TAA / SOY / DUNK / Lundstrom / Rico
    MANE / KDB / Maddison / Mount / Cantwell
    AUBA / Abraham / WILSON
    (0.4 ITB)

  23. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Vardy and Pukki party incoming...

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Oh yes, gonna be a rave

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Pope to deny party?

  24. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Good to go? Still got 1ft and 0.1itb.

    Pope
    TAA Otamendi Soyuncu
    Salah Sterling (c) KDB Mount Tielemans
    Abraham Jimenez

    4.0; Guilbert, Lundstram, Greenwood

  25. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    What to do with this?

    Pope (Button)
    Tomori VvD Rico (Lundy Hanley)
    Salah Sterling Yarmolenko Mount (Dendo)
    Pukki Kun Tammy
    0,8m in bank and 1FT

    A. Save transfer and focus on getting KdB in for gw 10
    B. KdB in for Salah
    C. Pukki to Jimenez
    D. Something else

    Thanks

  26. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on my WC team? (0.0ib)

    Pope (McGovern)
    Trent Tomori Söyüncü (Rico) (Kelly)
    Sterling Mané KDB Maddison Mount
    Wilson Abraham (Connolly)

  27. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    How would you have this team line up (currently benching Norwich away)?
    And who would you captain (currently on Abe)?

    Gunn
    TAA | Digne | Rose, Aurier (WAT)
    Sterling (cpl) | CHO (NEW) | Son (WAT)
    Abraham (NEW) | Auba (shu) | Haller (eve)

    Button | Buendia, Cantwell (bou), Rico (NOR)

    Does Son need a benching?

  28. Thomas Shelby from Birmingh…
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Keep or sell Son ? Is he worth 9.8m ?

  29. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Tempted by a cheeky Jimenez captain

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      But you won’t...

  30. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    A) Kane (WAT) and then FT Aguero (AVL, SOT)
    B) Start with Aguero (cpa) and be able to save the FT next week

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      A