Spot the Differential

Old FPL favourites Mendy and Alonso are back on the differential radar

It’s fair to say that the last round in Fantasy Premier League was far from being a classic, with a paltry average score of 37.

That’s not surprising, especially when considering that 12 of the top 13 FPL point-scorers in Gameweek 9 had modest ownership levels of 5% or less.

In fact, the highest-scoring player with an ownership of 20% or more was Lucas Digne (£6.0m), who ironically was sold en masse in previous weeks.

Defying the so-called template, those plucky differentials have continued to break the mould once again. Can they continue to perform? Here are three low-owned players that are worth a think for Gameweek 10.

Marcos Alonso

  • Price: £6.2m
  • Ownership: 3.7%
  • GW10 fixture: Burnley (a)

For many Fantasy managers, a defender that has scored 15 Premier League goals and registered 15 assists over the past three seasons would be an automatic must-have.

However, in the case of Marcos Alonso, he seemed to have lost his way at the latter stages of Maurizio Sarri’s reign. It wasn’t until Gameweek 5 of this season that he once again appeared in the reckoning for Chelsea, hence his single-digit ownership and price fall. He seems to have now come full circle, when he scored during a clean-sheet win again Newcastle United last Saturday, which served as a reminder of his attacking capabilities

Among all defenders in Gameweek 9, Alonso had the most touches in the opponents’ half (69) and the joint-second most passes received in the final third (27).

Of course, we need to factor in that Chelsea’s last league opponents are hardly known for their defensive fortitude and in some ways, it may be unfair to look at those stats in isolation.

However, under Frank Lampard’s attacking style of play, it seems that there may be more opportunities for Alonso to venture forward, which brings the best out in him from a Fantasy perspective. Chelsea have scored a staggering 12 goals in their last three away games and it wouldn’t be a complete shock if Alonso picks up another attacking Fantasy return this weekend.

Youri Tielemans

  • Price: £6.4m
  • Ownership: 4.7%
  • GW10 fixture: Southampton (a)

Since the second half of last season, Leicester have been undergoing somewhat of a footballing renaissance. It’s clear to see that Brendan Rodgers has recalibrated them as a radically new unit that can once again compete against the very best.

Youri Tielemans is one of the flair players that has changed their course of direction, as seen with him registering eight Fantasy returns between February and May of this year. Such consistency was expected of him almost immediately this season but in some ways, he has been overshadowed by James Maddison (£7.2m). In addition, four of Leicester’s first eight games included teams that finished in the top five, which may have hampered their attacking flow despite still being able to pick up some positive results.

Tielemans has yet to register back-to-back Fantasy returns this season, which is a minor concern. But the possibility of him delivering more has increased with Leicester’s generous upcoming fixture run.

The fact that he has started every league game since August shows the regard that Rodgers has of him. Leicester’s next match is up against Southampton, who have the worst home record in the Premier League during this campaign. This can act as a good platform for the Foxes to continue their momentum and for Tielemans to add to his Fantasy points tally.

Benjamin Mendy

  • Price: £5.9m
  • Ownership: 0.6%
  • GW10 fixture: Aston Villa (h)

On paper, it seems surreal to think that there is a World Cup-winning left-back for the reigning champions of England with an ownership of less than 1%. But on closer inspection, it’s easy to see why.

Benjamin Mendy is an enigma. He’s managed to win two league titles at a canter since joining Manchester City and yet has only featured in 18 league games to date. Injury has hampered his time on the pitch but when he does play, his value is clear to see: he averaged 5.9 points per game last season from ten matches.

It was good to see Mendy play a full match last weekend and with a clean bill of health, this could be the beginning of many starts to come. His Premier League assists-to-game ratio (39%) can’t be ignored, but of course, this is skewed due to his limited number of appearances since 2017.

During his absence, Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.4m) has proven to be a capable replacement and Mendy could be at the risk of ‘Pep Roulette’ during important Champions’ League games and the festive fixture run. For now, at least, he has become viable again and we should make the most of him while he remains a differential.

1,545 Comments Post a Comment
  1. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    return of the RAM!

  2. Alberto Tomba
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Man U top of the fixture ticker
    Not one of their players is on the watchlist
    None over 20% ownership

    Who are the Man United assets to watch out for as differentials?

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

      None

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

      Have no interest yet. Give em a couple of weeks.

      1. Alberto Tomba
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        No chance of goals or cleanies accumulating against nor and bou in the next two?

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

          Possibly but just look at their results recently, they're a joke.

    3. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Lingard, i know he's a young raw talent, but that kid has bags of potential. If Ole can unlock half of his capability he will be a world beater

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

        Could be Utd's Sterling. But a loooonggg way to go for that to happen.

        1. KingOllie
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Hes got time on his side anyway, one for the future

          1. CARROW ROAD
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            Championship player

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        He 26. That isn't young for a footballer.

        1. Flaming Flamingo
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          It's a meme

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Martial IMO
      But just one shot on target from the entire MUN against Partizan Belgrade is just shocking

      1. Alberto Tomba
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        The promise before he was injured was fantastic eh, as you say if he can pass the eye test and get some attacking returns, perhaps the bandwagon will gain momentum quickly.

  3. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Would you WC this team?

    Pope/4.0
    TAA, Robbo, Tomori, Montoya, Rico
    Sterling, Mahrez, Salah, Mount, Cantwell
    Pukki, Abraham, Greenwood

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah I would change 5/6 so probably.

    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Depends what your thinking in terms of replacements man.

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Would probs get KDB, Aguero, Hudson Odoi, maybe even Martial. Different cheapie defenders

    3. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      yes

  4. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    A. Kane > Vardy (C)
    B. Kane + Kelly + Mount (-8) > Connoly + Sterling (C) + Mendy, playing Mendy benching Connoly

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

      A

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

    1 FT, 0,6 itb my question is
    1. what to do with Yarmolenko?
    2. Do i need def changes (Ota for example)
    ?
    Pope Button
    TAA Otamendi Tomori Williems Lundstram
    Mane KDB Yarmolenko Mount Dendocker
    Aguero Abraham Willson

  6. FPLMarc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Salah, Sterling, Mount, Cantwell
    Aguero, Wilson, Abraham

    One slight problem - how would you get KDB back into this? For Salah? Not sure I dare go a week without him...

    1FT, 0.3m

    1. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      id drop aguero

    2. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Currently debating Sterling to KDB..

      1. JoeSoap
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Contemplating this myself, hard to call though on the plus side can upgrade Pukki to Vardy.

    3. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I'm debating going Salah to KDB.
      But I have WC saved for next month...

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

    I think this gameweek or the next one is the perfect time to play your triple captain if you want to spend that chip on City asset. I'm tripling Sterling after that monster performance against Atalanta in midweek. What do you think?

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

      Tempting but no thank you.

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

      I can see Sterling being rested, so not the best choice imo.

  8. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    @LynchStandard

    Trent Alexander-Arnold set to return against Tottenham, #LFC to "wait and see" on Joel Matip. Andy Robertson taken off against Genk just to give him a small rest.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Klopp: "Trent looks fine, if there is no setback. If it as it was yesterday, he should be fine."

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Great work, cheers mate. Hope all's well with you

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          And you my man

    2. CARROW ROAD
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      People still have TAA and Robertson in their teams?

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

    Pope
    Mina* Zinch* Kelly* Alderweireld Lund
    Sterling Mahrez CHO Mount Cantwell
    Auba Abraham Wilson

    Considering the state of my back line, should I do:
    A: Zinch to Mendy
    B: Above and Mahrez to KDB for a hit.

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

      I think a hit will be worth it in your case. I’d see it as a strong two week move for those City home games

  10. the Penman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Big at the back rides again!

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Get ready for the... ‘5-4-1s the way to go’ posts... 😆

  11. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Any thoughts on these, 1ft and 3.2m in the bank

    Pope button
    Otamendi Söyüncü Tomori Lundstram rico
    Salah kdb Mcginn Cantwell mount
    Aguero Abraham Pukki

    A Cantwell to martial/Maddison
    B Pukki to Vardy
    C Mcginn otamendi to dsilva robbo (-4)
    D save

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

      B

    2. Alberto Tomba
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      B looks a considered move. Top striker at a top side with Vs, in for a striker at a much lower team reforming from injuries..

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers guys

  12. RealSocialDads
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Done Salah to KDB

    Brave or stupid?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Neither.

    2. Lestat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I am doing the same. So i now have KDB, Sterling and Aguero.

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Wow, that is tasty. Rest of team?

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

          Ryan
          TAA, Tomori,Lundstrum
          KDB, Sterling, Cantwell, Mount
          Aguero, Pukki, Abraham

          Subs: Button, Lowton, Hanley, Hayden
          I have enough in the bank to do Pukki to Firmino for a hit, worth it??

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

      Considering the same

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

      Have done the same..no feelings..

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Good move
      KDB will outscore Salah this season and is massively cheaper
      No brainer

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

        Cheers for the replies guys, special thanks to ay ay yippy sun jihai

      2. FPL_Hazards
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        no he wont that's a terrible statement

    6. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely not stupid

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

    Why are so many choosing Sterling as captain, when it looks likely he will be rested, given B Silva and D Silva were rested midweek and Mahrez was rested last weekend?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      You can’t say it’s likely pep will do anything. I have Aguero captain but fully prepared that there’s a chance he’s benched

    2. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      That's not how it works

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

        how does it work?

        1. Flaming Flamingo
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          He plays whichever team he feels is best at the time. Sometimes that follows the logic you suggest and sometimes it doesn't.

    3. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      If he is rested then no issues will most likely to stay on the bench,so pick your vc wise if you cap sterling I am on kdb vc

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

      Maybe the fact he scored a hat trick and after the game Pep lauded him saying doesn't need rest or something....

  14. lespaul
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    I know it can be therapeutic but I don't think being on the grass will speed up Brooks' recovery!

  15. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Can the FFS experts advise how to insert faces and on the codes. Nailed ➡ That’s it ..lol

  16. josepe
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    FOMOing withough KDB. Thoughts on following?

    A) Save FT
    B) Wilson -> Ings & Mount -> KDB
    C) Wilson -> Connolly & James -> KDB

    Pope
    Tomori Dunk Rico
    Sterling Salah Mount James
    Aguero Abraham Wilson

    Heaton Cantwell Lundstram Soyuncu

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

      C looks good

  17. Snevitz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    I've had a disastrous start to the season with a rank over 2m mainly due to Salah and Sterling not living up to their price tags.
    I do expect them to start performing soon though.

    My first proper dilemma of the season is that I have 2 transfers and no idea what to change.
    I'm thinking of burning my transfer this week, any suggestions on how I should use it?

    Pope
    TAA, Tomori, Lundstram
    Sterling (C), Salah, KDB, Mount
    Abraham, Wilson, Pukki

    Soyuncu, Cantwell, Kelly, Button

    £0 in the bank

    I'd like Vardy in for Pukki but don't think it is possible without downgrading Sterling or Salah which i think would be a bad idea.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Salah to mane?

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

        I still think Salah will outscore Mane so it's only worth it if I can make a significant upgrade with the money I save...which I'm not sure that I can.

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

      Like it.

      Practically same team here.

      Where you have Soy, Cantwell, Kelly.

      I have Ota, Saka and Rico!

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

        I'm saving travsfer also for what it's worth. Looking at maybe Wilson out next week.

  18. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    GTG????

    Pope
    TAA, Lund, Soy
    Salah, KDB (c), Mahrez, Mount, Cantwell
    Aguero, Abraham

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

    Pukki to Jiminez for a -4?

    Pope, Button
    TAA, Ota, Rico, Lund, Guilbert
    Sterling, Salah, KDB, Mount, Cantwell
    Tammy, Greenwood, Jiminez

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

      Not sure it's worth a hit, Pukki could easily score at home this week

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      No from me

  20. RealSocialDads
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Really struggling with bench order this week:

    A. Soyuncu
    B. Cathcart
    C. Mcginn

    Currently in that order, would you change?

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

      Agree

  21. Kuzser
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    excessive, MU is a trap...

    Any ideas? 
    1) Son pukki-> Vardy 7.3 mid (madison/ james/CHO/gross)
    2) Son pukki Ota-> Dilva Vardy 5.2def for -4 Go wild with City for next 2
    3) Son Ota-> dilva + 6.5def 
    4) son Firmino-> mane Jimenez
    5) pukki son Firmino-> mane maupay rashford for -4

    Pope 
    Ota Taa Lundstram
    KDB Mount Son Sterling 
    Pukki Abraham Firmino

    Button. Saka, Soy, Hanley

  22. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Transfer suggestions with 2.8ITB and 1FT?
    Been thinking about Cantwell to Maddison.

    Pope
    TAA/Ota/Tomori/Soy
    Mane/KDB/Mount
    Auba/Abraham/Wilson

    Button/Cantwell/Lund/Hayden

    1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Wilson to Vardy

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Doing this from GW 12

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Maddison or Chelsea mid double up with Cho?

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

        3 Chelsea already in team

  23. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    2ft 0.4 itb best option? Want KdB back.

    A) Auba, Cantwell to KDB, Maupay
    B) Salah, Saka to KDB, Maddison/CHO

    Pope
    TAA Robbo Digne Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Mount Cantwell
    Auba Haller

    Button Rico Saka greenwood

    Cheers

    1. KingOllie
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      b with CHO

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

      Tough, B with Maddison but only cause I don't like Maupay

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

      B imo

    4. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      A for me. Need Kevin this weekend

    5. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks all

  24. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is this an easy save? and do you think starting line up is correct?

    Heaton
    Robbo Lundstram Tomori
    Sterling KDB(C) Mount Maddison
    Auba Haller Tammy

    4.0 / Coleman / Soyuncu / Cantwelll

    1ft 0.2

  25. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    What to do with double Liverpool defence?

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

      Start both, Tottenham are rubbish

    2. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      100% keep

  26. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Best defensive purchase for next 5...Zinchenko owner ?
    A Boly
    B Lowton
    C Fredericks
    D Mendy

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

      Mendy is the exciting pick

    2. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      D

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

      D

  27. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Would you Aguero or Auba on WC?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Aguero, but probably neither tbh

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Better player in the better team

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Kun

    4. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Kun for next 2 then reasses

    5. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I did Auba last week and kind of regretting it.

  28. gellinmagellan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Pope Button
    TAA Ota Lundstram Dunk Rico
    Salah KDB Mount McGinn Dendoncker
    Kane Pukki Abraham

    1 FT 2 ITB. What change(s) should I make? Not entirely sure if Kane > Aguero makes sense or if I should take a hit to get Vardy for Pukki

  29. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Heaton
    TAA Digne Lundstram
    Sterling(c) Salah(vc) Mount Cantwell
    Haller Auba Pukki

    Button Saka Pieters Kelly

    I am holding 0.1itb and 2ft.

    How do these look :

    Salah/Pukki > KDB/Vardy

    Short term punt as saving WC until next month... Losing Liverpool attack worries me!
    Decent transfers for a short punt or do I need to try and get Liverpool cover?!

    Cheers!

  30. Lestat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    which is better?

    A - Salah, Sterling, KDB, King

    B - KDB, Sterling, Cantwell, Aguero

    C - KDB, Sterling, Cantwell, Aubameyang