Spot the Differential

Ward-Prowse offering viable alternative route into Southampton attack

Three differentials for Gameweek 16

Differentials were among the key performers yet again midweek – and they can be in Gameweek 16.

This column backed Dele Alli (£8.6m) for a second week running and further attacking returns have now seen his ownership levels soaring high and out of our bracket. 

But fear not, there is still plenty of value to be found elsewhere while still staying below the 5% line. 

Here are three lesser-owned players to consider for Gameweek 16…

James Ward-Prowse

After delivering for this column in midweek, we’ve picked Ward-Prowse again

Price: £6.3m

Ownership: 1.8%

GW16 Opponent: Newcastle United (away)

Having repaid our trust on Wednesday night by delivering a third fantasy return in a row it makes sense to back James Ward-Prowse (£6.3m) again for the weekend. 

As mentioned previously, if it isn’t Danny Ings (£6.2m) being involved with Southampton’s goals it’s almost certainly their midfield creator. 

Over the past four Gameweeks, among midfielders priced at £6.0m or below, Ward-Prowse ranks joint-third for goal attempts and is averaging a fantasy return for every 90 minutes played since Gameweek 11. 

In terms of FPL points, he has scored 24 more than the next highest placed Southampton midfielder, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (34). He has without a doubt been the Saints’ midfield talisman for the season to date.

In the case of Ward-Prowse, his performances are inextricably linked with how his team is doing as a whole. 

It’s no coincidence that his form has stood out over the past three games as Southampton have picked up seven points from a possible nine, and in doing so, lifting themselves out of the relegation zone. 

It remains to be seen if the Saints can keep this up but they’re only one point above 18th place at present. 

Up next for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men is a Newcastle United team that has only kept one clean sheet since Gameweek 8 and has had problems defending set-pieces in recent years.

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus finally delivered on his promise against Burnley

Price: £9.6m 

Ownership: 3.2% 

GW16 Opponent: Manchester United (home)

Gabriel Jesus (£9.6m) finally delivered on his promise with a brace against Burnley on Tuesday night. 

Since Sergio Aguero’s (£11.8m) injury, he is already proving his worth and has even outscored Raheem Sterling (£11.9m) and Kevin de Bruyne (£10.3m). 

Over the last two Gameweeks, Jesus has ranked third among forwards for penalty area touches (17) and is joint-top for shots on goal (eight). 

Some might be asking whether the 2-0 win at Turf Moor was a one-off in terms for Jesus or whether he can carry on his form.

The fact of the matter is that with Manchester City 11 points behind league leaders Liverpool every match is now a must-win for them. 

Up next for Pep Guardiola’s men are a Manchester United team that defeated Jose Mourinho on his return to Old Trafford. That result arguably masked their recent woeful form and their backline remains weak, having conceded in every match since Gameweek 6.

Alexandre Lacazette

Lacazette’s form could be key to any kind of Arsenal revival

Price: £9.3m

Ownership: 2.4%

GW16 Opponent: West Ham United (away)

Arsenal are on their worst ever winless run in four decades so, in some ways, it would make sense to completely avoid all of their assets until they can stem the wave of decline.

However, I’m willing to make an exception in highlighting the merits of Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m). 

It’s sometimes hard to forget that he registered 25 attacking Fantasy returns last season at an average of one per 100 minutes played. 

That’s no mean feat and had he been fully fit since August we may have seen Unai Emery still in a job and Arsenal higher up the table.

Lacazette has now scored three goals in his last three games. No other player has scored more than that during the same timeframe, Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) and Marcus Rashford (£8.8m) and Ings have all matched, not beaten his tally.

If Arsenal are to jumpstart their season then Lacazette seems the most likely candidate to play a leading role. 

Their next match takes them to the London Stadium where West Ham have the fourth-worst home record in the league this season having conceded 14 goals in seven games. 

Even if Arsenal fail to win again they shouldn’t struggle to score against the Hammers, which leaves plenty of scope for Lacazette to be involved.

790 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi.....2.7mitb. Any views on this move?

    Bought zaha midweek but now looking to move him on for alli who seems in irresistible form and the better option.

    I'd then downgrade Madison gw18 to grealish or zaha.

    Is that worth a transfer? Or save ft

    Pope
    Taa lunds aurier (soy rico)
    Mane kdb maddison zaha (nakamba)
    Vardy abraham jiminez

    Thanks

    1. Joey Barton and Friends
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would give Zaha a chance with those fixtures

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I've got a feeling Watford will beat them tomorrow...

  2. Arsenal97
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Aurier or Lundstram to start ?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Both. Lund.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Aurier

  3. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Don't have problems with main players except Mo, but keeping him this week for sure, maybe even cpt. Looking at something minor just to not waste a ft.

    Pope Button
    TAA Lund Soy Rico Guilbert
    Mo KdB Son Pulisic Dendo
    Party Rash Mousse

    0.1 itb, 2ft

    A) Rico to Kelly
    B) Pope Guilbert to Guaita Kelly
    C) Guilbert to Kelly
    D) Dendoncker Guilbert to Cantwell Kelly
    E) other

    1. PepSala
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C or D

    2. Latch86
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C

  4. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ryan
    TAA Robbo Soy Lundstram Rico
    Sterling KDB Mane Traore Dendo
    Tammy Vardy Connolly

    What would you do here with 2 FTs? Save?

    Can't find a way to upgrade Connolly to Ings without downgrading TAA or Robbo which I don't want to do.

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'd do sterling and Connolly to alli and rash if affordable

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Me too. Two very good players with ok fixtures.

        1. PepSala
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Appreciate the advice

          1. PepSala
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Think I'll stick with Sterling. Have a feeling he will do well against man utd.

  5. Planet Head
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Struggling here:

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA/Robbo/Pereira (Lunds/Rico)
    Mane/KDB/Maddo/Mount (Dendo)
    Tammy/Vardy/Ings

    2 FT 0 ITB

    1) Robbo+Mount > Aurier+Alli
    2) KDB>Son and save 1 FT
    3) Robbo>Targett and play Lunds

  6. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How would you get Alli in here?

    Pope McGovern
    TAA Soyuncu Lundstram Rico Kelly
    Mané KDB Pulisic Maddison Dendoncker
    Vardy Abraham Jimenez

    0 FT, 2.9 ITB

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sell Pulisic

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        This

        1. iL PiStOlErO
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          +2

          1. merin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Would you do it for a hit this week? Or wait?

    2. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sell Maddo

  7. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Another Chilwell no show would mean 2 blanks. (avl, NOR, mci, LIV) next 4. I can only see 1 clean sheet there personally, so i need a change i think, i can see him missing The villa game. Is Aurier a viable option? Any others?

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn’t jump on Aurier until they keep a CS

  8. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is this worth -4 chaps?

    Laca Mount ➡ Tammy Son (c)

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      50-50, sure about dropping Lacazette before WHM?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        No I am not 😆

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Could backfire but I would do it.

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No.

      As bad as arsenal are, Laca has some form. Mounts now got form too. I’d do it for free next week.

    4. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli instead of Son?

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        No I want Son tbh but not sure about this trade

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

      Nah

  9. Arsenal97
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    TAA, Chilwell, Aurier, Lundstram.
    Who to bench ?

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Chilwell wont play.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Confirmed out?

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          No

  10. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Would you do this for free?

    Sterling, Greenwood > Alli, Tammy

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Depends who you’d bench instead of Green but probably yeah

      1. Maddamotha
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I have Tomori, Rico and Dendo on the bench. So I would have to play one of Greenwood, Tomori, Rico or Dendo. Not great if you ask me!

        1. The VAR Team
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah not great! I’d go for it then

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

  11. The VAR Team
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Would you:

    A) Tielemans > Dele

    B) Save and keep Tiele for Villa and Norwich

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

  12. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hit taken... I just can't help myself this season... so mourish!!!

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      It's fun to take hits

    2. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Can’t let past failiures dictate decisions 😉

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      What have you done AZ?

      1. Az
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Aubameyang and McGinn have gone for Abraham and Alli

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Very solid -4!

          At least you got a nice parting gift from auba for you after keeping him so long!

  13. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What to do with this lot guys? 2 FT

    Pope

    TAA Soy Lundstram

    Salah Sterling Maddison Mount

    Jiménez Pukki Vardy

    Subs: Button, Kelly Stephens Williams

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling > Mane?

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      So many things you could do...havimg both Raz and Mo on current form is jus too much. Also Pukki not the best pick, Mason questionable. I would do some combo that includes two or theee of this players.

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Button -> Martin

    4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pope to Guaita, pukki to Mousset.

  14. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is it too risky doubling up on the Sheffield defence for their 4 upcoming fixtures (nor, AVL, bha, WAT)?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not at all

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      50/50. Could go both ways but I would rather look to bring some CP defence in instead of doubling on She.

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

      Lundstram and Baldock on 4 yellows so be careful

  15. Gaddafi
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else following Lord Magnus?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      The lucky one. Yeah.

      1. Gaddafi
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Luck has got nothing to do with it, his track record is impeccable. I spoke to him last night about this GW and he told me he didn't expect Salah to start, but if he did he would take control of the game and get more points than Mané. He is a Wolves fan and actually told me he suspected Dendoncker would provide some good points, so he allowed him to auto-sub for Salah, the guy is a genius.

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Lol

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nope, I dont like chess

  16. PepSala
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Ryan
    TAA Robbo Soy Lundstram Rico
    Sterling KDB Mane Traore Dendo
    Tammy Vardy Connolly

    2FT any advice would be much appreciated

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling Connolly to Alli rashford?

  17. Origal73
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which one to PLAY:
    1) Lundstram (nor)
    2) Kelly (way)
    3) Soy (villa)

    Leaning towards 1 for attacking returns, but not sure...
    Thanks for feedback.

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe 2

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Playing Lund over the other 2

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

      1

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

    Best option?
    A. Pope to Ryan
    B. Robbo to Aurier (or cheaper defender).
    C. Do nothing

    Pope
    TAA Robbo Lundstram
    Puli Mane KDB Alli
    Jimenez Vardy Abra
    Button - Soy-Rico-Dendo (0.2itb 1ft)

    B allows Jimi to Rashford next week. A means save FT next week.
    C means probably burning a transfer next week (can't do Jimi to Rash; Robbo and Pope have good fixs)

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

  19. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Bought Mane for the first time this season.

    Blank confirmed. 😎

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Would be funny if he’s benched

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I'm capping Salah anyway.

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not the best move for this week, bench incoming.

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Had to be done. Couldn't risk dropping rank anymore.

        1. iL PiStOlErO
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Better to be proactive. Now I also see the Mo(C) move. Both ballsy moves, gl mate.

          1. Rolls-Royce
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Ty 🙂

  20. Sam (Team Sam)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I'd love some help deciding who to bring in for Lascelles and Martial.

    A) Aurier
    B) Kelly
    C) Willems
    D) Villa defender

    1) Zaha
    2) Grealish
    3) JWP
    4) keep Martial, he'll be good when he returns soon

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A4

      1. Sam (Team Sam)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks for replying. Interesting, hadn't quite realised Martial was so close.

        I can't actually afford Willems or Aurier if I don't remove Martial.

        Still think it's worth keeping Martial if it means getting Kelly/Villa defender?

        1. HashAttack
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Even if Martial is "close" ... you know he is not going to then be fit for the rest of the season

          How many game weeks do you expect from him when he is "back"

          1. Sam (Team Sam)
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Not sure. His next 3 after this weekend are decent

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

    If buying in a few weeks, who looks like the best bet?

    A. Targett 4.4 and nice fixtures. Assist potential.
    B. Aurier. 4.9, broadly good fixtures and very attacking.
    C. Kelly. 4.1, saves cash for a rainy day, solid CS potential.

  22. rilo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi 😉

    Would You do Auba, Tielemans -> Alli, Rashford for free?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Nay

      1. rilo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Any suggestion to replace Tielemans? 🙂 0 in the bank

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Grealish

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            This

  23. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    KDB to Son (-4) worth it long term?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn’t do it for free

    2. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think long term no as KDB will tick over with points eventually but it has worked for me last 3 weeks having got Son ahead of him on WC

  24. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Order them for this GW please

    A) TAA
    B) Lund
    C) Soy
    D) Kelly
    E) Baldock

  25. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope Button
    Robbo Lund Soy Aurier Tomori
    Mane Son McGinn Zaha Tielemans
    Vardy Pukki Rash

    Tomori + Pukki to Kelly + Tammy?

  26. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Sterling + Jiménez > Alli + Kane for free?

    1. CrouchDown
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Or to Tammy + Son

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Tammy and Son

  27. Ramgiri
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Zaha to JWP or save? JWP also on penalties, wow.

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Keep zaha

    2. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Possibly not on penalties after missing against Arsenal

    3. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Keep Zaha

  28. SouthCoastSaint
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I appreciate these articles are written through FPL glasses but the comments about James Ward Prowse are way off. He’s probably on his worst run ever for the side and has only been on the pitch for his set pieces.

    Against Watford was possibly the worst performance hes ever produced.

    Now I know he’s delivered FPL returns, but talisman is way too strong.

    I personally wouldn’t advise getting him at that price. Good for a draft league maybe

  29. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Mendy >?

    A- Aurier ( have Gazzaniga)
    B- Williems

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

    Would you prefer Rashford (EVE/Wat) or Jimi (TOT/Nor) for Gw17-18?

    1. SouthCoastSaint
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’d say rash wins that but transfers precious at this stage of the season

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

        Yes - but Wolves get nasty for 19-20 and Man Utd have nice games

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rash