Spot the Differential
20 December 2019 1302 comments
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Whenever we draw closer to the midpoint of a Fantasy Premier League season, a standard template team tends to emerge.

This, in turn, means that it becomes more difficult to make up ground in our mini-leagues and places more importance on having a differential or two in our starting line-ups who can make a considerable impact.

In fact, last Gameweek saw three of the top seven FPL points-scorers of the round having ownership of 5% or less.

Rest assured, there’s still time to find some hidden gems. These players can be key assets, especially during this time of the season when there is a short turnaround time between games.

With that said, here are three low-owned players that may be of interest to you over the next four Gameweeks:

Lucas Moura

  • FPL ownership: 4.8%
  • Price: £7.0m
  • GW18-21 fixtures: CHE | BHA | nor | sou

At this moment in time, when it comes to Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking assets from a Fantasy perspective, you will automatically think of Harry Kane (£10.9m), Son Heung-min (£10.1m) and Dele Alli (£8.7m). However, Lucas Moura (£7.0m) is flying under the radar and rivalling that trio for attacking returns.

Under Jose Mourinho he has become revitalised, having scored three goals in his last three Premier League appearances where he has appeared for more than 70 minutes.

Among midfielders priced at £7.0m or less, he is currently ranked joint-third for goals scored, which is all the more remarkable when considering that he has only played three full league matches since August.

While he has become a regular starter of late, it can’t be ignored that he is often substituted, as was the case with his playing time under Mourinho’s predecessor.

But when we quantify Moura’s output we can see that he is averaging an attacking return for every 120 minutes played since August, which is more than respectable for an inexpensive midfielder.

You would expect him to feature in all four matches over the festive period (whether it be from the start or as a substitute), which includes fixtures against teams that have struggled for clean sheets this season.

With Moura’s form, you wouldn’t put it past him to add to his Fantasy returns, even if he’s prone to missing out on bonus points.

Neal Maupay

  • FPL ownership: 1.6%
  • Price: £5.8m
  • GW18-21 fixtures: SHU | tot | BOU | CHE

With three goals in his last three games, it’s still somewhat surprising that Neal Maupay (£5.8m) has single-digit ownership levels.

He may not have featured regularly at the start of the season but it’s fair to say that he’s now established himself as Brighton’s main centre-forward.

Seven goals in 17 appearances to date is more than respectable for a player that hadn’t played in the Premier League before August.

His credentials as a budget forward option are also commendable. During the last two Gameweeks, Maupay is ranked second for attempts on goal and joint-second for penalty area touches among forwards priced at £6.0m or less. In fact, he’s had more goal attempts than the likes of Tammy Abraham (£8.0m) and Raul Jimenez (£7.5m) since Gameweek 16.

To add to his viability, three of Brighton’s next four league games will be at home.

The Seagulls’ home record since Gameweek 1 is only 13th-best in the league at the moment, with Graham Potter’s side scoring less than two goals per game at the Amex.

But we shouldn’t read too much into that, as Brighton are, in fact, getting better with their finishing, having scored ten league goals in their last five matches on the south coast.

Maupay presents a very good opportunity to invest in a player that is performing well and doesn’t cost over the odds. He may not score in all of the Seagulls’ festive matches but the chances are that, when Albion do find the back of the net, he will most likely have some sort of involvement.

James Tomkins

  • FPL ownership: 0.5%
  • Price: £5.0m
  • GW18-21 fixtures: new | WHU | sou | nor

With the exception of a handful of must-haves in FPL this season, consistent returns from defenders have been somewhat lacking since August.

But with four Fantasy returns in his last four games, it’s surprising to think that James Tomkins (£5.0m) is still owned by fewer than 1% of FPL managers.

Tomkins has started every match for Crystal Palace from Gameweek 9 onwards, having missed the start of the season due to injury.

His form is impressive at the moment, with 85% of his points having been scored since Gameweek 14.

Crystal Palace’s next four games will be against teams currently placed in the bottom half of the table, which further enhances their chances of additional clean sheets in the short term.

However, it also remains to be seen whether Crystal Palace can cope over the busy period when stalwarts like Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) are injured.

Furthermore, the chances are that most seasoned FPL managers have already signed Martin Kelly (£4.4m) at a cheaper price, which makes Tomkins less appealing (and explains his ownership levels). Understandably, many of us will have a limited desire to double up on the Eagles’ defenders, despite their clean sheet potential of late.

But it can be argued that Tomkins offers slightly more.

Kelly has only registered three attacking Fantasy returns since 2016/17, whereas Tomkins has seven goals and two assists to his name during the same period. Maybe he’s due another goal?

In any case, he’s definitely worth keeping an eye on as one of the best performing budget defenders in FPL at present.

  1. Darthshearer
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Ryan
    El Mohamady | Kelly | Lundstram
    KDB | Dendoncker | Maddison | Mount
    Rashford | Vardy | Jimenez

    Button | Mings | Mane | Robertson

    1 FT 0.5ITB

    Thoughts?

  2. OLLY G
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Salah or Mane on WC?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Salah

    2. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Salah

    3. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Unless you've got big money tied up in Mane, neither. Salah from gw20

    4. squits
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Salah

  3. rokonto
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Did we get any news on Ciaran Clark injury today?

  4. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Doing Mane > Son with 1FT. what to do with the other? WC-ing GW20

    Pope
    Lundy • Kelly • Rico --- Taa Lascelles
    Son • KDB • Alli • Pulisic --- cantwell
    Vardy • Rashford • Ings

    A: Pulisic >> Marital / Grealish / Richarlison....if so, which one? Will do Ings >> Tammy gw19
    B: Taa >> Maguire...gives me insurance if one of my 3 def dont start. Will do Ings > Tammy gw19
    C: Taa >> Targett....same rationale as B but leaves enough money itb to do Ings >> Kane gw19 for a attacking triple up before i WC

    A seems the sensible option but C is very tempting due to the triple up and also the small hope that Pulisic has the stats to do well

  5. MikeBravo
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Vardy not in Scout Squad this week. Hasn't done so well against big teams this season (Arsenal don't count) - is anyone benching him this week?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      You must have sons squad to bench him.

      Who’s the weakest player starting ahead of him?

      1. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Some* squad

      2. MikeBravo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Yes, Son is in my squad 😉
        Well, Ings and Maupay up top, with Son, Alli, KDB, Grealish and Trossard in midfield...

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          Ahh you’re one of the spread the funds for 8 attackers gang 😉

          Enjoy the headache & bench points 😛

          1. MikeBravo
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 28 days ago

            Cheers for your help Rainer 😉

            1. Rainer
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 28 days ago

              I’d bench Trossard for Vardy but this is week to have such a squad.

              Tasty red if Vardy returns.

              1. MikeBravo
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 28 days ago

                Hmm, decisions, decisions... Cheers guys

        2. bench boost for every gamew…
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          Brighton double is a bit much. Try to figur out whowill score you most points out of those. Bench theother one

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Wouldn't bench, wouldn't consider for captaincy either.

      1. MikeBravo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        So would you bench Trossard out of those options?

        1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          With regret, probably.

          1. MikeBravo
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 28 days ago

            Thanks, I'd better think it over with a cuppa...

  6. trinzoo
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    With Ramsdale in goal do I play
    A) Rico
    B) Kelly

    Actually bookies CS odds are in favour of CP

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

    2. squits
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

  7. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Jiminez > Maupay this week or save a FT and have flexibility next GW

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Save

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Norwich.

    3. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      save

    4. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Save by miles

    5. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I'm currently captaining Jimenez 🙂

    6. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Thanks all, stopped me being kneejerky. Maup[ay is my planned transfer for next week, but Spot the Diff mentioing him sent me into panic mode....

  8. Better Call Raul
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Would you do Mane -> Son for a -4? Only have 0.1m invested in Mane and Son would be replacing Cantwell(WOL) in my XI

  9. Link
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Lovelies. On a wildcard and think I've bottled Richarlison (c) now. Surely Arsenal players will at least TRY to impress (same can be said of Everton of course).

    Ryan - Button
    Soy - Maguire (2 week punt) - Lund- Kelly - Rico
    Son - Alli - KDB - Richarlison - Grealish
    Vardy - Rashford (Greenwood)

    Questions:
    1. Captain Son or KDB? Ruled out other options
    2. Richarlison or Sterling for next 2? Will likely become Salah in 20

  10. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Trent and Maddison to
    Aurier & Alli
    Or
    Tammy & Maddison to
    Rashford & grealish

    1. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      A

    2. squits
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Tammy to punish the sellers this week

    3. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Both not the best if you ask me, maybe the second one (spreading the risk).

  11. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Looking good for this week ??
    Will do Tomori to Aurier for GW19.

    Henderson
    Lund/Targett/Rico
    Son/Dele/Maddison/Grealish
    Vardy/Rashford/Tammy

    Button/Soy/Tomori/Mane

  12. Hect.OR 98th
    • 16 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Sensible to risk going without KDB this week? I could get him in for Mane for a hit, but I got Mane at 9.5m and would want him back at some point. Front seven is currently:

    Alli Son Cantwell Grealish (Mane)
    Vardy Rashford Abraham

    Could take the hit, get KDB and bench Cantwell. Or sit tight and hope KDB gets nothing more than an assist?

    1. squits
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Difficult mate. Could go either way. He's my captain at moment but worried about Leicester strong defence. But looked stunning in that role last week

    2. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Go without imo. not worth the hit unless you def don't want Mane back

    3. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      You mean 11.5.

      I would get KDB given many will captain and if he does explode like last gameweek, and other option dont do so well, then the effect will be huge. He also plays at home, where he has returned many times that not.

      1. Hect.OR 98th
        • 16 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        yes, sorry. 11.5 for Mane.

  13. squits
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Stones back in training means ota gametime could be in doubt?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Maybe.

      Ota has looked better than Stones but hasn’t played a good team, after Leicester that could be a totally different story.

      1. squits
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Yeah. Might punt on him still. Goal threat and low price. Stones is just as shaky.

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Both not convincing this season. I wish they start together so we can all have loud and crazy Party.

  14. kennethrhcp
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    a lot of talk earlier that Rico might be injured... any more on this?

    have 4.5 to spend on a defender

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Bournemouth released pictures yesterday of a training session, Rico wasn’t in them.

      Howe made no mention of a Rico injury in his presser but is always coy with team news.

      Rico could of course be perfectly fine and was just given a rest day.

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Think I'll gamble on him. Hayden on bench if needed.

        cheers Rainer! much appreciated

      2. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Rico was protected from training because hes their most important player right now. Gotta keep him fit.

        1. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          Source or ban.

    2. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      No

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        thanks... made me laugh 🙂

        1. Annie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          hope he plays, down to 10 otherwise

  15. mdm
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Who to play:

    A. Kelly (new)
    B. Aurier (CHE)

    Thanks!

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      A

    2. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      No one can predict in a one off random game , hold your cajones and decide yourself , would probs start Kelly though

    3. squits
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

    4. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      A

  16. SAY MY NAME
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    GTG? play Kelly over Aurier? i think both might concede but i suppose Aurier has a chance of attacking returns, any thoughts gents? thanks in advance

    Henderson
    Lundstram/Rico/Aurier
    KDB/Son(c)/Alli/Maddison
    Ings/Jimenez(vc)/Vardy

    Button/Kelly/Soyuncu/Mane 0FT 0.2 ITB

    1. mikess
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Good to go

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        thank you

    2. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      All true about Aurier but I would srill play Kelly this week. Otherwise gtg.

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Cheers, yeah you might be right, i'll have a bit more of a think

    3. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      As above , GL

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        cheers, you too

  17. mikess
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Which do you prefer?
    A) DCL
    B) Maupay

    Each gameweek I'll be playing two from Ings, Grealish and chosen one from above over the festive period

    1. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      A just (don't really rate him but he's looking better than b4)

      1. iL PiStOlErO
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        This

    2. SAY MY NAME
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B, I just can't buy into DCL

    3. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B based on your plan. that said I've had him in and out my team. In for the blanks and out for goals 😆

  18. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    How’s it looking- G2g?

    Ryan
    Aurier Lundstram Dunk Willems
    KdB(C) Son Alli Richarlison
    Vardy Abraham

    Button Greenwood Soyuncu Mane

    1. mikess
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      GTG

  19. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Who else has the balls to do Mane (C) for the ultimate benchwankery? Alli has 100% chance to play, right?

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Cue, warm up injury to screw the feck out of you

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Go for it if it helps you feel like a real man

      1. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Its just a bit of fun, season is over anyway for me

        1. La Roja
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 28 days ago

          Then vc TAA then

          1. Brosstan
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 28 days ago

            100% chance to get 0 points isnt fun.

    3. ppv
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      what's the point?

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        There is no point like majority of his posts

    4. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      not worth the risk to play with a ML rival... could slip or do something stupid & get injured.

      didn't Robbie keane do his back reaching for the TV remote b4

    5. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Haha, little risky benchwankery. You are trying to take it to another level. 😛

    6. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Shove your keep on the bench as well. I’m bench wankering everything but not the captain I don’t think lol

    7. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Careful , I recall Epic Fail playing Adrian when Alison got sent off . only cost him a point I think Gazzinga got 2

  20. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Can you please Rate my WC
    Ramsdale (Martin)
    Lund Tomkins Rico Targett Dohert
    Son KDB Alli Grealish Richalison
    Vardy Rashford (Greenwood)
    3.5 M in the bank

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      🙁

    2. FirMinaMiMo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Upgrade greenwood

    3. ppv
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      very good indeed

    4. ppv
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      See you have left enough for Alli to salah

    5. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Cheers

    6. trinzoo
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      I would downgrade Doherty and keep money for Richa > Salah

  21. tyron
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    do u guys think aguero starts immediately after 2 training sessions or one last hoorah for Jesus?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Jaysiz or Sterling falafel 9.

      1. tyron
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        pep has said aguero is back in contention.. so i think its either jesus or aggy. sterling will go back to the lw

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Nope Jesus didn’t start midweek hence Pep knows Aguero not fully back.

      I’d imagine Aguero on the bench next two before playing against Shef United.

      1. tyron
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        hmm interesting.

  22. I Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Predictions for City-Leicester and Watford-United?

    1. FirMinaMiMo
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      3-2

      3-1

      1. FirMinaMiMo
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Oops 1-3

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      City win 2-1 (Maddison will score from a free kick).
      Watford Man U will be 0-0

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      3-2 City
      1-1

    4. tyron
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      3-1 and 1 - 2

    5. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      1-2

      0-1

    6. JohnnyCroat
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Loving the love for a high scoring match... emboldens me somewhat... KdB (C), Tielemans and Vardy stay in the XI. Obviously a Leicester win makes it a 2 horse race (even if one is so far ahead), but a Citeh win makes it a 3 horse race if the frontrunner stumbles.
      I'm using horse analogies because I was thinking I really need to get some horse steaks this summer.

    7. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      4-1
      2-6

  23. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    This might be time for my magic and ridiculous game of coin toss to choose a captain. Can I just get a quick poll as to who you sensible chaps prefer?

    A. Kdb
    B. Jimenez
    C. Son
    D. Alli

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Coin flip for me as I like Rash most

  24. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Captain Richarlison or Son?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Sonny

  25. Total Slotball
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Better get ready for the Mesut Ozil revival for the 100th time. Arteta will bring out his best right? right?

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      No overrated player completely. Has done nothing for 3 years.

    2. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Ozil doesnt care about football. His time is spent setting himself up as a politician buddy of Erdogan. Scum.

      1. Debauchy
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 28 days ago

        Harsh , think he's a good guy despite his political faux pas

    3. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Why should Ozil even bother.

  26. Threat Level Midnight
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Pope
    Pieters-Lund-Kelly
    Maddy-Puli-KDB-Alli
    Rash(C)-Vardy-Ings

    Button-Soy-Tomori-Mane

    Slightly worried about Pieters sitting...any risk there?

  27. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    1) who is more likely to get rested this gw? Rico or Pulisic?

    2) Richarlison , Martial or Grealish? Best two gw punt?

    1. tyron
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      1 - none
      2 - rich n greal

    2. Threat Level Midnight
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      1. None
      2. Grealish and Martial

  28. Strchld
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Which combo?

    A) Kane and Alli
    B) Abraham and Son

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

  29. Stig
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    Any Spurs fans know if Gazzaniga is at risk of losing his place from Vorm?

    1. The Colonel
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      Absolutely no chance. He's been great and Vorm is like 42.

  30. PattBrofield
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 28 days ago

    One week punt:

    Salah to

    A) KDB
    B) Sterling

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      KDB with Dilva out

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      B

    3. ZeBestee
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      A

    4. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 28 days ago

      C somebody else hauls this week