Spot the Differential

Doherty hinting at return to incredible debut season form

Differentials had a lot of success once again in Gameweek 21, so Fantasy Premier League managers need to keep an eye out for these sorts of options.

Of the eleven players who scored over 10 points last time out, seven had ownership of 5% or less.

The likes of Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m), Gerard Deulofeu (£6.1m) and César Azpilicueta (£5.8m) all hit double-digit hauls, confirming there is still time to find some hidden gems.

In his last Spot the Differential article, FPL Hints suggested James Tomkins (£5.0m) was due another goal, and right on cue, he delivered in Gameweek 20, heading Luka Milivojevic’s (£6.7m) delivery into the net via the underside of the crossbar.

I’ve had a bit of success picking out differentials this season too, including Jack Grealish (£6.4m) back in October, and more recently Ismaïla Sarr (£6.2m).

Let’s see if I can follow it up, so here are three low-owned picks worth considering for Gameweek 22 and beyond.

Matt Doherty

FPL ownership: 4.9%

Price: £6.1m

GW22-26 fixtures: NEW | sou | LIV | mun | LEI

Matt Doherty (£6.1m), is a player I’ve liked as a differential for quite some time.

Having tipped him on the Scoutcast back in November, and here, the Irishman has since returned in three of Wolverhampton Wanderers last four home games, including one double-digit haul.

In fact, out of the 10 league games he’s played at Molineux this season, he’s provided returns in six of them.

Whilst Wolves have suffered back-to-back league defeats, they head into Gameweek 22 level on points with sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and only a point behind Manchester United, who they restricted to no shots on target in last weekend’s FA Cup goalless draw.

The underlying stats further highlight Doherty’s appeal.

He’s taken more shots (seven) and importantly, more shots in the box (seven) than any other defender over the last four Gameweeks, whilst his four Big Chances over the same period is bettered by only Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) and Sadio Mané (£12.3m).

Up next for Wolves is Newcastle United, who have a poor defensive record on the road, conceding 21 away goals, second only to Aston Villa’s 23.

In terms of their attack, their forwards have just three goals between them this season, and are often having to rely on their defenders to bail them out.

This is a team low on confidence, with the lowest possession figure in the league, who have lost their last three league games.

Doherty can take advantage of those weaknesses, and could be a nice differential going forward.

Pablo Fornals

FPL ownership: 0.5%

Price: £6.0m

GW22-26 fixtures: shu | EVE | lei + LIV | BHA | mci

After a difficult start, Pablo Fornals (£6.0m) has been one of West Ham United’s best players in recent weeks.

Slowly but surely, the Spanish midfielder is beginning to show the level of performance many fans expected, delivering one goal and three assists in his last seven games.

Looking at data from the last two Gameweeks, only five midfielders have taken more shots in the box, which suggests further returns could be on the way.

The question is, can we trust the Hammers?

Generally, they have not been great in attack, and have struggled defensively this season, but David Moyes has been hired to try and fix these issues, and early signs are fairly positive after back to back wins over Bournemouth and Gillingham.

The real appeal, however, lies in their forthcoming Double Gameweek.

Taking their Gameweek 24 fixtures in isolation (lei, LIV), West Ham assets don’t look too appealing, but with home ties against Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion positioned either side, Fornals could be an intriguing option.

Available for just £6.0m, Fornals is coming into form at just the right time, and could be an effective differential for the crucial Double Gameweek.

Sead Kolašinac

FPL ownership: 0.6%

Price: £5.2m

GW22-26 fixtures: cry | SHU | che | bur | NEW

It is less than three weeks since Mikel Arteta took over at Arsenal but we are already starting to see clear patterns of play.

On paper, Arsenal are using a 4-2-3-1, but in reality, it’s a 4-4-2 without the ball, transitioning into a 2-3-5 in possession.

The approach against Manchester United involved Sead Kolašinac (£5.2m) pushing forward on the overlap to become a fifth forward, with opposite full-back, Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.6m) performing a more traditional full-back role.

Kolašinac looked dangerous throughout, with his deflected cross finding Nicolas Pépé (£9.1m) for the opener, whilst continually providing an attacking outlet on the left.

The Bosnian sits somewhere between a full-back and a winger, who can sometimes be a liability defensively, so this overlapping role suits him well.

Defensively, Arsenal are still a work in progress, putting up mid-table expected numbers, but it’s worth noting only Liverpool, Southampton and Watford have conceded fewer goals since the change of manager.

Their opponents this week, Crystal Palace, look vulnerable.

Their 19 goals scored is the second-fewest in the top flight, with their attack, outside of Wilfried Zaha (£6.8m), lacking imagination.

Add to that an injury crisis, with captain Milivojević also suspended, and Kolašinac looks an ideal gamble for Gameweek 22, and possibly beyond.

1,047 Comments Post a Comment
  1. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, does Begovic back mean Ramsdale is getting dropped soon?

    Cheers

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

      Dont think so. They will sell Asmir, that story is done.

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

    GTG?

    Rash for C or?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Soy Lund
    Salah KdB Alli Grealish
    Vardy Rash(C) Maupay

    Martin Dendo Dunk Kelly

    1,3 itb, 1ft

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      If you wanna catch, ok. Vardy or KDB are safer imo.

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

        Who would you C? Kevin or Party?

        1. Kay317
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Tough decision I think many will be struggling with. Vardy will be most captained so safer pick but KDB against villa is very tempting. I'm on KDB at the mo

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

            I like Kev or Rash more then Vardy this week. Cheers mate

  3. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Getting rid of Alli to fund Robertson for dgw.

    Jota and Pulisic injured.

    A) Neto
    B) Hudson-Odoi

  4. jnglizt
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Struggling with bench/bench order atm!

    Ramsdale
    TAA Soy Lund
    Cantwell Mane Salah KDB
    Maupay Jimi Vardy

    Bench: Grealish Cathcart Holgate

    Feel like I should play Grealish but thinking Cantwell & Maupay have better chances of returns vs their respective opponents! Any thoughts??

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Would start Grealish over Cantwell

      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        This

    2. G Banger
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Almost identical team, and I have started Grealish with Cantwell first on bench

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

    Play one : A. Brandon williams
    B. Kelly

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

      A

  6. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Kane >?

    A- DCL ( allows me to get Mane with Salah)
    B- Jiminez
    C- Someone else

    Current forward 8:

    Grealish Cantwell KDB Salah Traore
    Kane** DCL Vardy

    1. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry Rashford instead of DCL

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        But who allows you to get Mane now?

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

      A

    3. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

  7. Gentle_Turks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    2FT's but genuinely stuck what to do here. Any suggestions? Maybe Kelly out? Or downgrade Abraham to DCL to prepare for getting Mane in for 24?

    Ryan
    TAA, Lund. Rico
    Madd, Martial, Salah, KDB
    Abraham, Vardy, Rash
    (Button, Dendoncker, Kelly, Reid)

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Abraham to dcl could work, good fixtures

      1. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah but Chelsea at home to Burnley is a nice fixture. On the other hand I'd prefer not to lose a transfer.

    2. Firefoxed
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Wow what a team. I'd fix the bench if there was cash in the bank, otherwise Ryan to Fab looks good

      1. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thought about that but I like Brightons upcoming fixtures.

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Kelly to Saiss and start if you can afford? Tammy out for DCL Gw 24

      1. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Can do that. 1.1 itb. WOuld mean benching Rico or Lundstram this week though.

  8. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    For draft pick one:

    A) CHO
    B) Trossard
    C) F.Anderson

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

      B

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

      C. The others will still be there if you need to change it up (unless your league is massive!?)

  9. clempro
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Ali -> Sarr this week and Rashford -> DCL next to afford Richardlisson-> for GW 24. Thoughts?

    Guaita Martin
    TAA Lunstram Soyuncu Rico Kelly
    Salah KDB Alli* Rich* Dendo
    Vardy Ings Rashford
    1 FT, 0.3 ITB

    1. clempro
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Richardlisson -> Mane ^^

  10. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Save or? 0.6 itb, 1ft. Maybe sell Alli?

    Henderson,Button
    TAA,Rico,Lund,Soy, Kelly
    Salah,Kdb,Alli,Grealish,Traore
    Vardy,Jimenez,Deeney

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Like the Deeney punt good luck with it! I’d save ft

    2. clempro
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'm downgrading to get Mane later on, I don't think he'll do anything this week anyway

  11. luk46
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Did Grealish > Traore as I want Mane in soon! Feels so wrong to get rid of Jack tho...

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

      Bad move imo. Good luck

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ha did that before Grealish haul. Bought Grealish back for Alli this week. Dunno mate

  12. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    start Holgate or lundi??

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lund surely

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lund fgs

  13. Kalou
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    100 points off leader in ml.
    Best captain?
    A. Salah/Mane
    B. Kdb
    C. Rashford(no one owns him)

    1. De Gea is GOAT
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Also 100 pnts off. If Maddison is out i might go KDB.

      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Sounds like Maddison is fine, been training last 2 days

        1. De Gea is GOAT
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Whens Rogers presser??

          1. Kay317
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Done already

  14. SB8
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who scores more this weekend?
    A) Rashford
    B) Jimenez

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I'm (c) him

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

      Hopefully A

      1. SB8
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        He is still on pens, isn't he?

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

          Yes

    3. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A easy

  15. Firefoxed
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    GTG? 1.2m ITB and 1FT

    Ryan/ Button
    TAA/ Soy/ Lund/ Rico/ Kelly
    Alli/ KDB / Mane/ Martial / Cantwell
    Vardy / Maupay / Rashford

    1. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg - I’d only consider dropping Alli but saving transfer makes sense

      1. Firefoxed
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        me too, thinking of getting madison in. Then Martial and Rashford out for Salah and DCL for DGW. Not sure if i should save though

  16. CMJC
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play Soy or Holgate? I have Ings
    Thanks

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Soy regardless of Ings

      1. CMJC
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers - what I was on. Can see both conceding anyway...

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

    how come no one seems worried about kdb positioning in his last fixture.. i am afraid to captain him. not sure i can watch him play another game as my captain and not leave the center circle

    1. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I really want to captain kdb but am also worried. Was more advanced against Man Utd at least...

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

        so what u thinking?

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Most are a little worried , hence my vc. But will get in the box regardless so go gut

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

        gut is mane lol

        1. CMJC
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Always go with your gut. Find it’s less upsetting when it doesn’t work out : )
          I’m still undecided, but feel kdb has higher point potential against that villa defence.

  18. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi....any views on best option for next 2?

    A.....Alli ....Liv / Watford

    B....mahrez - 4 .... villa and palace

    C....Richarlison - 4 ...Brighton and hammers

    Thanks

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

      C

  19. The Gobstopper
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is it madness to be considering Pepe as a differential punt? With cry, SHU, che, bur, NEW, EVE (and, after MCI, a pretty good run), he could come good...

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

      1. The Gobstopper
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Nice. I like a straightforward answer...

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Prefer to see a little more from Arsenal before a Pepe punt

    3. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      just get ozil

    4. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Should have been same price as Pulisic to even be considered

    5. The Gobstopper
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Here's the crazy thing, though. Despite his "rocky" start, he's on 58 points, 19 more than any other Arsenal midfielder and 6 more than Lacazette (who, to be fair, has been injured). Sure, 58 points isn't great, but wondering if Arteta might be able to get even more out of him...

    6. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Nope, he's been on fire lately.

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

    Aurier and Alli to
    A. TAA and Grealish
    or
    B. TAA, Hayden and Ings (-4)

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Who you losing for Ings?

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

        Greenwood

  21. ResultatFar
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    For draft, start Saiss or Fornals?

  22. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Kane -> ?

    A - Aguero
    J - Jesus
    R - Rashford

    Mane - KDB - Maddi - Grealish - Cantwell
    Vardy - Jimenez - ??

    1. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      aguero

  23. AMP
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hi

    anyone considering Gomes as Liv assets?

    I need cash to upgrade mids. Can still buy TAA but ...

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

      He is ok for few weeks but not sure if longer then that...

      1. AMP
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        aim is DGW of course

  24. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Vardy salah mane kdb rash martial kun

    A good week to play a differential captain. Rashy here most probably. How about you guys?

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No Rash , Kun if I had so its Vardy

  25. SB8
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Any Martial(C) around? Good luck!

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Epic Fail in soon he will know

  26. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Choose 1 for GW24:

    A) Kelly + Rash -> VVD + Ings
    B) Kelly + Tammy -> VVD + Maupay

  27. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    No one is fearful of KDB rotation/deep playing position ? I really want to captain him but fearful of this..

    (C) Salah?

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

      i am more fearful of deep playing position than the rotation factor. i am also contemplating mane cap so cannot fault the salah pick

    2. CMJC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      People are def a lil worried (see some comments above)

  28. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Who would u rather have

    DCL Or Maupay?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Both are good options! But DCL imo!

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      DCL

  29. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    (c) Rashford or KdB?

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

      KDB

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      KDB

  30. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    GTG?

    Schmeichel
    TAA B.Williams Lundy
    Mane KDB(C) Martial Traore
    Vardy Tammy DCL

    Button Dendo Rico Kelly

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      GTG!

    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks fam