Spot the Differential

Wood’s aerial presence could cause problems for Arsenal in Gameweek 25

Gameweek 24 saw double-digit returns for 17 players, 10 of whom have ownership of 5% or less – encouraging our search for effective differentials.

Options such as Jack Stephens (£4.4m), Nathan Redmond (£6.2m) and Aaron Mooy (£4.8m) all delivered for those willing to think outside of the box, while two of last week’s selections, Joe Gomez (£5.3m) and Sébastien Haller (£7.0m), returned eight and seven points respectively.

This time, we focus on three low-owned picks who we like for Gameweek 25 and beyond.

Chris Wood

Ownership: 1.5%

Price: £6.2m

GW25-29 fixtures: ARS | sou | BOU | new | TOT

Chris Wood’s (£6.2m) goal in the recent win over Manchester United took him to 10 for the campaign, which means he is now one of only 12 players to have scored 30 or more Premier League goals since the start of the 2017/18 season.

The New Zealand international has been a model of consistency since joining the Clarets from Leeds United in August 2017, with his latest goals helping to deliver back-to-back wins for Burnley, who now sit 13th in the table, just four points behind fifth.

His tally could be even higher this season, with his 24 big chances only bettered by Jamie Vardy (£9.9m). That points to a player who more often than not, is getting into good positions in front of goal.

With Arsenal, level with Burnley on 30 points, due at Turf Moor on Sunday, Wood’s aerial ability could be key.

His five goals from set plays are more than any other player this season, whilst only Newcastle United have conceded more attempts from dead ball situations than the Gunners.

Sean Dyche’s team appear to have moved up a gear when it comes to attacking in recent weeks, with more confidence on the ball, and given Wood has scored in his last two games, more could be on the way.

Harvey Barnes

Ownership: 0.9%

Price: £5.9m

GW25-29 fixtures: CHE | wol | MCI | nor | AVL

In recent weeks, Harvey Barnes (£5.9m) has established himself as one of Leicester City’s main offensive threats.

The 22-year-old winger has scored three goals in five appearances during January, netting against Burnley and West Ham United in the league, with his performance in the 4-1 win over the Hammers arguably the best of the season to date.

Barnes’ ability to create has caught the eye, too.

He has assisted seven goals for the Foxes so far this season, which is two more than James Maddison (£7.6m).

Whilst rotation is a slight concern, he’s now started 16 of the last 21 league matches, and seems to be finding his feet at the top level.

Leicester currently sit third in the Premier League table and look well-placed to finish in one of the Champions League spots. They have an opportunity to move 11 points clear of their opponents Chelsea, who sit fourth, this weekend, while it’s also worth noting Frank Lampard’s men have struggled to keep clean sheets away from Stamford Bridge this season, with just one in 12.

Under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, there aren’t many hotter prospects than Barnes right now in the English game.

Martin Dubravka

Ownership: 1.6%

Price: £5.0m

GW25-29 fixtures: NOR | ars | cry | BUR | sou

Since arriving on Tyneside in January 2018, Slovakia international Martin Dubravka (£5.0m) has firmly established himself as Newcastle United’s number one.

In a season where the Magpies have often struggled in front of goal, Dubravka has produced a number of key saves.

In fact, his total of 97 is the best of any goalkeeper in the league, six more than second-placed Bernd Leno (£5.0m), which combined with six clean sheets, has seen him rise to fourth in the overall goalkeeper standings, on 92 points.

Newcastle boast one of the best home defences in the league this season, conceding just 12 goals in 12 games – only Liverpool (9) and Sheffield United (11) have conceded fewer.

They have also improved their form in recent weeks, having drawn at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton and won 1-0 at home against Chelsea.

Surprisingly, only 1.6% of FPL managers own Dubravka ahead of his home match against Norwich City.

A clean sheet is a real possibility with the Canaries only scoring six Premier League goals on the road all season. They’ve also created the fewest amount of Big Chances (seven) over the last six Gameweeks.

With a kind fixture run, Dubravka could be a major influence in the second half of 2019/20.

Which FPL assets topped goal threat, creativity and clean sheets this month?
1,630 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Earn your Spurs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    So we have League Cup final in GW28, FA Cup Qtr Finals in GW31, FA Cup semi finals in GW34

    When are postponed games most likely to happen? I know there are no guarantees but what is mot likely please?

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

      34 and 37

      1. Earn your Spurs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks 🙂

  2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Man Utd sign Bishop

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

      Bishop > Pope

    2. KDB4PREZ
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Harold?

    3. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      tried to take King but got the Bishop instead

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

        I like this joke a lot

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

      Ole says ‘Check mate’ to haters

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

    Bottomed. Anything worth a transfer? 1ft 0.1itb

    McCarthy
    TAA Aurier Lundstram
    Salah Mane* KDB Moura Cantwell*
    Vardy Deeney

    Button Holgate Kelly Greenwood

    A) Mane, Kelly to Son, VVD -4
    B) Mane, Greenwood to 4.7 mid, Aguero -4
    C) Mane to Son
    D) Kelly to Lascelles
    E) Save play a defender

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      E and make a more informed decision on Sunday

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

        Cheers

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

      Save

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

        Thanks

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

    Wildcard
    Suggestions appreciated!
    Dubravka
    TAA Gomez Egan
    Salah KDB Grealish Bruno
    DCL (Ings placeholder) Jimenez Auba

    Bench:McCarthy,Lascelles,Adama,Lamptey

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

      Dubravka Egan to Hendo, Lascelles? Makes it easier for blank 28

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

        I have Lascelles?

        How would it make it easier for 28? appreciate the reply!

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

          Oh didn't notice. Villa, Arsenal, ManC and ShU have a blank that gw and your bench only covers two of those.

        2. Salah_Fingers
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Because Mcarthy will play whilst Hendo blanks

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

            But Dubraka plays that week also?

            And Lamptey ( who has signed for Brighton I believe) is almost certain to start!

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

      Aub to Vardy in gw 28 is the place I guess.

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

        Plane#

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

          Plan# ffs this phone is driving me mad !

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

            Yes that’s my plan

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

    Any news about Greenwood? Is he fit?

  6. Winter_is_coming
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    If I have enough money to punt on PVA instead of Tomkins and even can just bench him this gameweek for Fleck, is it a good idea? 27, 28 and 29 looks stellar for PVA potentially.

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Go for it, live a little

  7. Aubamewho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    G2G? Any suggestions?

    Current team
    Pope
    TAA VVD Aurier
    Mane KDB Mahrez Grealish
    Vardy Ings Jimz
    (Button, Kelly, Hanley Garner)

    WC team
    Pope
    TAA VVD Aurier
    Salah KDB Traore Grealish
    Auba Ings Jimz
    (Button, Egan, Kelly, Garner)

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

      Hayden instead of Garner

  8. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    On WC:

    A) Lundstram or O'Connell
    B) Williams or (Charlie) Taylor

    Currently on O'Connell (after reading FFS article) and Williams (even if less nailed).

    Cheers.

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

      A) Lord
      B) Taylor

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. Lundstram is supposedly a doubt with his recent benching and the new signing?

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

          The assumption is that you’ve got some value tied up in Lundstram....if he has really lost his spot, then you’ve got a nailed-on Taylor on the bench and it’s an easy switch to O’Connell

          1. Catastrophe
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Fair point, I do (had him since GW1...) but given I'm on WC I would rather do the transfer for free and not when I may have more pressing transfers later on. The new signing has to at least cause some rotation headache no?

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

      O'Connell. Williams for me

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

  9. Kaptenen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Would you play both Lascelles and Fernandez this week against Norwich at home or bench one for Lund? Not expecting much from Lund as minutes seems limited and Newcastle double defense could pay off at home.

    1. Bunk Moreland
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah play the newcastle defenders.

  10. MIGHTY JOE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Current rank: 49500
    Current team:

    Henderson
    Gomez TAA Lundstram
    KDB Maddison Salah Grealish Traore
    Vardy DCL
    Bench: Button Ings Soyuncu Rico

    Already swapped Mané for Salah. Should I take in Auba for Vardy for a -4? 2.9 in the bank.

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

      Keep Vardy

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

        Ty

  11. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start 1

    A Cantwell (new)
    B Haller (BHA)

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

      B

  12. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start Rico (AVL) or Kelly (SHU)?

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

      Rico

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

      rico

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

    Play Grealish or Hayden for this GW?

    I know Grealish has been lucrative, but I just had a good feeling about Hayden at home against Norwich. Misplaced?

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

      Grealish

    2. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I've got both and can honestly say I'd never consider playing Hayden over Grealish. Having said that I think Hayden might do something so currently he's in my team unless I sell mane

    3. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Grealish no brainer

  14. ebb2sparky
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Assuming I don't sell mane who would you start out of Hayden, Kelly or Rico?

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

      Rico

    2. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      didn't Howe say Rico was carrying multiple injuries

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

        Think more a case of managing issues but still ok to play

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rico, good fixtures and attacking potential. He's got a chance of making the scout picks tonight.

      1. ebb2sparky
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yes although was slightly worried about him not starting particularly given I was planning to start lundstram

  15. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1FT

    A) Mane --> Sterling
    B) Mane --> Son
    C) Mane --> Grealish
    D) Mane & Vardy --> Son & Aguero (-4)
    E) Mane & Vardy —> sterling & Auba (-4)

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

      B

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

      C

    3. Salah_Fingers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Assuming you already own Salah. I'd go B

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

      E

  16. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    WC team:

    Henderson, McCarthy
    TAA, Robertson, Lascelles, Lundstram, Williams
    Salah, KDB, Fernandes, Grealish, Mooy
    Auba, Jimenez, Ings

    Thoughts?

  17. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Surely Fernandes has to start as there are no real options to play next to Fred? Pereira is more of a 10 and would be a big game to start Garner.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      My guess would be Pereira so 1 - 0 Wolves it is.

  18. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start one in place of Mane:

    A: Rico
    B: Soyuncu
    C: Greenwood

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

      Rico

  19. J to the T
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    A) Moura -> Martial (or someone else?!)
    B) Moura & Vardy -> Pérez & Auba (-4)

    Have Salah Firmino Trent and already three players not paying BGW with KdB Lundy and Grealish.

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

      Not B
      Can't say I'd trust Martial at the moment either

  20. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Start

    A Lundstram (cpa)
    B Rico (AVL)

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

      Rico

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

      I'm going Lund (see below!)

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Rico. Would be gutted if Lund is benched and comes on for a point which is possible. Think lunds days are numbered as far as playing every week goes.

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

      Lundstram. More upside to him. Bournemouth don't do clean sheets so Rico unlikely to get more than 2 points.

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

    This lot G2G?

    McCarthy
    TAA - VVD - Lund - Digne
    KdB - Salah (C) - Madds - Doucouré
    Jiménez - Vardy
    [ Button ¦ Rico - Ings - Cantwell]
    1 FT; £0.7m ITB

    Good luck, all!

  22. JabbaWookiee
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Play one of Rico (AVL), Lundstram (cry), Hayden (NOR) or Ings (liv)?

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

      Don't have Hayden, but I'm going Lund of the other three

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

        My worry with that is there's very little to suggest he won't be coming on for a one-point cameo again

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

          Go Rico, then. I've chopped and changed between the two all week

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

            You got/playing Ings?

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

              See above. Got him and benching

  23. arkom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy
    Soy / TAA / Lundstram / Rico
    Grealish / Salah / KDB
    Vardy / Ings / DCL

    1. Cantwell 2. Aurier 3. Mane

    A) Mane & Aurier --> VVD & Martial (-4)
    B) Save
    C) Other

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

      A could pay off, although think I prefer Traoré & the cash to Martial

  24. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    5.5m for the new Wolves lad. Heard he’s a decent player...

  25. TheDragon
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Best Mane replacement?

    A) Son
    B) Martial
    C) Richarlison
    D) Maddison
    E) Traore
    F) Other?

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going A, despite the fixtures.

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

      E
      ...D if you believe he can finally start to turn great performances into points

    3. Henning
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      A or E.

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

      Son if you'd have no plans for the extra cash. Fleck if you do and like a punt.

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

      B could well pay dividends

  26. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Need help on this pls.

    Pope
    Taa, Robertson, Lundstram
    Salah, Kdb, Traore, xxx
    Vardy, Ings, xxx

    Rico, Kelly, Dendoker

    A. Auba, Grealish (swap Auba to Jimenez gw27, and Grealish to someone up to 10m gw 28)

    B.Jimenez, Son

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

      I should go for B

  27. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Lamps on the same ishhh as always. We will see after training blablablba. So Sell or Hold Tammy?

  28. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Would you get Fernandes on a WC?

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

      No - it would be a complete punt based on no info - needless risk

    2. Henning
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No.

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

      No effing way

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

      Definitely not. Not sure what system we will play. One to watch.

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

      I get the feeling he'll be on the bench to get a feel of the atmosphere and ocassion. Then probably comes on around the 60 min mark

  29. Henning
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    1 FT and 1.1 m in the bank

    Any suggestions,ready to take a hit.

    Ryan Button

    TAA Soyuncu Sidibe Stephens Lundstram

    Salah Mane KDB Traore Perez

    Vardy Ings DCL

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

      Good team. Soy > Lascelles and bench Mané this week?
      No need for a hit

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

        Thanx . No need to take a hit to get Agüero in Then.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      easy save

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

        Thanx.

  30. HAMMERTIME107
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    How does this look please? Help appreciated!

    Pope
    Baldock | Gomez | Lascelles
    De-Bruyne | Traore | Salah | Grealish
    Aguero | Jimenez | Aubameyang

    Button | Rico | Dendoncker | Kelly