Spot the Differential

Long can form FPL double-up with Ings for kind Saints’ fixtures

As the Fantasy Premier League templates continues to dissolve, this week with the injury to Son Heung-min (£10.0m), the importance of differentials continues to rise.

Gameweek 26 saw attacking returns for the likes of Nicolas Pépé (£9.1m), Abdoulaye Doucouré (£5.7m) and Jordan Henderson (£5.5m), all of whom have ownership of 5% or less.

With just 12 Gameweeks to go till the end of the season, we’ve selected three more differentials that could help you rise up the rankings, including an incredible cheap striker and a Luis Figo-endorsed midfielder.

Shane Long

  • FPL ownership: 2.0%
  • Price: £4.6m
  • GW27-31 fixtures: AVL | whu | NEW | nor | ARS

It’s fair to say Shane Long (£4.6m) has been one of Southampton’s unsung heroes in their recent revival.

Since returning to the starting 11 in Gameweek 15, Saints have pulled clear of the relegation zone, and now sit comfortably in 12th place, with 31 points.

Long has been a key figure during that run, and such has been his recent form (he’s scored two and assisted one in his last six appearances in all competitions), it’s looking increasingly likely that he’ll return to Mick McCarthy’s Republic of Ireland setup when the next squad is announced.

Whilst many view the Irishman as a facilitator, creating space for others, his threat has increased of late. In fact, over the last four Gameweeks, he’s ahead of striker partner Danny Ings (£7.1m) for shots in the box, shots on target, big chances and chances created.

Aston Villa arrive at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday with well-documented issues at the back. They’ve failed to keep a clean sheet on the road this season, giving up 168 shots in the process, more than any other club.

With winnable games to follow against West Ham, Newcastle United and Norwich, Long should have plenty of opportunities to add to his goal-scoring tally, and could be a shrewd pick for those in search of a cheap third forward.

Bruno Fernandes

  • FPL ownership: 3.6%
  • Price: £8.1m
  • GW27-31 fixtures: WAT | eve | MCI | tot | SHU

Manchester United’s new playmaker, Bruno Fernandes (£8.1m), has already added a new dimension to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in just two league starts.

Always on the front foot, the Portuguese international showcased his ability to score and assist at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, hitting the post with a superb free-kick and providing the corner for Harry Maguire (£5.2m) to make it 2-0.

Such is his quality, Fernandes already created more chances and taken more shots than any other teammate since he arrived.

The midfield conductor scored 63 goals in 137 matches for Sporting, and was named the Primeira Liga’s player of the year in both 2017-18 and 2018-19, which bodes well for those investing early.

That win against Chelsea has thrust United straight back into the race for Champions League qualification, as they moved up the table to seventh – just three points behind Frank Lampard’s men in fourth.

Up next are relegation threatened Watford, who have failed to win any of their last five matches in all competitions – a run which has seen them concede eight goals.

For some time now, there has not been enough creativity in United’s midfield, and whilst two games is too small a sample size to draw conclusions, early signs suggest Fernandes can provide the spark they need.

Dwight McNeil

  • FPL ownership: 0.4%
  • Price: £6.0m
  • GW27-31 fixtures: BOU | new | TOT | mci | WAT

Winger Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) has continued to impress this term, following his breakout campaign in 2018-19.

This season, he has started every Premier League game, contributing one goal and five assists, whilst his Expected Goals (xA) tally is the sixth-highest total of any player, behind only Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.7m), Kevin De Bruyne (£10.8m), Raheem Sterling (£11.7m), Emi Buendía (£6.0m) and James Maddison (£7.5m).

His partnership with Charlie Taylor (£4.2m) down Burnley’s left channel has been extremely effective in recent matches, which has seen McNeil often drift into more central, dangerous areas. As anyone who has watched Burnley can testify, it’s probably their key attacking weapon right now.

Last weekend’s 2-1 win at Southampton, their third league win in four outings, has seen the Clarets move 10 points clear of the bottom three and raised the prospect of a late European surge.

Next up at Turf Moor is Bournemouth, who have a poor defensive record on the road, conceding nine on their last four road trips against Sheffield United, Norwich City, West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Despite only turning 20 years old in November, McNeil has already established himself as an England Under-21 international, and looks a good option for investment given Burnley’s schedule.

1,233 Comments Post a Comment
  1. chatynho
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hi mates

    suggestion, 1 FT 2,5m Want to get rid of Son

    Ryan
    TAA-STEVENS-ROBBO LUND WILLIAMS
    SALA-KDB-TRAORE-GREALISH-(SON)
    JIMMY-INGS GREENWOOD

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

      How much would be left if you allowed for Vardy next week?

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

      Fernandes or Martial

    3. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Save FT

  2. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Who's the one to sell if I can this week?
    Lundstram or Holgate.

    Keeping Stephens Soyuncu and TAA

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Going forward both have pretty much same chance of playing I guess, so Lundstram for now due to better fixtures. Can always get Holgate later if required.

    2. RLew
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I own Holgate and am thinking of going Lundstram>Boly this week. I think Holgate will play. I can't say the same about Lundstram with any certainty. You may also want to keep in mind that Holgate has fixtures in GW28 and 31 and Lundstram does not.

  3. Denis Tueart on the wing
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Pickford to Patricio worth -4 ?

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe not a -4 but you do have to get rid. They just seem to fail at clean sheets right now

      1. Denis Tueart on the wing
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        My thoughts are get rid also, especially with the next few fixtures compared with Wolves or Soton.

  4. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 1 please:

    A) Lascelles
    B) Williams

    1. Denis Tueart on the wing
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

  5. Long ago I drew a walrus
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Really random question - does anyone know why Mac Allister has a space in his name? Bugs me for some reason

    1. The Rumour Mill
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Thought exactly the same, its weird. I guess he has some Scottish heritage and his family name was split up in 2 in more Argentinian style at some point in the past? I mean he's the most Scottish looking Argentinian I've ever seen, and has a brother called Kevin. KEVIN.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Guessing his name was bastardised when his ancestors moved from Scotland to Argentina to fit more with Argentinean naming conventions?

  6. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero...

    To Aubameyang, FT, no hits? Thoughts?

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Auba blanks...

    2. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      depends on the other forwards but certainly not to Auba

  7. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Tammy too risky to bring in?
    Want to do Son + Kun to Mane + Tammy

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't want him, not 100% fit and can't hit a barn door at the moment anyway.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        yeah but 0.1 short for Vardy so struggling to fill the gap... might end up keeping Kun and getting rid of KdB which I'm not overjoyed about!

        1. LSK
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Vardy is on -88.5 and 3 downwards reds. Hold fire for now, you might be able to afford him tomorrow

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            but Son could also drop so back to square one haha

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Try Pukki? 😉

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Would get Abraham next week

  8. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bench one:

    a) Williams (vs Wat H)
    b) Stephens (vs Villa H)
    c) Lascelles (vs Cry A)

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

  9. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bench 2 please:

    a. Rico
    b. Stephens (Southampton)
    c. Holgate
    d. Lascelles
    e. Perez

    ???

    1. Darthshearer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Perez & Holgate

  10. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play Pope or McCarthy?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Pope

  11. Darthshearer
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Righto, thoughts people
    1FT 0.1 ITB

    McCarthy
    Rose | Robertson | Taylor
    KDB | Salah | Fleck | Grealish
    Ings | Vardy | Aubameyang

    Button | Perez | Williams | Holgate

    I was thinking of getting shut of KDB to free up some funds but not sure.

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He just got 14 points the other night! Roll your transfer is my 2 bob.

      1. Darthshearer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. He was playing West Ham who are extra turd though. But yes, my worry is I sell and he gets another decent haul

    2. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Save it

    3. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      If you want to free up some funds, do Auba>Jimi instead or save it

  12. Pieterke30
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which combo scores more points this GW?

    A. Boly, Fleck (or Lascelles), Mané
    B. VVD, Grealish, Bruno

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A with fleck

    2. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    3. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A

    4. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Thx for the replies. Expected more Bs tbh. I think Bruno and Grealish could both hit 10+ points this weekend.

  13. Champions united
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play fleck or cantwell

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Fleck ez

    2. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Fleck

  14. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    well well well... 😉

  15. fifa2020
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any updates on Kellys injury? I read that Tomkins is injured so does that give Kelly a chance. Do Kelly to Boly/Stephens for -4 (or else play Rico)?

  16. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Alli, Maupay to Traore, Jimenez and gtg? Leaves me 1.0m itb

    Hendo
    TAA Robo Stephens
    Martial Salah KDB Traore
    Jimenez Vardy Ings
    (Martin, Williams, Cantwell, Rico)

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Rock solid

    2. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      looks perfect, good luck!

    3. Kuzser
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It’s weird cz I’m favouring a move Alli-> Traore myself, but when I asked here a few times people actually advise to save...
      But I like your moves

  17. simong1
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is captaining TAA or Mane the better choice?

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Mane

    2. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Mane

    3. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B based on expected gain but A has a lower but more guaranteed return this weekend

  18. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    This GW who would you rather have...

    A. Aguero
    B. Aubameyang

    1. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

  19. Runaway
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I want Jimenez or Traore (or both) but I don't know how. What would you do?

    A) Martial + DCL > Jimi + Traore (-4)
    B) Vardy > Jimi (then find another way to bring back Vardy after he hits the form - 0.2 or 0.3 value loss )
    C) Keep and reconsider next week with 2 FT!

    Ryan
    TAA Stevens Stephens
    Salah Mane KDB Martial
    Vardy Ings DCL
    Button Lascelles Soy Dendo
    0 FT, 0.0 ITB

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Link
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Similar boat here. In your shoes, I'd probably save considering Martials fixture.

      I'm debating Maddison > Traore/McNeil as sick of the sight of him

  20. Yeezy FC
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Can't decide on a captain...could use some help!

    Martial v Watford
    KDB v Leicester
    Ageuro v Leicester
    Firmino v West Ham
    TAA v West Ham
    Richarlison v Arsenal

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino could be a great differential.

    2. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      aguero

    3. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Of that lot, Id go Firmino or Trent with latter just edging it

    4. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      TAA

    5. Link
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Trent

    6. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Firmino

    7. Yeezy FC
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks guys!

  21. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Help!!!

    Mccarthy

    TAA Robbo Sidibé
    Salah KDB Martial Grealish Moura
    Vardy Ings

    Button Long Rico Reid

    A: Long Moura Sidibé to Jimenez Traoré Boly
    B: Sidibé to Boly
    C: Moura Sidibé to Traoré Boly
    D: Anything else

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A looks like a nice upgrade

    2. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      How many FT's do you have?

      1. Daghe Munegu
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        2

        1. panda07
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          A looks good then

  22. Lukakus talking
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    McCarthy - Button
    Trent - Lascelles – Lundstram – Soyuncu - Taylor
    Salah - Mane – KDB - Traore - Cantwell
    DCL - Vardy – Jimenez

    2FT 0.1 itb. Don’t want to burn a transfer but struggling to think of what to do with this. Any ideas? Take out Lundstram?

    Thanks in advance

    1. XABI 15
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lundstram to Boly. Simple.

      1. XABI 15
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        *depends on what price you got Lundstram if not Saiss

        1. Lukakus talking
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks. Have had Lundstram since the start, so 0.1 short of a straight transfer to Boly. Sais a decent alternative

  23. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which of these would you prefer?

    A) Vardy + Greenwood > Jimenez + DCL
    B) Martial + Greenwood > Jimenez + Traore

    2FT, 2m ITB
    McCarthy
    TAA Stevens Lundstram Rico
    Salah Mane KDB Martial
    Vardy Ings

    Button Hayden Greenwood Tanganga

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B is probably less or a backfire risk

    2. Link
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B looks good

  24. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Trying to accommodate Jiminez..
    Deeney / Grealish / Cantwell >
    Jimmy / Traore / Hayden (bench fodder) for -4?

  25. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    From GW 28 onwards would you rather have:

    A - Fernandes
    B - Richarlison
    C - Maddison
    D - Grealish

    Money is not an issue

    Other mids are Salah, Kdb, Traore and Fleck

    1. Link
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Prefer B of those

    2. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Runaway
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      C

  26. Link
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Traore vs McNeil?

    Follow the crowd or go hipster?

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Traore.
      All day. Every day.

    2. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I see a bit of developing chatter for McNeil. So i said "have i missed something?". So i took a look at his numbers. His last 6 pointer was in GW12 and since then its been a row of 1's, 2's and 3's. He is not on my radar for sure.

      Traore

      1. Link
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Eye test wise he's looked good, and his XGA is pretty high. Higher XG than Traore recently too. Bournemouth and Newcastle up next which is a nice set of fixture son paper, and Burnley's form has improved recently.

    3. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Traore

  27. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Redmond out by the way? Will this effect Ings if so?

  28. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    So what have you guys done with Son?

    I think I going to hold my 1ft and do a double switch next week with Barnes & Vardy coming in for Son & DCL

    Would give me

    McCarthy Button

    VVD TAA Holgate Rico Williams

    Salah KDB Martial Barnes Traore

    Auba Ings Vardy

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Held for now

  29. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Pope
    VVD TAA Stevens
    KDB Salah Traore Martial Grealish
    Vardy Ings

    Button DCL Sidibe Rico

    1FT 0.8 ITB

    A Save
    B Sidibe to Doherty & bench Grealish

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I dont see any need for drastic action there. Save.

  30. Blunder fc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Got to bench on of these two
    Fleck (BHA)
    Grealish (sou)

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Never bench Grealish.