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. DAZZ
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Would you consider Jorginho as bench fodder? 4.9, especially with Kante out? Need a Fleck replacement who will play in 28. Looked at Cantwell, Jorginho, and Mooy.

    1. BNMC
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jorginho is on penalties as well.

    2. Whazza
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Think I prefer Cantwell out of that lot. Good chance Norwich play BGW31 as well I believe

      1. DAZZ
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ahhh this changes things then. So Cantwell likely to play BGW28 and BGW31?

        1. Whazza
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yes, only 22% chance of Nor-Eve being a blank 31

    3. BigBillyBass
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The words barge and pole spring to mind

    4. Stan Kranky
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Cantwell plays in BGW31. Unless you are looking to free hit in that GW, he seems like the obvious pick.

    5. antis0cial
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’d go Cantwell.

  2. Whazza
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If only Diogo Jota was still a midfielder in fpl... Perfect Son replacement

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      This

      1. Philip Jones's Diary
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Would you switch Jimi for him?

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          No

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

      If only Jota could start scoring in the PL and not just in Europe...

      1. Whazza
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He had a great second half of the season in the league last year, matching Jimenez. I want to believe he is now back

        1. Philip Jones's Diary
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I'm certainly considering it. Loves a haul as well. Doherty and Jota could be a nice alternative to Traore and Jimi.

  3. Kuzser
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Not sure what to do with that team as only 1ft,0.1itb

    Is it GTG or use a ft? A bit nervous not having Wolves
    A) Alli-> Traore
    B) Alli-> Martial/Bruno
    C) Grealish-> Traore
    D) Kelly->Taylor/Saiss and play him instead of Alli

    McCarthy
    Vvd - TAA - Egan
    Grealish- Alli - KDB- Salah
    Vardy - DCL - Ings

    Maddison, Lascelles, Kelly

  4. FOO FIGHTER
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So I am on -4 after getting in Ings and Richarlison.

    Tempted to do Auba to Vardy. Having visions that he is going to haul vs City.

    1. JIMMY TUGGINS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That game could be a goalfest with no Ndidi, especially if Laporte is rested too.

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

      Vardy? You OK? His ship has sailed my friend

      1. JIMMY TUGGINS
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        You think he's done forever? He'll probably score well again soon.

      2. George Sillett
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        It will be back to sail again after this GW.

      3. BigBillyBass
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Absolutely no chance. He's a terrible option right now

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Form temporary, class permanent.

          1. BigBillyBass
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            He has an average of 2 points per game in his last 6. Zero goals 1 assist. That is shocking for a player costing 9.7mil

  5. teneighty
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Boly, Traore and Jimi too many Wolves going forward? They have an easy fixture in GW31 and no blank.

    1. leroybrown84
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I have the same three from Wolves, their fixtures are 2 good!

      1. teneighty
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        And they're cheap!

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

      Nah it should be good

    3. teneighty
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers guys!

  6. larryofiah
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Really stuck re-GW 28 planning.

    Henderson Button
    TAA Basham Baldock Williams Lacelles
    Salah, Mane, KDB, Son, Oriol Romeu
    Vardy, Ings, Martinelli

    0.4 itb 1ft

    thinking Martial for son this week and next week Perez for Oriol Romeu and having two non playing spots on my team? any other suggestions?

  7. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Auba to Jimmy this week? Would do the transfer next week anyway.

  8. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone punting on Zaha?

    Next four fixtures: NEW, bri, WAT, bou

    1. BigBillyBass
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You are coming up with some crazy posts today

    2. Purse83
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      More chance of Barca signing Braithwait...oh wait...

    3. Bouncebackability
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t do it to yourself, trust me. Had him for too long myself

      1. Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Why would you sell him just before the plum fixtures?

  9. Purse83
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed - appreciate comments guys.

    Which is best for the next 4/5 weeks (Leicester players go in after City game this week):

    a) Perreira, Grealish, Firmino (St Maximin to replace Grealish in blank)

    or

    b) Robbo, Barnes, Vardy (St Maximin to replace Barnes vs City)

    Cheers and good luck all!

    1. Stan Kranky
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      a

    2. Pukki Party
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

  10. Pukki Party
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Better combo?

    A) Vardy, Deeney (use transfers on Holgate or Moura)
    B) Jimenez, Ings

    1. Purse83
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B will clearly be the consensus on here and for the record I have both

      1. Pukki Party
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        It is. Combined xG and xA per 90 is pretty much the same for both options. Prefer B but not sure it's worth 2ft.

        1. Purse83
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Personally I don't think it's worth the 2FT unless you're happy with the rest of the team.

          Any thoughts on my post above? It's these 50/50 decisions that are going against me at the mo.

          1. Pukki Party
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I like my team, just want a Wolves player in. Have Moura so could get Jota or Adama for him. Need to sell Vardy to afford Jimenez so not sure it's worth it.

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

      B by a country mile

  11. andres
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What would you do with this team?
    Sidibe, cantwell to go? Fernandes/martial in?

    Hedno
    Sidibe TAA VVD stephens
    Kdb Salah Traore
    Kun Jimi Ings

    Mooy, Cantwell, Kelly 3.4, 1 FT

  12. Babelcopter
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any help is appreciated!

    I'm 16pts behind our "mini" cash league leader. There is only this GW and GW 28 left. I have both Mane and Salah. He has only Salah. We have 6 same players. Cap Mane now or wait and see what my situation is after this GW?

    1. Purse83
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Mane captain for me, he who dares...

    2. Pukki Party
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Captain Salah

  13. willos_wanderers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I'm stuck - have no idea of what to do here:

    1FT - £0.0 ITB

    Pope
    Lascelles - VVD - TAA
    Salah (c) - KDB - Grealish - Doucoure
    Ings - Jiminez - Aguero

    McGovern - Lundstrom - Cantwell - Rico

    1. Rushford
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Similar to mine, I’ll probably save and figure out what to do with Aguero next GW

  14. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best Son replacement?

    I don't want Richarlason as have DCL
    I don't want Pepe with the blank

    Barnes
    Traore
    Martial
    Moura

    I dont really like any of them 🙁

    1. Pukki Party
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not Moura

      -owner

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

      Martial easy

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I don’t like any either, purely due to fixtures and no blanks, Traore

    4. Stan Kranky
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Traore

  15. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Mccarthy
    TAA Lundstarm Stephens
    Salah(c) KDB Fleck Hilson
    Ings Aubameyang Firmino

    Button Moura Holgate Kelly

    Aubameyang and Fleck to Jiminez and Traore? -4

    Cheers

  16. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Kun > Jimmy for free?

    Salah kdb grealish traore dendo
    Kun firmino ings

  17. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    VVD, KDB & Aguero to Doherty, Mane & Vardy for a hit

    Madness?

    1. Bouncebackability
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I don’t think you need an answer to that question?! You must know!

      1. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'm not sure mate. Think the 2nd trio could come out on top after 4-5 gameweeks.

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Wouldn't transfer Vardy in for hit before he shows some form.

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

      Madness

  18. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys, which is the better pick between Martial and Fernandes to bring in this GW for Son?

    Cheers

    1. kraftwerker
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Martial

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

      I think Fernandes will be most nailed. Also he’s less frustrating to watch

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        It was Martial who scored yesterday. It was Martial who scored in last PL match.

        1. Rushford
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yes, of course he can keep scoring. However OGS is hinting he might be rested soon. I don’t think he looks very sharp atm but then again he doesn’t most of the time

          1. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Reporters asked about Ighalo and he mentioned also Greenwood when he answered.

          2. kraftwerker
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Rested for who? No one else can play up front.

            1. kraftwerker
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              *Forgot about that Ighalo fella 😀

  19. McGlynn8
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who thinks Aguero will start against Leicester?

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero

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

      I think he will. If Sterling, sane and Silva are out, there aren’t that many alternatives

  20. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    500 OR, got both Salah and Mane, would it be stupid to go for Mane captain in my position with the risk involved due to the fact everyone will go Salah? What would you do?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What is your goal? If you want to win, it is something you perhaps should try? Even if you fail, top 1k shouldn't be a problem too big.

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Salah at home vs West Ham.

      Highest scoring player in the game and greedy. Shooting fest incoming!

    3. Stan Kranky
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Dont risk the 500OR, captain Salah.

    4. aborg
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Actually I was thinking to use the FT to bring in Mane for Salah as everyone in my ML has Salah.
      If Mane hauls, you climb the rank massively and if Salah hauls you drop dramatically.

      From my part it's a risk i'm willing to take although I will have to take a hit next GW to remove two non playing players for BGW !

    5. UTD - HATED, ADORED, BUT NE…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’m in a similar position and will probably captain Mane - even a punt on Ings is tempting

  21. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    KDB and Firmino to Mane and Jiminez?

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No

    2. Purse83
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Absolutely not - never remove KDB despite the blank (unless you have no value tied up in him) and this is a plum fixture for Firmino if you have him already (I'm considering transferring him in).

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Aubameyang and Fleck out for Jiminez and Traore - 4?

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Getting rid of KDB could be season ending stuff.

    4. Pukki Party
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Why not, KDB back in 29?

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yer that's the plan

        1. Pukki Party
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          He always has a haul in him but i'd take a bet on Mane when KDB has lei, blank. Only negative is if ManC get that dgw29, not sure how likely it is.

          1. Oggle22
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Bring him back in for it anything could have happened by then a Mane or Salah injury

  22. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Aguero or Jimenez??

    1. Boss Hogg
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jimi

  23. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Vardy DCL auba : my front line

    A save
    B one of them for ings and who ?

    Thanks a lot

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I decided to play fixtures so would be DCL for me.

      Vardy vs DCL is just fixtures vs form

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

  24. Stan Kranky
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    looking at son replacements.

    Pick one for the next 6 GW

    a) Richarlison
    b) Traore
    c) McNeil
    d) Barnes

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B or D

    2. antis0cial
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      D

  25. Energetics
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Rate my team:

    Ramsdale
    TAA Robbo Baldock
    Salah KDB Fernandes Traore
    Vardy Jimi Ings

    Button Lundy Rico Cantwell

    1.9 ITB 0 FT

    Next week week will do Lundy to either Doherty or Boly and bank the money.

    Ramsdale to Pope is a move id like when I have a FT

  26. boc610
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    they should just call jose the Strange One. what an odd little man he is.

  27. JIMMY TUGGINS
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Lund, Son, Aguero > Doherty, Mane, Jimenez (-8) ? Currently got 5 blankers and Son for 28.

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You have Salah?

      1. JIMMY TUGGINS
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Salah and TAA.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Problem is having 2 x 12's in midfield and you can only cap one.

          I was considering switching from double defence to double midfield but 'guaranteed' points in double defence made me decide against Mane.

          1. JIMMY TUGGINS
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I'll just cap Mane while I'm behind in ML and rival doesn't have, money isn't really a problem at this point of the season.

  28. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Auba or Jimenez?

    1. antis0cial
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jime

    2. Oggle22
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Same debate here think I'm going to transfer Aubameyang to Jiminez

      1. Sir EFO
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        some info about Jimenez ?

        75'

        The referee signals that it is time for a substitution and Pedro Neto (Wolves) is coming onto the pitch as Raul Jimenez cannot continue after picking up an injury.

        1. Big Ronnie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Ha ha he came off for a rest, game won. I was watching it.

          1. Sir EFO
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            10x for the info

            1. The Polymath
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              It's fake news

              1. The Polymath
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Flashscore commentator is talking rubbish. Don't believe everything you read. Check with 5 other commentaries first.

        2. Oggle22
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Is he flagged on fpl?

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

        Yeah think I am going to do it too.

  29. tbhogal
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Lundstram owners still keeping the faith?

    1. kraftwerker
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      For one more week, will sell after if he's benched again

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

    Bit lost here chaps, help greatly appreciated! 2 FT and 0.1 ITB. Was planning to wait and see how Auba, Aguero & Grealish get on this weekend before deciding who to transfer out ahead of the blank GW. Don't want to burn a FT.

    McCarthy
    VVD, TAA, O'Connell
    Salah, KDB, Grealish, Traore
    Aguero, Aubameyang, Jimenez

    (Button, Williams, Lascelles, Hayden)

    A) Williams -> C.Taylor
    B) Lascelles -> C.Taylor
    C) Aguero -> Ings
    D) Aubameyang -> Ings
    E) Something Else

    Cheers