Spot the Differential

Out-of-position Antonio could thrive as West Ham’s key attacker

After huge success for this column in Gameweek 27, our tails are up for our Blank Gameweek 28 selections.

Last time out, all players we tipped, Shane Long (£4.6m), Bruno Fernandes (£8.2m) and Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) all registered important hauls for their brave owners.

All of these options, at the time of writing, were owned by fewer than 5% of Fantasy Premier League managers, suggesting there is still value to be found.

Michail Antonio

  • FPL Ownership: 0.7%
  • Price: £6.9m
  • GW28-32 fixtures: SOU | ars | WOL | tot | CHE

Despite a narrow defeat on Monday night, West Ham United came close to inflicting Liverpool’s first Premier League defeat of the season and were the first team to score two goals at Anfield since Everton last year.

It was a vastly improved performance by David Moyes’ men and gives the Hammers something to build on in their battle against relegation.

In fact, post-match, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp described them as being a “proper threat”.

Setup in a 4-5-1 shape, Michail Antonio (£6.9m) led the line and impressed till tiring in the second half. Despite not getting on the scoresheet, he continually looked dangerous on the counter, using his pace to keep Liverpool’s centre-backs on their toes.

Since returning to the starting XI in Gameweek 25, Antonio has been West Ham’s most advanced player.

Over that same period, he has produced six shots in the box. That tally is four more than any other teammate, whilst it is only bettered by three FPL midfielders – Mohamed Salah (12.8m), Son Heung-min (£9.8m) and Richarlison (£8.3m).

The next set of games are crucial for the Hammers, with Saturday’s match against Southampton being billed as a ‘six-pointer’. Knowing a win will move them outside of the bottom three, Antonio looks a good differential for Gameweek 28.

Reece James

  • FPL Ownership: 0.9%
  • Price: £5.0m
  • GW28-32 fixtures: bou | EVE | avl | MCI | whu

Chelsea right-back Reece James (£5.0m) has burst onto the scene in 2019/20, and has quickly established himself as a key part of Frank Lampard’s exciting young team.

He has made 23 appearances in all competitions this term, contributing two goals and three assists, and has now been named in the Blues starting XI in six of the last seven Gameweeks.

His marauding displays have drawn plenty of praise in recent weeks, with Gareth Southgate reportedly eyeing him up for a place in the next England squad.

The underlying numbers show he has been one of the most attacking defenders in FPL over the last two Gameweeks. His total of four shots is only bettered by Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.7m) and Virgil van Dijk (£6.6m), whilst his three created chances demonstrate his assist potential.

Also, if we look back further to the turn of the year, we can see he’s been putting his superb delivery to good use – only five defenders have put in more crosses than him.

Chelsea have had an unpredictable season, and despite a forgettable Champions League night against Bayern Munich earlier this week, we’re tipping James to get back on track against a Bournemouth side who sit just two points above the relegation zone.

Diogo Jota

Jota shines in central role as Traore is handed second successive benching
  • FPL Ownership: 4.3%
  • Price: £6.2m
  • GW28-32 fixtures: tot | BHA | whu | BOU | avl

Diogo Jota (£6.2m) is a player who has been in our thoughts for a while now. In fact, he only narrowly missed the cut for last week’s Spot the Differential.

Since then, the 23-year-old ran the Norwich City backline ragged, and followed up his Europa League hat-trick with a brace. Those goals, alongside an assist and maximum bonus, meant he returned a huge 16-point haul for his small army of owners.

It was a hugely impressive performance by the Portuguese, who led the way for shots, shots in the box and big chances.

With 11 games to go in the Premier League, Wolves remain in the hunt for a Champions League place, and sit just two points behind Manchester United in fifth.

Rested in midweek, Jota looks set to be unleashed on Sunday, against a Tottenham Hotspur side who have struggled defensively in recent matches, conceding seven goals in their last four in all competitions.

After Spurs, the schedule couldn’t be much kinder for Wolves, who face Brighton and Hove Albion, West Ham, Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

Currently owned by just 4.3% of FPL managers, Jota is a man in form, and looks like a major differential for the season run-in.

1,056 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Does anyone actually think Reece James could be a good pick ?

    1. Greek Freak
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He would be if Chelsea had a decent keeper I guess.

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

        I agree with you

  2. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Martial to Bruno seems to be an obvious move but anyone doing Martial to Richarlison?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Don't like everton's fixtures

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

        I think it's okay. They colour of the fixtures just make it look really tough. Aren't they not one of the best teams in the second half of the season?

        1. Greek Freak
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I also think it's ok - only Liverpool is a difficult fixture from an attacking point of view.

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

            But is it worth getting Richarlison over Bruno?

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

              No wont be good one

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

      Me, most likely

  3. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    How does this look?

    Henderson (Button)
    TAA Soy Boly Stephens (Williams)
    Salah Mane Mount (Cantwell)
    Vardy DCL Ings

    Got one transfer so thinking I keep Henderson and do Button > Mccarthy? Only have 0.7itb so is that the best option?

  4. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A. Maddison & Chilwell

    B. Bruno & Saiss/Boly

    Pope
    TAA Robbo Lascelles Taylor XX
    Salah XX
    Vardy Jimenez Ings

    (Hendo, Hayden, KDB, Fleck)

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

      A for me although B gives you 1 player for 31

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

      B

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

  5. El_Gigante
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Put Greenwood or Traore as first on the bench?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Greenwood. Starts surely!

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

        Didn't yesterday. I think that was the first 11 available, No?

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

    I need help guys. Team is a mess right now.

    Henderson Button

    Soyoncu TAA Stevens Lundstram Digne

    Salah KDB Martial Cantwell Dendoncker

    Firmino Vardy DCL

    1 FT and 0.5m in the bank. Should I free hit or take 1 or 2 hits?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You've a good team. Go without keeper. There's no sense in taking a hit for GK! Lundstram to Boly/Saiss?

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

      Digne to saiss
      Upgrade dendo to mount!! If affordable!

      One hit (-4)

      Play with 3-4-3

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

        Lund to saiss seems good !! Tbh! I dont know about digne is playing this week!

  7. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Saint-Maximan or Barnes ?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I have St Max but not sure I want to play him even over Mooy, so I would say barnes

  8. itsmeguneet
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys, have 2 city players in my team and having problem adjusting them because of my weak bench..need some help 🙂

    McCarthy
    TAA- Robbo- AWB
    Salah- Cantwell- Perez- KDB*
    Ayew- Aguero* - Ings

    Button, Dunk, Dendo, Holgate

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You've a decent bench for this week. Play Dunk & Holgate!

    2. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero to Vardy. Or just play Dunk & Holgate

  9. Cahill
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    any photos from carrington?

  10. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    M)ané (S)alah (V)ardy

    Pick 1.

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

      Salah

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

      V

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

        The two options I don’t have it on at the moment lol

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

    Could it be a week to wildcard if you have a lot of fires to put out?

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

      Next week

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

    2FT, 0.8 itb. What to do here?

    Ryan
    TAA, Lascelles, Sidibe, Williams
    Salah, Martial, Hayden, Traore
    Vardy, Ings

    Button, O'Connell, KDB, Auba

    A) O'Connell>Evans/Taylor? (save a ft for potential dgw 29 announcement)
    B) O'Connell+Martial> Taylor+Richarlison (Both play 31, not using FH31)
    C) O'Connell+Martial> Evans+Barnes (likely both blank in 31)

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Martial to Bruno?

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

        No idea why, but I am not too attracted to that popular move. Maybe because I am allergic to points and green arrows this season 😛

  13. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    2FT's + 0.1m

    A) Grealish > Barnes (Save FT)
    B) Grealish + Aurier > Saka + Pereira
    C) Grealish + Traore + Aurier > Barnes + Saka + Pereira (-4)

    McCarthy Martin
    TAA VVD Aurier Stephens Rico
    Salah KDB Grealish Traore Cantwell
    Aubameyang Vardy Ings

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

    Where do we find potential early team news later?

    Thanks

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

      FFS

    2. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      It'll be splattered all over these boards if any does come out.

      A reminder to anyone that does post some early news to make sure it's a good source and more importantly that you post the source.

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

        Get your banning stick ready RAE

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

        Ok thanks. I guess that was what I was aiming at...who are the reliable sources (if any)??

  15. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    How long until scout picks? Any ideas?

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Should be 3pm

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers.

  16. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Don’t tell anyone the deadline is tonight....

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

      Sssshhh...

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

        About what? 😉

  17. FPLMarc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Already without Grealish, KDB, Egan, whilst Rico/Hayden might not even play.

    With this Martial news, would you take a 4pt hit for someone? Richarlison maybe, not Fernandes because his fixtures are even worse.

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

      You make me think..
      Doing Martial to Fernandes/Richarlison but don't know

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

    I brought in Tammy today. AMA

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

      Was injured two days back :/

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

        Didnt know that lol

    2. Cheezeweasel
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Having a good Friday?

  19. AppleDunk
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play Rico(CHE) or Saiss(tot) ?

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

      Saiss

  20. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance Doherty gets rested this weekend? Played the full 90 on Thursday.

    1. Le Bluff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Nah. No real alternative to him, and Jonny is injured.

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

      Yes. If Nuno continues his 3-5-2 formation, Traore might play at RWB, if Doherty is given a breather!

  21. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play 2

    Fernandez Mooy (current)
    St Max Bertrand (Bench)

    Also have Dubravka

  22. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    who to play

    traore or fernandez (new defender) ?

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

      Fernandez isn’t new, been in the game for ages....

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        COME OOoooonnn

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

          Juhhhuuuuhhuuuu....

  23. YuvalFPL
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Afternoon all.

    My plans all week was to do Kelly > C.Taylor, but this Martial news has made me rethink.

    What's the best move here?

    McCarthy
    TAA, Doherty, Kelly, Williams
    Salah, Martial, Traore, Hayden
    Vardy, Jimenez

    Button Auba KDB Stevens | 1FT | £0.2ITB

  24. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Currently fielding 10. Which of these would you do, given that there's more potential for MF points than a GK

    A - Henderson > McCarthy (field 11)
    B - Martial > someone else (field 10)

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

      A

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

    Safe to remove Kevin now that DGW is looking unlikely?

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

      For 28, yes. Not sure after that 😀

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

        I'll be covering his penalties with Jorginho 😉

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

      I did it with the intention of getting him back after United

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

        No room for getting any player back in my case, once out, won't get back till WC 😀

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

      Never sell Kev. Ever.

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

        He is so boring men...

    4. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I got rid...

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

        For who?

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Richarlison

        2. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          And bought fernandes in for -8 over Traore.. Finding Kev boring so fancied a change

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

            Nice, good moves

    5. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      What has changed? 2 hours ago it looked very likely

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

        As we get close to deadline, probability of it happening gets slim 😀

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

      I got rid after the West Ham game, got Mane in for the double up with Salah.

  26. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hello,

    Which move please?

    Hendo (appreciate he's not playing)
    Taa-Vvd-Soy-Boly-Rico
    Salah-Redmond*
    Ings-Vardy-DCL

    A) Rico + Redmond > C Taylor + Armstrong (-4)

    B) Grealish + Redmond > Barnes + Armstrong (-4)

    c) Red > Armstrong

  27. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bad idea to C Trent instead of Salah & Vardy?

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

      Yes, join the Friday party

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        ‘Pereira party’

  28. Holteenderinthesky
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Anybody for 1/2 week punt on Giroud whilst Tammys is still out?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Never

  29. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Martial > Perez FT?

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

      Don't have enough for Bruno?

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cool kids have Bruno already

  30. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mane or Salah captain?

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

      Mane here. Away form better this season.

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

        True only thing is Salah is on pens