Spot the Differential

Differential Sarr can sustain electric form ahead of Blank Gameweek 31 fixture

The Spot the Differentials article is on a roll with five of our last six selections providing instant returns, including four double-digit hauls.

Last time out, our tips Michail Antonio (£6.9m) and Diogo Jota (£6.3m) registered 11 and 12 points respectively and delivered for those managers willing to think outside of the box.

This time, we focus on three midfield picks, all of whom have ownership of 5% or less, who we like the look of for Gameweek 29.

Ismaïla Sarr

  • FPL Ownership: 1.9%
  • Price: £6.3m
  • GW29-33 fixtures: cry | LEI | bur | SOU | che

Ismaïla Sarr (£6.3m) is back on the FPL radar after Watford’s 3-0 win over Liverpool, yet surprisingly sits in just 1.9% of squads.

Making his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury last weekend, the Senegal winger played a part in each of Watford’s three goals, but realistically could have had more, drawing a save from Alisson (£6.2m) and curling a shot wide late on.

It’s now eight attacking returns in nine appearances for Sarr under Nigel Pearson, which has earnt him an impressive 57 FPL points under the new head coach.

Over that same period, amongst midfielders, only Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) and Dele Alli (£8.3m) have been afforded more big chances, despite Sarr playing just 675 minutes.

His partnership with Kiko Femenía (4.2m) could also add another dimension to Watford’s attacking play, with the Spaniard offering more quality in the final third than previous right-back options Adrian Mariappa (£4.2m) and Craig Dawson (4.8m).

The 22-year-old will hope to continue his form when Watford take on Crystal Palace on Saturday, whilst it’s also worth noting the Hornets have a guaranteed Gameweek 31 fixture against Burnley to follow.

If Sarr can remain fit for the rest of the season, then Watford have a real chance of Premier League survival, whilst FPL managers have the opportunity to purchase a potentially explosive, kindly priced differential.

Miguel Almirón

  • FPL Ownership: 0.7%
  • Price: £5.8m
  • GW29-33 fixtures: sou | SHU | – | bou | WHU

For the majority of the season, Miguel Almirón (£5.8m) has struggled on the right side of a 5-4-1 set-up.

However, Steve Bruce’s decision to switch to a 4-2-3-1 in Gameweek 28 has seen Almirón take up a central role, as a no 10 – a position he thrived in for Atalanta United in MLS.

In his new role, the Paraguay international impressed against Burnley last weekend. He was Newcastle’s most advanced player, taking three shots in the box and creating four chances, whilst he had more final third touches than any of his teammates.

Despite failing to score, the system change had a positive impact on the Magpies’ attack, who looked more of a threat, mustering 21 attempts on goal. With better finishing, they could have pulled off a decent win against the Clarets.

But it was on Tuesday night the attack finally clicked, as they ran out 3-2 winners over West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup, with Almirón showing excellent composure to score two goals.

Following that haul, Almirón is now the Magpies’ top scorer this season with six goals, which have all been scored since 21st December.

Newcastle remain in a relatively comfortable league position and are only two points behind their opponents on Saturday, Southampton. Only three teams have given up more than the Saints’ six big chances over the last two Gameweeks, whilst they have often struggled against direct teams this season. With Dwight Gayle (£5.0m) looking to run the channels, it should give Almirón plenty of space through the middle, and an opportunity to build on his previous good form.

Phil Foden

  • FPL Ownership: 0.3%
  • Price: £5.1m
  • GW29-33 fixtures: mun + ARS| BUR | – | LIV | sou

At Wembley on Sunday, Phil Foden (£5.1m) delivered a man of the match performance as Manchester City beat Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup final.

Playing as a winger coming in off the right, Foden was at the centre of everything, assisting Sergio Agüero’s (£11.9m) opener whilst almost scoring himself. He had a pass completion rate of 92%, had five shots, and now has two goals and seven assists in his last 10 starts.

Those performances suggest Foden is ready to start more often, and with David Silva (£7.3m) departing in the summer, it would certainly make sense.

The interesting news for FPL managers, is following City’s FA Cup fifth round win at Hillsborough on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola suggested Foden will play in this weekend’s Manchester derby. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll start, but with Kevin De Bruyne (£10.7m) a doubt for the game with a shoulder problem, and Silva having played the full 90 minutes midweek, his chances look quite high.

As for City, it’s been an impressive period following wins against Leicester City, Real Madrid and Aston Villa, and with two matches this Gameweek it looks sensible to invest in at least one of their attacking assets.

Foden is still learning, although he has already shown he is ready to shine when called upon, and could be an effective budget differential for Gameweek 29.

2,179 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Who do you think most captained player will be? Auba, Salah, someone else?

    1. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Auba I guess

    2. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      I think Salah will still have a higher EO then Auba, just because of all the casuals/dead teams as well as many people not really in a rush to bring Auba in.

    3. JBG
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Salah

  2. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Traore to Saka yay or nay?

    1. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      for -4 no for free yes

  3. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Pep on KDB - "He’s getting better, tomorrow he’s going to train, he’s not perfect but he feels better."
    https://twitter.com/City_Xtra/status/1235919832253636608

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      useless info

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        As always with Pep info.

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        How is that useless?

      3. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Not useless. Not big

    2. Rash
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      He plays imo

    3. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Good enough not to sell.
      Not good enough to risk captain.

      1. The Strokes
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        This

      2. BNMC
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        This exactly.

      3. walkman666
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Agree

      4. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        yup

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      If he doesn't start against Utd, sounds like he will be ok for Arsenal.

    5. Dosh
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      So don't buy if I don't have?

      1. BNMC
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        It's basically a situation of staying put:
        If you have him, don't sell or captain him.
        If you don't have him, don't buy him.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          What if you are on a WC?

      2. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Not the worst buy but probably some better moves to do

  4. avfc82
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Pep on KDB... feels better, but we'll see.

    1. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Means at least 1 match I guess

    2. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      You going without ? Pretty sure I'll keep as sounds as though he has a good chance of facing that Arsenal back line at least.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Yeah, I'll stick to the plan and go without.

        1. TLF
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Makes sense given no guarantee of the double.

  5. The Strokes
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Bench Boost this lot ?
    Pope (Tot H) – Barnes (Avl H) - Stephens (New H) – Ings (New H)

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      I'd do it.

    2. dbeck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      yeah im doing it

    3. majeci
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      I would save it, especially the way Barnes and Ings have been lately. DGWs to come should have better options

    4. Mingo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      You won't get much better than that.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        You will if you WC before a big DGW

        1. The Strokes
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Unfortunately used my WC already in GW 25

        2. Mingo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Of course, for single game week fixtures I meant.

      2. The Strokes
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Ok thanks! Plus it enables me too weaker my bench then for the rest of the season

        1. Mingo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Every strategy is viable, sometimes DWGs narrow our thinking when it comes to chips. Andy had great success playing it in a single game week and your players seems to have the fixtures. Good luck if you decide to go for it.

    5. lugs
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      strong bench, i'd BB that for sure

    6. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Is that a genuine bench though, or have you got worse in your team?

      1. The Strokes
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Worst in my team are: Saka, KDB (due to doubt), O'Connel (who plays Norwish) and Perez

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          Do it

    7. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      nah I'd save for a proper DGW

      1. The Strokes
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Looks like the only proper DGW will be 37 on which I plan to FH

  6. nolard
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Any Chelsea assets worth considering?
    Alonso, Mount?
    Even Giroud?

    1. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Alonso

  7. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    So looks like KDB is a hold now. After all the game isn't until Sunday evening.

  8. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    This has to be one of the most exciting gameweeks ever ... hold Vardy and Ings twist to Auba, get in double game week players now or plan for blank game week 31 ... take hits or play safe ... omg what to do 🙂

    then some have WCs, FH etc ... going to be screamed no matter what

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Yep, very tricky time. I’m still weighing up Vardy >> Auba. It’s a closer call than most make out imo

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      *scenes

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        I read it as screams

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      The excitement will die down after Liverpool draw 1-1 with an unassisted Wijnaldum goal, and then Auba does his hammy in the 3rd minute.

  9. Energetics
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Anybody hoping KDB goes red?

    Would make my decisions a lot easier

    1. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Sounds like he’s going light yellow.

    2. majeci
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Yes--I would prefer it, in a way!

    3. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      not going red. Pepe said he will train tomorrow

      1. In a Rush
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        What does Pépé know!

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      He won’t

  10. majeci
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Is it worth it to make this move?
    Ings/KDB --> Auba/Sarr (or similar MF) for a -8 hit? Worried about KDB...

    Basically, is Auba 8 points better than KDB this week?

    Thanks

    1. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      no

    2. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      lol

  11. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Vague update done. Waste of time waiting

    1. In a Rush
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Indeed Rafa

    2. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Hmmm if he is back in training he will play at least one game.
      Enough for me to not sell him or to put him on the bench.

  12. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Go on then Kev, you can have the armband boyo

  13. InvertedWinger
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Now that I'm tempted to hold on to KDB, I can't get afford Ings to Auba. Will just have to ride out the storm, I guess!

  14. I Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Hmm.. Pep seems positive about De Bruyne's chances. Any Auba captainers switching to KDB?

    1. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Too risky and reward is two matches against old TOP 6 sides.
      It's between Salah and Auba for me

      1. ElliotJHP
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        De Bruyne got 19 in the reverse fixture against the Gooners, he's going for 20 this time.

        1. The Strokes
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          And Aubameyang scored 12 against WH and I don't think this has a huge imact on what we will do tomorrow.
          Plus, there is a legimate question in: Can Arteta neutralised (a bit) a Man City squad he knows inside out.

      2. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Opd top 6 sides srenopd for a reason.
        Newcastle is also an old top6 side.
        If KDB plays in the hole vs Arsenal again and this tike at the etihad, the reward

        1. Dr. Agabuse
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 22 days ago

          might be ok

  15. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Alison injured in training

  16. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Sounds like Alisson is ruled out. As a double defence owner - gulp.

    https://twitter.com/ptgorst/status/1235921113617743872?s=20

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Double defence owner here as well, but on a WC. Might just keep it intact tbh.

    2. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Adriaj is so so bad

  17. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    So KDB hasn't trained since the cup game.. not good.

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      What, that was only Sun?

  18. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    How can I found Chilwell to Doherty move? Need 0.4m and have asbolutely no idea. Was thinking Mane to Sterling but that doesn't make much sense before the Blank gameweek... Any ideas?

    McCarthy - McGovern
    TAA - Chilwel - Stevens - (Kelly - Rico)
    Salah - Mane - KDB - Martial - Barnes
    Ings - Jimenez -( Long)

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Martial to Sarr?

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Hmm not a bad idea...

  19. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Bench one:

    A) Saka (WHU & mcy)
    B) Stevens (NOR)

    Captain one:
    1) Auba
    2) Salah

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      A1

    2. Glokollur nr.1
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      B1

    3. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      B1

  20. Glokollur nr.1
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Martial to Pepe (-4)?

    got Aguero but no Auba :'(

  21. Csw123
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Fernandes and Mane or Martial and Salah? Any thoughts?

    1. Glokollur nr.1
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      fernandes and mane imo

    2. majeci
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Agree Fern and Mane

      1. Csw123
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        Thanks both!

  22. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Start 1

    A-B.Williams ( will play)
    B-Lascelles
    C-Cahill

  23. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Looks like KDB will be okay!

    Captain

    A. Kun
    B. KDB
    C. Salah

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      A

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 22 days ago

        A

    2. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      C

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      He’ll not play both or have reduced minutes. But so will Kun probably. Think I prefer Kun still

    4. Glokollur nr.1
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      A

    5. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Cheers fam

  24. BigBadCabrera
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    TC auba yay or nay? Agonising over this, I don't really want to but will be using WC/BB on 36/37 and FH on 34 so I don't really see when else I would use it. Any opinions/advice would be much appreciated.

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Probably the best chance to use it unless you go for a single gameweek plum fixture. I'd say go for it. Big upside with Auba fairly lowly owned

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      sure, will not be massively owned and if he hauls you will be very happy - City ( not very solid) and WHU are there for the taking ... expect a double digit game week and 30 plus points from him for you

    3. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      I'm thinking the same - think I will TC him - mostly based on the West Ham fixture with MCi a potential bonus

    4. BigBadCabrera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Thanks! Think I'll go for it just needed a little push haha

    5. majeci
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      if that's your chip plan, I say yes

  25. Fuddled FC
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Play ?

    a) Sarr
    b) Gomez

    1. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      A

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Allison out so defo A

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      A also

    4. Glokollur nr.1
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      A

  26. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Breaking
    KDB not out for the season

    1. Cahill
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      what a waste of a comment this is

    2. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      I've been loyal to KDB since GW3. Will have to hold him

  27. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    VVD to Doherty FT?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      I like it

    2. majeci
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      Yes--good move

  28. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Has Nuno done his presser?

  29. Energetics
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Sounds like KDB is fit.

    A: KDB and (Doucoure and Robbo in 31)
    B: Mahrez and (Sarr and Robbo in 31)
    C: Aguero and (Sarr and Mane in 31)

    C looks tempting but basically means no KDB rest of season.

    Whereas in option A he will be on bench.

    Help please this is destroying my head

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      A

    2. majeci
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 22 days ago

      I vote B--Sarr is big impact

  30. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 22 days ago

    Auba in, Saka cash cow, cheap 4.3 defender plays GW31. Job done!