Spot the Differential

FPL differential Antonio has form and fixtures heading into Gameweek 34+

Once again differentials had a lot of success in Gameweek 33+.

Of the 14 players who registered 10 points or more, seven had an ownership of 5% or less.

The likes of Leandro Trossard (£5.8m), Ross Barkley (£5.6m) and James Tarkowski (£5.2m) all hit double-digit hauls, confirming there is still time to find some hidden gems.

There’s no shortage of differential candidates to consider this week, either, and this time we’re focusing on three low-owned picks who we like the look of for Gameweek 34+ and beyond.

Michail Antonio

  • FPL ownership: 1.0%
  • Price: £6.9m
  • GW34+ – 38+ fixtures: BUR | nor | WAT | mun | AVL

We’ve been big on Michail Antonio (£6.9m) for a while now, having included him in Spot the Differential ahead of Gameweek 28.

Now, having emerged from the restart as one of the league’s form players, we think he’s worth talking about again.

Since Gameweek 30+, Antonio leads the way amongst midfielders for shots in the box, whilst his three big chances is only bettered by Anthony Martial (£8.3m) and Sadio Mané (£12.4m). The expected data is also encouraging – the versatile forward sits top for xG (2.88) and xGI (4.03).

At Newcastle United on Sunday, Antonio was in the right place at the right time when another of our column favourites, Jarrod Bowen (£6.4m), squared it across the face of the goal. It was the former Nottingham Forest forward’s fourth goal of the season and the first time he’s scored in back-to-back games since April 2019.

With a point gained at St James’ Park, West Ham United are edging closer to Premier League safety and are starting to pick up some form with four points in their last two games. Interestingly, only six sides have registered more big chances than the Hammers since the restart, with two of them (Manchester City and Arsenal) playing an additional game.

With matches against Burnley, Norwich City and Watford up next, you’d expect the club to now push further clear of the drop zone.

Antonio has thrived as a lone forward for West Ham this season and is an in-form differential ready for those willing to move away from the midfield template.

Benjamin Mendy

  • FPL ownership: 1.5%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW34+ – 38+ fixtures: NEW | bha | BOU | wat | NOR

Having started four matches for Manchester City in all competitions since the restart, including the last three in a row, Benjamin Mendy (£5.5m) was rested in Gameweek 33+, and should be raring to go when Newcastle visit the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Mendy’s time at City has been hampered by a persistent knee injury, but he has recently started showing flashes of his best form, providing width and energy on his flank.

Against Liverpool in Gameweek 32+, the French defender was superb. In fact, no player from either side could match his 37 opposition half touches, whilst he also provided several enticing crosses for his teammates.

Man City will be looking for a reaction against the Magpies, having now lost three consecutive away league games, and will want to secure a Champions League place for next season as soon as possible – providing the club are successful in their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Mendy, owned by just 1.5% of managers, adds creativity to Guardiola’s team and has perhaps been a little unfortunate to earn just two assists this season. With some promising fixtures to come, Mendy has the potential to earn points at both ends of the pitch and could be an effective differential for the run-in.

Ismaïla Sarr

  • FPL ownership: 1.7%
  • Price: £6.1m
  • GW34+ – 38+ fixtures: NOR | NEW | whu | MCI | ars

Ismaïla Sarr’s (£6.1m) inclusion in this column is all about fixtures, rather than form.

Defeats against Burnley, Southampton and Chelsea have left Watford in a precarious position, just one point above the relegation zone, whilst they’ve found the back of the net on just two occasions since the restart.

Now, they have back-to-back home games, against Norwich and Newcastle, which will surely define their season.

It really does feel like it’s all or nothing for the Hornets now, and if they are to come good, Senegal winger Sarr will probably be central to it.

Since Nigel Pearson took charge back in Gameweek 17, Sarr has eight goal contributions in 14 appearances, which is a good return for a debut Premier League campaign in a struggling side, and ranks second amongst teammates for shots in the box and big chances over that period.

This is a player who has shown he has big performances in his locker. He was pivotal in ending Liverpool’s unbeaten run in February by scoring two goals and providing an assist in his side’s 3-0 win, and also contributed a goal and assist in Watford’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United back in December.

If Sarr can return to the kind of form he showed before the season was suspended, Watford have a chance of Premier League survival, whilst FPL managers have the opportunity to purchase a potentially explosive differential.

It just depends on which type of FPL manager you are: form or fixtures?

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 33+

624 Comments Post a Comment
  1. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone tempted by Deeney? DCL replacement

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He's in my starting XI, quite a lot of Watford fans think he'll be benched for Welbeck tho. Personally I don't see that happening, but it's worth keeping an eye on team news pre deadline just in case.

      1. POLSKA GOLA
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I’m considering Jimi to Deeney 3 week punt, it could backfire spectacularly though

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      This could work out well over the next three fixtures.

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      After last year (or year before?) RC against Arsenal in DGW(?), he is never coming near my team again. Would rather have Sarr from Watford if any.

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I like Sarr too, the prob is fitting him in with all the midfield options.

    4. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Don't

    5. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just benching him as reoving Salah unlocked funds for midfield 5

    6. Jönny
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I brought him in last week (instead of Greenwood... sigh) as a bit of a punt vs a shonky Chelsea defence, but really with an eye on the next three. It's now or never time for Watford, and I tend to think if anyone is going to drag them kicking and screaming out of the mire, it's going to be him...

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I really hope so mate!

    7. Sotamendi84
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      i might join you

  2. Ed
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    2FTs. Would quite like Foden in. So thinking Rashford + Guendouzi > Greenwood + Foden.

    Already have Martial & Bruno, and would leave me with just enough cash to do DCL > Vardy next week.

    What do you reckon?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I like it.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lovely stuff

    3. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Thinking something similar myself.

  3. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Nyland (second keeper is button) not nailed anymore, here are my options:

    A -8 Nyland Hayden Auba to De gea Pulisic Greenwood
    B -8 Nyland Hayden Auba to De Gea Pulisic Ings
    C -4 Nyland Auba to De Gea Ings

    1. HNI
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A with Ederson so you can get another Manutd attack next gw

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What reckless says, go big or go home.

  4. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Such a FPL boomerang. Brought in Martial for KDB in last 3 for 15pt upside as dint want to lose Tottenham coverage. Bit the bullet and Did Son to KDB C when Son faces bou...but better believe in Ole and Pep attack than Mourinhos. Cant have it all as wanted Chelsea coverage with Pulsiic as well lol

  5. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Should I play Pope (wha) or Patricio (shu)?

    1. Park the bus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      any other wolves defence? if doubling up i would say Pope, otherwise Patricio

      1. Dacra
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Have Saiss, but hes benched..

    2. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      pat!

  6. Park the bus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope (4.0)
    TAA AWB Doherty (Femenia Fernandez)
    Salah KDB Martial Bruno (D.Luiz)
    DCL Ings Jiminez

    Save FT this week? need to upgrade D.Luiz and have funds for Saka but also want to get Greenwood in so need to ship AWB - thinking 2 FTs next week should allow me to do this.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Save

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Save

  7. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will Mahrez start?

    1. Park the bus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      unfortunately i think he will

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      50:50 imho.

    3. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Si, magic 15 pointer inbound

  8. QUEN
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you do

    DCL and traore

    A- Richarlison Greenwood
    B - Pulisic/Willian Greenwood
    c - other

    Martinez
    Doherty Trent aurier
    Kdb mane son Fernandez
    Dcl rashford nkeitah

    3.9 3.9 lascelles traore

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B out of those.

    2. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. King Didier
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pulisic/Greenwood, united look very good currently

    4. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B - Willian playing for a new contract

    5. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  9. bombayblues
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Chasing ML leader by 25 points

    FH34 team:

    Pope. (McCarthy)
    TAA. Aurier. Azpi (Saiss. Taylor)
    KDB. Sterling. Martial. Bruno. Son
    Jimi. Greenwood (Nketiah)

    Captain - KDB or Bruno

    1. Sterling or Mahrez?

    Any suggestions will be appreciated

    1. Park the bus
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling
      Captain KDB

    2. King Didier
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Depends if they have KDB or not but I would captain KDB this week

      1. bombayblues
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        His forward 8:
        Salah. KDB. Martial. Saka. McCarthy (CPL)
        Rashford. Jiminez. Vardy

        I know he is itching to get in Bruno but that is only possible if he takes out one out of Salah/KDB/Rashford/Jiminez/Vardy

        1. King Didier
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Your forward 8 is looking better this week imo, so you should be good and captain KDB to protect your rank in ML

          1. bombayblues
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I am chasing by 27 points. So I need to cut down that margin. He doesnt have a FH or WC

        2. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Hes gonna remove Salah for Bruno for sure

          1. bombayblues
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            He got Salah in last week so I am not so sure. I am guessing Rashford + Saka = Greenwood + Bruno

  10. King Didier
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    AWB Doherty TAA Kiko
    Fernandes Martial Salah Son
    Jimenez Nketiah
    Pope Saint-Max Lascelles Gayle

    1.9 itb
    1 FT

    Salah + Jimenez to KDB + Jesus???

    1. bombayblues
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      KDB + Vardy. The latter plays BOU next week

  11. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A - Save FT
    B - Salah to Sterling
    C - Nketiah and Salah to Kane and Foden -4

    No idea what to do this week. Leading my ML by a very small lead now of 10. my rival has played a blinder last 3 weeks. Arrggghhh

    Pope
    TAA Aurier Maguire Doherty
    KDB Mahrez Salah Martial Bruno
    Jimi
    Martinez DCL Fernandez Nketiah.

    1. EWH2020
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      im in exactly the same position as you. Agonising over B and C. My ML leader has Kane.

      I think I am going to go for B. Just because it is the most fun 🙂

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        yeah just the city triple up concerns me a bit

  12. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Last couple of spots in my WC team...
    A Mahrez
    B Sterling
    C Foden

    1 Vardy
    2 Kane (for this week only)

    Y Garcia
    Z Mendy

    1. bombayblues
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B2Z

  13. Who are all Lukakus
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    A. Saka to Foden, bench Jimenez
    B. Jimenez to Kane, bench Saka
    C. Save FT

    1. Who are all Lukakus
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A. Really want Foden for this fixture, that means I have to bench Mr. Honest. Could back fire
      B. Same dilemma as I am not certain that Kane will outscore Jim.
      C. Play boring, believe in honest work and save the FT

  14. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any desperate changes to make or hold out for 2 FT's?

    Pope (Button)
    Holgate / TAA / Doherty (Taylor / Lascelles)
    Willian / Bruno / KDB / Salah (Foden)
    Rash / DCL / Greenwood

    I did want Kane due to fixtures coming up but not sure after last night. Maybe I should get AWB or Aurier to boost defence a bit?

  15. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you recommend these moves?
    Salah, Maguire, Ederson OUT
    KdB, Digne, Particio IN

    Have Bruno and Rash, Mahrez and Foden. Will get Martial next week for Son

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Losing Maguire and not getting another MUN?

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Will get Martial/Greenwood next gw. You suggest I wait? have 2ft

        Ederson
        MAguire, TAA, Doh
        Salah, MAhrez, Foden, Bruno, Son
        Rash, Jimmy
        3.9, Aurier, Nketiah, Lascelles

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah, Maguire, Ederson will outpoint
      KdB, Digne, Particio imho.

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Well that sucks for me 😆

        See my team in comments above. Any suggestions? I want KdB and Martial/Greenwood soon though.Maybe Salah and Ederson moves only for free?

        1. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Personally, I would keep your team the way it is.

  16. sovietrockettes
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    WC tinkering......

    A) Sterling + Greenwood
    B) Pulisic + Rashford

    1. Shankly611
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Right now A but I would definitely get Pulisic in for GW 36

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      А

  17. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Eric Garcia? Three 90 mins in last 4 games. 4.5 m!!

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think Pep will rest him and Laporte in alternate matches but not sure who gets the rest in which match.

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yep. Greenwood, Foden and Garcia allows you to have Pele, Bobby Moore, Maradonna and Cruyff too.

  18. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    pick one def to keep for the rest of the season

    A. Taylor
    B. Garcia
    C. Stephens
    D. Holgate

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      See above. Just saw that Garcia could be an option. I already have Holgate

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Garcia. Holgate is injured, Ben mee now out for the season - so Burnley defence a bit weaker.

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      D

  19. Hits Central
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Any suggestions what to do with this lot? 1 FT (don’t mind one hit) and obviously need to bring in KdB. Even thinking to FH.

    Pope
    Kiko Maguire Doherty
    Bruno Pulisic Son Salah
    Jesus Rash Vardy

    Button Lascelles Gunsuzi

    1. Geraaaard
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kdb is a must have. Maybe drop son?

  20. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Auba to Kane or save FT..?

  21. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hows it looking for the GW? Gtg? 1FT and 0.5mill in the bank.

    Patricio
    AWB VVD Doherty
    KDB(c) Salah Fernandes Mahrez Pulisic
    Jimenez Rashford

    Button;Nketiah, Lascelles, Simpson

  22. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Vardy + Boly
    OR
    Kane + Lamptey

    Boly will be benched this week.

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kane Lamp

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy for me, I know Bournemouth look poor but I cant see much from that Spurs side.

      Think Vardy is top goalscorer over next 3 GW

    3. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      K+L

    4. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      V + B

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Damn it's close.

        I thought it might be. Boly is quite helpful in GW35 where I would want to bench Aurier vs Arsenal and he has Everton at home but otherwise I don't think Boly plays again over Digne + Aurier.

  23. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sell Pulisic for Antonio for the next 2? Or get Foden/Son ? Thanks

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden

  24. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is reina nailed now?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably give Steer a go in a couple of weeks.

  25. mrmrscott
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    son > foden / mahrez ?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden seems to play every other week, Mahrez a bit more random.

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez, more proven and gets more minutes

  26. FPL_BUCCANEER
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Doh AWB
    KDB Sterling(C) Pulisic Bruno
    DCL Rash Jimmy

    0FT

    I'm chasing, so Sterling(C) is a 'gamble' to close the gap.

    Thoughts? G2G?

    Thanks guys.

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's a good gamble too, G2G

    2. mrmrscott
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Good gamble

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

      Thanks guys 🙂 Best of luck to you.

  27. wildnothing
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Patricio Martinez
    Doherty TAA Maguire Ritchie Aurier
    Pulisic Fernandes Son Willian Saka
    Kane Rashford Jimenez

    2.0 itb 1 ft.

    What do you think of Rashford and Saka to Greenwood and KDB (c) for a hit?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      two good players for two better player plus best C option yay from me mate

  28. Raging wildcard
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench which one?

    1) Jiminez
    2) DCL

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2

    2. mrmrscott
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2

  29. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    DCL -> Ings for a hit Y or N

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No

  30. InvertedWinger
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What are DEF/Bruno/Rashford owners doing moving forward?
    A) Using FTs/Hits to get Triple United attack by removing DEF
    B) Using FTs/Hits to reshuffle and get Martial for Rashford
    C) Leaving this trio for the rest of the season and resigned to going without Martial

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

      1. InvertedWinger
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Just done A.

      I didn't have Bruno so was slightly more pressing for me ha