Spot the Differential

Rested Silva could be excellent City differential in FPL Gameweek 36+

Michail Antonio’s (£7.0m) 26 points in Gameweek 35+ may be one of the best Fantasy Premier League differential hauls ever.

We first alerted readers of this column to his ‘out of position’ potential back in February, when he was owned by just 0.7% of FPL managers, and again last week.

If you missed Saturday’s haul, it isn’t too late to invest either – he’s still owned by just 3.0% of squads, with a schedule that suggests further attacking returns may be on the way.

However, it wasn’t just Antonio who delivered in Gameweek 35+.

Recent column favourites Gabriel Jesus (£9.8m), Oliver McBurnie (£5.5m) and Ismaïla Sarr (£6.0m) all registered attacking returns at the weekend, confirming there is still time to find some effective differentials for the run-in.

This time, we focus on three low-owned picks who we like the look of for Gameweek 36+ and beyond, all of whom have an ownership of 5% or less.

Jay Rodriguez

  • FPL ownership: 0.6%
  • Price: £5.7m
  • GW36+ – 38+ fixtures: WOL | nor | BHA

Jay Rodriguez (£5.7m) now has nine goal contributions in 14 starts in 2020.

The Burnley-born forward has deputised brilliantly for the injured Ashley Barnes (£6.1m), and is a major reason why the Clarets sit an impressive 19 points above the relegation zone and just nine off of fourth place.

One of Rodriguez’s best attributes is his clever movement and ability to drop off the front, but whilst his average position tends to be a bit deeper than that of his strike partner, his goal threat since the restart can’t be matched at Turf Moor.

Amongst teammates, Rodriguez leads the way for shots and shots in the box, and although he isn’t a huge creator, his two assists this year, against Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United, have helped earn valuable points.

During the 30-year-old’s run of starts, Burnley have only lost once, to Manchester City, winning six and drawing five.

In fact, they’ve lost just one of their last 13 Premier League games and are now unbeaten in five. Only Manchester United (11) are on a longer current unbeaten run.

With games against Norwich City and Brighton and Hove Albion, who rank 18th and 19th respectively for expected goals conceded since the restart, to see out the season, Rodriguez has an opportunity to finish strongly and stake a claim for a regular starting spot ahead of the next campaign.

David Silva

De Bruyne and Foden unlucky as Silva and Sterling score big for Man City
  • FPL ownership: 4.8%
  • Price: £7.3m
  • GW36+ – 38+ fixtures: BOU | wat | NOR

David Silva (£7.3m) will depart Manchester at the end of the season as a club and Premier League legend.

Despite this, the 34-year-old shows no sign of slowing down, having produced a midfield masterclass in Manchester City’s recent 5-0 home win over Newcastle United, where he registered his biggest points haul (17) of the season so far.

Since the restart, and bearing in mind he’s been limited to just four starts, Silva has had more opposition half touches than any other teammate. He also sits top for successful passes in the final third, and second for chances created and big chances created behind you know who.

Minutes is always a concern for City’s outfield players, but having logged less than half an hour off the bench in his last outing at Brighton, the Spanish playmaker’s chances of a start against Bournemouth on Wednesday night look good.

He also looks certain to make the starting XI in Gameweek 38+, in what will be his final match at the Etihad Stadium.

A key figure in City’s recent success, and arguably their greatest player of all time, Silva is one of the most creative, technically gifted midfielders the Premier League has ever seen, and could be a potent differential for those looking to make a late surge up the rankings.

James Ward-Prowse

  • FPL ownership: 1.6%
  • Price: £5.7m
  • GW36+ – 38+ fixtures: BHA | bou | SHU

Saints’ new skipper, James Ward-Prowse (£5.7m), has been one of the heroes of their season so far.

The 25-year-old has started every league game this term, highlighting his importance to the side, and scored his fifth goal of the season against Watford in Gameweek 32+, beating Ben Foster (£4.9m) with one of his trademark free-kicks that curled into the top corner.

His ability from dead-ball situations is key to his FPL appeal.

Since the restart, he’s taken 26 of Southampton’s 27 corners, whilst no player has scored more than his five direct free-kick goals since the start of the 2017-18 season.

He may also be on penalties too, despite missing from the spot in last week’s 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

In his six appearances since Gameweek 30+, Ward-Prowse ranks first amongst teammates for opposition half touches, successful passes in the opponents’ half and crosses.

He’s created nine chances and has now registered 14 shots. That’s just one behind Danny Ings (£7.5m), whilst they’re tied on big chances, with three apiece.

Ward-Prowse is one of Southampton’s most important players, and now settled in a central role where he can dictate play and have a bigger influence on games, could be an effective mid-price differential for the run-in.


FPL LESSONS LEARNED FROM GAMEWEEK 35+

973 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Teror
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Free Hitting this week but not sure how many Manure assets I should have. Thinking potentially only Bruno and Greenwood as first sub. I'd like to go without Bruno as he takes up a valuable midfield spot but obviously ownership so high... thoughts?

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

      keep bruno as a blocker

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

      I have tripled up on AWB, Bruno and Martial

    3. Fantasydreamer
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Same, I’ll be adding just as I think a lot will captain (as they will be unsure on city starters and not many have Chelsea)

    4. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      keep bruno

    5. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I'd definitely have Bruno, and probably Martial and AWB.

    6. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ah I see the 12 year-olds are still using the term manure as banter. Your parents must be so proud.

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

        Nah just despise your glory hunting club. How's the weather in Surrey today?

        1. Robson-Canoe
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Very original, your banter is just as terrible as your rank and FPL skills. Keep up the good work.

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

            Fair comment. But I take comfort from the fact that your mum says I'm better in bed than you though.

            1. The Left Duke #3
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Mike drop lol

            2. Robson-Canoe
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Daaaamn this guy did a "your mom" joke, that's even more original than before, you really got me there - damn it MOM! I take comfort in the fact that United have been crap for 7 years and they still live rent free in your head.

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

    Ings or Greenwood for last 3?

    A) Ings (BHA - bou - SHU)
    B) Greenwood (cry - WHU - lei)

    Have Bruno but no Martial ...

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

      Ings for me.

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Ings. Leaves space for Martial if you can squeeze him in later

  3. YuvalFPL
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    40 points behind ML rival.

    Mahrez > D Silva (C)? Or shall I sell KDB instead?

    1. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Mahrez out.

      1. YuvalFPL
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Any particular reasons? Feels wrong rotating city assets when I only have two.

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

          its because you have 2 that you need to rotate sometimes.

        2. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I'd need to see the rest of your team, but in a straight choice between Mahrez and KDB, I'd keep the latter.

          1. YuvalFPL
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Martinez
            TAA Digne Doherty
            KDB Salah Mahrez Pulisic Fernandes
            Rash Greenwood

            McCarthy C.Taylor Nketiah Kiko

          2. YuvalFPL
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            With cash in the bank, I can do Mahrez > D.Silva this week, KDB > Sterling next week, and Rash to Auba for 38.

  4. JamieC180
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys. What to do with aurier and Soyuncu? Any argument for holding aurier?

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

      Soy can't play for the rest of the season so definitely sell him

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If you've got not other issues, I'd definitely ship both, but depends on the rest of your team

    3. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Soy goes first

  5. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    So undecided on whether to FH today and TC GW38 (Sterling) or stick with my current team and TC Pulisic. Team as follows...

    DDG
    TAA Doherty Azpi
    Pulisic Mane KDB Bruno Foden
    Jimi Rash

    (DCL Lascelles Kiko)

    Help me out guys...

    1. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I decided to FH, albeit I had no Chelsea etc.

      I think FH in GW38 could be pretty powerful but it tends to be an unpredictable week, including some random starters etc.

      Guess it slightly depends on your mini league situation etc. If you’re leading, then holding it back to cover any chasing differentials seems sensible, if you’re chasing, then you don’t want to leave it too late I guess

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

        Yes not convinced by the FH GW38 strategy for similar reasons. The last day of the season often flatters to deceive and can be a bit of a bore fest.

        I am leading my ML by 44 pts however so there is a decent case for holding out and playing the TC chip this week

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

      I'm FHing just because I think there's a much bigger chance of Sterling or KdB being rotated today so I don't want that to mess up my TC. Against Norwich you can be fairly confident of seeing Pep start a full strength side against the worst team in the league because it'll be a dress rehearsal for the FA cup final.

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

        On the flip side though Pep will be wanting to protect his premium players, so wouldn't be surprised to see KDB and Sterling sitting out GW38 for that reason

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

          There are pros and cons either way. The way I see it is he won't want his players to be slightly rusty after nearly two weeks out between GW37 and the final. All in all I think GW38 is the safer bet.

  6. Steadzz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mccarthy (Button)
    Azpi - Maguire - Digne (Williams, Tanganga)
    Sterling - KDB c - Antonio - Pulisic vc - Fernandes
    Kane - Ings (connolly)

    FH team, GTG?

    Did consider Dilva over Sterling and having TAA instead of Maguire

    1. Distinctly Average
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sure Sterling and KDB will start?

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

        It is a concern. But Sterling only played 90 last week & KDB was rested 3 weeks ago and only played 63 mins last game

  7. El Muñeco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which option looks best (I own KDB and Pulisic atm):

    A) Mane to Willian (bench Saka)
    B) Mane to Sterling (bench Saka)
    C) Mane and Saka to Willian and David Silva (-4) (Bench Greenwood).

    1. Pukkipartyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe C if your chasing?

      1. El Muñeco
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Leading but only going backwards last couple of GWs...

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

    Am I gtg? Already took a hit, really don't mid taking another. 0.1itb

    Patricio
    TAA Azpi Aurier
    KdB (F)oden Willian Bruno
    Ings Vardy Rash
    Stek, Mahrez, Maguire, Lascelles

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      aitsa!

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

        Ek kak die laaste 3 weke. 40k tot 140k gedrop of so iets. Nou geniet ek dit maar

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

        GW31 46k
        GW35 150k

    2. ludaslol
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Im thinking about Vardy > Jesus, thoughts on that one?

      Your g2g imo if you belive Jesus dont start

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

        I believe Jesus starts. I already have 3 City players, and Aurier

        1. ludaslol
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Oh, I missed Mahrez.. team looks great

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

    Is it worth for -4? Ya or Nay
    Salah + Connoly to ->

    A) Ings + Pulisic
    B) Ings + Willian

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

    Folks, which duo should I go for ?

    A) Pulisic and Jesus
    B) Dilva and Giroud

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

      a

    2. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

      A for sure

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

      B

  11. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On a free hit:
    A. Patricio
    B. Pope
    C. McCarthy

    1. El Muñeco
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      BCA

  12. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    If ever there was a GW where City needed to be first up it's this one...Rockstar could name his price...

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

      You are cited for breaching the anti-corruption laws of our game. We will put the case together and make contact with your lawyer. You possibly face a 3 year ban from all things fpl-related

  13. FPLord
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sorry, but missed the Aurier news..why is he not playing?

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

      Brother was killed in France

      1. FPLord
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        f***

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

      His brother is dead.

    3. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jose has said he will leave it up to Aurier to decide whether he plays or not. He might want to just take his mind off it and play. Who knows. I am keeping him in, he'll get 90 or 0, unfortunately only have Lundstram in reserve but he might nick a goal in a 30 minute cameo.

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

    Nobody think about bringing CHO in for a home game against Norwich a few days before FA cup Semi final against Man U?
    I can see Willian bench

  15. Sj3451
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    On a FH, which 3 city attackers most nailed/you picking?

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

      I'd pick Sterling, Foden, Jesus if I was FHing

      1. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        This. Maybe Silva over Sterling if I could do anything with the additional cash.

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

      KDB Jesus Mahrez

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

        Sorry I was thinking it was wildcard, For this GW Dilva Foden Jesus

    3. jomikijiq
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Foden, Dilva, Jesus/Sterling

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

      Got Sterling, Dilva and Jesus.

    5. Walcoff life
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jesus, Sterling and Dilva / Foden

  16. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Feels scary taking KDB out but just can't see him playing with Wembley beckoning 72 hours later.

    I would guess Jesus gets 65 mins, Sterling 25 mins, KDB full rest, Mahrez very difficult to call.

    Gundogan - Fernandinho - D Silva
    Bernardo - Jesus - Foden

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

      Disagree on Sterling, I think he starts.

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I hope he does as an owner. Maybe Foden on the right, Sterling left, Bernardo bench.

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

          Sterling is my captain, what about you?

          1. Rains of Castamere
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Not decided yet... torn between Jesus/Foden

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

              Love the Foden pick.....he’s due for an explosion

  17. Origi-nal
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Have a BB left - would you use this week (with risk of rotation) or save for 37 (same rotation risk) or 38 (fixtures not as good)?

    Patricio
    Doherty Bednarek AWB
    KDB Martial Fernandes Willian Pulisic
    Ings Vardy

    Martinez Jiminez Justin Kiko

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

    I have Soy and Aurier. Last playing defender is Masina.

    Is Soy to Azpi/Alonso worth -4? Will wait on early team news.

  19. GOATMEAT
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bench Greenwood or Jimenez?

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

      Greenwood.

      Could be benched against Palace.

      Didn't have a good game and Jimenez is as nailed as they get.

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

        Cheers, I'm leaning towards it, doubts about Greenwood.

      2. Pegboy
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Agree with this. Bench Greenwood.

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

          Worth taking a hit (-4) to swap Jimmy for Ings?

  20. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Will there be Chelsea lineup news before the deadline?

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

      FPL ROCKSTAR

  21. JenkoJunko
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all! In need of some advice...
    Leading ML by 30 points, would you FH this lot? or us just use my 2FT's?

    Patricio Button
    TAA Doherty Lascelles Kiko Holgate
    KDB Salah Bruno Martial Mahrez
    Nketiah Greenwood Jimmy

    Thanks and GL all

  22. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who we capping then guys?

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

      Jesus

    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Salah or Foden

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

      Sterling

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

      I haven’t bought him yet but I think Pulisic

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

        Pulisic, Foden or Mo

    5. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling or Pully

    6. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Alonso if it leaks he starts. I got nothing to lose

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

      Sterling locked........coming off of a confidence-boosting hattie, makes sense to start him to "keep the rhythm" going

    8. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling, Martial or Salah

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I’m stuck between the former and the latter

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

    Coutinho is a great differential for this gw

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

      So does messi

  24. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who scores more over the rest of the season?

    a) Jesus

    b) Jimenez

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Jimmy maybe

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

      Considering the fixtures it would have to be Jesus.

  25. Distinctly Average
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Which three city attacking assets to have this week if on free hit?

    Currently thinking Dilva, Foden and Jesus, but seems crazy going without Kevin or Raheem...

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

      im thinking Dilva Jesus Sterling

  26. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Playing foden so bench
    A. Mahrez
    B. Greenwood

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

      B

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

      B. I think if he rests it's now

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

      Greenwood

  27. BinManJack
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Current team:
    Fab (Pope)
    TAA Laporte Aurier (Femenia / Holgate)
    Sterling Bruno Martial KDB (Saka)
    Greenwood Ings Jiminez

    Tempted to FH, and go with something along the lines of
    Fab (Pope)
    Alonso Azpi Alderwiereld (Holgate / Femenia)
    Sterling Pulisic (C) Dilva Antonio Bruno
    Ings Jesus (Greenwood)

    What are your thoughts?

  28. El Magico5
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Chasing 40 points, risk it with Sterling Captain or stick safer with Vardy? Any more transfers will be for a hit

    McCarthy

    TAA, Holgate, Justin
    Sterling (C), KDB, Martial, Bruno
    Kane, Greenwood, Vardy

    Pope, Traore, Boly, Lascelles

  29. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Would you FH this team GW36 or 38?

    1 FT 0.7 ITB
    Martinez Martin
    Taa Justin Awb Lascelles Simpson
    Salah Kdb Son Martial Pulisic
    Vardy Greenwood Nketiah

  30. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anything worth a hit with the below team. Already used my FT. There's 3 points between 1st and 3rd in my ML with money on the line. My 2 rivals have KDB as their only MCI player.

    Martinez
    TAA - Doherty - Saiss (Lascelles)
    Salah - KDB - Mahrez - Fernandes - Pulisic
    Ings - Jesus - (Greenwood)

    Considering Mahrez > Foden but not sure if it's worth the hit?