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. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bur vs Wol score prediction?

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

      0-0 or 1-1

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

      Will be either 0-0 or 2-2

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

      0-1

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

      3-0 Wolves

    5. Pinturicchio10
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm banking on 0-1 or 0-2 but who knows.

    6. Ciro Di Marzio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I’m a bit out of the loop due to long hours at work recently. Can anyone help me with these?

      1. Why are people selling KDB? Even if the doesn’t stay against Bournemouth, surely you’d want his for the last 2 games?

      2. After Aurier’s brother being killed is he getting leave or will he play against Newcastle?

      3. My midfield is Salah, Sterling, KDB, Fernandes, Martial. Is it worth switching anyone to a Chelsea mid?

      4. Too risky to captain Sterling again this week in case of a benching?

      Thanks for any help!

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I’d say sterling C is a gamble but still not a bad call

        I’d personally hold with your midfield I think maybe look at getting giroud up front if you can

        Not sure about aurier

        Kdb sellers assuming he is rested this week and possibly again after the cup but it’s all guess work, personally got way bigger problems with my team than that

        1. Ciro Di Marzio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks mate.

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

        1. He's got 1 assist in last two 5-0 games and is expected to be rotated
        2. He will surely get leave
        3. Only person I would consider selling is KDB
        4. I'm captaining Sterling

        1. Ciro Di Marzio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Good point about kdb, has he been playing deeper? I haven’t seen any games in weeks 🙁

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

        1. No idea, keep.
        2. General thought is he won't play. But I'm gonna keep since I have Taylor as cover.
        3. Probably not unless you want to take a punt with Salah or KdB > Pulisic
        4. He's 2nd in the captain poll. Lots are gonna take the risk. I think I am going to.

        1. Ciro Di Marzio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks for info. Have Taylor or Kiko to cover Aurier so may keep.

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

        1. People think Sterling is a better pick for the run in and its hard to have both

        2. No one knows their relationship, its impossible to know, but unlikely

        3. No

        4. Depends if you want to punt i.e if chasing

        1. Ciro Di Marzio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks mate!

    7. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Play Taylor over Saiss?

      Pope
      TAA Saiss AWB
      Salah KDB Fernandes Willian
      Auba Greenwood Jimi

      Martinez C.Taylor Saka Cathcart

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

        I'd spread the risk and play Saiss

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

      Never needed a 0-0 more than in the Wolves vs Burnley match

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

        or Burnley vs Wolves match rather

      2. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'd take it after selling Jimenez!

        Starting Saiss over Taylor, think that's a mistake?

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

          Yeah I'm selling Jiminez and playing Patricio, Doherty and Taylor!

          Think it's a coin flip between those two, I'd maybe favour Taylor just due to being at home but 50/50

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

        yes. if i FH then i'd remove both my double defence but I think now I will stick this week as I will want to remove more players for 38. If Wolves don't come through for me then I will be massively regretting not FHing I think!

      4. Thomas M.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        0-0 with a pen save for pope on jimmy 😉

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

      ***Apologies for the repost but really in need of some advice... LOST!!
      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

      1. aircraft1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        FH

    10. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Hi all, what shall i do with this lot?

      I've got 0.5 m ITB and 1 FT and a free hit (which i'll probably use GW38).

      DDG, Martin
      TAA, Doherty, Aurier, Lascelles, Lamptey
      Salah, KDB, Mahrez, Willian, Fernandes
      Vardy, Greenwood, DCL

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

      Foden is a good captaincy option right?

      It’s weird, psychologically the fact he is so cheap is somehow putting me off when obv that shouldn’t matter

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He's done well with the minutes he's got so far and plenty of people seem to think he'll start against a poor Bournemouth team so why not?

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

          Second guessing myself these days - have had a horrendous season captaincy wise and with so many good options this week getting it wrong will be costly

      2. Forza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        His price isn't a reason to ignore him altogether, but it's a reflection of the fact that he's only scored 5 league goals in his career.

      3. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        He’s a decent option for sure. He’ll start and should be in good attacking positions

        Think I’m going Dilva over Foden!

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

        Yes

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

        Those misses in the Newcastle game are in my head...

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

          Me too - do we see it as a positive (ie got the chances) or a negative

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

        Decent punt, most nailed on to start and also probably the most likely to play 90 mins out of the attackers

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

          How punty is it I guess is my question

    12. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Who are you giving the armband?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Lol see below. Not a clue!

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

        Jesus

    13. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Sitting at 36k OR and chasing in my main ML. Who would you captain?

      A) Salah
      B) Bruno
      C) Sterling
      D) Dilva
      E) Pulisic
      F) Vardy
      G) Ings

      Thinking it’s between D and E? Sterling too risky?

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

        G probably a good shout too but i'm going Pulisic whether I FH or not.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers mate!

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

        someone they don't own, if the difference is big

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Trouble is they’ll all likely make moves which I can’t predict so I think I just have to play my own game

      3. Thomas M.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        toggling between C and E atm. D a good shout too. Not sure who to bring in of Dilva and Jesus atm

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers. I reckon Dilva over Jesus for a punt

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

        C, A & E are the most explosive, we all know C is capable of huge scores in minutes.

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Such a hard decision!

      5. nadman89
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        david silva is the guy

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          He could be! Risky to cap tho??

    14. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Think I'm set on my FH team:

      Pope
      Alonso Azpi TAA
      Sterling Foden Bruno (C) Martial Pulisic
      Jesus Rashford

      If Alonso doesn't start Rash becomes Giroud and Alonso AWB.

      No Ings or Antonio a bit risky but going all in for the big teams vs bad defence.

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

      Who to sell this week for Jesus?

      a) Rashford

      b) Jiminez

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

        B

      2. Wild Card this!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B

    16. Thoughtopsy
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Top 4 defenders this week?

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

      Vardy to Jesus for -4??

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I'm pulling this

    18. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Team set last decision is just the following wonder if you could offer your opinion ?

      A. Mahrez to dilva
      B. Hold and play Mahrez bench jimmy
      C. Hold and Play jimmy bench Mahrez

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Would be for a -4

        1. Carlos3
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I did A

    19. Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Who are the must haves for GW36+?

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

        Popcorn 🙂

      2. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Triple man utd attack, 2-3 City, TAA + Salah/Mane.

    20. Ian Davis
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy > Jesus or hold? Leicester fixtures not the best..

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

      Thoughts on Best 3 City players this week on a FH?

      Currently on Sterling (c) Jesus & Dilva

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

        I was just looking at Dsilva, Foden and Jesus. Sterling big risk there I think but if your chasing could work

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

          Yes am chasing and don't expect too many miracles the way things are going.

    22. HD7
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Any Chelsea fans around?
      A die hard Chelsea friend of mine says he expects Alonso, Giroud to start. With Pulisic and RLC on the wings. Do you think Willian might be benched?

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

        I wouldnt be surprised if he is

      2. Thomas M.
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        hope so

        1. HD7
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          ?

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

        You don't think CHO will play winger over RLC?

        1. HD7
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Sorry mate. Yeah Pulisic and Odoi on the wings. My mistake

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

        That would be good. i'd be suprised if RLC was out on the wing, perhaps Calum HD? I'd be happy with Pulisc and Alonso this week if I FH, they should combine well for points.

    23. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lacelles out too then

      Aurier most likely given leave

      So ned to take a hit for Aurier out. Who do i get?? Budget is 6m

      Digne? Was struggling at the end of last game so not sure he is fit

      Tarkowski?

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

        Digne has a 15 waiting to happen but Tark has good fixtures as well

    24. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Dilva or Foden?

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

        Dilva

      2. HD7
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I just listened to currently number 3 podcast. He says he would def get Foden...
        I am also on Dilva but really wondering mate

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

          With Sterling and Jesus, only have room for one of them

          1. HD7
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Same situation here bro. Guy says Foden but it seems most around here are picking Dilva and hoping for presents before he leaves City

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

              That's my feeling. He looked reinvigorated during his last run out

              1. HD7
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Silva?

    25. sneakyr
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I've screwed myself over with my probable FH team haha - where's the AOA chip when you need it...?

      Anyone got any suggestions on what to do with front 8 here? Massive bench headache.

      Pat Fodder
      Azpi AWB Doherty
      Pulisic Salah Foden Sterling Bruno
      Giroud Jesus Ings

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

      Holgate news???

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

      I'm thinking that City will murder BOU, WAT, NOR in their last 3 matches after they were cleared to play Champions League. Need to guess the correct numbers for the roulette..

    28. ma3jdw
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Anyone know the best twitter for Chelsea leaked team news?

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

      Feeling like a punt on city defense. Don't try to talk me out of it.

      But which albatross should I tie around my neck?

      1. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Otamendi or Zinchenko perhaps

      2. Pinturicchio10
          3 years, 8 months ago

          If going that way I would pick Mendy and hope for the best.

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

        Is Rashford now the better option over Greenwood after their latest display. Greenwood was invinsible while Rashford was very much involved

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

          Rashford has always been the better option based on expected points.

          But Greenwood is so much cheaper it depends what you can do with that money

        2. andy85wsm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I'd expect the goals to continue to be shared around.

          No-one should be surprised that Rashford scored or that Greenwood blanked really.

          Could easily be the other way around next few games.

          I do wonder if Greenwood will get a rest soon, either against Palace or maybe more likely Chelsea where James could be used on the counter.

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

        Is Rash KDB to Jesus Martial too crazy?

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

          Feels awfully sideways

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

        Bring sterling or willian (already have KDB & Pulisic)

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

          Sterling

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

        Please help, was going to bring in Dilva but own Lascelles and Aurier so may not have three defenders!?

        DDG
        TAA Doherty Aurier*
        Mane KDB Fernandes Pulisic
        Vardy Ings Greenwood
        Martin Foden Lascelles* Simpson*

      7. Ci Siamo
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I am 6 points behind my ML rival and he owns Sterling, who should I captain?

        a) Dilva

        b) Sterling

        c) Jesus

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

          Sterling