Spot the Differential

The best FPL differentials to consider for the new season

The Gameweek 1 deadline is now upon us which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some differential options for the start of the season.

As always, we’ve selected three players with an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing, who represent viable alternatives to some of the more popular assets out there.

Christian Pulisic

Willian and Pulisic make case for Chelsea double-up with Norwich on horizon
  • FPL ownership: 6.6% (4.8% at the time of writing)
  • Price: £8.5m
  • GW1-5 fixtures: bha | LIV | wba | CRY | SOU

Despite a slow start, Christian Pulisic (£8.5m) enjoyed a fine first season at Chelsea, and hit top gear upon the Premier League’s resumption back in June.

The United States international contributed a combined eight goals and assists in just nine league appearances during Project Restart, and went on to score in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal.

That kind of output suggests a big campaign lies ahead.

In yesterday’s press conference, manager Frank Lampard confirmed Pulisic is in contention for Monday’s trip to Brighton, and with an ownership of just 4.8% at the time of writing, could be an explosive differential for those willing to gamble on him starting. Saying that, an appearance off the bench might not be the end of the world for owners, considering his ability to haul from limited minutes, as evidenced at Anfield last season.

The Blues’ opponents in Gameweek 1, Brighton and Hove Albion, head into the season with plenty of optimism themselves after a busy transfer window, though it’s worth noting they shipped 11 goals in just three home games against Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United during the restart, while doubts linger over their ability to keep things tight against the best attacking setups in the league. 

Following the arrivals of Kai Havertz (£8.5m), Hakim Ziyech (£8.0m) and Timo Werner (£9.5m), competition for places at Chelsea is fierce right now. However, we think this could have a positive effect on Pulisic, who could now take his game to another level and thrive alongside such quality.

James Ward-Prowse

  • FPL ownership: 4.7%
  • Price: £6.0m
  • GW1-5 fixtures: cry | TOT | bur | WBA | che

James Ward-Prowse (£6.0m) may only have registered nine attacking returns last term, but with the Saints going from strength-to-strength, we’re backing the England international to kick on this season.

A product of the Saints academy, Ward-Prowse has become a vital part of manager Ralph Hasenhüttl’s midfield unit, and played every minute of the club’s 2019/20 Premier League campaign. 

It has been suggested the departure of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (£5.0m), and re-introduction of Oriol Romeu (£4.5m) to the starting XI, will give the Southampton captain a bit more freedom to get forward, which is encouraging, but there is no getting away from the fact his ability from set-pieces and delivery from wide areas is the main attraction.

Ward-Prowse whipped in a massive 72 crosses from Gameweek 30+ onwards, more than any other player, while his 20 shots ranked joint-ninth amongst midfielders. Add to that free-kicks, corners and a share of penalties with Danny Ings (£8.5m), and we think there is a lot to like here. 

After a disappointing start to last season, Southampton performed well once Hasenhüttl had settled on his 4-4-2 / 4-2-2-2 system. Their away form was only bettered by Liverpool and Manchester City, while just the Manchester clubs collected more points during Project Restart.

The Saints are unbeaten in their last five league matches on the road, and take on a Crystal Palace side in Gameweek 1 who have won just four games all calendar year, all of which bodes well for Ward-Prowse and Southampton’s prospects this weekend.

Dele Alli

  • FPL ownership: 3.3%
  • Price: £8.0m
  • GW1-5 fixtures: EVE | sou | NEW | mun | WHU

This season feels like a defining moment for Dele Alli (£8.0m), after another disappointing campaign last time round.

However, his performances under Jose Mourinho in the early weeks of his tenure offers hope he may be able to find his best level again. 

Under Mourinho’s stewardship, there was an immediate improvement in Alli’s output, which saw him go on a run of four goals and three assists in five matches, while his underlying statistics suggest he may be being overlooked.

Since Mourinho’s first game in charge, amongst midfielders, only Raheem Sterling (£11.5m), Mohamed Salah (£12.0m) and Sadio Mané (£12.0m) accumulated big chances at a faster rate. His expected goal data was also encouraging, and trumped that of team-mate Son Heung-min (£9.0m), despite seeing fewer minutes.

While I’m unsure how much we can read into pre-season, Alli’s displays have offered promise, having registered two assists in a 3-0 home win over Ipswich Town before scoring in a 4-1 victory at Reading.

Up first for Tottenham Hotspur is Everton. While the Toffees’ will no doubt look a much better unit with their new midfield recruits, it may take time for them to gel, while their poor away record last term saw them concede 35 goals – only five teams gave up more.

Heading into the new season, it is vital for Alli to keep himself fit and find a bit more consistency in his performances. If he can do that, while retaining an attacking midfield role, he could be in for a big season.

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2,172 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hello

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Is it tea you’re looking for?

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        it's tea time! yes please

    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How the team looking Siva and La Roja?

  2. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alli is an insane differential

    1. Tmel
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How do you see him scoring vs Son for the first few weeks?

    2. Godfrey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He was so poor after the restart...

    3. The Legend of Casiraghi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Worth it if he got back to his best, but personally think he'll be a nearly man, and won't reach that level again. Esp. not under Mourinho.

  3. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    For those wanting Martial & Bruno (or any 2 United attackers) in GW2, what's your plan?

    a) Bench one this week, bring in the other next week for free
    b) Take a hit to bring both in next week
    c) WC

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A is what I'm looking at

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm on B

    3. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ings to Martial. Keeping 0.5 in the bank.

    4. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      a

    5. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B for me. Ings and Salah worth the hit imo

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        this

    6. Laurel and Vardy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A, Bruno on bench and bringing in Martial next week

    7. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      McCarthy
      TAA Saiss Justin
      Aubameyang Henderson Soucek Bissouma
      Kane Werner Ings

      Steer Mitchell Taylor Bruno

      After GW2 - Auba & Ings > KDB & Martial

      1. Le Nick
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Henderson even fit? Don't think he'll start tomorrow will he?

  4. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT / 10, punting on Everton

    McCarthy
    TAA, Mina, Egan, Justin
    Auba, Mané, Rodríguez
    Werner, Ings, Wilson

    SUBS: Steer, Mitchell, Lemina, Alzate

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      6/10

      1. SuperG
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        What’d you do then? Can’t just slate someone without explaining.

        1. Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Mina
          Justin
          Wilson
          subs

          1. adstomko
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            There is no better 6-6.5 option than Wilson.
            Mina has nice fixtures from GW2.
            Justin will play with good fixtures too

      2. adstomko
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        where can I improve?

  5. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Keep an eye on the Che Adams #10 here: https://youtu.be/NDRm0aV4rrY?t=137

    Looks like his legs were giving out... look a bit leggy to you?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Obafemi wagon!

    2. Gubbins94.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good find that.

    3. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That's overthinking if I've ever seen it

      1. SuperG
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Agreed. Adams could be this year’s Ings. Defo worth an pre-WC punt

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Probably.

        But if his legs are destroyed after 45 minutes in a friendly, he will almost certainly struggle to play with full intensity for 60+ in a Premier League game.

        1. Botman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Looked more like he had received a knock. Maybe just running it off. The way he was lifting his foot was more hesitating putting weight on it rather than trudging along when you're tired

  6. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5 mid as bench fodder?

    Best 4.0 defender besides Mitchell?

    And by best I mean showing up 🙂

    1. SuperG
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lemina. £7+m player. But poor attitude. If he knuckles down could be an attractive Proposition.

  7. Agger
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Areola 4.5m - ‪French International and former Real Madrid and PSG player, I highly highly doubt he’d agree to join Fulham if he wasn’t given assurances of starting, it would make zero sense..‬‬ right?

    1. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why would you want a Fulham GK? Not like he's 4.0m

      1. KujaliaFC
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He rotates very well with McCarthy.

        I worry that Rodak will start though.

        Parker has been very non-committal about who's number 1.

    2. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Royston Drenthne

  8. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    JWP is someone I'm considering over Adams. Palace and Spurs aren't great at defending set-pieces...

    1. Agger
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Doherty has strengthened Spurs now when defending set-pieces

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        His aerial win percentage isn't that much better than Aurier's.

  9. Forgetmeknot
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) ASM and Mitro
    or
    B) Soucek and Wood

    1. @FPL_Chess
        3 years, 6 months ago

        B

      • Brazooka
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        A

      • thepuntmaster
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        a

    2. @FPL_Chess
        3 years, 6 months ago

        All players are co-ordially invited to enter our @FPL_Chess mini-league. 750+ players:

        https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/k3wed9

        Check out the FPL Chess Grandmasters on our pinned tweet dating back to 2010/11.

        #BLM
        #StaySafe

        1. KujaliaFC
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Don't like the #BLM propaganda.

      • Justin Credibles
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        RMT please

        Ryan 4.0
        TAA Tierney Walker-Peters Vinagre Mitchell
        Auba Salah Greenwood Rodriguez Romeu
        Werner Mitrovic Wilson

        Look forward to your thoughts and happy to reciprocate

        1. SuperG
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I had greenwood. It ha e just ditched him. Too much uncertainty: Sancho, plus his reaction to naughty antics.

      • Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Best 4m def?

      • Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why are people thinking that Spurs have good chances for CS in their opening games? Everton, Southampton, United, West Ham are surely going to score against them. Maybe Newcastle as well. And Spurs haven't been so good defensively.

        1. Bruce Lee
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          If you don't think Spurs can keep a clean sheet against Newcastle, then don't get them

        2. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I agree. I'm seriously considering going without a Spurs def.

        3. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Spurs played those 4 teams post lockdown and only conceded 2 goal across the 4 games.

          Plus hojberg & doherty should help

          1. how now brown cow
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            (Sorry 4 of the 5. Excluded southampton)

          2. SuperG
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            IMO people are making too much of PEH. Wasn’t great for Saints. Don’t buy the hype. Doherty on the other hand is a star.

            1. how now brown cow
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I'm not expecting miracles but he's a good fit for what spurs were missing.

              Winks, sissoko, lo celso aren't holding players

          3. adstomko
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Everton & Newcastle have strengthened

        4. Top 210 Club
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          The Jose 2nd season effect!

      • TSILIKAFENEIAKOS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Starting a little heavy in the GK but how does the below look :

        Lloris Mccarthy
        Tierney Mitchell Robertson KWP Doherty
        Auba Bissouma Salah ASM Son
        Werner Mitro 4.5FWD

        Can downgrade Doherty to Dier/Davies. Ideas please?

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Not bad, but I think 10m on those gk is too much.

      • dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Given the current uncertainty in Wolves defence I don’t know whether to stick with Vinagre or move to Saiss? Or move away entirely which reluctant to do?

        A Vinagre
        B Saiss
        C Forget Wolves defence for now

        1. thepuntmaster
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I don't think Saiss is nailed either? I'm avoiding, but would go for Coady if any for guaranteed minutes. He's not a glamorous option though

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

            who is competing for Saiss place?

          2. Botman
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Saiss is surely nailed. I doubt Marcal threatens his starting spot early in the season.

        2. @FPL_Chess
            3 years, 6 months ago

            I'm afraid it's C for me.

          • Tarzan
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            C.. Wait a bit for them to discover their defensive mojo

        3. thepuntmaster
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Which of these trios going forwards from GWK2?

          A) Werner - Martial - Salah or KDB - Alli
          B) DCL - Martial - Salah - Fernandes
          C) Werner - DCL - Fernandes - KDB (-4)

          1. UnluckyXI
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            C as i think Werner and Fernandes are the must haves

          2. Jay Jay Okocha
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            A, with the added bonus that KDB would allow for Alli to a Chelsea mid

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

          Quick question would you rather have VVD or Doherty and a playing second gk?

          1. UnluckyXI
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Depends on your first Keeper?

            If it's McCarthy I want to attempt the Ryan rotation, if it's a top 8 keeper go with VVD.

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

              Sorry should have said, first keep is McCarthy

        5. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          A) mane and bissouma (play mitchell)
          B) pulisic and doucoure (+2.5)

        6. @FPL_Chess
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Has anyone that as Mitchell has a GW expectancy of a few weeks, and Ferguson will be back in a few weeks, that it opens up the possibility of 2* 4.0 defenders.

            1. Gubbins94.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Have we got a rough idea of GW's we are expecting them to feature? Don't necessarily need Mitchell for GW1 in my current draft so not sure if Ferguson would be the better option.

              1. @FPL_Chess
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  If you won't need Ferguson until about week 5, he could be ideal.

              2. Drexl Spivey
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I chewed over this myself, then cushioned myself with two £4.5ms. Wasn't worth the headache.

            2. SADIO SANÉ
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              JWP!? not sure if joking

              1. Takedog1
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I thought the same

                1. SADIO SANÉ
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  this needs investigating - knew it was only a matter of time before these 'pros'/'influencers' starting dolling out purposely terrible advice 😀

              2. Bruce Lee
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Pereira

              3. Drexl Spivey
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                It's a question of set pieces I think. Not my cup of tea, personally.

            3. Takedog1
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Pulisic over havertz till havertz gets going?

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

                I think so

              2. Jullepuu
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Other way around because Puli has been injured

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

              Thoughts on this lot? Feels wrong without a pool attacker, might also do pulisic over havertz

              McCarthy,
              TAA, Davies, KWP
              Auba, Son, Havertz, J Henderson
              Werner, Kane, Wilson

              Button, Taylor, Mitchell, Reed

            5. Fletch365
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Better back 3:

              A: TAA Saiss Egan
              B: Robertson Vinagre Doherty

            6. Tarzan
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Tinkered with the team a bit

              RMT
              McCarthy - Nyland*
              TAA - Robertson - C Taylor* - Johnson - KWP
              Salah - Alli - Traore - Mount - Soucek
              Vardy - DCL - Ings

              €1.0m in the bank for flexibility
              *not playing in GW1

              1. Tarzan
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Sorry 0.0 in the bank

            7. joelsprylar
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Haven't been active here lately so i need a couple advices.

              Is Dier nailed in Spurs or is it better to go with Davies?

              Is it totally madness to choose Almiron before ASM?

              Who do you think is the best midfield option for a budget of 6,0?

              Almiron

              ASM

              Ward-Prowse

              Naby Keita

              Trossard

              Anyone else?

              1. SuperG
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                No. Same. But Davies better.

                Yes.

                Potentially Fraser.

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

              Guys n gals, please tell me, is Martinez ok to have as my only playing keeper, is he always going to play?

              1. jakethebeast
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Dont count on that

            9. EgyptianKing
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Mates!

              AMN worth the extra 0.5 over Justin?

              I am tempted tbh.

            10. Lev Yashin
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Feck it....

              Johnstone
              TAA, Davies, KWP, Justin
              Auba, Pulisic, Soucek
              Ings, Jimenez, Mitro

              Button, Mitchell, Bruno, Foden

              +0,5m for Martial in GW2

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

                risky. but actually looks great

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

              DCL or Richarlison? Money isn't an issue really

              1. Weak Become Heros
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                DCL better position. Richt likely to go wide now.

            12. Weak Become Heros
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              If you genuinely had a dream the other night that Doherty got a brace on his debut would you have to pick him in your team? Currently on Dier! I feel like I’m going against my sub-conscience if I dont.

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

                Follow your dreams

                1. Weak Become Heros
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  I should really shouldnt i.