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. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    apparently Shaw is fit

    Tempted to go for him instead of Tierney and just bench GW1 and start afterwards.

    Thoughts?

    Shaw?
    Tierney?
    Coady / Boly?

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

      Do it.

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

      Look at fixtures down the line first

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Shaw and Tierney look great until you get to GW4/5 and then cs look very sparse

        Going either Coady/Boly with Taylor as cover probs

  2. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Capt salah or auba?

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

      Salah can explode at anytime.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mo Salah! Mo Salah! Mo Salah!

  3. AnyoneButLiverpool
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why are so many people going for Soucek? First time I've ever heard of the guy.

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

      Did quite well after project restart.

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

      Fantastic goal scoring record for a 5m mid, great enabler

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

    Soucek or Pereira?

  5. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which is better to have?

    a. Ceballos
    b. Soucek

    5th Mid so may use or just sit on the bench too?

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

      anyone? lol

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

      B

  6. Chief Break-Everything
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA Egan Davies (KWP Mitchell)
    Salah Son Pulisic ASM (Bissouma)
    Werner Kane Mitrovic

    GTG?

  7. Madfox
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys just hoping some managers would be interested in joining my H2H league. Code is
    rt7a48

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Joined 🙂

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

      Serious constraint no more ?
      😉

    3. thomashl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Joined!

    4. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Joined 😉

  8. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Chances of Aurier starting ???

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Zilch?

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Any evidence?

    2. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      he will start Doherty be benched

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

        What makes you say that?

    3. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No chance

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very high. Doherty has only trained with spurs a couple of times. People on here are deluded

  9. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Brewster (6.3%) ownership is higher than Firmino (4.2%) 😮

    Wtf lol....

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Same goal threat but much cheaper 😉

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        😛 naughty dragon....

    2. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Third striker option for the ones who're going with 2 up front, pretty straight forward

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

    Pick one:

    A) McCarthy, KWP, Justin
    B) McCarthy, Vinagre, Justin
    C) Ryan, KWP, Justin

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

      A

    2. Jones Kusi
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C

  11. Jokesy87
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Team A
    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA KWP Justin (Mitchell, Taylor)
    Salah Auba Havertz Soucek (Stephens)
    Wilson Werner Ings

    Team B
    McCarthy (Steer)
    TAA Egan Aldeweireld (KWP,Taylor)
    Salah Auba Havertz ASM (Stephens)
    Wilson Werner Adams

    So question:
    A) Ings Justin Mitchell Soucek
    B) Adams Egan Alderweireld ASM

  12. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is soucek back and playing post having COVID?

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

      presser said that he is cleared and should play

    2. Kitman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's avaialble for selection but doubts over star as he hasn't trained with the team

      1. tokara
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He played in one friendly right?

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He never had covid

  13. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Spurs defence any idea who/how gonna be?

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

      Doherty Dier Toby Davies

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      doh aud davies

  14. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any Everton fans on the site. Will Gordon play any mins I am looking at who to get for 4.5M he looked good last seasons. I will play him GW2

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I am a casual everton fan. He will not feature at all. A camio at best

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He is a good prospect. but wont feature unless there are injuries.

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        thanks to both you.

  15. germanyozil10
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you like my team?

    McCarthy (4.0)
    TAA Gomez Vinagre Saliba (4.0)
    Salah Auba Son JWP (4.5)
    Werner Wilson (4.5)

    1.5ITB

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

      Vinagre & Saliba im not sold on but the rest of the team looks good.

    2. faux_C
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, you need a stronger bench.

    3. NULL-X-VOID
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What is Son and Salah both score, what would you do with the 1.5?

      1. NULL-X-VOID
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If*

        1. germanyozil10
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Son to Bruno next werk

  16. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT please?

    McCarthy - Areola
    Lamptey - TAA - Tierney - Ayling - Taylor
    Salah - Trossard - Auba - Soucek - Keita
    Werner - Wilson - Richarlison

    1. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      G2G.

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

        Thanks!

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      like the Keita pick lad

  17. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts about this team.

    Ryan Walton
    Taa Robertson Justin Taylor Mitchell
    Salah Auba Alli ASM Bissouma
    Werner Antonio Adams

  18. billnats
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ye I’m going 4.5 Def shopping:
    Pick 3:
    A) Saliba
    B) Vinagre
    C) Justin
    D) KWP
    E) Taylor
    F) Dallas

    * McCarthy in goals (KWP double up?)

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      E,F,B

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      ADE

    3. Jones Kusi
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      CEF

  19. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who’s starting in goal for Arsenal?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Leno

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Has Arteta confirmed?

  20. Toonmad
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsdale/mccarthy
    Taa/robbo/davies/Justin /Mitchell
    Auba/mane/ASM/Foden/bissouma
    Werner/adams/wilson

    What you guys think?

  21. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Soucek + Dallas (rotating)
    B) Coady + 4.5 mid (4-4-2 every week)

    1. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      A for me

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

      Season long A but for the first 8 weeks B.

  22. southernrocker1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Doherty & Lascelles
    Or
    Egan & Taylor

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Egan Lascelles

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    Wow comments are flying today

    RMT
    McCarthy - Nyland*
    TAA - Robertson - C Taylor* - Johnson - KWP
    Salah - Alli - KDB*- ASM - Soucek
    Vardy - Mitrovic - C Adams

    *not playing in GW1

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There is not time to read them not to mention give them much thought. I am working graveyard shift. I will return then, it is usually very quiet.

  24. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Do you have all these players Tom?

  25. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ok i think i'm finally done barring any further late news, think i'm going Spurless and with a strong bench considering the current climate i believe it could be a very savvy move? How we looking, anything you'd change personally? Thoughts much appreciated, thanks :

    Ryan
    TAA / Saiss / KWP
    Salah / Auba / JWP / ASM
    Werner / Ings / Mitro

    Walton, Soucek, Egan, Ayling

    0.5ITB for possible changes GW 2 or 3? (Ings > Martial?, JWP > Foden?, Mitro > Wilson?

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

    I bet all you immature people will be making terrible jokes about Areloa and Koch all season...

    I can't wait.

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Matip still in the frame also....

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        .....then stop shagg1ng windows

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

        😆

      3. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        lol

  27. JamTart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Going to try not change my team now and start making silly panicked moves. Happy I have solid picks, a plan for utd and city and one decent punt differental.

    Good luck everyone, pages will be flying by!

  28. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Lads, what do we think of Greenwood after the Iceland fiasco? He's currently on my bench, but what if he's set to miss the Palace match?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Still strong rumours utd will get the Sancho deal done, I wouldn't start with him

      • The Rock
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Sterling 4% ownership. Could be a nice differential from GW 2 onward.

        1. The Rock
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Sorry, didn't realize i hit respond!

          He should be fine so long as Sancho doesn't sign. He won't get dropped for what happened in Iceland. Although i think he is still self quarantining while he receives his Covid test result.

    2. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Any update on Soucek? Will he play in GW 1?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 6 months ago

          11 years and no tweet looking? 🙂 Moyes said he's back and fine

          1. The Rock
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Not even 2 hours ago you were asking for updates on Soucek and also Vinagre, you don't have twitter? 😉

            Thanks for the update!

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 6 months ago

                I'm not telling you to go on twitter, there's a Twitter section on the side of FFS. Which I checked before my questions

                No problem

          2. DRIZ ✅
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            50/50

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

            Fit. Should do

          4. Flaming Flamingo
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Could go either way apparently. My personal opinion is that he will though

          5. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            ready to rock and roll

          6. The Rock
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks all.

        • zkinflint
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Hi all again!

          New season ahead. Any thoughts on my team highly appreciated!!!!

          McCarthy - ( Nyland )

          TAA - Egan - Davies - Walkers-Peter - ( Mitchell )

          Auba - Salah - Alli - Reed - ( Bissouma )

          Werner - Vardy - ( Davis )

          GW2: Werner / Vardy -> Martial.

          0,5 in the bank

          1. DRIZ ✅
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            7/10 - good for gw1. Tip: unspace the blank spaces.