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. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    % chance of these starting:

    A) Saliba
    B) Davies (Spurs)
    C) Justin

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

      A and c - 95%
      B no idea

      1. luk46
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Saliba not that nailed atm, is he?
        Davies will start...

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

          Saliba seems nailed with Luiz out

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

      GW1:
      Davies 100%
      Saliba 70%
      Justin 90%

      GW3 and beyond Saliba will drop. I am starting with him and swapping him out afterwards. Tough couple fixtures anyway

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

    I’ve commented on loads of peoples so here’s mine:

    Ramsdale (4.0)
    Saliba Digne TAA KWP Ayling
    Aubameyang Fernandes Son Soucek (4.5)
    Werner DCL Adams

    Logic(maybe)
    - spurs fixtures are harder than they look
    - Fernandes outcomes Salah over first 4 games so I’d prefer to save transfer
    - I’m 99% wildcarding after gw4

    Improvements?

    1. abcdef3
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saliba isn't nailed. I'd pick Dallas over Ayling. Looking good apart from that.

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

        Luiz injured and arsenal forums seem to think he’s the replacement?

        Toss up on Leeds fullbacks.

        1. abcdef3
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          That's true but they have so many options I'd leave it a week or two before going near an arsenal defender.

          That's fair enough I'd sway to Dallas cause he's played in midfield sometimes. He also apparently had the second most shots on target last year out of the whole Leeds squad lol

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

    Lets say hypothetically both Vinagre and Justin are 100% nailed to start. Which would you BENCH?

    A. Vinagre vs shu
    B. Justin vs wba

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

      Justin as I think Leicester are weak at the back.

      Wolves game screams 0-0

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

      Would bench Vinagre

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

      How many games will Justin play at the start?

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

      B. Timberlake

      Vinagre more of a goal threat and in a defence without Justin in it.

  4. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wilson or DCL?

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

      DCL worth the 0.5 plus Everton great fixtures and brought well.

      Wilson may become good option

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

      DCL

  5. grennans2
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Better option in GW2??

    A) Fernandes
    B) Martial + 1.5 million to use elsewhere

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

      A

    2. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      thats my issue too... toin coss really

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

    Has Maddison played in preseason? Considering him into my team.

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

      Me too but I don't think he played.

  7. 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

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

    Areola at 4.5 looks juicy. No pun intended.

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

      Who?

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

        One of the best goalkeepers in Europe, simply.

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

    Predictions on number of RC’s for Mitrovic this season?

    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      3.. after I sold him in GW10 apparently.

      Imagine owning both him and innocent-looking son

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

      6 while I own him, 0 after I sell

    3. DavidFFC
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      0-1
      His 'reputation' is overstated. Never been sent off at Fulham.

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

    Anyone else going BBGW1+WCGW2 care to share their team and thoughts on mine below??

    Leno McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Doherty Bellerin Justin
    Salah Alli Havertz ASM Soucek
    Ings Antonio Wilson

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

      I honestly think it’s a shocking idea. There will be so many better opportunities

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

        To WC or to BB?

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

          BB, I’m on the early WC.

          BB early Is not a bad idea normally but united and city out, limited preseason and iffy fixtures. I just think it’s terrible idea

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

            My play style made me gain less than 10 points on BB until now, not to mention the transfers lost in the process. I just want to get it out of the way and I actually think I would gain more overall doing it this way.

            I'm more concerned about WC GW2, I think GW3-4 would give me more momentum.

  11. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Haven't seen here opinion on Bats or his inclusion in any team.

    No interest for 6.0 after hisnmove to CP?

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

      I think both Saka (short-term) and Mitro (mid-long) are better options

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

        Sorry meant Nkietah

  12. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Struggling to set on a GK

    Henderson was nailed this time last year

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

      Struggling with Mcarthy and Johnstone

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

    You can only have two 4.5 defs

    Name them...

    1. luk46
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Taylor and KWP

  14. RobinKerr1987
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Willian or Alli?

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

      Alli

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Willian vs Fulham is tempting..

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

    Am I G2G?

    McCarthy
    Justin - Saliba - Taa
    Salah - Auba - Son - ASM - Soucek
    Werner - Ings

    Subs: Steer, Brewster, Mitchell & Taylor

    0.5m Itb to do Ings > Martial after GW1.

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Think so

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

    People getting Soucek as a 4th or 5th mid?

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

    Saliba

    How nailed is he and for how long?

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

      1/2 gw

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

        Who will displace him?

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

      90% to start first match, 65% next match and less than 50% 3rd match

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

        But why? Saliba is one of the finest young centrebacks in all of Europe, for God's sake.

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

          He could ABSOLUTELY nail on his spot.

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

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

    G2g?

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

    Panicking and changing 10 positions today. How does this look?

    Ryan (Walton)
    TAA / KWP / Digne (AWB / Mitchel)
    Auba / Alli / Mane / ASM (Stephens)
    Werner / Adams / Nketiah

    Original was:
    McCarthy (Nyland)
    Robbo / Doherty / KWP / Egan (Tarkowski)
    Auba / Alli / Pulisic / Soucek (stephens)
    Kane / Mitro (Martial)

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

      You did better this time around 😀

      Not sure I'd have Digne IRodriguez will get share of deadballs) and would turn Mitro into DCL with the change from getting Davies,

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

        Cheers

  20. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    soucek or ASM? money not an issue

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

      Sou

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

      ASM

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

      ASM

    4. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      ASM

  21. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this heavy front team folks?

    McCarthy (4.0)
    TAA Davies Vinagre Justin Mitchell
    Salah Auba Son (Bissouma, Romeu)
    Werner Vardy (4.5)

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

      Noice

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

        Unsure on Leicester defence and Mitchell will need swapping soon, but love the rest. Going for a similar strategy myself, but Kane over Vardy.

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

      Salah to Bruno in GW2 which will fund an update elsewhere

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

      Do you want to see my Vardy Kane Ings team. Looks a bit lightweight 😀

  22. 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
    RP

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

      6/10 looks good for gw2

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

    Anyone who follows Southampton and can help with some advices?
    A lot of people seems to use there defense like McCarthy an KWP but aren't there defense shite?

    How risky is it with Che Adams playtime since they also have Long and the promising Obafemi?

    Do you think Djenepo can shine?

    Is James Ward-Prowce really a option?

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

      I've tripled up on Southampton atm. KWP, JWP and Ings. Just the way my team has settled. Tripled on wolves last year, was a bit tentative but did wonders for me.

  24. KennyKickIt127
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi, some advice appreciated.

    My current team is:

    McCarthy Nyland
    TAA Doch Digne Lasc Mitchell
    Auba Zaha Siggy Alli Son
    Mitro Werner Davis

    I have gone for strong coverage in each position rather than weaken any part of the team.

    Initially I had Only TAA and 4 x 4.5 defenders with Mane and Bissouma in mid.

    I think this is better in terms of covering more of the easier fixtures across more teams.

    But of course, there could be something I am overlooking and that's where my FFS peers' advice comes in!

    Thanks!

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

      Like Digne pick. I'd lose Siggy however

      1. KennyKickIt127
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, who would you replace with?, I actually have 0.5 ITB so could spend on a 7.5 (although not much choice other than greenwood (who isn't playing this week).

  25. BilalM
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who is West Broms nailed on striker? Robson- Kanu? Want to get one in as they are a good enabler

  26. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Good to go? Got 0.5 in the bank to get Martial for Ings next week.

    McCarthy
    Saliba, TAA, Egan, Justin
    Salah, auba, Havertz, Son
    Ings, Wilson

    Martin, Mitchell, Bissouma, Vassilev

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

      very similar with my team, just different at the fwd

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

    Pick one, for the next few games

    1. KWP
    2. Vinagre

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

      KWP more nailed so him

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

      I've got both and KWP is first sub. Vinagre if starts is a huge value

  28. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I dont know what i was expecting from the team news so far...but it really hasnt helped!

  29. trafalgarlaw
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GTG ? 0 ITB, need advice mate

    McCarthy
    TAA Justin Egan Vinagre
    Auba Salah Havertz Son
    Werner Mitrovic

    Nyland Stephens Douglas Davis

    Cheers

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

    Is anyone else wary of Doherty and the fact he now plays for spurs in a different system under a different manager? £6m for a player who plays in a questionable defence and may not have the attacking freedom he once had.

    Just a thought

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

      But he's been chosen between hundreds, certainly for his well clear personality and skills. I do not see a sense in buying Doherty and ask him to wear a Kyle Walker disguise.

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

      True, but he is a quality player. Also Mourinho will ask one of his full backs to push up in attack, it looks like Doherty is that man

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

        It's exactly what was I meaning.