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.

Best players by position:

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2,172 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Muhammed Wael
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Recommend a 6.5 player mid

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

      Jota

    2. anish10
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden

      1. Marmalade Forest
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Foden

    3. Sterling Malory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Traore or Periera @6m

    4. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Noone

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

        Craig Noone? He plays for Melbourne last I checked

    5. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bowen to start, then Foden.

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

      Bowen

  2. Bunk Moreland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Oh wow, Branislav Ivanovic back in the PL.

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

      Lucky Saurez is no longer in EPL

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

        No such luck for Chiellini

  3. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Vinagre innnn???

    Nuno Espirito Santo on new signings Vitinha and Marcal: "We need to give them time to consolidate, to integrate to how we play and then we support them. They have to adapt to a new city, a new competition."

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

      Never left my team

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just too risky and a transfer waiting to be done

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        this is the only issue. swapped him for justin (same problems though I suppose but at least fairly certain he starts for now!

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

      We need to really research these potential bargains and read between the lines. I was dismissive of Lundstram last year as he'd barely got a kick in the Championship

      Looking at Vinagre, there's two LWBs. Himself and this 31 year old Marcal who could well be cover across that position and LCB. The only other threat would ostensibly be a new signing in the form of Telles

      As it stands, Vinagre looks to start and could well be first choice, which could be enough

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes. But what about transfer rumours around him?

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

          Important to consider

  4. anish10
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Ings
    B) Jiminez

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

      A ( I have both)

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

    So disappointed in my team already.....

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

      Same, hate it as I'm following ownership

  6. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If this can hold on the page for 5 seconds....

    Someone tell me who has been in there team since the first time they made it.

    TAA/Kane/Auba for me

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

      TAA, Werner

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

      TAA Salah Auba Son

    3. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Johnstone
      Salah/Auba/Greenwood/Foden

      All in it pre fixtures too.

      All defenders and forwards have left at least once.

    4. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Trent
      Salah
      Auba

    5. BlueEddy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      TAA Kane Werner

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

      Trent
      Salah
      Auba
      Kane

    7. jb1985
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      TAA
      Doh
      Auba
      Salah
      Werner

    8. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Trent Salah Werner Aubameyang Tierney

  7. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hiya fellas. Fairly settled... I think. Tear it apart though! 0.5 ITB 🙂

    Ryan (Walton)
    TAA Doherty KWP Justin (Mitchell)
    Auba(c) Salah Alli JRod (Burke)
    Werner Wilson (Davis)

    Cheers and good luck all x

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      HRod not JRod 😉

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

    Final team!
    Any advice would be welcome.

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    Davies - Egan - TAA - KWP (Mitchell)
    Auba - Salah - Son - ASM (Bissouma)
    Werner - Ings (Brewster)

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

      4-4-2 makes me feel uneasy

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

        This!!

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good team! Had almost exactly the same but decided I might try to go a bit puntier. Scared of Ings tbh though.

      Help above?

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

      I have 8 of them. Looks ok

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

        How does your team looks like?

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

          I have VVD instead of Egan, then James Rodriguez and Jiminez up front. No Salah or ASM (433)

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

    Is it really worth keeping taylor or get a playing 4.5 like dallas?

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

      Taylor is good value. If you can afford to bench GW 1, get him

      1. Marmalade Forest
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah if I wasn’t planning 2 Manchester assets I’d have him.

  10. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Loved my team last night, now just changed about 5 players 😆
    Having doubts over Spurs and Southampton now

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

      Why Spurs?

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You’re right to have doubts. Listen to them 🙂

    3. Chris_H
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      There's so many unknowns at the moment there's no harm in playing the fixtures

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

    Best mid up to 10,5 for one game week only?

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

      Willian

  12. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Vardy and jwp
    Or
    Ings and Rodriguez/Barnes

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

    Is this Demi guy trustful? 80 per person seems like a lot of money..

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

      Demi time...

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

      ???

  14. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on the below team for GW1?

    McCarthy
    Belleri / TAA / Doherty / Justin
    Salah / Auba / Alli
    Werner / Adams / Wilson

    Steer / Soucek / Bissouma / Mitchell
    1m ITB

    I can will then do the below in GW3:
    1 - Bellerin, Doherty & ALli > 4.5, Davies & Fernandes
    2- Bellerin , Doherty , Wilson > 4.5, Davies & Martial

  15. Muhammed Wael
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Leicester mid who will play?!

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

      Barnes

      1. Muhammed Wael
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        what about Pérez?!

    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      NDidi

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        You didn’t mention points 😉

  16. subhojit123
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys...just wanted to have your opinion on Antonio. Is he a good punt for captaincy just for first gameweek?

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

      Only if you are in a mini-league where you can only pick West Ham players.

      1. subhojit123
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ok...thanks for that 🙂

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

    How is a player like Fornals 6.5m....I don’t even know who he is....

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

      I don't think he's nailed on. Attackingish midfielder I think.

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

      Because ozil is 7.0

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

    Koch (Leeds) or Kenny (Everton)?

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

      Don't like either.

      Koch though if from this only

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

        I'm torn because Koch will be the main main in Leeds defence, but if Kenny can take over from Coleman, there's huge upside.

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

      Koch looks solid....

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

        Maybe I should start on Koch and move to Kenny if he's looking to be first choice at RB.

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

          😛 😉

    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kenny will be bargain of the season

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

      Just read this ...
      "Ancelotti has reiterated that he has full faith in Jonjoe Kenny and if he does impress the Italian in the opening few games before October 5, the Toffees may not even try to sign another right back"

      How does Kenny impress in the first few games unless he plays?

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

    Think i'm done, but will probably wake up at 3am and change the whole lot, who knows.

    McCarthy
    TAA / Doherty / Justin
    Salah / Auba / Son / ASM
    Werner / Mitro / Adams

    Nyland / Vinagre / Mitchell / Bissouma
    1.5 ITB

    Was thinking of Doherty, Son, Adams becoming Davies, Alli and Ings but I really want Doherty.

    Probably Werner > Martial for GW 2 and Auba . KDB/Sterling GW 3 but that might all change obvs. Will definitely want Pulisic when fit too. Comments appreciated 🙂

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I quite like it, would take a punt in Wilson over Mitrovic, but just my opinion

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

        Yeah I do fancy Wilson, I just didn’t want to double up as really like ASM and think he’s best in that price range by far. Did think of double but also aware I’m a deluded mag lol

  20. Harry's Car Window
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Squad for first couple of weeks... thoughts?

    McCarthy
    Doherty, KWP, Vinagre, Mitchell
    Aube, Traore, Saka
    Kane, Werner, Mitro

    Ramsdale, Rashford, Greenwood, Williams

    Plan is to go

    Traore > Foden for GW2
    Aube > KDB for GW3

    1. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You’ll be top 1% if Leeds beat Liverpool 1-0.

  21. Pep bites Kun
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I'm happy with my first 11 for gw1, but still have Brewster sitting on my bench. I'm tempted to let him sit in the 3rd spot as although there is no decisive transfer news as yet, there is plenty of interest (however he may also move outside PL)

    I have 3 options; keep, switch or change my forward line. Advice?

    K. Keep: Werner, Ings, Brewster
    S. Switch Brewster to Davis or other?
    C. Change: Werner, Antonio, Mitrovic

    1. MARVELLUS
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C consider Adams over Antonio

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers - Hadn't considered him. I'll take a look.

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

    A) 2x4,5 defenders + Pulisic/Havertz
    B) Robbo, Davies, ASM

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A for me

  23. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who should you have in your team?

    A. Mitrovic
    B. Adams

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

      both ok, Mitrovic if one

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

    McCarthy (4)
    TAA - Davies - Saliba - Mitchell (Shaw)
    Auba - Salah - Havertz - Alli (Bissouma)
    Werner - Adams (David)

    0.5itb - likey 1 of the Chelsea guys out first for Utd/City depending how it goes.

    1. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty much the same team as mine, part from Bissouma and Shaw.

      Solid.

      I have Douglas (Leeds) as a 4.0m defender instead, and am trying to work out which 5th midfielder to have - budget of £6m to make it a 3-5-2.

      Decisions!

  25. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Has Marcus Rashford featured in any of England games recently? Or is he out still injured?

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

      INJ

    2. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Didn’t travel

  26. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Ok what do you all think of this? Tempted to swap Adams for JWP, would you?

    McCarthy
    TAA : Doherty : James
    Aub (c) : Salah : Havertz : ASM
    Werner : Mitrović : Adams

    Button : Mitchell : Taylor : Bissouma

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

    pick one:
    A - Saiss B - Egan C - Davies

    this option is better:
    1 - VVD + JWP + Martial
    2 - 5m def + Fernandes + Adams

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

    Why are people considering Ryan over McCarthy?

    1. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      They probably have KWP

    2. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why do people consider women over men or vice versa? Good question

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

      Loss of Hojbjerg.

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

      Brighton could be a very solid defence this season

  29. tristanabc
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Am I good to go ladies and gents?

    Keeping 1.0m in the bank to fund one of the below in GW2 depending on GW1 performance.

    a) Salah, Wilson -> Bruno, Martial
    b) Salah, Son -> Bruno, KDB/Sterling
    c) Son -> Rashford

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Davies KWP (Dallas) (Mitchell)
    Auba Salah Son ASM (Bissouma)
    Werner Adams Wilson

    1. subhojit123
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How nailed is Wilson?

  30. wildnothing
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    First draft of the season. How does it look?

    Ryan Walton
    TAA Robbo KWP Vingre Dallas
    Auba Sala Havertz Soucek Bissouma
    Werner Mitro Adams

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Template

    2. JelliedSpark968
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Downgrade Robbo and upgrade Adams