Spot the Differential

Signing Cancelo a week before fixture swing can give FPL owners the edge

Fantasy Premier League managers could turn to Manchester City, Aston Villa or Crystal Palace to replace their Liverpool defenders for Gameweek 9.

Key members of the Reds’ back-line leave teams in their droves following the international break, so we have used this week’s Differential column to identify three exciting replacements; all of whom we think have the ability to deliver points at both ends of the pitch over the forthcoming weeks.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

João Cancelo

Cancelo stars for City as Sheff Utd's weak right-side bodes well for Chelsea
  • FPL ownership: 2.4%
  • Price: £5.4m
  • GW9-13 fixtures: tot | BUR | FUL | mun | WBA

João Cancelo (£5.4m) endured a tough first season in England, but is now starting to shine.

Since making his first Premier League start of the campaign in Gameweek 5, the Portugal international has amassed 24 FPL points, averaging six per game. In that time, he has registered two clean sheets and, despite only providing one assist, has created more chances than any defender in the entire division.

Having performed as a right full-back in his first appearance against Arsenal, he has since been deployed on the left in Benjamin Mendy’s (£5.9m) absence. It remains to be seen what will happen when the Frenchman returns from injury, but given Cancelo’s excellent form, it is hard to see an immediate route back into the team.

Since losing 5-2 to Leicester City back in September, Manchester City have conceded just four goals in nine games in all competitions, keeping five clean sheets. While many FPL managers will be looking at Gameweek 10 as the optimum time to invest in their backline, there could be value in going a week early, given Matt Doherty’s (£5.8m) positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test, and the fact most of Tottenham Hotspur’s chances tend to be conceded from their right-side.

Manchester City’s left-back problem has been a theme throughout Pep Guardiola’s time at the club, but the recent form of Cancelo has perhaps provided a solution. Consistency will now be the key to retaining his place, but if he can do that, it’s hard to envisage him being a differential too much longer. 

Matt Targett

  • FPL ownership: 2.4%
  • Price: £4.5m
  • GW9-13 fixtures: BHA | whu | NEW | wol | BUR

Matt Targett (£4.5m) has been a solid performer for Aston Villa since joining from Southampton in 2019, making the left-back spot his own.

A product of the Saints academy, he has played a key role in a defence that has already kept four clean sheets in seven attempts this season, and perhaps doesn’t get the praise his performances often deserve.

The Englishman is yet to miss a single minute of league action so far, and with Jack Grealish (£7.5m) regularly drifting infield in front of him, plenty of space often opens up for him to attack. He’s got a good delivery too, which he showed in flashes against Arsenal last time out, when he provided the cross that was turned in by Bukayo Saka (£5.3m) for Villa’s first goal in their 3-0 win.

Interestingly, the 25-year-old scored his first goal for the club when he netted an injury time winner against this weekend’s opponents, Brighton and Hove Albion, back in October 2019.

This time, with Tariq Lamptey (£4.8m) likely to surge forward for Albion and support their attack, Targett could have his hands full defensively on Saturday, but at the same time, gaps could appear if space is left in behind. That has certainly been the case so far this season, with the Seagulls giving up 17 of their 42 chances down their right-flank, compared to just nine from the left. 

Still priced at just £4.5m, Targett offers the cheapest route into Villa’s defence, and could be a solid set and forget option given their appealing fixtures.

Patrick van Aanholt

  • FPL ownership: 0.7%
  • Price: £5.4m
  • GW9-13 fixtures: bur | NEW | wba | TOT | whu

Having just returned from a long-term injury, Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m) looked back to his best against Leeds United before the international break.

The Dutchman supplied an assist and carried plenty of goal threat, registering three shots in the box. Determined to get forward at every opportunity, his attacking runs created space for Eberechi Eze (£5.8m) and Wilfried Zaha (£7.4m) to thrive and gave them a cutting edge which has been missing without him in the team.

In his absence, Tyrick Mitchell (£4.1m) has impressed, but it was evident against Leeds just how much they’ve missed the 30-year-olds attacking nature, which leads us to think he’ll retain his place in the starting XI come Monday.

Despite often struggling in attack, Crystal Palace have had a bright start to the season. They sit eighth in the table, and looking at the run of games coming up, they have the potential to pick up points given the struggles of goal-shy Burnley and West Bromwich Albion, and to a slightly lesser extent Newcastle United.

In Gameweek 8 there were signs of progress. The expectation now is that results should pick up, and with the possibility of goals and clean sheets, at least in the short term, van Aanholt could be a nice pick-up for those in search of a differential currently owned by just 0.7% of FPL managers. 

1,986 Comments Post a Comment
  1. hewittj1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hey, on a WC - who would you bench this week? At the moment I have Targett b1, Kilman b2, Brewster b3. The RMT tool is saying bench Cancelo and Targett and play Kilman.

    McCarthy Forster
    Cilwell Cancelo Coufal Targett Kilman
    KDB Fernandes Mane Ziyech Grealish
    Bamford Watkins Brewster

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think you have your bench spot on

    2. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kilman and Brewster 2nd and 3rd bench spot. 1st for Targett/Cancelo/Bamford

  2. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Stars aligning for Kun next week.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hatrick incoming

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Cancelo + KDB + Aguero

    3. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would love to get him in but hasn't looked the same player after his injuries.
      Jesus will eat into his minutes too

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Would you get him instead of KDB?

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

    mccarthy
    cancelo, robertson, kwp
    de bruyne, son, fernandes (c), podence, grealish
    werner, dcl

    subs: steer, bellerin, mitchell, davis

    next week: robbo + son to 4.5 + salah

    G2G?

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd play Bellerin, probably over kwp

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

        tossing a coin between them, but the rest is good?

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

    TAA, Mahrez and Anguissa for Coufal, Rashford and Ziyech?

    That would give me:

    Martinez
    Saiss Chillwell Coufal
    Rashford Ziyech Podence Son
    DCL Jimenez Watkins

    Steer Salah Taylor Ferguson

    1. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Minus what do make all that happen?

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        -4 yeah

        1. Fit_to_drop
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Do it.

          1. Jullepuu
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Thanks

    2. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If it's just a -4 I'd go for it

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It is, cheers

  5. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench 1 of:

    A) Lamptey A
    B) Taylor H
    C) Saiss H

    1. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Tough one. With clean sheet likelihood being fairly as likely for all three, Lamptey and Saiss might offer something attacking that Taylor probably doesn't. Tricky.

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks!

  6. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Oscar Telles on my radar. He’s attacking right? Might take a punt on him this week too.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Very attacking and on set pieces

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Oscar who?

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Oscar your mum. That’s who.

        1. Right In The Stanchion
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Alex Telles then

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Fool, you finally got it right hey

    3. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Us FPL players picking a guy before his own manager has even picked him.

      That a tad risky no?

  7. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you rather have Bruno(C) this week and have to take a hit for KDB next week? Or Rashford(C) this week and a direct access to KDB next week?

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Latter for sure

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Will he be fit? 🙂

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Spotted at training yesterday but we’ll see

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Not a huge risk as captain then?

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Rashford, but I'd probably just bring in KDB this week and captain someone else.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That’s the other options. But then I a trick choice like DCL, Ziyech or Grealish

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Tricky*

        2. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I'm not convinced a Man U player is definitely a better option than any of those.

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Rashy - just do it already

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Will he be fit MS?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Sounded promising and he has a decent fitness record

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      The other player you get with that hit is the best captain for next week imo.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Problem is I’m bang on the money for the move so any rises or falls would ruin it. I can still do the hit with Rashford and more breathing room of course

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: "Marcus [Rashford] joined in the first time today. Hopefully there's no reaction, I'm not sure. Victor [Lindelof], we'll have to check tomorrow because his back is not great."

          Sorry this blank comments are irritating 😀

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Cheers

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

    Who's my best captain option here?

    A. Kane
    B. Werner
    C. DCL
    D. KDB

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. 1zverGGadeM
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C Differential
      B Most likely to haul

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Werner

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      C

    5. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    6. Óró Sé…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

  9. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez, Forster
    Robertson, Chilwell, Semedo, Dallas, 3.9
    Salah, Son, Zieych, Grealish, Stephens
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    2 FT, 1.0 ITB

    A) Robbo + Son > Cancelo + KDB
    B) Son + Salah > Bruno(C) + KDB
    C) Son > Bruno (C)
    D) Salah > Bruno/KDB

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B or D (with Bruno).

    3. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A, bench Salah, captain Kane and forget about Bruno.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Kane blank, Salah out for 2 games and Bruno haul = season over.

        1. Pegboy
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          That is indeed one of a few million different possible outcomes.

          Bruno's ownership is 30%. He'll maybe get to 50-60 EO%.
          Seems v.v. unlikely Salah's out for two games.
          Kane hasn't blanked since GW1 and he hasn't even had a penalty yet.

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I wouldn't captain a player against the best team in the country who now finally have a settled defence.

            Bruno's ownership will be much higher in MLs though where it really matters.

            Also there is no guarantee Salah will test negative in time for Brighton next week and then Wolves the week after isn't going to be easy too.

  10. Óró Sé…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Would you swap Jimi (SOU) to Vardy (liv) this week for free?

    Plan on Vardy from GW10 but might go early...

    A. Stick or
    B. Twist

    Your gut appreciated!

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Twist

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Only if you had no other pressing transfer and a FT to burn.

    3. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      in same boat for exact transfer (but mine for a hit)

      Leaning towards Twist even for a hit! seems straightforward if for free...

  11. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best 5.5 def on WC?

    A. Dias (double up with Cancelo)
    B. Telles

  12. Cruz88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Play Taylor (possibly injured, but if not then at home against Palace), or Reguilon (some assist potential, but against City)?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Taylor

  13. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Already Taken a -4. 4m itb

    a) Salah to KDB for another -4 then get Salah back when fit for Hamez for free?
    b) Play one of Brewster/Mitchel/Ayling and keep Salah?

    Martinez
    Zouma Lamptey Coufal
    Bruno Hamez Grealish Barkley Salah**
    Kane DCL

    Brewster Mitchell Ayling

    1. SharkyT
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’m in same boat I think a -4 is justified as he’s probably out for 2 GWs*

      *guess

      1. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah if he's out for two weeks it's a go, but we don't know yet do we? I guess we get no further information now before deadline either, it will depend when his next test is / what result is etc

        I was going to get KDB next week for Hamez but maybe worth just getting now and seeing what happens with Salah

  14. SuperDan
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Yay or nay?

    Salah & Son > KDB & Bruno

    1. MESSINHO
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If it's free, yes.

    2. SH@KTIMAAN
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yay, but not for -8

    4. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  15. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Salah due back for Brighton?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      no, why should he?

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

        Salah, who is self-isolating, will miss Sunday's game against league leaders Leicester and is likely to miss the Champions League tie against Atalanta.

        BBC

        Wasn’t sure what the latest is

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No

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

      potentially, just depends on when he gets a negative test

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

        Ty

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

      You just know the FA will do everything in their power to get him ready. Even breaking sensible quarantine protocols is within reach if it means Pool can take another title

  16. SharkyT
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Already made 1 FT.

    A) Salah to KdB (-4)
    B) Salah to Mane (-4)
    C) Hold

    Team: Mart
    Robbo couf Justin Zouma
    Son Fernandez Greal
    Brew Kane DCL
    (Steer Salah* Mitch Stephens)

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A for me

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Tough one, assuming you're going to captain Bruno. I'd normally lean C but all are solid options.

      B, if you're going to stick with him and not chop and change with Salah.

      A is fine if you've got enough money to do Son>Salah/Mane in near future.

  17. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah to
    A) KDB
    B) Sterling
    C) Ziyech

    Cheers, and good luck all!

    1. SharkyT
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. wulfrunian
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      c

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

      C

  18. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Do you think Vardy + Cresswell can outscore Maupay + Robertson by 8 points this week?

    If not this week, surely they will in the medium term?

    1. SharkyT
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Unlikely

  19. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero is fit.That means no Man City forward for me.

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why

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

        Overpriced in rotation hell

      2. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Rotation between Jesus and Aguero.Even against Burnley and Fulham we can't know who will start,who will get a cameo.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Means assists assists assists for KDB!

  20. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On wc.

    A) Jota 3-5-2
    Or
    B) Watkins 3-4-3?

    1. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B, but not sure Watkins or Bamford

  21. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    This is how I’m looking after playing my FT. G2G or is KDB over Son worth a hit (much better stats recently and will want him anyway) or Robbo out to jump early on Cancelo?

    A) G2G
    B) Son > KDB (-4)
    C) Robbo > Cancelo (-4)

    0FT 0.1itb
    Martinez
    Robbo*, Chilwell, Cresswell
    Bruno, Son*, Ziyech, Grealish
    Kane, DCL, Bamford
    (Forster) (KWP, Stephens, Branthwaite)


    Thanks and GL all!

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks mate

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      G2G mate.

      Kane, Son & Robbo to Cancelo, KDB & Vardy/Aguero next week. Go big or go home!

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Not sure about the -8 next week! I guess avoiding hits on a week like this has to be good!

        GL mate

  22. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah + Foden > Rashford + Zaha (-4) ?

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good moves, if Foden doesn't start

  23. Shifty
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Did Salah > Bruno. Feels like should spend some of that extra money and get ahead of the curve a little.

    Jimenez > Vardy (-4) worth a hit?

    Nice little run after which will attract many and I've had pencilled this transfer pencilled in for Fulham anyway. Just bringing it forward a week.

  24. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah>Mane or KDB?

  25. jimbo90
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Taylor* Chilwell Lamptey (Mitchell TAA)
    Grealish Ziyech Bruno (c) Son Podence
    Kane DCL

    2.1ITB / 0FT

    Worth taking a -4 to get TAA out for Cancelo/Telles now that Taylor is flagged and Mitchell won't play?

  26. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Why Salah and Bruno are so low on drop and raise accorgly despite so many transfer out and ins? Even considering WCs

  27. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Better option?

    A) Salah>Rashford this week, Son to KDB next week
    B) Salah to KDB this week

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  28. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Martinez
    Mitchell Chilwell Coufal
    Son Bruno(c) Rashford Grelish Ziyech
    Kane DCL

    Steer, Brewster, Ayling, Johnson.

    Next week I'll do Son & Brewster > Bissouma & Vardy (C) (3-4-3)

    G2G?
    A.Yay
    B. Nay

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      G2G.

      Can you do Kane & Son to Vardy & KDB next week?

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I can, but I'm petrified of no Kane

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I am too but I think I will make those two moves next week. Don't think you need to take a hit to change formation when 352 is looking great too.

  29. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Risk Rashford this week or go Bruno like the masses?
    or KDB nice and early?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bruno

    3. CrouchDown
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Rash

  30. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any thoughts there? One free transfer left.

    McCarthy
    Robertson Chillwell Konsa
    Fernandes (C) Zaha Grealish Salah
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Subs: Semedo, Lampety, Anguissa

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah - > KDB?