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. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    My last decision to make on WC is choosing a 4.6m defender (NOT Coufal or Targett)

    Any stand out options at this price? Nothing really jumping out at me...

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

      KWP prob the best bet

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

        I should mention, I have MCarthy in goal

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

          Why have McCarthy on WC? He’s so bad

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

            Whats so bad about him? Has kept me 3 clean sheets in last 5 for 4.5m

          2. Bubz
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I also have Villa and West ham defenders already at cheaper prices than their goalkeepers cost

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

          in that case go cheap, i've gone for lewis, nailed at 4.3

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

      Ayling, long term though

    3. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I still think KWP is the man

    4. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lewis perhaps?

    5. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      KWP

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

      I probably agree with KWP. Ayling/Dallas look attacking but Leeds can’t defend. Shame you can’t get Lamptey (unless you already do).

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

        Yeah I really want Lamptey but literally cant find the extra .2!

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

          What’s the team?

    7. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ayling

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

      Maybe Taylor if you believe that Burnley will start to keep cleanies

      1. BenDavies
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        no point getting a flagged player in now

    9. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Scott Dann at 4.4 think he has nailed that CB spot and 3 great starter fixtures

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

        Yeah I was looking at him but worried about him being dropped at some point..

    10. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ayling

    11. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If you have Chilwell, Cancelo, Coufal, Targett like most WC defenses, that last slot should be a 3.9m imo. No need to give yourself needless bench headaches.

      If you insist on having a starter, I'd go Kilman.

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

        Yep thats what I have. Hmm yeah true, I do usually like having an out and out bench fodder in my team, although feel it might be worth having an extra bench spot for corona season

        1. No Salah
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Can you upgrade Coufal to Cresswell with the extra money?

          Tha last slot can be 3.9.

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

            Hmm yes I could... tempting!

            1. No Salah
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              I’ve gone that route and feel that he should easily out score Coufal over the season by some margin.

              Personally feel he’s A clear upgrade worth the money - although most here is going for Coufal.

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

                Which 3.9 did you get?

                1. No Salah
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  Have Mitchell from beginning.

                  I didn’t wildcard. Used my two FT to get Cancelo and Cresswell.

                  Others are Chilwell and Justin.

    12. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kilman, should get the odd CS, wolves are always solid at the back

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

    If you don’t have a UTD player, who will you captain?

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

      This is the number 1 reason to do Salah -> Fernandes.

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

        What about Rashford? 🙂

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

          He is a poor FPL managers Fernandes

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

            Brutal! Haha

    2. djoker_nole
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mane

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

    is Son good for Spurs coverage? on WC

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

      Covering what?

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

      No, why on earth would you want Spurs 'coverage' especially on WC

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

    Best City defender to get?

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

      Dias for safety, Cancelo for risk

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

        Cheers

      2. Henryyy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This

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

    Watkins or Bamford?

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Watkins

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

      50-50

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

    Officially going Chelsea-less on WC, wish me luck

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

      Chilwell is as close to ‘essential’ as it gets in my opinion

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

        Can't be essential when there's no CS though?

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

          Not like he didn't score another goal last week or anything, lol.

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

            Can't rely on a defender for consistent goals though

    2. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Why?

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

        Fixtures

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

          I am close to that, I just have Ziyech as a short-term stand-in for Salah.

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

      Seems mad not to have Chilwell and Ziyech

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

        Have Cancelo and Richa instead, plus an extra 0.8m. Playing the fixtures

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

          Richa is a transfer waiting to happen imo

  7. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Armband goes to ->

    A) Dcl

    B) Fernandes

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

    Salah!

    Are you keeping or selling?

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

      Selling for Bruno (C). Too much uncertainty about whether he can start next week. Idea is to bring him back against Fulham.

    2. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Keeping

    3. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Just have

  9. C_G
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    thoughts on my WC?

    Martinez Steer

    Lamptey Cancelo Chilwell Targett Mitchell

    Ziyech KDB Bruno Son Romeu

    DCL Watkins Vardy

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

      Stopped reading when I saw no Grealish

    2. C'mon the Fylde
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Try again.
      I'd be having Kane.
      He's on fire.

    3. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Remove son, get grealish

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Don't pick Steer.

  10. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Captain who?
    Fernandes
    DCL
    Grealish
    Ziyech

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Obvious one

  11. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Amid I gtg, guys?

    Martinez
    Robertson Lamptey Coufal
    Son Fernandes(C) Grealish Zaha
    Kane Bamford DCL

    Button, James, Foden, Mitchell

    0.8m itb

  12. built_this_city
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Current team -

    Mendy, Button
    TAA, Justin, C Taylor, Mitchell, Konsa
    Zaha, Salah, James, Son, Mendy
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    Thinking Salah -> Fernandes, and will bin off TAA next week for a city player

    thoughts?

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

    How about this -8?
    Son+Kane+Salah >> KDB+Bruno(C)+Vardy

    McCarthy
    Chilwell, Saiss, Cresswell
    Salah*, Son, Ziyech, Rodríguez, Grealish
    Kane, DCL
    (4.0, Mitchell, Justin, Davis)

    1. jeff09
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Like it but maybe KDB & Bruno for Salah and Son for -4 and then do the Kane switch next week if funds allow

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

      Son to KDB can wait a week

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

        100% this

        I prefer just the salah move for free though

    3. The Red Devil
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I've planned the same transfers, but son and kane to kdb & Vardy happening in GW10

  14. jeff09
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    WC team good to go or does defence need some more work?

    Martinez
    Chilwell - KWP - Justin
    KDB - Bruno - Ziyech - Grealish
    Kane - Vardy - Watkins

    Bench - Kilman, Bernardo, Reidewald. £0.3m ITB

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

      Would drop Kane to DCL, sort out the defence and save some cash.

      1. jeff09
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Good shout, I have just taken DCL out and lost some value in doing it but I think the WC defence template is Chilwell, Cancelo and Coufal

  15. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Good enough to save my ft and captain Bruno??

    McCarthy
    Chillwell Konsa Coufal
    Son Bruno Hamez Greal
    DCL Werner Vardy
    (Nyland, Podence, KWP, Mitchell)

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

      Yes

  16. Sune
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bamford (c)

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      lol

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

      silly

  17. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Mostly selling Kane
    Vardy or Werner?
    Already have Ziyech & zouma

    1. Sune
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Werner

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Would you do it this week for a hit?

        1. Sune
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I wouldn't

          1. The Red Devil
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Then doesn't Vardy have the better run of games from GW 10-12?

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

      Vardy

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        For a hit this weekend?

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

          If you can do it for free next week then makes sense, depends on what other moves you’ll have planned next week.

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No brainer, Vardy.

      1. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, Kane to Vardy planned next GW

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Keep Kane this week

  18. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Was going to keep Salah, but can't see him playing v Brighton in 8 days having just returned a positive test.
    And £12m is so much to keep on the bench anyway.

    Thoughts on Salah to KDB now, then move Son to Salah when back (depending on Son form)

    McCarthy
    Chilwell Konsa KWP
    Salah Son Grealish Bruno
    Werner DCL Brewster

    Soucek Mitchell Justin

    1FT, 2.0 itb.

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good move

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sounds like a plan

  19. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Better S-ton defender choice?

    A) KWP
    B) Vestegaard

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Vest

    2. Party time
        3 years, 4 months ago

        B

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

      Reposting as no reply last time

      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?

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Look at title of article

      2. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Worth it long term

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

        Taylor will most likely play and is a good fixture. Dont think a -4 is worth it

    4. Turbo Timo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      United fans, help me out.
      If I have to choose between Rashford and Bruno for just this week and next week, who should I take? Bruno seems to be the majority. I want to know if you remove penalties from the equation who seems to be the better asset for next 2?

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

        Surely Bruno the better option

      2. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Why ignore pens?

        1. Turbo Timo
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Just for my understanding, is it pens that makes him better or is he better anyway?

      3. The Red Devil
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Rashford better without penalties, but we do tend to get a penalty almost every alternate game 😛

      4. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        You can't remove pens from the equation but it sounds like you wanna go Rash.

        1. Turbo Timo
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I am leaning towards him as a punt. I feel he could have got Bruno's second goal easily last week and then it would have been a different conversation. It's purely luck for the next 2 I guess.

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

      Philips 4.0M how long he will dominate Pool defence?

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Milner/Not Philips/Not Philips/Robbo

        I reckon

    6. Party time
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Tallest player in premier league this season is?

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

          Dan Burn

          1. Party time
              3 years, 4 months ago

              No

          2. Fulchester's New Centr…
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Maybe Forster

            1. Party time
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Pretty close. You are really pretty close to it. Nice try but he is not, even though he is arguably the same height. A bit of an inch shorter from reports

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

              Burn? But wouldnt be surprised if its some random third choice goalkeeper

              1. Party time
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  No it isn’t Dan Burn

              2. Party time
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  Well done Lads

                • Party time
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Matthew Ryan Macey 🙂

                • tim
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  You reckon Sterling will start?

                  1. The Red Devil
                    • 9 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Yep

                • Bubz
                  • 10 Years
                  3 years, 4 months ago

                  Will Salah drop in price again do we think?

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

                    Probably

                  2. Party time
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Yes

                    • Colonel Shoe 肝池
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Hope so. I've sold so I want him to drop when I get him back

                  3. BOATIES FC
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    has there been any news from Bruce on Callum Wilsons fitness?

                    1. OLLY G
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      He's doing a lot better and might start but "he won't be risked unless definitely fit".

                      1. BOATIES FC
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 4 months ago

                        Thanks.

                  4. Colonel Shoe 肝池
                    • 12 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    Watkins cap 😎

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

                    Arguments on Jota or Watkins on WC?

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

                      Ollie

                    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
                      • 6 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      No contest

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

                    Son to KDB worth a -4?

                    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
                      • 6 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      Seriously?

                  7. Chrisscfc
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 4 months ago

                    A) Jota and Brewster
                    B) Soucek and Watkins/Bamford

                    Also any idea if Nathan Ferguson is back?

                    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
                      • 12 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      B

                    2. barcaa7
                      • 6 Years
                      3 years, 4 months ago

                      B