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. jay01
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On a WC.. thoughts on Richarlison over DCL for a 2 week punt?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yep.

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      High risk, don’t forget dcl is nearly 60% owned + will be cap’d by many, feels like a huge downside if he hauls and not sure the up side is that big

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Hmmm im so tempted by gut feeling

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

      Yes if you're a risk taking manager

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Risks have blown up in my face in the past tbf.. only thing i was thinking was im not going to captain DCL anyway so given two play the same gametime surely the points difference wont be big?

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

      why not both?

      1. jay01
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I have Hames too (good feeling about him) so not looking to trio.. will remove all for fixture swing though.. thought rich might be due some goals

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

      Why not both

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

    Afternoon

    0,1 short of doing Bissouma and Salah to Zyiech and Bruno for free. So....

    Bissouma, Salah, Jimenez to Bruno, zyiech and DCL -4

    Yay or nay

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Can you afford richarlison rather than dcl?

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

        Yep. Think he will explode?

        1. n-doggg
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I wouldn’t go that far but worth a punt over dcl

  3. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FTs made, good to go or anything worth a hit?

    Ryan
    Cancelo, kwp, Taylor
    Mane(vc), Bruno(c), son, grealish
    Dcl, Werner, adams

    2.5 itb for son to Kdb/sterling next week

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

      Looks good to me, nothing worth a -4 there

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

      Nice. Out of curiosity..what transfers did you do?

      1. n-doggg
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Salah to mane (slightly regretting that now)

        TAA to cancelo

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

          Who would you have rather got?

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

    Going to ship TAA and Saiss for Chilwell Cancelo/Creswell for -8. Thoughts?

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

      Online TAA to Chillwell, Saiss likely to start this week

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

        Hey, for who? I have kilman, is he a risk?

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

          Kilman if he’s not playing because of father’s dearh, or for Coady who is in quaranteen

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

            Damn! I have Taylor & kilman & need one of them to play

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

              Sounds like Taylor has A good chance to play

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

        How about Chiwell and Cancelo? Which of them? Can bring either one next week. I have Zouma.

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

          I've got Zouma, Chillwell and Werner - it's blocking me from getting Ziyech - seems a risk when you double up in defence for any team

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

            Got Ziyech instead of Werner. Think both of them is good pick. Shipping out Zouma next week if no other transfer needed to be done.

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

    Chances of the following players starting this gw:

    A) Saiss
    B) Mitchell
    C) James
    D) Barnes

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

      70
      25
      70
      70

  6. Tommo1888
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How many games do we think Salah will be out for given his result yesterday?? Klopp said he will be back in England today

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

      1 most likely

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Have they published his result from today?

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

    how does my WC look? 1.2 ITB

    Martinez McCarthy

    Lamptey Cancelo Chilwell Targett Mitchell

    Ziyech KDB Bruno Grealish Soucek

    DCL Vardy Bamford

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

      Love it, especially the Soucek pick. He's being criminally ignored on here

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

      As template as template gets

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

    RMWCT:

    Martinez
    Robbo Cancelo Chilwell
    KDB Bruno Son Grealish Ziyech
    DCL Watkins

    Forster Brewster Kilman 3.9

    No Robbo is an easy answer but I still like the attacking threat of that back 3, and pool will keep some cleanies even with a couple of injuries.

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

      template team minus robbo, looks very good though

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

        Thanks mate 🙂

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

    Would have liked more positive news about Rashford

    Have Bruno and I could play 4-3-3 with Coufal instead of Rashford ... but think I still need to stick with Rashford

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

      Are you seriously considering benching Rashford when he's playing West Brom?

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

        I just don't want a cameo - hopefully he plays a full match or doesn't play

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

          Personally think he'll start, ole plays Rashford almost always
          Dunno, generally prefer an attacker to a defender

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

        Rashford might be benched by Ole

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

        Coufal could be a 9 pointer

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

    Robo/Chilwell/Kilman

    with Reguilon/Mitchell on the bench

    is that def good enough for this week ??

  11. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What a good feeling now I have fully accepted that most likely I will only have 9 players this gw. I will stick to the original plan for the season - zero hits.

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thats madness tbf..
      If you have 9 players and you take a -8 its basically a -4 .

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

        🙂 -8 is always -8 and could be even worse, red card, missed penalties etc. If my captain does alright it should be good.

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

          Or they could work out and you could profit.

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

      Stick to the plan, for science.

  12. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys, I was planning to do Son > Ziyech this week with my FT. With Salah now out (for 2 games?) should I just hold him and let Soucek come off the bench (not the worst replacement)?

    A - Son > Ziyech
    B - Salah > KDB
    C - Salah > Ziyech
    D - Other suggestion?

    McCarthy
    Chillwell - Taylor - Konsa
    Son - Bruno - Salah - Grealish
    Vardy - DCL - Bamford  

    Steer - Soucek - Egan - Mitchell     

  13. shapply
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Need to sell Wilson (decided to keep Salah); replacement:
    a) Watkins
    b) Bamford

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

      a

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

      Watkins with villa fixtures

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

      A

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

      Need is a strong word .. probably points off the bench this week and then a pretty good fixture run - cry, avl, WBA, lee, FUL

  14. Lemongrab
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Kane to Richarlison absolutely crazy?

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

      yes

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

        As in...that's plan's so crazy it just might work

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

          as in it's an extremely risky move with little reward. would rather kane to vardy

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

      Smart Move imo

    3. Lemongrab
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      (would fund Son to KDB next week)

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

      Maybe but fixtures are a lot better and if you use the funds from it wisely elsewhere who knows

  15. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    On wildcard, Midfield is
    KDB Bruno Ziyech Grealish 4.5m

    Best 2 strikers to go with Vardy for 13.5m
    Currently DCL and Watkins

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

      I think that's about right. Maybe consider bamford. Or che adams

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

      i prefer Wilson over Watkins.Great fixtures.

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

        Any particular reasons for Wilson over Watkins?

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

      Make that a playing 4.4 with riedewald

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

        Yes its him I've got. Bargain

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

      Mine are Werner and Bamford - but hopefully Werner can become Aguero next week

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

        Sorry - 2m over budget

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

    So we don't have a clear image for Rashford.Do you think it's worth to get him?

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

      Just get Bruno

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

        Not enough money.

  17. only2
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    J.Lewis nailed on for newc? Him or Lascelles?

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

      Lewis is nailed

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks!

  18. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    No Bruno? Who’s the next best captain option this week?

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

      Werner, Richarlison, Grealish, Rashford all good options

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

      Would also like to know this. Thinking about getting Rashford

    3. abhirup780
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      DCL?

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

      Vardy, DCL, Grealish

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

    Mings or Targett?

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

      Targett. Cheaper and can be attacking at times

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

      Not even close

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

    I have Taylor and kilman in squad & need one of the two to start
    Do I take the risk or take a hit to get cancelo for one of them?

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

      Cancelo could easily be a 2 pointer this week. No hurry. Just hope for the best

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

        Can get chilwell too, money no issue

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

    Grealish and Watkins double up on WC?

    Or Get Bamford in as third striker and only have Grealish for Villa attack?

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

      Double up

  22. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Cant wait for the juicy Son and Kane points to come in tomorrow and the sellers to be crying

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

      Unrealistically confident Spurs enthusiasts smh, enjoy your blanks

      1. Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'll return to this tomorrow at 7PM.

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

          Will you also return when Kane/Son blank?

          1. Van der Faart
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            They wont blank. Two best players in the game at present

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

              We’ll see about that

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

      Hope you’re right! Holding them both this week and getting KDB and maybe Vardy next week

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

      2pts from Kane won't be juicy enough

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

      Crying? ... Having sold him twice before, losing 24 and 18 points, a 3rd time will result in more than just crying

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

    Telles or double City defence on WC?

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

      Double city

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

      Telles - better CS potential this week and I wouldn't want to block double MCI attack

  24. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who is a better pick?

    Cancelo or Castagne?

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

      Cancelo if you have a bench option for when he gets the occasional rest.

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

        Mitchell and Dallas

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

          Yeah should be ok I would go Cancelo

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

      Not much in it, Cancelo sets you for long term

  25. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Doherty out for...

    A - Coufal
    B - Targett

  26. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who takes Liverpool pens when Salah does not play?
    Milner, maybe. Who are the others?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Milner Mane Firmino in that order is my guess

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

      Milner then Fabinho would be my guess.

  27. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Best option?

    A) Cancelo/Dias
    B) Chilwell
    C) Digne

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers

  28. Vlekz
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably set on this WC team
      McCarthy
      Chilwell cancelo telles castagne
      KDB bruno grealish
      Vardy werner DCL
      Forster I souchek bissouma Ferguson

      If castagne doesn't start against Liverpool, I don't really mind souchek coming in place. I got him for the next 3 fixtures after that.

      Gtg?

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

        I like your call on Castagne.

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

        4 at the back, that’s a first

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

        liking it tbf

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

        No villa GK/defender?

        1. Vlekz
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Can't have them all

            1. Vlekz
                3 years, 4 months ago

                I had targett. But got too much free cash so went castagne

        2. Bobby_Baggio
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Afternoon all. Your help please? 1FT and 0.4m ITB. Happy to take a -4 too.

          McCarthy
          Justin - Konsa - Chilwell - Kilman
          Podence - Son - Hamez
          DCL - Kane - Vardy

          Salah - Lewis - Stephens

          A) Salah > Bruno
          B) Salah + Lewis > Bruno + Cancelo (-4)
          C) Salah + Podence > Grealish + Ziyech (-4) - 0.1m out of Bruno + Grealish 🙁
          D) Save
          E) Anything else

          1. The Count of Monte Cristo
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I would rule out B first as I don't think Cancelo is worth a hit to bring in this GW.

            I'd prefer A out of the others for now. Team is pretty good shape alll things considered and do not think a hit is necessary this GW. Bruno (C) DCL (VC) perhaps if you do A?

            1. Bobby_Baggio
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              cheers for the input

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

          So consensus time.

          Son > KDB not worth a -4 this week right?

          (Already have Bruno and also have Kane fwiw)

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

            Wait a week

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

              Cheers. GL!

          2. Bobby_Baggio
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            no its not worth -4 this week

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

              Thanks mate!