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

    Finding it hard to ignore Bruno ...

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

      What if I told you he's never scored from open play at Old Trafford

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

        It doesn’t overly matter for FPL thought does it? Pen and a couple of assists and a max bonus and we are laughing?

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

          True - in fairness I haven't confirmed Salah to Rashford yet but it's only cause Ole didn't 100% state Rashford would start

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

            This is what put me off the most. Would be a horrible transfer if he come on for a 15minute run out getting back to fitness. It’s a very hard call though.

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

            I'm very close to pulling the trigger on Rash Bruno double up. Switch one to KDB next week.

      2. Hangman Page
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That statistic is completely meaningless and in the words of Bret Hart, you know it.

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

      Not just this game the next 2 away games also look good for him. He seems like a good placeholder for Salah in GW12.

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

        What about Rash, Karan? Too risky?

  2. Slim25
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Current team
    Martinez
    Digne, Chilwell, Semedo
    Grealish, Rodriquez, Son, Zaha
    Brewster, Kane, DCL
    (Button, Lamptey, Salah, Mitchell)

    2 free transfers, thinking of doing this over the next 2 weeks, thoughts would be appreciated!
    Wk 9 - Digne, Salah, Brewster - Balbuena/Lewis, Bruno, Watkins (-4 hit, 1.7m in bank)
    Week 10 - Son & Kane - KDB & Vardy (-4 hit)

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

    A. Cancelo + Mitchell + Riedewald (means playing Targett, Cancelo and Chilwell every week)
    B. Justin + Coufal + Soucek

  4. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Continuing to tinker with the WC:

    McCarthy, Forster
    Chilwell, Cancelo, Targett, Justin, KWP
    Bruno, -----, KDB, Grealish, Soucek
    DCL, Watkins, -----

    1) Ziyech, Vardy -- objectively, probably better decision, but...
    2) Mane, Bamford -- the draw to Mane is the easier move back to Salah.

    1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      2.

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

    on WC

    Werner or DCL?

    my attack:

    KDB Ziyech Grealish Bruno Riedwald

    Watkins Vardy

  6. Le Bluff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-line-up-tottenham-19317995

    MEN predicts a start for Sterling:

    Predicted City XI vs Tottenham: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden; Torres, Jesus, Sterling

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

      Now Foden will start after I sell him 😛

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

        Fortunately I've just picked up Torres in one of my draft games so let's hope he gets some mins.

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

      0% chance of that lineup lol

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

      Think that looks about right tbh

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

    Martinez, Steer
    Bellerin, Coufal, Chilwell, ( Lamptey, Siass)
    Son, Salah*, James, Grealish, (Bissouma)
    Jimenez, DCL, Wilson*

    What to do here? Got no FT and 4,3 ITB.
    Feels wrong to have 4,3+ Salahs value on the bench.
    Salah to Bruno or KDB for a hit?

  8. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    a. Salah to KDB (-4)

    or

    b. Play 4 at the back - Cancelo, PVA, Coufal, Zouma

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

      Play 4 at the back.

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B - and watch out for those Duke boys!

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

    Any ideas here gents?

    Martinez
    Chilwell Coufal Semedo
    Salah Grealish Son Bruno
    Kane DCL Bamford

    4m - Lamptey Mitchell Reed

    0FT 0.1ITB

    A Salah -> KDB -4
    B Play Lamptey
    C Something else?

    Cheers

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

      Play Lamptey, hope for Salah return for next gameweek.

      1. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thats what Im doing

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

    Tempting to Wilson -> Watkins or Salah -> Sterling but realistically I could just hold a transfer. Thoughts?

    Martínez (Macey)
    Chilwell - Gabriel - Robertson (Coufal - Mitchell)
    Grealish - Fernandes - Salah - Son - Zaha
    Wilson - Bamford (Brewster)
    1.1mitb & 1FT.

    Thanks! 😀

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

      Sterling potentially not fit so even that option not looking too good anyway tbh.

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

    Which 3 would you play?
    Chilwell (new), Targett (BHA), Cancelo (tot), Lamptey (avl), Kilman (SOU)

    1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I've gone for Chilwell, Targett and Cancelo.
      Also have Lamptey, hard decision between Cancelo and Lamptey.

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

        I’ve gone for the same 🙂

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

    Anyone eyeing up big Scott Dann on a WC?

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

      loves a goal and palace are about as defensive a team as you can get in the PL other than burnley, great differential shout.

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

      I've had Guaita for weeks. I am looking to off all Palace defensive assets after these three.

      Go long-term with your WC picks. You can trust Palace.

  13. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Feedback please Which one??

    A) KDB & Watkins
    B) Rashford & DCL

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

      b

    2. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      b

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

      B for this week
      A for longer term

      1. Better off with a pin and a…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This.

    4. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A.

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

    Help me choose one?

    A. Ryan/McCarthy + Targett
    B. Martinez + Lamptey

  15. yanky
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    TAA > Cancelo for -4pt hit? or play Lamptey this week and do the TAA move next week for free?

    1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Play Lamp this week.

  16. zon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What do you lads think, 1 ft, 3.2 itb (keeping some for Son -> KDB next week). WC available.

    Mendy
    Chilwell Targett KWP
    Son Grealish Foden Bissouma
    Kane DCL(c) Maupay

    4.0 Salah* Justin Mitchell

    A) Foden -> Jota
    B) Salah -> Bruno(c)
    C) Salah + Foden -> Bruno(c) + Ziyech (-4)

    D) RIP IT THE F UP AND WC:

    McCarthy Forster
    Chilwell Cancelo Masuaku Targett Kilman
    Bruno KDB Ziyech Grealish Soucek
    Werner DCL Bamford

    (enough itb to make Bruno -> Salah later)

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      B

  17. JelliedSpark968
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Currently deciding between Grealish and Ziyech

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Grealish

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

      Grealish

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

    Does Coady play?

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

      Nuno wasn't at all clear

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

        How long has he been isloating?

  19. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    One to start and first on the bench?
    A. Justin (A vs LIV)
    B. Ayling (H vs ARS)
    C. Taylor (H vs CRY)

    1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Taylor start, Ayling bench.

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

    Which is the better combo

    A. Martinez and Walker Peter's
    Or
    B. McCarthy and Targett

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think both options will score similar points. Go with cheaper option B and bank the difference

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

      B (cheaper)

  21. Abhishek Chitre
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Telles in? Wildcarding

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

      Bit of a punt, but I quite like it

      1. Abhishek Chitre
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Who else?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Short term probably yes

      1. Abhishek Chitre
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Who else?

  22. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) son to grealish
    B) son and Kane to kdb and vardy (-4)
    C) son and Kane to grealish and vardy (-4)

    Leaning towards C

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I think it is 1 GW too early to get rid of both Son and Kane but if you had to get rid of one of them then A. I assume you don't have enough to do Son to KDB

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

        Yeah you might be right. But it also feels like a fear based move opposed to being a bit more proactive.
        I'm down at 3mil so feel like I need to do something different

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

      A

  23. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Was settled on my WC team below but then with the news Castagne and Pereira are nearing comebacks had a play and would you prefer A or B?

    Martinez, £4m
    Chilwell, Cancelo, Coufal, Justin, Lamptey
    Ziyech, KDB, Grealish, Bruno, Soucek
    DCL, Watkins, Vardy

    A) Justin, Lamptey & Soucek
    B) Castagne, Mitchell & Bissouma

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

      A. Justin may well keep his place if they play with a back three

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. Yeah didn't realise he's played a couple there recently so hopefully keeps his place until Soy is back

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Justin is a transfer waiting to happen. I wouldn't bring him in on WC

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Had him since the beginning so thought stick with him seeing as they have 3 good fixtures after Liverpool

  24. Geordie19
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Evening all, what you think?

    A) Wilson and Salah to Watkins/Antonio and Bruno -4
    B) Salah to Bruno
    C) Wilson to Watkins and play JWP

    1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B.

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

    Doing wc next gw. Do you think Telles (-4) could outscore Lamptey this week?

    Thinking of doing Johnson(4.0) to Telles and bench Lamptey. Have jimenez and think/hope wolves will store against Brighton

  26. thetommy14
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What to do with Robbo? Keep or sell?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      depends on if you have any other fires to put out

      1. thetommy14
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Bruno to Salah

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

      keep for sure

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

      Can probalby sit with bigger fish to fry for most.

      Maybe consider a move to Cancelo or Dias at some point

  27. Hangman Page
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Timo Werner has never scored from open play at St James' Park.

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

      Touche

    2. Boss Hogg
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Timmers are never winners.

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

      He's out of my team along with Bruno. #statsticalapproach

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

        "... #statsticalapproach ...". Ha ha. Good one. 🙂

  28. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What are we doing with Salah then lads, selling?

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

      For Ziyech.

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

      I have no idea.

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

      Who?

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

      Already sold last week for old Bruno

    5. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sold to bring in Bruno, looks like he could be out for 2 games.

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

      Waiting and will decide tomorrow am

    7. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Holding

  29. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Apologies - I know little else was discussed earlier in the week, but is there somewhere that explains the process that Salah needs to go through. Including the “ifs and buts”.

    he started isolating earlier this week. Does the 10 days start from then? Even if he had a positive test since?

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

      I presume there's a few days of isolation after a negative result is yielded?

      Not sure though, the news is quite cryptic

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      10 days start from 1st positive test

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

      It should be isolation for 10 days from when the first positive test was taken, and then isolation ends as soon as a negative test is confirmed after these 10 days.

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

        This is correct

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

      He has 10 days from the first positive to test negative and then he’ll be available.

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

        Sounds like 1 week out the most likely outcome

        If you kept Salah until now and missed the drops/falls, you can probably keep

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

          He would have taken a test today when he arrived back in the UK so hopefully get a negative result tomorrow which makes it an easy keep. If not then it’s a bit of a risk to keep with the potential of missing two GWs.

  30. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Mitchell likely to start.

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

      He's fit and Roy said it's a good problem to have. Not sure if he will. It would be nice if he started with PVA in MF

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

        Thanks. Fingers crossed. I have Lamptey, but think Grealish will upset his apple cart.