Spot the Differential

Promising Raphinha can exploit Digne absence as Leeds visit Everton

The Gameweek 10 deadline is now upon us which gives us the opportunity to have a look at some other differential options.

This time, we’ve got routes into Manchester City and Leeds United’s attacks, plus Manchester United’s defence.

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

Raphinha

  • FPL ownership: 0.1%
  • Price: £5.4m
  • GW10-14 fixtures: eve | che | WHU | NEW | mun

Raphinha (£5.4m) has had to be patient since his deadline day move from Rennes, but finally made his first start against Arsenal last time out.

Operating on the right of Leeds United’s 4-1-4-1 setup, the Brazilian looked lively throughout. 

Though he lacked an end product, he showed his quality in flashes and provided some eye-catching moments, producing four shots, four penalty area touches and the highest expected assist (xA) total of any player on the pitch. It was an impressive full debut for the 23-year-old who saw out the full 90 minutes and almost capped the day with a late winner.

His performances in France certainly suggest he can thrive in England, as he helped Rennes to qualify for the Champions League last season, contributing a combined eight goals and assists in 22 Ligue 1 appearances. 

Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa will know, of course, that he may be able to target Everton’s left-flank this weekend, knowing that Lucas Digne (£6.2m) will sit out after suffering an ankle ligament injury in training. That could mean the inexperienced Niels Nkounkou (£4.0m) steps into a defence which has now conceded two or more goals in six straight Premier League matches, which further boosts Raphinha’s appeal. 

Leeds could count themselves highly unlucky not to have scored against Arsenal last weekend, but will take encouragement from their performance. The signs are good though, and Raphinha should only get better as he settles into his new surroundings.

Raheem Sterling

  • FPL ownership: 4.7%
  • Price: £11.5m
  • GW10-14 fixtures: BUR | FUL | mun | WBA | sou

England forward Raheem Sterling (£11.5m) has gone from strength-to-strength during his time at Manchester City, netting 31, 25 and 23 goals in his last three seasons.

He is yet to hit those heights this term, but has enjoyed a reasonably productive start, scoring five times in all competitions despite the Citizens’ well documented troubles in front of goal.

Against Olympiakos on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola made several tactical tweaks in an attempt to rejuvenate his faltering attack. The wingers, who played on their stronger footed sides, were positioned closer to Gabriel Jesus (£9.3m) with the full-backs providing the width. It resulted in them looking sharper than they have done in weeks, with Sterling providing the assist for Phil Foden’s (£6.5m) winner. 

We’ve seen the wingers playing on their natural sides in Europe on a couple of occasions now, is the Premier League next?

Saturday’s opponents Burnley were dealt a huge blow earlier this week with the news that influential keeper Nick Pope (£5.4m) looks set to miss out. With home games against Fulham and West Bromwich Albion to follow, either side of the Manchester derby, City now have the opportunity to kick start their season, and if they are to find that rhythm their assets have the potential to rack up huge individual hauls.

Sterling is an intriguing differential ahead of City’s fixture swing, and is perhaps an overlooked pick for the armband in Gameweek 10.

Alex Telles

  • FPL ownership: 1.6%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW10-14 fixtures: sou | whu | MCI | shu | LEE

After making his first Premier League start against West Bromwich Albion last weekend, Alex Telles (£5.5m) is at long last ready to make his debut in this column.

The Brazilian completed his move from Porto to Manchester United in the summer, but has had a stop-start beginning to his Old Trafford career after testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) last month.

However, the 27-year-old has now started back-to-back matches for his new club and impressed in both, particularly with his delivery from wide areas. Against the Baggies, Telles served up seven crosses in total, which was more than any other player on the pitch. He also had the second highest number of touches in the final third and registered two shots, which are encouraging numbers. 

He then built on that performance against Istanbul Basaksehir in midweek, which is where he really caught the eye. One of the standout performers on the night, Telles created four goalscoring chances and was instrumental in The Red Devils first two goals.

In the absence of Luke Shaw (£4.8m), Telles is expected to get an extended run in the starting XI, and could become a major asset down United’s left-flank. Given how focused they are down that side, he has the potential to be one of the best defensive assets in the game, and could be a huge differential for those willing to invest early.

1,464 Comments Post a Comment
  1. JelliedSpark968
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I'm stuck. Really want Vardy, what would you do?

    Meslier/Steer
    Chilwell/KWP/Justin/Coufal/Mitchell
    Salah/Sterling/Son/Soucek/Bissouma
    Kane/DCL?Maupay

    2FT, 0.7ITB

    Currently thinking Sterling + Maupay > Ziyech + Vardy

    1. Dave Dreamer
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane > Vardy???

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

        I'm actually considering captaining Kane, I prefer him to Son. Was thinking maybe Son > Walcott to fund Vardy

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

      Surely one of the Spurs players is best, how much for a mid if you sell Son+Maupay?

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

      Kane ain't scoring this weekend

  2. Vlekz
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Who scored more over the next 2?
      A) bruno
      B) sterling

      1. Dave Dreamer
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        KDB IMO

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

          Is he A or B?

          1. Vlekz
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Lol. This. I only need help between these 2. I already have KDB

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

                It's like phoning Directory Enquiries asking for Pizza Hut's telephone number, and them giving you McDonald's number instead.

        2. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Sterling - I'm a Bruno owner.

      2. Dave Dreamer
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        99th wildcard team

        Mendy
        Bellerin, Diaz, Cancelo
        Jota, Bruno, Son, Salah
        DCL, Vardy, Wilson

        Bench: Kilman, Taylor, Bissouma

        1. Decent Bench
        2. Vardy > Aguerro, option next week
        3. No Robertson

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

          no kdb?

          1. Dave Dreamer
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I could do Salah > KDB or Vardy> KDB or go for Foden?

            1. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              Don't go for Foden.

              It is an emotional roller coaster owning him. Stick with someone like Jota.

        2. HugoSimpson2
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Bruno > KDB and downgrade 1 defender.

          1. HugoSimpson2
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I'm actually WC this week too and my team is

            McCarthy
            Zouma Justin Balbuena (Kilman Taylor)
            Grealish KDB Salah Son (Bissouma)
            DCL Vardy Bamford

      3. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Good to go?

        McCarthy
        Chilwell, Cresswell, Regulion
        James Rod, Bruno, Son, KDB
        Bamford, Vardy C, DCL

        Meslier, Kilman, Romeu, Struijk

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

        Has Bernard ever played LWB?

        I'm trying to assess what options Carlo has in that position other than Nkounkou.

        1. @FPLMason
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Don't believe he has the capabilities to defend at that high of a level tbh.

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

          I suppose Delph could play there

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

        Litterally bottomed

        Who score more ?

        A: Ziyech Kane +8
        B: KDB Vardy
        C: Salah Jesus

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

          A is off to good start

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

          B cos i imagine one would be (c)

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

          A looks good with the +8
          B & C look like extremely tempting moves

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

        Zaha to?

        A Maddison

        B Mahrez

        C Take the fall

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

          Neither of those 2 - must be better options even if involves a hit

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

            I maybe have better option, this is 4/5 mid.

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

          C

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

        How crazy is this move?

        Zaha, Maupay, Kane -> KDB, Bamford, Wilson for a -8

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

          No vardy?

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

            I want to make longer term moves - Vardy is basically a 1 to 2 week punt.

            I can’t keep lurching from 1 GW to the next

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

              Brighton and Everton at home bad fixtures ?

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

          Looking at it over a few weeks not so bad. Can't you do maupay to bamford and the others for a minus 4 next week? If kdb doesn't fire you and kane does you could regret it

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

            Zaha is out though

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

              Depends what your bench is like then...if you don't want to go zaha to jota and want big boy kdb in then go for it

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

          ok here

      8. FPL Doctor
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Bottomed.

        RMWCT

        Martinez
        Cancelo Dias Justin
        KDB Salah Grealish Jota
        Bamford DCL Vardy

        1. FPL Doctor
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          bench Steer Soucek James Dallas

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

            Looks good, double City in the easy games and can ship James in when feels like it, will be good over Christmas

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

          Nice 11 but who are the subs? No Chilwell though?

      9. Bubbles1985
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Is it worth getting rid of both Zaha and Barkley for a hit?

        Am thinking for Jota and Soucek

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

          Depends who your bench is but jota and soucek are good picks. I'm doing barkley to soucek myself (and jimi to vardy -4)

          1. Bubbles1985
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            I done Jimi to Vardy last week for -4...

            Bench is currently -
            Lamptey, Brewster, Ayling

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

              Aye its worth it then I reckon. In same boat myself with Lamptey benched...such a shame cos he had a good game in all fairness

      10. Iceball
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Will Jota be another Foden story...good at times but too much worries about lineup and 1 pointers?

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

          He'll probably be better than him but yes

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

          He should be a tad better imho.

        3. Sgt Frank Drebin
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I don't think so. I think Jota will feature quite a lot. He isn't much worse than Salah, Mane or Firmino imho.

        4. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          He'll feature more than Foden.

          And will probably return more than Foden.

        5. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          He can play anywhere in that front 3; my hope is he features more often than not.

        6. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Similar logic: i.e. budget way into one of the best attacking teams (in theory with Man City anyway) that has good prospects of delivering returns when they start. It's up to you to value the expected value of that combined with the cameo appearances vs. a more nailed but potentially lower upside player at a similar price point.

          Personally Jota looks better value than Foden in terms of likelihood of starting (much less competition in terms of players and the formation can be changed to fit Jota, Firmino, Salah, Mane in as we saw with Sheff Utd + Man City) and underlying form/ability (mins per xGI of 136 vs. 268 for Foden).

          That being said this week I wouldn't be surprised to see Jota benched and get a 1 point cameo and Foden to start and get a brace as this is FPL we are talking about (and one has had huge transfers in and the other has had transfers out)!

      11. iL PiStOlErO
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Saving ft but other then that GTG?

        Mendy
        Cancelo Justin KWP
        Bruno SterlingC) Son Grealish
        Kane DCL Watkins(vc)

        Steer Taylor Romeu Mitchell

        0.2 itb, 1ft

      12. Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        A zaha to jota
        B jiminez to bamford
        C both -4+3.0 coins
        D zaha to son ,jiminez to bamford -4 0.0 itb
        E do nowt,bench zaha and 2 f/t next gw

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

          D

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

            ta

      13. tabby98
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Mccarthy
        Chilwell, Reece James, Justin
        Salah, Son, Ziyech, Grealish
        Kane, DCL, Bamford

        Bench: 1. Nyland 2. Mitchell. 3. KWP. 3. Stephens

        GTG?

        Should I do Kane ---> Vardy (C)

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

        Thoughts on Mahrez chances of starting?

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

          Waiting presser 1.30

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

          50%

      15. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Pick one for Zaha

        First to 3 wins.

        A) Jota

        B) Barnes

        C) Torres

        Thanks

        1. @FPLMason
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          A should win with comfort.

        2. NETFLIX & CHILWELL
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          A

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

        FPL Doctors I feel I need some surgery!!

        Martinez
        Cancelo, James, robbo
        Ziyech, son, grealish, sterling
        Kane, bamford, Jimi

        Bissouma, Mitchel*, lamptey**
        0.6itb, 0ft

        I basically have no bench, and my starting defenders aren't exactly nailed. Still have Jimi and have no pool attack or dcl...help! Already played a ft too as I had two starting defenders.

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

          Jimi & biss to Brewster & jota?

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

            That would be for a -8

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

              Then jimi to someone? DCL?

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

          You're gonna be fine this GW, I wouldn't worry too much

      17. NUFCAndrew
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        What to do with this? 1 FT 2.2

        Martinez 4.0

        Robbo Chilwell Dallas Lamptey Ferguson

        Bruno Son Ziyech Grealish 4.5

        Kane DCL Bamford

      18. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        So we should expect KDB playing deeper.
        He was attacking between forward and winger now with new tactic wingers are close to forward.

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          not against burnley surely ?

      19. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Beat mid option under 5.3m? Thanks.

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

          Soucek

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

          Soucek

        3. TMF86
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Soucek

      20. Il Capitano
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        A show of hands for the below please, had some convincing arguments for keeping Zouma this morning, no other moves are really jumping out to me bar the two below. Do I join the party?

        1 FT, 0.9m ITB, WC Available

        McCarthy (Button)
        Zouma Chillwell Justin (Taylor Mitchell)
        Bruno Sterling Son Grealish (Bissouma)
        Werner DCL Watkins

        A) Zouma > Dias (captain Sterling)
        B) Werner > Vardy (C)

        1. @FPLMason
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          B

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

          B

      21. FPL Doctor
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Play 1:

        A) Reece James
        B) Justin

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          B

      22. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Watkins to Bamford with FT?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          not for me

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

          Not atm tbh.

        3. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Nope

      23. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Who scores more over next 2?
        Salah or Bruno

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

        Play Podence or Brewster?

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Podence

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

          That’s ugly
          Brewster if he’s going to start

      25. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        G2G? High hopes for this GW but we all know how that usually goes lol

        McCarthy

        Chilwell, Cresswell, Semedo

        Bruno, KDB, Grealish, Rodriguez

        Vardy (c), DCL, Bamford

        Subs: Button, Mitchell, Dallas, Stephens

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          green arrow incoming ! why vardy c and not kdb or bruno ? i have the 3 and gone kdb but still unsure

          1. Simon69
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Fulham have been consistently woeful especially at the back - You've got to captain Vardy if you own him imo.

      26. bobbyg
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Kane > Vardy

        Soucek > Jota -4

        Yay or nay guys?

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Like it personally

        2. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Kane > Vardy looks good but personally wouldn't hit for the second option

        3. bobbyg
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks guys

      27. JollyGoodYellows
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Any thoughts here guys? 1FT and 1.8itb

        Mccarthy (Button)
        Zouma Holding Justin (Konsa Mitchell)
        Bruno JRod Son Grealish (Bissouma)
        DCL Werner Kane

        A) Kane > Vardy
        B) Werner > Vardy
        C) Keep

        Or anything else?

        1. @FPLMason
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          B or C

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

        Have no city or liverpool... Is this -8 madness?

        Son Rashford > KDB Jota?

        Otherwise I think I will do it next gw -4..

        1. FFSbet.com
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yes madness,even for -4 next week

      29. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Bench Chilwell or Kilman?
        I don't bench Coufal sorry

        1. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Kilman