Spot the Differential

Taylor can provide value route into Burnley’s appealing fixtures

After a slow start for last week’s trio of differentials, we’re back again ahead of Gameweek 14 on the hunt for the next low-owned bandwagon.

There’s no shortage of candidates to consider either.

This time, we’re focusing on differentials from Burnley, Chelsea and Everton, who we like the look of for Gameweek 14 and beyond.

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

Charlie Taylor

  • FPL ownership: 3.7%
  • Price: £4.4m
  • GW14-19 fixtures: WOL | lee | SHU | FUL | — | whu + liv

With four clean sheets in his last six appearances and an appealing set of forthcoming fixtures, Charlie Taylor (£4.4m) could be a solid under the radar pick.

Burnley have seen an upturn in their defensive performances of late, which has coincided with dressing room leaders Nick Pope (£5.4m), James Tarkowski (£5.3m) and Ben Mee (£4.9m) all being available. In fact, in the five league fixtures which they’ve all started together this term, the Clarets have kept four clean sheets and conceded just one goal. 

Last season, investing in one of Sean Dyche’s backline was one of the easier decisions FPL managers had to make, given their record of 15 clean sheets was second only to Manchester City, and the current campaign seems to be following a similar path with only Aston Villa recording more shut outs to date. Encouragingly, their numbers suggest that further defensive improvements could be on the way too, with 18 goals conceded from an expected goal (xG) total of 16.13. 

With Taylor, attacking returns are unlikely (he’s assisted just once in each of the Clarets’ last two campaigns), but his relationship with Dwight McNeil (£5.7m) down Burnley’s left is one of their key attacking weapons, with a large percentage of their play focused down that side. Amongst team-mates, only McNeil and Ashley Westwood (£5.3m) have delivered more crosses than Taylor this season, so an assist, while unlikely, is not completely out of the question.

However, the real appeal lies in Burnley’s clean sheet potential, and with home games against Wolves, Sheffield United and Fulham in the next four, further shut outs could be on the way. It is also worth noting that they have a Double Gameweek in January, so signing him now can help you be one player better off for that.

Christian Pulisic

Werner on Chelsea's left as Pulisic misses out on trip to Everton
  • FPL ownership: 2.4%
  • Price: £8.2m
  • GW14-19 fixtures: WHM | ars | AVL | MCI | — | ful + lei

Christian Pulisic (£8.2m) has endured a frustrating start to the season due to injury, but returned to the Blues’ starting XI against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night.

Making his first Premier League start since October, the former Dortmund winger played the full 90 minutes and was the most dangerous player on the pitch until shifted to the right-flank, where he struggled to make as much of an impact. However, until that switch, Pulisic showed his class, constantly running at opposition defenders with pace and trickery.

The 22-year-old’s hamstring issues have restricted him to just five Chelsea starts and nine appearances in all competitions this season, which has prevented him from finding any kind of rhythm. Despite this, he has still found the back of the net against Krasnodar and Leeds United, and fortunately, it doesn’t seem to take him long before he gets back into his stride after injury.

The Blues’ were on a good run of form going 17 games unbeaten before Everton and Wolves both managed to win by a single goal in the last two matches, but they do have an opportunity to get back on track with consecutive games to come against London rivals West Ham United and Arsenal. Interestingly, both sides have conceded most of their chances from their right-flank this season, which further heightens Pulisic’s appeal if he is to operate from that side. 

Some rotation is to be expected amid a hectic Christmas schedule, but with Hakim Ziyech (£8.1m) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m) injured, Frank Lampard’s options are reduced in the wide areas, and encouragingly, they will have had a generous six recovery days by the time their Gameweek 14 fixture comes around.

Pulisic tends to deliver when he starts, and although this move does come with risk, he could be a huge differential for those willing to invest early. 

Michael Keane

  • FPL ownership: 5.0%
  • Price: £5.1m
  • GW14-19 fixtures: ARS | shu | MCI | WHU | wol | avl

Michael Keane (£5.1m) has played an integral role in helping Everton keep two clean sheets in their last two games.

With James Rodríguez (£7.7m) and Lucas Digne (£6.1m) absent, the Toffees have gone back to basics, fielding a back four of central-halves marshalled by Keane. That has meant their full-backs, Mason Holgate (£4.8m) and Ben Godfrey (£5.0m), have been less adventurous going forward, but as a result, they have restricted their opponents Chelsea and Leicester City to just nine shots in the box between them, with only five on target.

Against teams like Sheffield United, the onus might be on Everton to be more expansive, and in turn demand more from their full-backs in the final-third. However, this more pragmatic, well-drilled system is likely to stick for the visits of Arsenal and Manchester City, which bodes well for further defensive shut outs. 

Keane is the only player to have started all 16 games in the league and EFL Cup for Everton this season, and has been consistently good in recent weeks. Against Leicester, he made more blocks and clearances than any colleague, and won all of his aerial duels. His threat from set-pieces is also worth noting ahead of their next two fixtures. Arsenal have improved defending dead-ball situations, but will be without the influential Gabriel (£5.0m), while only West Bromwich Albion have conceded more headed attempts than Sheffield United this term.

With two headed goals already from corners, and clean sheet potential too, Keane could be set to profit.

908 Comments Post a Comment
  1. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Think I'm going to avoid salah for another week and do the riveting mitchell -> Taylor move.

    Need somewhere to hide tomorrow lunchtime.

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

    Is Cresswell a bad pick this week? Can switch in any defender really expect TAA/Robbo. Will WC in 16

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Dias?

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

        Not worth the risk of a benching is it?

  3. Royal5
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Is neco williams a chance to finally get rid of Mitchell?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Or is Matip back?

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It was the other William's I think, and matip was seen in training

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Ah it sure was. Ty

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

      U mean Rilliams?

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Yup!

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          You think he'll play?

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

            Migmight play one moree game but matip shd be back after this week if not this week

            1. Royal5
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 3 months ago

              Yh guess so. Still a better pick than Mitchell though.

              1. FPL.team
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 3 months ago

                Not if you'll want triple Liverpool for the doubles.

                1. Royal5
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 3 months ago

                  Still got my wc.

  4. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    1FT 0.4 ITB
    A) Mitchell to Taylor, play over Soucek/Dallas
    B) Save FT
    C) Something else 🙂

    Martinez (Steer)
    Robbo Lamptey Dallas (Coufal Mitchell)
    Salah Bruno(c) KDB Son Soucek
    DCL Bamford (Davis)

    Thanks all and GL 🙂

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Save unless it helps you for bgw/dgw

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers HNBC. Comfortable playing Soucek(che) and Dallas(mun) then?

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Its not ideal but I always prefer having 2ft to play with if I can.

          Soucek will get in the box a couple of times. Leeds are a lottery.

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Taylor is a good option, but I'd rather have the 2 transfers next week.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers bro! Probably right

    3. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      opportunity to save so I would. will come in handy over the busy period

  5. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking to save the trasnfer here so I can get in TAA or rebertson next week for free. GTG?

    Mccarthy
    Cancelo / Chillwell / Dallas
    Salah / KDB / Fernendes / SOucek
    Bamford / Kane (C) / Giroud

    Button / Justn / Bissouma / Mitchell

    1FT, 0.3 ITB

    1. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Looks great! Help above?

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Easy save

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

    Guys opinions needed. Have 2 FTs which one would u do??

    A) KDB and Brewster -----> Soucek and Kane

    B) Justin -----> Coufal (start lewis), save other FT

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

  7. leocarter27
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Bit stuck on what to do?

    A) Save the FT (Coufal to come in if Konsa is out)
    B) Konsa out C.Taylor in

    Thanks

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      A

  8. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Which one would you do here? If any? 2FTs. 0.4ITB. I

    A) Mahrez, Vardy > Grealish, Kane
    B) Kilman > Taylor
    C) Vardy, Mahrez > Bamford, KDB
    D) None of the above

    McCarthy
    Lamptey, Chilwell, Coufal
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Mahrez, Soucek
    Vardy, DCL

    Steer, Kilman, Brewster, Struijk

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      B

      1. Maddamotha
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers mr cow

  9. Drogba Legend
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    G2G to save FT?

    Mendy
    Chill - Dias - Robbo
    Salah - KDB - Grealish - Rashford (C)
    Giroud - Bam - DCL

    Steer - Dallas - Fodder - Fodder

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes save!!

      1. Drogba Legend
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers Flynny

  10. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    What are people thinking re captaincy?

    A....Salah

    B...bruno

    Surprised to see salah so far ahead in the poll!

    Thanks

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Salah got more points than Bruno last week. If you'd ran that Poll pre-Sheff Utd blank I'm sure it would be the other way round. I'd be on Bruno, although am going Kane myself.

    2. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Toss up, probably Bruno given how poor Leeds have been defensively. Given up the most SoT last few weeks, etc.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I'm swaying to Bruno I think!!

        1. Drogba Legend
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I'm going Rashford. Brought him in two days ago since I couldn't afford Bruno and happy with the result. I'd go Bruno if I had him as well purely because Leeds concede set piece goals and are fairly open at the back. They aren't afraid to attack and won't sit back like Crystal or SOU will this week

        2. Drogba Legend
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          G2G to save my FT with my team above mate?

    3. jb1985
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      i swapped from Salah to Bruno today after hearing the stat that Leeds have conceded 8 goals from set pieces, this excludes penalties. As I understand Bruno will be on free kicks and corners whipping them in. Could see a Maguire goal in this game.

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

    Captain:

    A) Salah (cpa)
    B) Bruno (LEE)
    C) Kane (LEI)

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Between B and C for me. Probably C.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Bruno playing deep yesterday puts me off him

        1. EmreCan Hustle
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I was disappointed because he was my captain, but the more I think about it, it was probably to lure the SHU defense forward to create space behind the defense.
          Otherwise, I can't see Bruno showing such restraint and not getting into the box.

          1. Royal5
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            My captain as well. You may be right. But he looked poor the whole game though. Maybe he has played too much of late.

    2. ludaslol
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      C i like the most. I Will do B since I dont own

    3. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      was does Salah have to do to get votes on here.

      I'm saying Salah, because he is salah.

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

      C

  12. ludaslol
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I can get to this with my transfers for a -4 (if no injuries). Or do I get just skip BB for later on since it's difficult planning transfers..

    GW19 (BB)
    Martinez, Mccarthy
    Taylor Aioloski Balbuena Chillwell Robbo
    Soucek Bowen Salah Bruno Son
    Adams Werner Bamford

    Transfer plan:
    GW14:DCL, Mahrez > Adams, Son free
    GW15: Grealish > Bowen
    GW16: Zambo > Soucek
    GW17: Lamptey > Taylor
    GW18: FH
    GW19: Steer, Fergesson > Aioloski / Mccarthy -4

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      100% skip the bench boost plan. There will be injuries and covid. None of those moves (with the exception of gw14) are even worth transfers. All well and good playing bench boost near to a wildcard, but drip feeding low-gains transfers 6 weeks in advance isn't the way to go imo. There will be another time for bench boost 🙂

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Jeez, just noticed you have Werner. Surely you want shot of him asap? You holding onto the dud for the DGW plan? I'm binning him for Kane in a few hours time. Cannot. Wait.

      Fully expect a hattrick v West Ham, but I can't take any more of him.

      1. ludaslol
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Feeeling the same. If I go for BB gw19 I jeep, if not I get rid.

  13. BEEZUS
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Got 2 FT, so thoughts on this:

    Mahrez, Bellerin --> Son, Douglas

    Playing WC in GW16 so don't care about having Douglas.

    1. Drogba Legend
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Don't hate it, but Mahrez has a good chance to start and Bellerin will start. Up to the rest of your team and who you'll play I guess or unless you really want Son in this GW.

  14. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Are all the pressers done?

  15. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Captain KdB or Son? I'm not sure I fancy Bruno this week.

    KDB and Son have ok records against their oponents but can't call who I fancy more!

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      City doesn't score goals.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        They've had like 2 good game the whole season.

    2. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I have to agree captaining City players right now is a big gamble.

      I would wait until Kun gets back in the team. City aren't the same without Kun up top

  16. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Mitchell to Vestegard or Balbuena to James

    I can do both on a free for 0.0

    First options gives me 5 starting defenders heading into the busy fixtures and the other gives me James (who I really want, have Chillwell but want James too).

    Thoughts?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Vestergard against City?

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I have both James and Chilwell and actually looking to get rid of one of them tbh. Not this week though.

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Balbuena to James

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Is there news on Balbuena yet? I can't find out if he's definitely out this week anywhere.

  17. dando89
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So what is the best plan for the blank and double?

    Fill team with double players over next few gameweeks, and then freehit for the blanks?

    Will a wildcard be needed after the double to fix things though?

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on your team atm. I might free hit the double. Or triple captain. Bench boost is out of the question tho. I'm not wasting precious transfers upgrading the likes Mitchell and Forster for other low-gains players.

  18. Gashead9
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    The penny has dropped kindly for me, only 4 transfers from being able to field 14 DGWers plus Son (vs shu). May look to use my BB for DGW19 after all

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Oooh that's good

  19. MGD
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    McCarthy / Steer*
    AWB - Regulion - Chilwell / Mitchell* - Killman*
    Salah - KdB - Son - Graelish - Mount
    DCL - Bamford / Brester*

    1 ITB, 2 FT.

    Not really know what to do. A boring move could be roll 1 transfer and do:

    Kilman/Mitchell -> Coufal/Dallas/Taylor

    Any ideas?

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

    Seriously f Michael Keane. Had him for a sea of green fixtures and he got 1pointers every game. Then when I sell him for James once the fixtures turned to shite he gets consecutive clean sheets. Joke player, joke game

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      i'm not sure FF is good for you right now 😉

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

        It triggered me to see how useless mug in the article

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

          his*

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      But what about Guaita?

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

        I sold him for Martinez who got more points in 1 game than Guaita gave me in 9

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

          At least he was out of my team when he blundered against Spurs, don't think my coffee table would have survived that

        2. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Ayy at least something worked out for u

  21. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    does this look like a save?
    Planning to do.. Mitchell and Greenwood -> Dier and Benrahma next week

    Martinez
    Targett Chillwell Lamptey
    Greenwood Bruno Salah KDB
    Adams Kane Bamford

    Foster,Stones,Burke,Mitchell.

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      if it makes you feel better, I took Martinez out for Johnstone for the blank (for a hit). Just the 18 points worse off as a result.

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        reply fail, meant for Brosstan

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      yes it's a save

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

    My current plan for DGW (19) - Not planning to use any chips as yet.

    McCarthy
    James, Robertson, Coufal
    Salah, Fernandes, Son Soucek
    Bamford, Kane, Vardy

    Subs: Forster, Oriol, Mitchell, Douglas

    11 DGW's + Son and Kane

    Any comments?

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

    Hmmm as with everyone torn between Son, Bruno and Salah for the armband!

    Bus team captain is Bruno but brought in Son this week so maybe that should justify me picking him!

    Any great stats to sway me??

  24. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    How did Bruno play last night. Is he worthy of the armband this weekend?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      he looked good.

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Umm he was assisting the asister a lot. Might play differently against Leeds. If he does then C is good. If he plays similarly then risky.

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      His worst game by far for United imo

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Also played much deeper than normal.

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

          Eh not really. He was playing a false 9 in the city game. This is pretty much his usual position.

    4. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      There will be goals with utd vs leeds. I always think its a good way to judge the captaincy decision on how open the opposing team plays.

  25. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Are all pressers done then, folks? Safe to make transfers?

  26. sminkypinky
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Save?
    Marty
    Lamptey Zouma Dias Robbo
    Kdb Mo Grealish Bruno
    DCL Bam

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

    2. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

      1. sminkypinky
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers both!

  27. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Kane the best captain here? 0ft 0.3itb. If so gtg?

    Martinez
    Lamptey balbuena c.Taylor
    Salah kdb Bruno son soucek
    Kane(c) bamford

    Forster kwp davis Mitchell

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

      Salah, Son or Bruno can also work

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Hard one this week isn’t it! Hopefully they all fire in some points!

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Hopefully lamps and balbuena make it

  28. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Doing kinda ok with this team last few weeks, should i keep it like this and save ft or swap Vardy for Kane for free (exact cash) 1ft

    Mccarthy
    Chilwell, Coufal, Lamptey
    Salah, Kdb, Son, Grealish
    Bamford, Dcl, Vardy

  29. King of Kings.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Got 2FT and going to upgrade Kilman. Who is the consensus with?

    A - Taylor
    B - Coufal
    C - Someone else

    Dont need them to start this week. Would be nice to have them for BB DGW19

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

      B for BB19

    2. King of Kings.
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah I'm with you there. Just needed someone to agree with me!

  30. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Would you do
    Richarlison Mahrez > Kane Podence for free? Just to captain Kane?

    Have PVA and Dallas starting against Pool and United. So was thinking of KWP> Dier and Keep Richarlison and Mahrez and Cap KDB/Bruno