Spot the Differential

Updated fixtures boost case for Maguire and Man United defence

The Gameweek 17 deadline is almost upon us which gives us the opportunity to have a look at some differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks from Manchester United, Arsenal and Crystal Palace, who we think have the potential to make a big impact.

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

Harry Maguire

  • FPL ownership: 3.6%
  • Price: £5.4m
  • GW17-21 fixtures: AVL | bur | liv + ful | SHU | ars

Manchester United are now unbeaten in nine league games, and following Tuesday’s late win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, have put themselves in the thick of the Premier League title race.

One of the key players for the Red Devils during that run of improved form has been Harry Maguire (£5.4m).

The England international has bounced back following a tough start to the season, and could be a shrewd differential pick for FPL managers on the lookout for a new defender.

Following yesterday’s fixture announcement, United now have a favourable schedule which includes games against Burnley, Fulham and Sheffield United in the next five. In fact, between Gameweeks 17 and 25, they sit top of the ticker from a defensive perspective. Obviously, they need to improve at the back having already conceded 23 goals, but it does feel like progress is being made and a clean sheet in midweek now gives them something to build on.

However, the real appeal lies in Maguire’s goal threat. Since the beginning of the season, the 27-year-old has registered more shots and attempts in the box than any defender in the game, while he ranks third for excepted goals (xG). For context, his 17 shots in the box is only three behind team-mate Bruno Fernandes (£11.2m).

Importantly, Maguire has been ever-present for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this season, and with his ability to contribute FPL points at both ends of the pitch, is a tempting New Year investment.

Gabriel Martinelli

  • FPL ownership: 0.8%
  • Price: £4.9m
  • GW17-21 fixtures: wba | CRY | NEW | sou | MUN

Next up is an interesting budget option at Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m), who has recently returned from a six-month spell on the sidelines.

The Brazilian has now started back-to-back league matches, and been central to the Gunners’ upturn in form which has seen them beat Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Admittedly, it took them a while to get going against Albion, but they found their rhythm in the second half, with youngsters Emile Smith Rowe (£4.4m), Bukayo Saka (£5.2m) and Martinelli pulling the strings. The inclusion of the young trio behind a striker has galvanised Mikel Arteta’s side, and with a great run of games against West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United coming up, they could offer real value. 

However, if it comes down to goal threat alone, I’d put Martinelli comfortably ahead right now. His clever movement and knack of being in the right place at the right time will see plenty of goalscoring opportunities come his way, and having netted 10 goals from 26 appearances across all competitions last season, his potential is evident. 

His link-up play with Kieran Tierney (£5.3m) down Arsenal’s left-side has also stood out, which is important considering Arsenal’s next two opponents concede plenty of chances from that side of the pitch.

After a turbulent few weeks, Arsenal will be hopeful of moving up the Premier League table in 2021, and with Martinelli making an instant impact upon returning to the starting XI, they could yet turn their season around.

Eberechi Eze

  • FPL ownership: 0.9%
  • Price: £5.8m
  • GW17-21 fixtures: SHU | ars | mci | WHU | WOL

Eberechi Eze (£5.8m) has impressed for Crystal Palace this season, developing into his side’s main creative outlet.

Since becoming a regular starter in Gameweek 8, he ranks top amongst team-mates for chances created, big chances created and successful take-ons, while only Andros Townsend (£5.7m) has attempted more crosses. 

Key to his appeal is this week’s opponents Sheffield United, who are still without a win all season. The defensive data tells us that they have given up a significant amount of chances from their right flank. In fact, only West Bromwich Albion have conceded more from that zone this season, which is relevant with Eze operating off the left in Roy Hodgson’s 4-4-2. 

It’s also worth noting that the Blades have often looked vulnerable defending set-plays, having allowed 72 attempts on goal from dead-ball situations so far, more than any other side. With Eze being known for his ability from set-pieces and drawing fouls from the opposition, he could be set to profit in Gameweek 17.

Palace currently sit 15th in the Premier League table and despite a dip in form over Christmas, looked more assured in Monday’s draw against Leicester City. A win on Saturday would see them rise above Newcastle United, Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers into 12th spot, at least temporarily, and they won’t get a better chance than against the Blades.

While three attacking returns is a fairly modest total for Eze so far, he is an exciting player with big potential, and given his opponents defensive vulnerabilities, could be set to add to his tally this weekend.

1,606 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who would you bring in for gw17 & gw19+? (Playing FH gw18)

    A) Watkins
    MUN (A), EVE (H), MCI (A)...

    B) Antonio
    EVE (A), BUR (H), WBA (H)...

    C) Wood
    FUL (H), WHU (A), LIV (A)...

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B
      C
      A

    2. wilkinson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      BCA

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

      Selling Dcl?

      1. Lignja
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think Antonio

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

      Do we think Antonio will start all 3 games... he’s just back from injury but there’s quite a bit of time between GW17 and GW19.

      I’ve got DCL and I’m thinking of trading to Antonio

      1. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He will start today IMO. Offers so much more than Haller. Will be taken off early but will start.

  2. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    First

    1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Morning Irbox, do your sources tell you anything about Cancelo ?? Will he be available or is he a COVID victim. You were spot on about the Spurs game ahead of everyone else.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wait for Pep’s press conference mate. There are sources saying he has COVID, others conflicting saying he is fine. I think managers would be required to identify the affected players perhaps?

        1. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Agree, but you know what Pep is like, wont say feck all and then when he does say something he does the opposite.....

    2. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Oooofff. Unlucky mate.

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Made myself look like a mug there 😆

        1. The Wanton Trader
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Nah, you’re good...

          Just got caught out by a copy and paste mate. 🙂

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Doubt it. Better luck next time!

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

    Play Adams or Dallas?

    1. GloryBXI
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dallas

  4. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any updates about Burnley Fulham?

    1. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Copy me in on any answer.

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

    Play dier or Coufal?

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Coufal.

  6. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Dallas
    B) Adams

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

      B

    2. Origi-nal
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The bigger attacking threat - Dallas

  7. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Madness to do Regulion-> Maguire for a hit before I wildcard?

    Other defs are coufal, mitchell, robbo and Taylor

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What’s the logic? Villa likely to score. Hold fire

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

      Not a fan of Utd def. I can see villa scoring a goal against them

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Any better defs punts for 5.6?

        1. Catastrophe
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Dallas?

          1. S.Kuqi
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Not sure if any better that Regulion

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

          Justin, Lowton or holding for a good chance of a CS

          1. S.Kuqi
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Justin good shout. How about Evans?

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

              Prefer Justin based on stats

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

    Currently have 6 players for BGW18. I can carry 2FT to 18 to get 8 players but not sure who to transfer out or FH18. Any thoughts on this. Thanks

    1FT 0.1itb
    Martinez*
    Taylor* Robbo Cancelo*
    Son* Bruno* Salah Raphinha
    Bamford Kane* Rodrigo
    (Johnstone Soucek Coufal Balbuena)

  9. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pick a trio for BB19:

    A) soucek + KDB + martial
    B) barnes + son + martial
    C) rashford + son + watkins

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      Probably C but would prefer all 3 to be DGW players. Martial is a rotation risk so don't like A of B. Cavani is suspended but only for 1 league game and 2 Cup games

      1. Nespinha
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        A and B had Grealish removed, he's on 4 yellow cards so will miss a game soon

    3. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Soucek + KDB + (find another)

      1. Nespinha
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That implies a - 8, so no go

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

      C

  10. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Again thinking about burning a ft

    2FT/0.0 ITB

    Martinez
    Kilman, Chilwel, Coufal, KWP, Dias
    KdB, Bruno, Salah, Grealish, Soucek
    Adams, DCL, Bamford

    Any suggestions?

    1. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Initial thought is to have another Leeds player ready for DGW19 (perhaps KWP -> Alioski?)

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Mmm going to look in to that

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don't see anything that I would do
      GL

      1. CRO KLOPP
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe Grealish to El Ghazi to free funds

        1. Tshelby
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Mmm yeah maybe! Would you do it?

          1. CRO KLOPP
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I will do that beacuse I cant downgrade anyone else to get City defence,but it could backfire of course

            1. Tshelby
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Does free up funds nicely

              1. CRO KLOPP
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Yes,kwp to Alioski is also an option?

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Surely you can do something.

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah but can’t see any useful moves been stuck for weeks now

    4. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You using FH in 18?

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Probably don’t think I have a great team for gw 18

    5. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I did (plan to do) KdB + Gealish to C Son + Rashford. The risk of KdB having covid is small, but it may still affect him negatively. It's not impossible that he has more defensive duties and is going to assist the assister.

    6. The class of 92
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Adams to Watkins

  11. Catastrophe
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Happy new year! Best option for DGW19?

    A) Zouma, Alioski, Vardy
    B) Robertson, Cancelo, Rodrigo
    C) Cancelo, Balbuena, Vardy
    D) Dallas, Balbuena, Vardy
    E) Cancelo, Alioski, Vardy

    Thinking E for balance (will have 2 City, 2 Leeds, 2 Liverpool + Vardy).

    Cheers

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers. That'd leave me with just one city player for their DGW (Dias) - too skinny?

      2. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Also, you prefer Zouma to Cancelo? Cheers

        1. Tshelby
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah I do

          1. Catastrophe
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Ta

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

      C or E

      1. Catastrophe
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

  12. TAT
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    My team for this GW. If FH-ing next GW, is it worth doing Vestergaard + Taylor > Robo + Dias for a -4?

    Or is it better to just do Vestergaard > Robbo for free, and play Dallas or Coufal?

    Martínez
    Chilwell - Dallas - *Vestergaard*
    Son - Raphinha - Fernandes - Salah
    Watkins - DCL - Bamford
    (Button - *Taylor* - Coufal - Anguissa)

  13. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who have more chance for game time in next few weeks, need to burn ft on something...Mitchell or Struijk?

  14. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How's this dgw19 BB team. Will need two hits.

    Mccarthy Johnstone
    Dallas Zouma KWP Alioski Coufal
    KDB Salah Son Bruno ElGhazi
    Bamford Watkins Adams

    1. Mr Arsenal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Your défense looks leaky. You need some ManCity or even double up on WH

      1. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No money. Earlier plan was to get KDB out

  15. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have a plan

    It’s a very good plan

    1. Nolberto Solano
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m listening..

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

    Need to make some very important decisions today with a banging hangover

    Happy new year all!

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What you thinking?

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hair of the dog.

  17. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mccarthy
    Robbo, Justin, Stones
    Bruno, Salah, Son, Raphinha
    Bamford, Vardy, Adams

    Johnstone | Soucek, Alioski, Coufal

    Whats the right starting 11 here guys?

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      That a nice squad for DGW.
      WC team...?

  18. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    2FTs and need to burn at least one before FH in 18. Just 0.3itb to work with. Kind of at a loss, if you’re willing to help out.
    1) Grealish, Kilman > El Ghazi, Cancelo
    2) Grealish, Wilson > Son(c), Brewster
    3) Other?

    McCarthy, Forster
    Chilwell, Targett, Coufal, KWP, Kilman
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Soucek
    DCL, Bamford, Wilson

  19. Forcella Boys
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best replacement for C.Taylor ?

    Got £4.8m itb. Dallas, James, Dias & Coufal are my other defenders ?

    Was thinking Alioski or Balbuena?

  20. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Need to do a transfer this week as FH18 and BB19, or lose it. 0 ITB

    McCarthy Johnstone
    Robertson Justin Coufal, Lowton Dallas
    Salah Bruno Son Raphinha Soucek
    Adams Kane Bamford

    Any suggestions? Thanks

    1. Nolberto Solano
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have pretty much the same team. Looking at Son or Kane out for Rashford or Vardy respectively

  21. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Defense is Zouma, Stones, James Coufal, Dallas

    I have to bench 2. Which?

    1. Origi-nal
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      James Coufal

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

      I would probably bench Zouma and Stones simply because the others are wingbacks and can more easily provide offensive returns. Alternative is to take out Stones and Dallas.

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

      Coufal and James

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

      Zouma and Dallas.

      CS odds to help
      https://twitter.com/FPL_Salah/status/1344538783266394112?s=19

    5. Catastrophe
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Really close. Coufal and Stones for me.

  22. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For the dgw19, which move looks better?

    A) Son —> Kdb
    Or
    B) O’Shea —> Robbo

  23. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Guys, which GK is best to bring in?

    Wish I'd kept Martinez from the start but transferred him out at some point due to blank. Now have Sanchez but obviously want DGW keeper, even if keep Sanchez until GW18 inclusively. Advises?

  24. dmcnam12
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Best defender 4.5 and under at the moment?

    1. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Alioski

  25. The Left Duke #3
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1 FT 0.8m ITB

    Martinez Forster
    Robbo Dallas Justin Lamptey* Taylor*
    Salah Bruno Son Soucek Bissouma
    Vardy Adam Bamford

    BGW 18 players - Martinez Lamptey* Taylor* Son Bruno Bissouma

    DGW 19 - 10 DGW players & 5 SGW/injured players

    Realistically for me BB is out the window GW 19 and I have to FH 18?

    Thoughts?

  26. Johnny too hotty
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What should I do this week if I’m FH18 and maybe BB19. Bring in maguire for Ferguson ? Other options ?

    Martini
    Coufal Dias chilwell
    Salah Bruno son grealish
    Dcl Adams bamford

    Dallas bissouma Ferguson

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yes,good transfer imo ,he is nailed and could even score

  27. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can I save with this team.
    McCarthy
    Coufal Dallas Dier
    KDB Salah Grealish Bruno
    Watkins Bamford Kane

    This 11 should start I reckon.

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Easy save,good team mate
      GL

  28. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Repost, this is my team for gmwk18 atm

    Martinez
    Mitchell
    KDB Son Bruno Grealish

    I can Save FT and for a hit get Rashford and double City defence (so 3 more) and lose Salah and bring him back in 19
    A) do this
    B) FH

  29. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play two:

    Adams (LIV)
    Soucek (eve)
    Raphinha (tot)
    Dallas (tot)

    Opinions appreciated!!

  30. faver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any Wolves can can confirm that Max Kilman can play this GW? With Boly on 75% I can see bench