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. Samwise
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    what are the best 3 to start from:
    Bednarek, Zouma, Dier, Dallas and Coufal

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

      Dier, Zouma and then one of the other three. Dier 100%...

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

    Start Soucek (Vs Everton Away)
    Or
    Adams (Vs Liverpool Home)

  3. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Go ahead and ask me your questions. I’ll offer my advice, useless or not, better than being lost amongst the RMT’z 🙂

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

      Justin to Maguire worth it?

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

        Potentially. Tom Freeman seems to think Maguire is a good differential and he had a tremendous track record to be fair. His fixtures aren’t so bad either. Im considering maguire myself.

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

      Grealish to raphinha worth it? Will give funds to do son to kdb/sterl

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

        I would be hesitant to lose Grealish myself.

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

          Yeah. Was a better plan before Villa also got a dgw

    3. Doctor Evil
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why is the sky blue?

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

        Salah

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

      Steer to Meslier for free?

      Plan is Still to Fh gw 18 and bb gw 19

      Martinez Steer
      Dallas Taa Coufal Bednarek Justin
      Son Kdb Salah Fernandes Soucek
      Bamford Watkins Adams

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

        With no other pressing issues i’d do that move. Teams looks in great shape for a BB fair play.

    5. Old Gregg
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ideal front 3 for the Dgw (not using BB)?

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

        Tough one. Money no issue, Vardy is a good shout. 2 home games against any opposition is attractive with Vardy. Same goes for Bamford. I’m going to reluctantly say Kane, because of the fixture.

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

      Would you remove either Son or Kane this week to build towards DGW19?

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

        I wouldn’t lose any of those 2 with Leeds home. Recipe for disaster.

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

        Bonkers to take either out this week

    7. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Any ideas what transfer I should make this week? FH next week and BB 19

      McCarthy Johnstone
      Robertson Taylor Coufal Dallas Justin
      Salah Bruno Son Soucek Anguissa
      Kane Bamford Adams

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

        How much ITB? I’d look to try get a City defender in. Taylor might cause you problems. Taylor > Stones if you can. Taylor > Lowton. Be aware of the COVID situation with Fulham. Burnley may or may not play.

        1. Feed tha Sheep
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Have 0Itb do was looking at lowton- or is Pieters nailed?

    8. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martinelli a good option for next two? Gametime?

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

        Gametime an issue. I just dont like the idea of Arsenal still. Im not convinced. But they do seem to have a nice run of fixtures coming up.

        1. V-2 Schneiderlin
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          thx I’m reluctant but considering it

    9. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Minimum requirement for GW18
      I have 4 son, KDB, Bruno dcl

      FH?

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        With an extra 7 players, there will never be a time when you can be so sure your FH will be valuable.

    10. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Need to use FT on Taylor, is Holding still the best option. Or go for Stones and hope he plays the double. Can also get Dias/Cancelo if also taking a hit by e.g downgrade DCL

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

        Also have Reece James, whom I could downgrade

    11. iveseenitall
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Probably free hitting in gw19 as i have 9 starters for the blank. I have 1FT this week with another next week, any thoughts on if I should use transfers before the freehit team for the double?
      Maguire in for zouma for example or upgrade burke/kilman?

      Johnstone, 4.0
      Zouma, dias, dier, justin, kilman
      Salah, fernandes, son, neto, burke
      Kane, dcl, bamford

    12. tractorjess
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Antonio or Wood?

      1. Sumant Natkar
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Antonio if he starts.

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

    Justin to Maguire? Not using FH in 18.

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

    Any news on the fitness of a fitness of Charlie Taylor or updated news on the covid situation with Man City?

    1. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I want to know both these things

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

    Happy new year! Best option for DGW19?

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

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

    Cheers!

  7. gers23
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start Mitchell or Holding?

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

      Holding

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

    *Need help with this. Have 2 fts and will either do

    A) Forster Taylor to Fabianski Cancelo (KEEP BREWSTER)

    OR

    B) Forster Brewster to Fabianski Rodrigo (KEEP TAYLOR)

    Which option is better?

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

      Prefer A if Cancelo is not Covid

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

        When will we find out?

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

          1.30

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

          Hopefully half 1 when Pep has his presser

    2. tractorjess
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A as long as other bench options are better than Brewster!

  9. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What do you reckon the big disaster pre 18 and 19 will be this gameweek? A Coufal red card, Bamford hammy?

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

      Grealish YC vs United

      1. Alisson WondHaaland
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thats ideal bcoz then he just misses the cup

        1. Robben Mee Blind
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          No, he'll miss GW18:

          "Any player earning five bookings from their side's first 19 Premier League matches will serve a one-match ban in the same competition. Yellow cards are not carried over to the EFL Cup or FA Cup."

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

      Targett YC just in time

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

      Grealish definitely getting a 5th yellow tonight. Mark it!

  10. 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 I can FH18. Any thoughts on this. Thanks

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

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

      Players that I would bring in would ideally play in both 18/19 so villa, City, Utd and bur

  11. tractorjess
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wood or Antonio? Selling Adams.

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

      Wood

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

      Wood - good underlying stats and Antonio needs more mins under his belt before I would consider him

  12. Brunsvigeren
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    1.6 ITB, 1FT, all chips intact, what to do here? :O

    Mcarthy (Steer)
    Saiss - Requilon - Cancelo - Robbo - Justin
    Mané - Bruno - Maddison - Son - Raphina
    DCL - Bamford -Brewster

    1. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If BB Brewster > Rodrigo

      If TC Saiss > Dias

    2. iveseenitall
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Id start looking at transferring in players that have a double and use your free hit in gw18. You currently have 9 ready for the double.

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

        Yeah, but who? Sterling og KDB would be nice!

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

          Maybe

          Son+DCL ->Adams and Sterling

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

            Dont feel like freehitting gw18 tbh

  13. iveseenitall
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Zouma to maguire? Or upgrade kilman/burke?
    Currently have 9 for the blank and freehit is the plan in 19.

  14. Steve Stiffler
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Wilson or Dallas?

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

      D

      1. Steve Stiffler
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

  15. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Need help to complete the bench boost team:

    A) Vardy Bowen Harrison
    B) Rodrigo KDB Bissouma
    C) Antonio Pulisic Bowen

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

  16. AYLD28
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I have 2 FT and looking to free hit next week and bench boost in 19, I’m fortunate that I still own 2x city and 2x villa after yesterday’s news but I’m stuck on moves this week.

    Martinez Johnstone
    Dias TAA Cresswell Taylor* Dunne
    KDB Fernandes Grealish Salah Soucek
    DCL Bamford Welbeck

    2FT 0.6 ITB

    What would you all recommend here?

    I’m tempted to lose DCL one week early for a punt on Antonio:

    Taylor DCL Soucek > Dallas Raphina Antonio (-4)

    I could lose Grealish > Raphina and it opens up more options but what are peoples thoughts on Grealish now?

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

      Also tempted by Antonio but I don't think he is quite back soon enough - not convinced he will get enough DGW minutes

      1. AYLD28
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Well my forward options are Watkins and Antonio or Rodrigo and I think I prefer Dallas and Raphina to go with Bamford.

        Watkins has United
        Antonio has Everton

        Both tough but I’d kind of fancy West Ham if they start Antonio which they need from an offensive perspective. West Ham then have a 2 week break to rest Antonio

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

      I'm holding Grealish but he's on 4 yellows so couldn't blame anyone for getting rid, even with DGW

      1. AYLD28
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Is it worth holding do you think? I’m in two mins

  17. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Was Fredericks good enough to displace Coufal in midweek?

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

      Hope not. Coufal has been great.

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

      Nahhh

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

      On a positive note he’s had his rest now.

  18. Sid1891
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Son or Salah for this week only?

    Thanks

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

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

      Son

    3. Sid1891
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks Guys

  19. Shteve
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Newb question but does your free transfer carry over when you FH or is there anything to be said for using your free transfer before you FH?

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

      Nope
      There is a HT for FH. Read it

      1. Shteve
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Will do, thanks

  20. Going To Win This Year
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play one

    A dias
    B dallas
    C Mitchell

    Others Robertson and Justin

    1. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Dias

  21. Plagued by indecision
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How’s this? Doing Taylor > Maguire to build for the BGW/ DGW, followed by a 4-point hit to bring in KDB and Cancelo thereafter. Team for this week:

    Martinez
    Maguire / Justin / Balbuena
    Salah / Saka / Fernandes / Son(c) / Grealish
    Kane / Bamford

    SUbs: Button / Brewster / Bednarek / 3.8

  22. reo19uk
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Well the City predicted team news is well off due to 2 of that line up having tested positive for covid

  23. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Mccarthy Steer
    Dias Cresswell Taylor Dallas Mitchell
    Salah Fernandes Son Soucek Anguissa
    Kane DCL Bamford

    2ft
    2.5 itb

    Any ideas here? Was wanting to transfer DCL to Vardy for the doubles but I'm 0.1 short

    Cresswell to Coufal or Taylor to that cheap Leeds defender?

    1. AYLD28
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Keep Cress. Nailed and on set pieces

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

    Worth doing Mccarthy + Zouma > Martinez + AWB?

    Means bringing in players who play in 18 and have a double in 19 as I'm not FHing.

  25. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Spurs play Sheff as a SGW in GW19....could it be the usual of the SGWers outscoring the DGWers!

    1. PascalCygan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m keeping Son with that in mind!

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I noticed Sheff Utd playing a higher line recently... could be perfect for Son

  26. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Lost on last page. Still think I’ll FH18 BB19, so how best to use my 2FTs this week?

    I’m thinking Taylor to Pieters but unsure about the other.

    What do you reckon?

    2FT 0.0ITB
    Martinez
    Justin Coufal Taylor*
    Salah KdB Bruno Son
    DCL Bamford Watkins

    McCarthy Soucek Zouma Struijk

    Thanks!

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

      You already have KdB Bruno Son DCL Martinez and Watkins.
      That's 6 quality players for the BGW.
      Take 2 more with the 2 FT's and save your FH?
      Probably get Manchester players?

      Otherwise if you want to stick to FH, I'd switch out DCL and Taylor

      1. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks. I have considered riding out the BGW with the players I have - just wondering if it’s worth trying to be aggressive with the FH, but it might have more value later in the season.

        Maybe worth downgrading DCL to Wood for example and doing Taylor to Maguire? Two players who play BGW and DGW19 then

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

          Yes Wood and Cancelo looks good to me.
          Maguire also a good shout if you can't afford cancelo

          1. PascalCygan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks mate. This season has been such a headache!

  27. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Please someone provide me with some inspiration...

    I am FHing next GW but have 2 FTs so might as well use both this GW as I will lose them otherwise.

    Current squad...

    McCarthy
    Chilwell Cancelo Coufal
    Son(C) Bruno(VC) Salah KDB
    Bamford Watkins Adams

    Forster; Soucek Targett N.Williams

    £0.2 ITB

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

      Very similar to mine below
      Watkins AND Adams looks average imo
      I don’t mind Rodrigo instead of Adams but doesn’t really free up much cash

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

    2ft 0.1m itb and no urgent issues but would like to maximise BB19
    Already have 12 dgw players
    Which moves look best with FH18 / BB19 in mind:

    A) DCL to Rodrigo and Steer to playing option
    B) Adams to Rodrigo
    C) Kdb to Son and reverse for GW19
    D) any other suggestions

    Team linked

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

      Any contribution welcome

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

    This is the most complicated and difficult period of all time.Go with your gut and enjoy it.

  30. JelliedSpark968
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anguissa still definitely out?

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

      ?

      1. JelliedSpark968
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Heard he had Coronavirus