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

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

    2FT 0.6 ITB

    Is Grealish worth holding? Got 2 FT and struggling to spend them

    1. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1,2

      1. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Sorry,

        Yes, I'm keeping him

        Deal with Taylor first I'd say

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

          I will but I have 2FT and I don’t want to lose them.

          Tempted by

          Taylor > Dallas
          Soucek > Raphina
          DCL > Antonio -4

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Sort Taylor & Dunne?

      Grealish has a double, who would you swap him for?

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

        Probably Raphina and it would mean I can get Ings for DCL over let’s say Watkins

  2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start 2 of these 3?

    1) Raphina
    2) Bamford
    3) Watkins

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

      1 2

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

      12

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

      2 & 3

    4. blakey20
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      2&3

    5. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all!

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

    Struggling to use my ft this week...thought? Plan was fh18, and maybe TC 19

    Martinez, Johnstone
    Dallas, taa, robbo, coufal, Mitchel
    Salah, kdb, Bruno, lookman, bissouma
    Dcl, Adams, bamford

    1ft 0.4 itb

  4. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    any taylor news?

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

      She’s not fighting again until June 1st

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

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

      Chilwell > Dallas and change Forster to a DGW player and you’ve got a lovely BB team GW19...

      1. ebb2sparky
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Personally I think it’s madness to replace Chilwell with a Leeds defender just to have an average second keeper for one week only

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

          You’re probably right.

  6. Soto Ayam
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who to play

    a) Chilwell v CITY
    b) Dallas v spurs

    ?

    Thanks

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

      A

      1. Soto Ayam
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        cheers

  7. Fletch365
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is there any reason other than the ‘3rd GW haul’ not to switch Grealish to El Ghazi or Raphinha?

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

      El ghazi might lose out to Barkley some weeks and raphina isn’t as good as Grealish but he is a lot cheaper

      1. Fletch365
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Good point on the Barkley rotation. Cheers

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

    Guys, I don’t know what to do. I need help

    Martinez Button

    Dier Cancelo Coufal Ayling Taylor

    Salah Bruno Son Grealish Bissouma

    Kane DCL Watkins

    2 FTs and 1m in the bank.

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

      Bissouma to Soucek

  9. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Seeing as though Cancelo appears to be cleared as not having Covid:

    a) Cancelo
    b) Dias

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

      Any source for him being cleared. ? Cancelo for me if so

      1. M2.0
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        There was a tweet from a verified journalist saying that he’s okay as well as a Daily Mail photo showing him attending training.

        Apologies i’ve not got the sources/links at hand.

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

      Cancelo

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

    Firmino and Coufal > Kane and Mitchell for -4?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      no no no

  11. The Mighty I
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Exact money to do Taylor to Stones, would probably bench him this week though.

    What’s the chances of him starting GW18/19?

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

      Would expect him to start at least 2 of the 3 GW18/19 fixtures, unless he makes a mistake and falls out of favour with Pep!

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

      I would

    3. The Mighty I
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Ta very much for this

  12. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start one from Coufal Soucek or Justin!?

    1. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      justing probably

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

      Soucek

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

      When in doubt, go for the midfielder over a defender

  13. 1895Reds
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone using FH in GW19? I can get around 10 or 11 out for GW18 all going injury free

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

      New news makes me prefer WCing in 18 and using FH in 26/29

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

        I am thinking of this too but i am not sure.

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

      If can get 10/11 out then free hit sounds wrong. If team very badly set up for the DGW then free hit then could work

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

      Yeh but your team reverts for 19 so look at how it fares then

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

    Bench 2:

    A) Chilwell MCI(H)
    B) Alioski TOT(A)
    C) Coufal EVE (A)
    D) Taylor FUL (H) (Might not be fit but will either get 0 or 90 mins)

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

      C & D

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

      B d

    3. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You might as well start Taylor just in case but I’d be surprised if he’s not out. Most likely I’ll sell him.
      So start A and D with C first sub. I’d put B last on your bench

  15. Super John McGinn-
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Free hitting next GW, so what to use my FT on?

    Martinez, Forster
    Robbo, Dias, Cancelo, Dallas, Branthwaite
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Grealish, Soucek
    DCL, Bamford, Adams

    1 FT 0.5 ITB

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

    HNY All!

    Which two to play out of the three below;

    A) Zouma (City Home)
    B) Coufal (Eve Away)
    C) Dallas (Spurs Away)

    1. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      a.c

    2. tibollom
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      ac

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

      B and C

    4. dylano21
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A + C

  17. crazysidz
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kindly RMT

    Martinez
    Dias, Reguilon, Cresswell, Holding,
    Salah, Bruno, Son,
    Kane, Wilson, Bamford

    Subs: Mccarthy, Grealish, Klitch, Douglas(3.)

    1 Transfer Left. 0.0 ITB

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

      good team, whos your captain?

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

        kane

  18. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with the Chris Wood?

    Antonio worth a transfer in for DGW19?

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

      swap to Wilson? Idk about Antonio

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Newcastle are dreadful and don’t have a DGW

  19. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    not sure what to do here guys, 1 FT and 0 ITB.. worth trying to add a utd player in there?

    MCcarthy button
    dallas robbo balbuena taylor ferguson
    salah bruno soucek raphina son
    kane dcl bam

  20. SuperDan
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Watch Aguero go off this or next week and everyone will have to tear up their plans to get him in

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lateriser will triple captain him in DGW19

      He loves a bit of chasing upskirts with Kun

      Upsides even

    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He will do that, I'll bring him in and triple captain him for 19 and watch in disgust as he goes off injured after 10 mins

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

    Best cheap-ish defenfer for benchboost gw19? Already have Coufal but looking at Mitchell replacement

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

      Alioski
      Dallas
      Balbuena
      Lowton
      Targett

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

      Alioski, Balbuena

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

      Lowton is cheap at 4.4 with a DGW, poor fixtures though.
      Never know, Burnley have the ability to shut out any team, or ship a couple.
      Two one nil losses still nets you 4 points.

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

      Holding

  22. dylano21
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will be having this as BGW-Team after making 1 move. Gtg or should I Freehit ?

    Martinez
    Dier Stones Lowton
    Fernandes KDB Neto
    Kane

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

    BREAKING: rumours swirling that the Palace game is under threat.

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

      Swirling?

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

        Like the Milky Way

        1. Party time
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Hmmm. I like it milky things

      2. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Oh no thats my Brewster 2 pointer gone.

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

        Where have you heard this?

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

        Oh no, this was the week we should finally get that jammy Mitchell cs

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

          Doubt he would start

      5. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        don't think anyone here cares about that game...

        1. Party time
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I don’t even know who Palace are playing

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

          No biggie

        3. Dirty Harry
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Breaking and Rumours should not be in the same sentence

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

        McCarthy
        Chilwell Cancelo Coufal
        Salah KDB Bruno JWP Soucek
        Kane Bamford

        Steer Brewster J.Lewis Branthwaite

        1.3 itb, FH18, TC19

        A) Top DGW19 Mid under £8M?
        B) Top DGW19 Def under £5.6M?

      7. spamking
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        How nailed are
        a) Justin (Lei)
        b) Lewis (New)

        For the next 3 fixtures

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

          a

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

          Lewis isn't nailed at all

      8. Dont give a fuchs
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        First XI and Bench sorting G2G?

        Fabianski
        Silva Robbo Holding
        Son Bruno Salah Raphinha Soucek
        DCL Bamford
        Subs: McCarthy Adams Cancelo Alioski

      9. Wicked Weapon
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        - Repost -

        Cancelo price rise really mean anything ? Any indication who will start in defence for Man City or if the game will even be played ?

        1. Black Knights
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Means people aren’t aware of the Covid rumours.

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

        Is Taylor out for Fulham?

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

          Likely

        2. el polako
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          We don't know and there is no press conference.

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

          Uncertain. Dyche doesn't usually like to take any chances with injuries though

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

        Start 2:
        A) Alioski
        B) Stones
        C) Coufal
        D) Soucek
        E) Adams

        1. Halftime
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          D and E imo

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

        my defence

        bednarek taylor coufal lamptey dunne

        1FT 0.8 itb

        A) taylor or dunne-> holding
        B) dunne -> holding and lamptey -> saiss exact cash (-4)
        C) other suggestion

        1. ivantys
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Just do one of the transfers in B and don't take hit as you already have 3 playing defenders.