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

    Johnstone
    Dias Dallas Mitchell
    Salah Mane Fernandes Soucek
    Kane DCL Bamford

    Steer Soucek Alzate Taylor
    1ft 0.5m

    Taylor to
    A) Holding
    B) Cancelo

    Free hit next week so no benefit in rolling

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

      b) should be stones

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

      Rumour is Cancelo has covid

    3. Taegugk Warrior
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mitchell will be play..?

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

        Don’t know, but have Coufal as back up

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

        Perhaps I’m being stupid but wasn’t it simply a case of resting PVA for one match? If PVA remains fit I’d be surprised if Mitchell starts another game this season.

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

      I went for Stones 😉

  2. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg and who to captain?

    McCarthy
    Justin Coufal Robo
    Son Bruno Salah Raphinia Soucek
    Bamford Vardy
    (Johnstone, Dallas, Adams, Coufal)

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

      I would go fernandes

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

      2 Coufal?

      Son or Bruno for me

    3. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Coufal in xi should be Lowton

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

    RMT plays different squad to my choice 🙂

    Me, Martinez, Zouma,

    RMT, Johnstone, Coufal

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

      Not much in it is there

    2. rowdog24
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’d probably play Martinez over Johnstone but not sure about Me over RMT.

  4. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taylor to...
    A) Dias
    B) Maguire
    C) Stones

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

      A

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

      I'm looking at Stones. Even for a hit with my team situation, or maybe hold out till DGW19

  5. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    G W19 is starting to look like a good time to play the BB chip. Are there any strong arguments against it that I'm not taking note of? (covid cancellations and a better GW candidate later in the season etc.)?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Use last game week as an example

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

      Better one later in the year is likely

    3. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks, good advice, I think I'll hold on to it for just now.

  6. Party time
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Oof... Brewster is so overrated

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

        By who?

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

          Fm20

      2. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He is without his two other Business partners.
        Brewster & Cohen.

    • 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.

    • Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Happy new year. May this year be even better than the last.

      1. The VAR Team
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        greedy

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Easy benchmark. But you never know! Happy new year!

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Tough to beat. Had an amazing year.

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Hope you have a better 2021!

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks you too.

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

        Unlikely to get 6 months off paid this year 🙁

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I know. Bought a house, car and an XL Big Green Egg during that time off as well.

    • konrad.sygula95
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who is a better replacement for Taylor?
      A Dallas
      B Justin
      If Justin I should start him this week on the place of Coufal right?

      Martinez
      Dier/Coufal/Cancelo
      Son(c)/Fernandes/Salah/Grealish
      Watkins/DCL/Bamford

      Bench: Forster/KWP/Anguissa/Taylor
      1ft 2.7 itb

    • Totti
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      is taylor is confirmed out?

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

        Need to know this too

      2. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I have no free hit so will hold for the blank

    • NotsoSpursy
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Play Mitchel or Zouma?

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

        Zouma

      2. Taegugk Warrior
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Is it confirm Mitchell will be play...?

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          No.

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

        Doubt Mitchell will play

      4. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Mitchel probs won’t play but maybe start him anyway.

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

      First on bench?

      A) Brewster
      B) Balbuena

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

        A

    • Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have no idea what is going on, what transfers to make, what chips to play or when to play them. And I actually don’t care 😀

      Writing this season off as any sort of meaningful event.

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

        Post your team, I'll help you!

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I can’t even be bothered doing that 😆

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Feels good doesn’t it? I love your balls.

    • Bounce
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Should I just burn my transfer instead of using it?

      1 FT, £0.0 ITB, FH18, BB19

      McCarthy, Johnstone
      Dias, Justin, Dallas, KWP, Coufal
      Salah, Bruno, Son, Raphinha, Soucek
      Kane, DCL, Bamford

    • LewanGOALski
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Play:
      A) Coufal (eve)
      or
      B) Kilman (bha)
      ..?

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

        B

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

        Coufal

    • LC1
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martinez
      TAA Mitchell Dallas Coufal
      Bruno Son(c) Salah Grealish
      DCL Bamford

      4.0 Adams James Bissouma

      1 FT 2.1 ITB

      Any help with the above team would be much appreciated.

      Freehitting next week then want as many DGWers as possible for 19 (Don't think I'll have enough to BB)

      Thank you!

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

        Your team looks really good! I'd recommend James to Dias this week and in GW19 do James to Cancelo. Save the BB and play TC instead.

        1. LC1
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks mate. James to Dias then James to Cancelo? Do you mean someone else to Cancelo?

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

            Sorry, James to Dias and then Mitchell to Cancelo.

    • SomeoneKnows
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Bench one

      A) Cancelo (che)
      B) Stones (che)
      C) Bednarek (LIV)
      D) Dallas (tot)

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

        C

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

        C

      3. LC1
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        C

    • gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Already have KDB and I'm strongly considering selling Salah for Sterling. Don't like Liverpool's fixtures and they have been terrible the last 2 games scoring only one goal against 2 dog teams.

      Games against Utd are always tight and Burnley isn't an easy fixture either. They got a 1-1 draw at Anfield last season.

      This also gives me another GW18 player and if I pick up another one, I could field 7 players without free hitting.

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

        City are hardly amazing either

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

          I know. Keep waiting for City to start firing. They may have Kun back though which could make difference.

      2. The Mighty Hippo
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        There's definitely a sound logic to your approach, but selling Salah is a scary prospect and Sterling isn't exactly Mr. Reliable..

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

        I’ve been having a similar thought process. If I do Salah > KDB I can get 7 for GW18 and save my free hit. Not sure I’ve got the balls to go without Salah in a double though. This decision is going to go down to the wire I think.

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

          Yeah but you are selling him for another player who also has a double and better fixtures. I'm determined to get through these next few gameweeks with chips still in tact.

          The other thing as well to consider is that if you look at those GW18 fixtures, I just don't see it being a points fest anyway. Burnley Utd, Wolves Everton and Villa Spurs I can see all being tight games with not many goals.

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

            Yep, I’m inclined to agree.

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

        When are you planning to use your chips?

    • drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Play johnstone or mccarthy ?
      Play coufal or cresswell ?
      play adams or soucek ?

      .

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

        John
        Cresswell
        Adams

        start one of Coufal Soucek or Justin!???

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

          Justin

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

            cheers mate

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

        John
        Cress
        Adams

    • FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      0.1 off Maguire. Is Wan Bissaka an option? Is he nailed?

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

        AWB is nailed as long as he isn't injured.

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

        I'm in the same boat. Thinking of doing Zouma + Mccarthy > AWB + Martinez.

    • JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Should I bring in Son for Kdb for this GW only? At the risk of not being able to bring Kdb in, unless his price falls.

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

        Yes, you won't want to miss Son's haul. KDB will most likely drop

      2. notlob legin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I've done it. Just hope KDB drops in price now. Son could do really well this week - captain for me

    • Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A Cancelo to Maguire
      B Lamptey to Holding
      C both - 4

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

        Why sell Cancelo? Any news?

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

          More a massive hunch that he's got covid.

    • King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can I get away with saving FT to see which of my defenders start this week?

      Will look to get in double city defence for gw 18

      Martinez Meslier
      TAA Konsa* Coufal Taylor* Mitchell*
      Salah Bruno Son Raphinha Anguissa
      Kane Bamford Adams

      1FT 1.7 ITB

      1. nadman89
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        think you should at least get 1 out of a defender

    • nadman89
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      want to transfer taylor to a defender (max 4.8) also playing in 18 whos the best option :

      a) lowton
      b) pieters
      c) holding
      d) mitchell

      ( have targett , lewis )

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

      Play Mitchell or sell Taylor/Lamptey for a hit? (To Lowton or Coufal).

    • The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have no clue what Smith is talking about in the scout tweets, anyone care to explain?

    • Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just got off the golf course any games called off yet

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

        Small rumour of palace game in doubt, no one cares though

    • Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Play Martinez or McCarthy

    • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      are people fh next week? It's difficult to make a transfer with limited funds as the cheaper players mostly blank next week

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I think I am still going to FH in 18 just keep my WC and BB

      2. Party time
          3 years, 2 months ago

          My FH will be active today 🙂

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

          I'll have 7/8 players - including Brewster- without free hitting. Probably shipping Taylor today to either Justin or Stones. If I go Stones it'll probably swing me towards not using FH