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

    Which two of these are most beneficial here? Will FH next week and BB19.

    A. Taylor >> Stones / Lowton
    B. Johnstone >> Martinez
    C. Adams >> Watkins / Antonio
    D. KDB >> Son(C)

    McCarthy
    Robbo, Dias, Coufal
    Salah, KDB, Bruno, Raphinha
    DCL, Bamford, Adams
    (Johnstone, Dallas, Soucek, C.Taylor*)

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

      C Antonio

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

      A

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

        Who with?

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

          Tough call, but think Stones will outscore Lowton

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

      A stones

    4. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How much itb?

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

        0.4 mate

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

      Why sell Adams?

      He has a solid double in 19

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

        Hasn’t look great since I got him and got 2FTs. Was just an idea as I need to use them. And now Watkins has a double. Which options do you prefer then?

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

    Who to captain?

    A) Bruno
    B) Son

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

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

      Tough one, I'm on b

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

      B

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

      Spurs-Leeds looks like many goals. If Spurs can use the rooms when Leeds attack, it could be gold. But we also know how Mourinho can go defensive and be pleased with A 1 goal win

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

        i don't think mou will trust them not to concede vs Leeds...
        so he may not be comfy with a 1 goal lead...

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

          So just score and win 1-0, easy this football stuff

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

    Is there any defender for 4.2 who's likely to play in GW 17 and 18?

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

      I'm hoping for Kilman

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

    So... What the f is happening to Burnley Fulham?

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Had there been an announcement the question wouldn’t need asking.

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

      Nobody has the f idea.

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

      An FPL expert on twitter mentioned it has a 50% chance of being postponed

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

        I think he's half right.

      2. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Few of those around, I noticed.

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

      Rescheduled into triple GW19 probs

      Or maybs not

      Who knws

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

      Rumours that the game could be called off but only rumours

  5. MikeS
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What is best to do here?

    Martinez/steer
    Zouma-dallas-dias-justin-vestergaard
    Salah-son-grealish-soucek-bruno
    Kane-dcl-bamford

    1ft, 0.2mn in bank

    A. Save
    B. Vestergaard to a 4.9 (who though?)
    C. Grealish to Saka/raphina and vestergaard to Robertson next week

    Would you also play FH gw18 with the above?

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C with Saka

  6. acidicleo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Play 2?
    A).KWP (LIV)
    B).Dallas (tot)
    C) Coufal.(eve)
    D) Mitchell (SHU)

    Currently on C and D with B first on bench...
    I am hoping Mitchell is either 60 plus or 0 mins...
    Dallas very likely to concede..

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

      CD

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

    Shaw in for Lamptey a safe move? Got 2 FT so need to burn one

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

      Holding. Plays WBA

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

      Need to use both if you’re bench boosting next week

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

      Shaw Rotation risk

  8. Ceefax Page 302.
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any squad changes required this GW? I've 0.2 ITB

    Martínez, Steer
    Cresswell, Zouma, Robertson, Cancelo, Dias
    Fernandes, Son, Saka, Grealish, Zaha
    Bamford, Vardy, Calvert-Lewin

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

    hey guys sorry for repost; not sure what to do here, 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

    1. Oggle22
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm in a similar position if in doubt stick and save ft? There must be something your thinimg of doing?
      Martinez
      Konsa Mitchell Holding
      Salah Son Bruno Saka
      Bamford Firmino DCL

      Steele Soucek Kilman Taylor

      That's me I'm debating
      Firmino and Taylor to DCL and Maguire

      Or Martial and Maguire

  10. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Firmino to DCL madness?

    1. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not at all

  11. The Hunt
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Jeez, I've had Reguilón in my team as a set & forget for absolutely months and I've only just noticed that he's no more than bloody fools gold. He's getting dispatched immediately.

    1. Party time
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Hahaha 😆

      • Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Great run of fixtures coming

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

      GTG?
      Martinez
      Chilwell Justin Dallas
      Bruno Salah Son Soucek
      DCL Bamford Kane(c)
      Steer,Mitchell,ZA,Taylor

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

        Looks good to me. GL

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

          Thank you,GL to you also!

    3. Who are all Lukakus
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Start one

      A. Zouma (CITY at home)

      B. Cancelo (Che away)

      C. Dallas (Tot away)

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

        B

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

        A

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

        A

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

        A

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

        A

      6. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        B

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

        A

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

      Johnstone (McCarthy)
      Cancelo, Dier, Justin (Coufal, Taylor*)
      Salah, Bruno, Son, Raphinha (Soucek)
      Kane (c), Bamford, Wood
      1 ft, 0.8 itb.

      Taylor -> Holding
      And bench Dier?

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

      What do you think of this wc 18 bb 19 team, 1.4 itb for sterling or Kev to salah - gives me 9/10 good players in gw 18

      Martinez / flappy
      Robbo, Diaz, cresswell, holding, Maguire
      Sterling, Kev, souceck, Bruno, el ghazi
      Wilson, bam,Watkins

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

        It looks good on paper but reversing that team to normal balanced one will take some time and transfers

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

          Fair point mate, any changes you would make ? I’ve tried not to treble up on anyone except for city in 18

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

            Holding and Wilson are 50-50 picks for me. You can try different combo for them.

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

          Mids are fine 3 big defs and Bamford, looks ok

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

      Will Kdbs price fall tomorrow? Has been on -100 something since yesterday. Want to bring in Son for him, but unless Kdbs price falls, I can't get him back in.

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

        No

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

        I’m confused about the maths behind this.

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

        I hope so. Exactly the same for me

    7. drughi
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

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

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

        Johnstone
        Cresswel
        Soucek

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

      Transfer suggestions? (1FT + 0.2M)

      Martinez Forster
      Robbo Chilwell Cancelo Dallas Coufal
      Salah Bruno Son Raphinha Soucek
      Vardy DCL Bamford

      Want to use a transfer this week so i don't burn one next week when i use free hit

    9. 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

      In need of some inspiration friends?

      Taylor > Dallas is obvious
      What else?

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

      Play Soucek or Raphinha?

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

        Rap

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

        Raph

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

      Team linked
      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

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

      So Kane v Brunel (c) is causing decision fatigue ...so my last chance 🙂

      I was on Bruno but the consensus in here is Kane! It’s hard to go with Kane after that painful Salah haul!

      WDYT????

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

        I’m going for son. So of those I’d go Kane.

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

        Kane scoring in a New Year fixture a few days after his baby is born seems to be a typical script for him. I'm going Kane, but Son and Bruno are very strong alternatives.

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

      If I make 2 free transfers next week ahead of DGW19 and I play my Free Hit in BGW18, will the 2 players I brought in be in my team for DGW19, or does the Free Hit undo the transfers?

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

        Good question, anyone confirm?

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

        No. Reverts to GW17 team

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

        Free hit cancels the transfers

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

        no
        freehit will cancel all the transfers done prior

    14. ooooo
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      McCarthy
      Stones Coufal Dallas
      Salah Bruno Son Grealish
      Kane DCL Bamford

      Macey Lamptey Bissouma Taylor

      0.9itb 2ft

      Thoughts on this plan?
      GW17 : Lamptey to Justin
      GW18: Macey to Meslier and FH
      GW19: Kane + Bissouma + DCL to Vardy + Soucek + Adams/Watkins (-4)

    15. Will J 256
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Which three do you prefer on a GW19 bench boost? Will have to bring one of the defenders in this week!

      Maguire
      Cancelo
      Johnstone

      Justin
      Cancelo
      Fabianski

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

        B is probably better, but I’m interested in Utd as well.

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

      reposting looking for replies

      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

    17. 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.

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

        D

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

        D

    18. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Have following dilemmas for DGW

      1) Stones or Justin - have Cancelo
      2) Ghazi or Raphinha - have Bamford

      ?

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

        Stones Raph

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

        1)Justin
        2)Raphinha

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

        Personally I would double up on City defence only if I don't have KDB.

        Leeds easily have some of the best DGW fixtures, so Raphina for me.

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

      Do you think it's worth to do Taa->Dias for a hit in dgw19 in order to also get Kdb?

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

        Personally no. Double city def instead

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

          I am confused.

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

            Keep TAA and consider double City defence as enough City coverage.

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

        No

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

      Need to use 1FT. 4.2itb

      A. Grealish to Son (already have kane). It also mean less player for BB DGW19

      B. Keep Grealish. Kilman to Dallas
      (4th def, Possibly bench him, and chose to play Zouma)

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

        Close. Probably B but surely Dallas starts for you?