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. Fero1905
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Captain one
    Salah
    Fernandes
    Son
    Kane
    Vardy

    😉

    1. Michelle Davin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Son

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

      I have Bruno, Salah and Kane amongst these options and right now it's Bruno (C) for me.

      1. Fero1905
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Double you tnhik that fernandes is going to be Rest?

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

          To be fair any one can be rested or games can get canceled, best bet is to pick your captain and vice captain from the teams that have revealed some sort of info going into the GW.

    3. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I will!

    4. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Fernandes

  2. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Keep taylor or take out and for whom

    1. Michelle Davin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Im taking out for Lowton

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

      I think I'm gonna gamble and keep

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Seems unlikely to play, surely if any sort of hamstring injury it would be a minimum of 2 weeks out you'd think?

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

    The best way to play the FH? Bring in the players you want straight away to start building up team value?

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

      FH build team value?

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

        Bringing players into your FH team before their price rises in the following days. If you bring in the players later you may not be able to afford the FH team you want.

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

      Thank you for the name change!

      I’m all for asking questions of all sorts but that must have been asked a record amount past few days!

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

        No problem Pascalcygan, hopefully it'll decrease the number of times the question is asked.

  4. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:
    A) Dallas
    B) Holding
    C) Mitchell
    D) Dias

    1. manu4life99
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Doubt Mitchell will play

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

      C

  5. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tough fixtures this GW. A lot of the better teams playing each other:

    Everton (4th) vs West Ham (10th)
    Man Utd (2nd) vs Aston Villa (5th)
    Spurs (7th) vs Leeds (11th)
    Chelsea (6th) vs Man City (8th)
    Southampton (9th) vs Liverpool (1st)

    Might be a good week for Arsenal, Wolves, Leicester, Palace, and Burnley.

  6. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Wood to Watkins for free?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      BUR-FUL postponed?

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No idea

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

    Oops I forgot Kane missus just had a baby and his 1st son.

    Moving (c) frm 'son' to Kane(c)

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

      What ? His missus had a baby with Son ?
      Well this might be the end of their partnership.

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

        🙂

  8. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start

    A) Adams
    B) Soucek

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

    Wood to who?

    A. Antonio
    B. Adams

  10. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    You reckon Saiss is nailed?

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

      Who Saiss he isn't?

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

      No

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

    Taylor > Stones for free? Own Dias.

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

      Yes

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

      Taylor def out for 19?

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

      Did Taylor ➡️ Holding last nite after a bottle of red..

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

        🙂

    4. Basil1977
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      same move i'm doing, also own Dias just waiting on the city press conference at 1.30. See if there is any news on covid

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

    Big post!

    This is my planning:

    ~GW 17 - (Bank FT)

    ~GW 18 - Regulion -> Stones (Bank FT)

    Line-up: (9 BGW players hopefully)

    AWB - Stones - Keane - Mitchell
    Fernandes - Son - Graelish
    DCL - Brewster

    ~GW 19 - Son + DCL -> KDB + Antonio

    Line-up: (11 DGW players)

    Mccarthy
    Robertson - AWB - Stones
    Salah - Fernandes - KDB (TC) - Graelish - Raphina
    Antonio - Bamford

    --

    This way i get to keep FH, WC and BB.

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

      May be 8 BGW players as I doubt Mitchell will start ahead of PVA regularly.

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

        True, thats why i wrote hopefully 🙂 but I still think it is enough not to waste FH right?

        Using FH also invloves a -4 in GW 19..

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

    Who would you play out of these two?

    A. Adams (pool)
    B. Raphina (spurs)
    C. Dallas (spurs)

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

      B

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

      B

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

      There are three not two. Are you adding for one starter or two?

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

        Sorry I meant 3. Which 1 would you play?

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

    Don’t forget to vice dcl or Bruno incase the world ends

  15. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Chances of Mitchell starting next two? Or Kilman

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

      We are grasping at straws 🙂

  16. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can’t wait to hit that Wildcard button at 4. Teams a complete mess

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

      What you foing for 18/19?

      1. Obi Wan Elokobi
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wildcard 18 get 10 playing then a 4 point hit for DGW

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

      Isn’t it best to her a side out for 18 with 7 starters (more if possible) then wild card ahead of DGW?

  17. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Will Wood play?
    Will Antonio play?

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is Wood supposed to be out?

  18. BEEZUS
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Should I FH if I have these players:

    Martinez/Pope
    Taylor, Cancelo
    Bruno, Son
    Watkins

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

    Martinez - Steer
    Dias - Stones - Dallas - Coufal - Mitchell
    Salah - KDB - Zaha - Grealish - Burke
    Kane - Bamford - Adams

    1.5 ITB and 1 FT.

    What would you do?

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

    Defenders: James, Taylor, Coufal, Dallas, Mitchell

    Do I need a hit here? Or will I get 3 playing?

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

      2 for sure. 3rd, Mitchell probably but I would not bet on it.

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

        Take a hit... dgw19 bb will need hits. 2nd guessing my plans

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

          Who do you plan to bring in?
          For who?

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

            I've 2m plus ITB. Prob mitchell out and hope on james and taylor

            Was really hoping ppl would reply ya you'll get 3 out 🙂 put the headache off for another day

            Thanks for replies!!!

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

      2 for sure. Slim chance of a 3rd without a hit IMO.

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

        Cheers. May hit

  21. JenkoJunko
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Looking for some ideas and advice.

    2FT 0.9 ITB - Looking to set up for DGW19 so very happy to take a -4 with 3 FTs... What would you do?

    Mcarthy
    Cresswell Dallas TAA
    KDB Bruno Salah Grealish
    Giroud Bam Adams

    Forster / Bissouma / C Taylor / Neco

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

    Does anyone know how to find top10k captaincy stats? Obviously we won't get exact numbers before the deadline, but is there any indication of anything?

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

    I guess we don't know for certain which games are going ahead this gameweek. Any of them could be postponed

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Log in at 15.30ish UK time and you will have the latest info.

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

    Should I just burn my transfer instead of using it? Appreciate any advice.

    1 FT, £0.0 ITB, FH18, BB19

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

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

      Dcl or son to dgw19 player?

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

        Son captain this week and scared to sell DCL with 60% ownership.

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

          Fair calls

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

      GTG

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

    best arsenal defender?

    A tierney (5.3)
    B bellerin (5.1)
    C holding (4.4 - but is he nailed?)

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

      Holding best option and also nailed (from an Arsenal fan)

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

      C for price, think he a great short term option

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

      C

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

    FYI. Jesus is the only one who is 100% nailed!

    1. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      🙄

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

      You my good sir, get an up vote.

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

    Play Saka or Watkins?

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

      Saka but only because I have him and need some sort of validation for making that call myself

  28. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Any early leaked team news for Everton v West Ham?

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

    Free hitting next GW, so what to use my FT on? Also Salah or Bruno for (C)

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

    1 FT 0.5 ITB

    Branthwaite > Mitchell the best option?

    1. Neves say Neves
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don’t think Mitchell will play this week

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

        Why is that?

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

      0.0 ITB*

  30. Neves say Neves
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start Raphinha or Soucek?