Spot the Differential

Barkley’s goal threat makes him a value alternative to Grealish in Villa midfield

Gameweek 22 is almost upon us after a quick turnaround, so let’s have a quick look at some more differential options for the midweek fixtures and beyond.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Aston Villa, Leeds United and Chelsea, all of whom found the back of the net last weekend.

As always, to qualify, the player must have a Fantasy Premier League ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Ross Barkley

  • FPL ownership: 0.8%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW22-26 fixtures: WHU | ARS | bha | LEI | lee 

Ross Barkley (£5.9m) returned to Aston Villa’s starting XI last month, having missed seven league games through injury.

Despite initially looking a bit off the pace, he is now back to full fitness and announced his return to form with a goal in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Southampton.

The 27-year-old got his Villa Park career off to a flyer when he scored in his first couple of games, but hobbled off just seconds into Gameweek 9 with a hamstring injury. In his absence, manager Dean Smith moved talisman Jack Grealish (£7.7m) into more of a central role, with Anwar El Ghazi (£5.6m) and Bertrand Traoré (£5.9m) on the flanks. Villa lost just two games during that period, and the wide players impressed, but Barkley was reinstated as soon as he returned to fitness, highlighting his importance to the team.

Since making his debut, Barkley has created 2.24 chances per 90 minutes, which ranks 12th amongst all midfielders who have played for over 500 minutes. That is some way behind Grealish’s league-leading total of 3.36, but he is shooting more often than his colleague, taking 2.81 shots per 90 minutes, compared to his captain’s 2.21.

Villa now sit ninth in the table with games in hand over most teams above them. The fixtures are appealing too, especially their away schedule, which sees them take on Brighton and Hove Albion, Leeds United, Newcastle United and Sheffield United before the end of March. That’s important, given that only Manchester United and Leicester City have taken more points on the road so far this season.

Grealish remains the headline pick in Villa’s midfield, but if funds are tighter, Barkley is a viable alternative and could offer real value in the coming weeks.

Jack Harrison

  • FPL ownership: 2.1%
  • Price: £5.4m
  • GW22-26 fixtures: EVE | CRY | ars | wol | AVL

Jack Harrison (£5.4m) has been in fine form of late, with three goals in his last five league appearances.

Following his strike at Leicester City, he has now been directly involved in nine goals this season, and the numbers suggest it won’t be long before he’s into double figures.

The 24-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester City, has already created 36 chances for his team-mates this term. Amongst midfielders, only Grealish, Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m), Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m), Mason Mount (£6.8m) and Pedro Neto (£5.8m) have managed more. His goal threat is on the up too, having registered more goal attempts, shots in the box and big chances than colleague Raphinha (£5.4m) over the last six matches.

His positioning sees him supply Leeds’ width on the left, but after Leicester switched to a 3-4-3 in the second-half on Sunday, Marcelo Bielsa responded by moving Harrison into the forward press. That in turn meant he found himself in more central areas than usual, which is something to keep an eye on going forward. It’s also worth noting that he is a firm favourite of Bielsa and is rarely omitted from the starting XI. In fact, he’s now played the full 90 minutes in seven of his last eight league appearances.

Harrison is one of the Whites’ most important players and now, in a really good moment, could be an effective differential for Gameweek 22 and beyond.

Marcos Alonso

  • FPL ownership: 1.6%
  • Price: £5.6m
  • GW22-26 fixtures: tot | shu | NEW | sou | MUN

Marcos Alonso (£5.6m) returned to Chelsea’s starting XI under new manager Thomas Tuchel on Sunday, and took full advantage of the opportunity with a goal and 14 FPL points.

Making his first league start since September, the 30-year-old operated as a left-sided wing-back in a 3-4-3 shape, a role he has previously excelled in for the Blues. He finished the match with two shots in the box, six penalty area touches and three crosses, while amongst team-mates, only Mount had more touches in the final third. It’s also worth noting he took two of Chelsea’s four corners during the game.

As we pointed out last week when tipping up Antonio Rüdiger (£4.5m), change is inevitable under a new manager, especially with Tuchel’s reputation for tactical flexibility, but if they are to continue using a similar shape in the coming weeks, it raises the appeal of their wing-backs, who will naturally get into more advanced positions in the box. 

A move for Alonso this week does carry risk, knowing that Ben Chilwell (£6.1m) is also pushing for a start, but there is a lot of upside too, given the Spaniard’s potential for big hauls. Will he now become first-choice? It’s impossible to say, but if Tuchel does opt to regularly use a back-three system, he’s certainly put forward a strong case.

804 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What do we reckon Mane chances of starting are?

    Its doubly tough as if he is fit, i think Salah gets rested. Had there been any hint of an injury before the weekend deadline i've have not gone for the statistically better and inform player (mane) and just played safe =(

    If he is out and considering liverpool v city at the weekend. I'm thinking Mane to Zaha.

    Then have the funds to get Vardy back in at the weekend if he's back as expected.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Hopefully here from Klopp later today or at least have an idea if he's back in training. If not then you should swap to Salah

  2. casual69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Morning all, current line up with a Free Trans available atm. Need some advice please. been looking at this for 24 hours now lol...

    a. keep or use transfer, if use for who?
    b. Would you bring Justin and Bamford in, if so, for who? Thinking of dropping son maybe for either,
    c. bamfod v Justin whose like to score more?
    Pope
    Stones Maguire Dias
    Salah Gündogan Fernandes Son Soucek
    Calvert-Lewin Antonio

    Steer Bamford Justin Lowton

  3. winchester
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Morning lads! Have 1ft and 0,3m itb

    martinez (martin)
    dias cancelo dallas (coufal taylor)
    salah bruno son soucek gundo
    bamford adams (kane)

    Wildcard, bb, tc available. GTG this gw? Considering using wildcard before the dgw and bb on the dgw, with those thoughts is it worth Kane out now? would lose much value invested in that lad..
    a) save ft
    b) kane -> dcl (bench adams)
    c) kane -> wilson (bench adams)
    d) kane -> watkins (bench adams)
    e) martin+kane - > johnstone+antonio -4 (martin blocking 3rd west ham player)
    f) soucek+kane -> grealish+antonio -4

  4. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Appreciate the differentials but can’t help but think these are point chasing picks. All 3 scored important goals last week. Alonso might not even play.

    1. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      As someone who brought Zouma 4 game weeks ago (Doh!), then thought i was playing it safe with Chilwell (double doh) on wildcard last week. I'd not be making any chelsea transfers for a while.

      1. DAZZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        No i agree, i dont think Tuchel even knows his best 11 yet. That said Alonso did look good, but £50M chilwell on the bench waiting to come in

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I've got Chilwell and have to lose him. Alonso may play more games but not completely supplant Chilwell, so both get in each other's way FPL-wise.

    2. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I’d steer clear of Azpi, Alonso, James and Chilwell until Tuchel is settled.

      Rudiger and Thiago on the other hand look like mainstays. Wouldn’t expect any attacking returns but Rudiger is only 4.5m if you want the cleans while the wingbacks settle.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Tilva is their best defender, but as his age he can't play twice a week every week, so he'll occasionally get rested for Zouma. But my 2 targeted Chelsea defenders to replace Chilwell and James are Rutiger and Tilva.

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm a Chelsea fan and I don't even know what the line-ups will be.

    4. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah, appreciate the feedback mate, and I do honestly try to avoid players who scored the previous week when possible, but sometimes it's just the way it falls.

      With so many deadlines recently, it's been a real challenge coming up with 3 new ones every few days to be honest.

      Re Alonso, he's a high risk, high reward pick, and at this stage, the differentials column is the right place for him, IMO, but as I outlined in the piece, it's real risky!

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        How about the returning ASM with Palace and Southampton up next?

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Hmm, not so keen on ASM right now mate, but Newcastle did look good at Everton.

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            That’s fair.
            To be honest I think it was us that made Newcastle look good.
            We struggle against teams that play the low block.
            Aimlessly crossing from deep for Newcastle to continue to head the clear was playing into their hands.
            More invention,switch play and speed was required to break them down.
            Digne had 9 crosses. Zero were successful! I don’t think it was because they were bad crosses, just the fact he was forced to cross from deep.
            I expect more space for us against Leeds.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 1 month ago

              I'm trying to decide whether or not to give Guaita a rare turn. You suggesting Everton made Toon look good is intriguing.

              1. The 12th Man
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 1 month ago

                How did Newcastle score their goals?
                1. A corner.
                2. A break away when Everton were going for it at the end.
                I think Newcastle v Palace will be tight. Maybe 1-1.

  5. Aster
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    De Gea

    Dias-Cancelo-Shaw

    Son-Saka-Sterling-Bruno

    Dcl-Antonio-Wilson

    Saka to Pereira, or save FT?

    1. RVP 20
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      do it

      1. Aster
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Forgot to say I have Soucek too...Thanks!

  6. myteamissheeeeeeeet
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Much needed inspiration here please.

    Chilwell MUST go.

    Justin Chilwell Cancelo Holding Kilman

    Money no object who for please?

    1. Aster
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cresswell

    2. Johnny too hotty
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Why must he go ?

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Because he may not play.

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Looks like he's lost his LWB nails. Even if he starts 60-70% of matches, it doesn't justify his price tag or taking up a valuable spot.

      3. myteamissheeeeeeeet
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Erm lost his place, playing shocking, couldn’t hit a barn door, confidence shot at, couldn’t cross his fingers. Take your pick pal!

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Punt on Alonso? If you want to avoid the rotation then maybe Digne

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Targett and Creswell were the form players.

    5. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Dallas

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Do you have another City spot?

        1. myteamissheeeeeeeet
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Yes, I only have Cancelo & Gunders. Thinking Dias or Stones?

    6. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Rudiger at 4.5m seems the easy swap while you wait for the wingback situation to settle.

      1. myteamissheeeeeeeet
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks for all the advice everyone, I was hoping someone would say Maguire 🙂

  7. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Save FT?

    Martinez
    Dias Stones AWB
    Salah Bruno Son Gundo
    DCL Bamford Antonio

    areola lookman coufal saiss

  8. Peteski29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    GTG and save ft? 1ft and 3.7m itb.

    Martinez
    Stones Dias Dallas
    Salah(C) Son Bruno Gundo
    DCL Bamford Martial

    Button Soucek Coufal Mitchell

    1. RVP 20
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Gundogan to Barnes/Maddison

  9. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    GTG?

    Guaita
    Dallas Stones Maguire
    Son Salah (c) Bruno Maddison Gundo
    Antonio Watkins

    Mccarthy, Bamford, Targett, Saiss

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Bamford has better odds of scoring than both Antonio and Watkins according to bookies. Tempted to start him?

  10. RVP 20
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    1 FT, 1.7 ITB

    McCarthy (Ryan)
    TAA Cancelo Targett (Coufal Ayling)
    Salah(c) Son Bruno Maddison Gundogan
    DCL Antonio (Brewster)

    Anything to do here or G2G?

  11. fplfansss
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone crazy enough to bench Gundo or Son?

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

      No but have benched souceck which is even worse

    2. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It's between him and Bamford for me. Tough one.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Plenty it seems!

      Guess it's essentially a gamble if focusing on game to game.

    4. fusen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      My latest team has Son first on my bench, I changed it last night from benching DCL first

  12. NielsvanDelft
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Benching headache: G2G?
    Martinez
    Cancelo - Stones - Dias
    Bruno - Rash - Grealish - Maddison - Barnes
    Bamford - DCL

    Antonio - Dallas - Mitchell

    1. Aster
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Please replace Maddison with Antonio.

      1. NielsvanDelft
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Fulham has the highest xGC over the past four games, really fancying Maddison and Barnes against them...

        1. Aster
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I always tend to spread the risk.

  13. Johnny too hotty
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Am I in good shape of should I consider a transfer ? Bench looking awful?

    Martinez
    Chilwell maguire Dias coufal
    Salah Bruno sterling grealish
    Dcl Antonio

    Mitchell Adams bissouma

  14. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Dias - Stones - Dallas
    Salah (C) - Bruno - Rashford - Grealish -
    DCL - Bamford - Antonio
    (Johnstone) (Gundogan - Coufal- Bednarek) 1FT - 3.3 ITB

    Good to go or any last-minute lineup changes needed? Cheers!

    1. Totalfootball
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      G2g

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I think save but not sure on Gundogan on the bench....that's a nightmare decision

      1. Ibralicious
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Had a feeling he is due to become pep roulette victim. Couldn't stomach benching an attacker's 15 points again like last GW :/

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          It wouldn't surprise me as you never know with Pep but still a risky one whoever you choose.

  15. Totalfootball
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench ?

    A) Antonio
    B) Watkins
    C) DCL
    D) Son

    1. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      B

  16. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    GTG? Anything for a hit?

    Martinez
    Robo/Cancelo/Stones/Justin
    Salah(c)/Bruno/Grealish/Gundo
    DCL/Bamford

    Martin/Coufal/Adams/Stephens

    1. RVP 20
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      G2G

    2. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      All set

  17. JonSnow
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A) Roll ft
    B) Soucek > Zaha
    C) Stones > Cancelo
    D) other

    Martinez
    Stones | Robbo | Dias
    Salah | Gund | Soucek | Bruno | Grealish
    DCL | Bamford | Antonio

    B: Button | Maguire | Soucek | Kilman 1FT and 4.8itb

    Thanks in advance

    1. Totalfootball
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Easy hold

    2. JonSnow
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      soucek 2nd sub whoops*

  18. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Is Moh for Soucek worth a -4?

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No (based on upcoming fixtures)

    2. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, especially if you'd captain him.

    3. JonSnow
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes and (C)

  19. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Are the scout picks delayed this morning?

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      It may be a blessing considering recent weeks!

      1. Ibralicious
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        😀

  20. youzef
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    G2G? Shold i do Ings -> Lacazette for a FT? or keep?

    McCarthy
    TAA Dias Cancelo
    Salah(C) Fernandes Barnes Zaha
    Ings Watkins Antonio
    Bench: Ryan Soucek Cresswell Mitchell

  21. The_FF_King
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Rival below me has Salah and will captain.

    Son to Salah for free a no brainier?

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

    2. Ibralicious
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      as no-brainer as they come

  22. Johnny too hotty
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Chilwell to a city defender a sensible move? Cancelo or stones even
    Tho I have Dias ?

    Just worried they will get rotated but looking at everyone else teams perhaps I shouldn’t be

  23. Hulk Smash
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    A - bench Watkins for Bamford (Bamford has best odds of scoring this week)
    B - bench Watkins for AWB (United great odds of a CS, Southampton not scoring)
    C - hold and play triple Villa

    Martinez
    Digne Dias Stones
    Salah (c) Bruno Son Grealish Gundogan
    Antonio Watkins
    (McCarthy Bamford AWB Dallas)

  24. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think Fernandes could be a good differential captain this week? Nervous about Salah getting limited minutes

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes think good option as saints are struggling a bit with injuries

  25. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Stones will not be nailed during the DGWs, so better to get rid and buy a City attacker right?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Trolling, right?

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

      City attacker is equally as risky though, I think I will just hold Stones and have a holding/coufal first sub

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Attacker just as risky. They may even have consecutive DGWs.

      If back, KDB possibly - but equally Dias would be a good shout.

  26. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Pope
    Robbo Justin Stones Cresswell
    Sterling Bruno Son Soucek
    Bamford Watkins

    Bench: Vardy Dallas Anguissa
    I have 1 transfers but I want to do so many things what do you lads think I should do ?

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      If funds I'd bring in Salah

  27. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know what press conferences are planned today? Hoping we hear from Klopp on Mane

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Same. I can't find anything online

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        I saw a list on Twitter. Can't remember, but they will take place.

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers guys, will keep an eye out

        2. Stormbringer22
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks mate

  28. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    GTG?

    Salah C or go differential Foden/Barnes?

    Martinez
    Maguire, Stones, Dias
    Bruno, Son, Foden, Salah, Barnes
    Bamford, Watkins

    Johnson, Antonio, Mitchell, Coufal,

    5.9

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Salah captain out of those. Antonio benched? Tough one but I'd maybe go Watkins or Foden if it looks like he might be rotated

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Ta

  29. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Martinez
    Robertson/Stones/Justin
    Salah/Fernandes/Son/Gundo
    DCL/Watkins/Bamford*

    Peacok-Farrel/Soucek/Mitchell/kilman
    1FT
    A. Son to sterling
    B. Bamford to Antonio
    C. Soucek to Grealish (Bench Bamford)
    D. Save FT

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      D

  30. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Any news on KDB?

    1. Mr Bird
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah he was out for 5-6 weeks last week so he’s out for 4-5 weeks this week.

      Joking aside there’s been no update as far as I know but it was his hamstring so he’ll need time.