Spot the Differential

Odegaard’s creativity can help provide FPL value in BGW29 and beyond

Blank Gameweek 29 is almost upon us which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some more differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Arsenal, Fulham and Brighton and Hove Albion, who we think have the potential to make an impact.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Martin Ødegaard

Can Martin Ødegaard live up to his potential and become a top FPL asset?
  • FPL ownership: 2.1%
  • Price: £6.0m
  • GW29-33 fixtures: whu | LIV | shu | FUL | EVE

Martin Ødegaard (£6.0m) has made a real impact at Arsenal since joining from Real Madrid on loan in January.

The Norwegian international has now started seven of the Gunners’ last nine matches in all competitions, predominantly as a number 10, and has repaid his manager’s faith with important goals against Olympiacos and Tottenham Hotspur.

His displays have seen him become the focal point of the side, which is reflected in his numbers.

Since making his first league start last month, Ødegaard ranks first amongst team-mates for successful passes in the final-third and joint-top for chances created, while his total of four shots over the last two matches highlights his increasing goal threat. His ability to make himself free on the edge of the box is a really nice part of his game, and having taken a few corners too, there is lots to like.

Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Spurs in the north London derby leaves Mikel Arteta’s side 10 points adrift of the top four. However, a win against West Ham United this weekend would allow them to close the gap, and they have momentum. In fact, since Boxing Day, they sit fourth in the Premier League form table, having collected 27 points from their last 14 matches.

In a relatively short space of time, Ødegaard has become an integral part of this Arsenal side, and could be a useful budget differential for the run-in.

Tosin Adarabioyo

  • FPL ownership: 0.9%
  • Price: £4.5m
  • GW29-33 fixtures: LEE | avl | WOL | ars | –

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo (£4.5m) has been a crucial part of Fulham’s defensive improvement this season.

Before his arrival in October, the Cottagers had shipped 11 goals in their opening four matches of the campaign. However, they have gradually improved since, and have now conceded just five in their last eight outings. 

During that time, the 23-year-olds partnership with Dane Joachim Andersen (£4.5m) has helped Scott Parker’s side register five clean sheets, and with Alphonse Areola (£4.6m) excelling in goal, bringing in a Fulham defender this week could be a shrewd move.

Their opponents in Gameweek 29, Leeds United, have failed to score in four of their last five matches, while Adarabioyo’s threat from set-pieces could be another route to points, too. The centre-back has produced 15 headed attempts from set-plays this term, a team-leading total, which is particularly relevant given that defending dead-ball situations has been an achilles heel throughout Marcelo Bielsa’s time at Elland Road. 

It’s another huge game for Fulham, who currently sit in the relegation zone but can move up to 17th with a win. Beyond that, there are winnable matches against Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley, Southampton and Newcastle United before the end of the season, so there is potential to hold their assets long-term.

Adarabioyo has established himself as a key player for Fulham this season, and with an FPL ownership of just 0.9%, could be a useful differential.

Danny Welbeck

Welbeck ready to profit from Brighton's appealing run of fixtures
  • FPL ownership: 0.4%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW29-33 fixtures: NEW | mun | EVE | che | shu

Following the inclusion of Joël Veltman (£4.4m) in last week’s column, this time it’s the turn of team-mate Danny Welbeck (£5.5m).

After several substitute appearances, the 30-year-old returned to Brighton and Hove Albion’s starting XI last weekend and was central to their win, providing the assist for Leandro Trossard’s (£5.8m) second-half strike.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has now been directly involved in five goals this term, despite being limited to just 15 appearances and eight starts. That suggests he can make a notable impact when on the pitch, and with Newcastle United up next, he could be worth a look.

The Magpies have been poor on the road this season, and have won just three of their 14 Premier League away games. During that time, only Leeds United have a worse expected goals conceded (xGC) total, while they also rank in the bottom three for attempts in the box and shots on target conceded.

While Brighton have often flattered to deceive under Graham Potter, the return of Adam Lallana (£6.2m) can help them kick on. Against Southampton, he was pulling the strings in a slightly deeper role, and if he can stay fit for the remainder of the season, then Albion’s survival chances will receive a massive boost.

Welbeck has a big role to play too, and could be a nice under the radar option in Blank Gameweek 29.

942 Comments Post a Comment
  1. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    A Anto Bale
    B Anto Lingard
    C Lacazette Lingard
    B Lacazette Bale

    Have Kane.

  2. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Quick vote, first the 3?

    1. Auba
    2. Bale

    (Have Kane, no Son)

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      2

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      2

  3. Manani
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    A. Auba
    B. Bale
    C. Lingard

    have Kane+Son, looking to WC31

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Not A

  4. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Thinking of doing

    Vardy Salah and Gundo
    out for
    Kane, Bale and Lingard/Raph

    for a -4
    what do you all think?

    1. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Very good moves, do it

    2. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Yes. But I would want Gundo and maybe Salah back in pretty soon after GW30.

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      I would probably do that. Could even skip Bale and get Raph and Lingard

  5. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    2FTs. 3.2itb. BB30 possibly. WC31.

    Best pick? 🙂

    A. Son+Gundog >> Bale+Lingard
    B. Gundog+Cancelo >> Lingard+Reguilon

    Martinez
    Coufal, Dallas
    Son*, Raphina, Soucek
    Bamford*, Kane

    (McCarthy, Bruno, DCL, Digne, Gundog, Dias, Cancelo)

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      I would keep Son for GW 30 and get Bale for Gundog,

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Really want Lingard haha!

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          Lingard not really making me excited like other people.

  6. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Bale likely to start at weekend?

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Haha that's a big question with IB coming. We can be sure he will play both games with Wales

    2. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Probably yeah. Specially if Son is out, which seems like he is.

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Yes

    4. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Million dollar question.

      If Son is still out then I think it increases his chances a lot although it was a shame he got so many minutes in the Europa League....

      Although, he has been one of their most effective players in the league lately and if Jose was to drop him and Spurs were to lose to Villa, I think there would be a lot of fingers pointed at him over his selection so IMO he will start and get 60-70 mins

    5. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Yes. With Lamela out they need him. It's the one after that I'm very unsure of.

  7. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    A REMINDER

    For those using the Free Hit this week. Any other transfers made this game week before using the Free Hit will be cancelled. You will only get back the same players from the previous game week.

    The choice is either use you Free Transfers OR use your Free Hit this week. You can't do both in one Game week.

    Thanks

  8. Mytteristen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Who needs to go?

    A) Salah
    B) Gündogan
    C) KDB
    D) Son

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      A

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      A

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      A

  9. fuzzymike
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Will Welbeck play?? Had been considering him before this article, I need a differential to catch up in my league.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      dont
      go
      there

      1. fuzzymike
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        🙂

        1. fuzzymike
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          It was just a thought, would have to drop Bamford or Kane to bring him in.

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 days ago

            fms

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Not welbeck 🙂

  10. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    A Lacazette
    B Antonio

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      B

  11. Eirern
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Would you FH this lot?
    Yes or No?

    Martinez
    White / Dallas
    SmithRowe / Bale / *Son*
    Kane / Watkins

    1FT

    1. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      100% yes

  12. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    non kane captainers who you going for?
    surely if chasing you back kane to blank

    1. Flying Nugget
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Watkins

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        wasn't expecting that

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Martinez then

      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        was thinking of playing areola instead

  13. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Son ownership nearly 49%. Gonna be massive if he misses out.

  14. built_this_city
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Seen loads of people talking about not playing Martinez.
    His ownership is 41.2%...

    Do not worry about him, just play him and leave it. If spurs, "spurs" the games, he'll get a double figure haul easily

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      If his ownership is 41% and loads of people don't play him, then it's not so much of an issue!

      I'm mulling over meslier v martinez

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      very wise advice especially for those like me not captaining kane
      too many risks could really hurt

  15. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    2 FT. Think I’ll do Salah -> Bale,

    But then what about:
    A) KDB -> Auba
    B) Gundo -> Odegard

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      will they play?

      1. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        That’s my worry clearly....

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          pick players that will play

          1. Connor's Calling
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 9 days ago

            Odegard will play surely, having only played 30mins last night....

            Auba more of a risk, but may well play out wide if Willian, Saka are doubts

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 9 days ago

              bale/Auba not nailed imo

  16. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    I'm keeping Son for GW 30 v Newcastle before the WC in GW 31. Anyone concur?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      and if he misses that?

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        3 weeks to recover and have Antonio as backup.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          you must have a decent team then

          1. The Polymath
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 9 days ago

            Yep

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 9 days ago

              whats up with the OR?

              1. Jambot
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 9 days ago

                Shots fired

    2. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      I do indeed

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      I probably only keep if you didn't have a wildcard.

  17. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Dunk or Veltman?

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Dunk. Veltman could well play centre-back.

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        You mean... like Dunk is.

        I think there's almost nothing in this. They'll both probably score the same.

      2. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Cheers

    2. Jambot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      I think Dunk is the better shout if you are on free hit or wildcarding next week. If not budget wise Veltman might be better if you’re benching later

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Cheers, planning WC in 31 so budget not an issue

        1. Jambot
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          Just go Dunk then he has 4 goals to his name (probably should be 5 after the weird west brom goal) Veltman only has the one attacking return in over 1700 minutes I'd go with the data of what has happened despite in this instance

  18. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    FH GTG?

    Areola
    Cresswell, Dunk, Veltman
    LIngard, Raph, Trossard, Lookman
    Laca, Kane (c) Watkins

    Bench - Bale, Dallas, Targett

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Bale bench? Wow.
      Good stuff.

      1. Netters2018
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 days ago

        Who would you swap him for?

        1. vincentwsho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 9 days ago

          Watkins

  19. winchester
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    G'day lads, have 2ft WC31. What moves to do here lads? cheers.

    martinez
    dallas veltman targett
    raphinha son
    bamford watkins

    pope gundo* dcl* cancelo* dias*

    a) cancelo+salah -> cresswell+lingard/bale/auba
    b) salah+dcl -> lingard+kane

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Prefer A with JLingz

  20. Dirty Harry
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Which one fellas?

    1. Dunk
    2. Trossard
    3. Both -4

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      1

  21. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Pretty lost after last night - Auba or Bale for next 2 GWs ?

    Have Kane

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      i went bale if any help

  22. szmtz8
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    currently have

    Martinez/ Pope
    Stones/ Cancelo/ Azpilicueta/ Wan-Bissaka/ Mitchell
    Raphinha/ Lingard/ Son/ Gundogan/ Fernandes
    Kane/ Antonio/ Bamford

    Planning to change Mitchell for Dunk/ Aina. Worth changing any others for -4 hit, looking at long term changes only.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      You're good. Dunk.

  23. tissae
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Who would you C? Currently on Raph.

    A) Dallas (ful)
    B) Bale (avl)
    C) Lingrad (ARS)
    D) Raphinha (ful)

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      No idea. Not had a huge Dallas haul for a week or two

  24. HD7
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    2FT:

    Martinez, Regulion, Son*, Kane, Bamford* + Bissouma, Strujik

    Which two players would you add to this bunch for GW29?

    Buy Lingard and one of Auba/Laca/Rafinha/Dallas/Dunk/Trossard?

  25. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    any help greatly appreciated

    A: no hit go with 10 players
    B: DCL to Bamford -4 (is he fit tho)
    C: DCL to Antonio -4

    1. 1966
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Was thinking of DCL to Antonio as well but Everton have Palace at home next game and DCL has a good record against them, plus Palace are just about safe and they’re usually ok the beach by now, difficult one.

  26. as33
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Who to cap:
    Kane
    Dallas
    Raph
    Bamford
    Lingard

  27. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    39 pts ahead in ML. Going big!!! Gtg?

    3.1m itb 0ft

    Martinez
    Dunk(c)!!! Cresswell Dallas
    Auba Bale Raph Lingard
    Kane(v) Antonio Bamford

    Pope Stones Gundo Digne

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      GL!!!

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Ruth was on last night pointing out that Dunk has remarkable history in scoring in consecutive matches. Given the last one was almost off the scale for low XG don't see why not again but this time a straightforward one.

      GL

    3. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      Cheers both!

  28. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Salah or Son to Bale for free?

    1. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      salah in the off chance son gets a run

  29. Nolberto Solano
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Which player to remove for Lingard?

    A) Gundo
    B) Salah
    C) Son

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      same question here

    2. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 days ago

      bale, dunk simple.

  30. CobraKai
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 days ago

    Salah to :

    a. Raphinha
    b. Lingard
    c. Bale (have son & kane)

    Which transfer to make ?