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. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Arghhh bloody hate Friday deadline!

    Going to have about 30 minutes to put together a FH team

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      just go with Andy’s draft team

    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Why did you leave it all week? If hitting FH?

      Bet you save it for gw33 but i don't know why.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 10 days ago

        Very busy at work and I’ve taken a small ‘break’ from it.

        I’ve only got 6 players max if I don’t play it this week

        1. thomashl
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 10 days ago

          Feel ya mate, people have lives, really hate it when FPL becomes a stressful thing. Fingers crossed!

  2. Etern007
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    How's my team looking:

    Martinez
    Dallas / Cresswell / Targett
    Lingard (c) / Bale / Raphinha / Aubameyang
    Kane / Watkins / Antonio

    Bench: Saka (the rest are players not playing).
    No FT's left.
    Good to go?

  3. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    What is latest on Son? Likely to miss? On FH bring him or Lloria for 3rd spot?

    1. Etern007
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 10 days ago

      Don't think there's going to be any more updates on Son before tonight's deadline. It's a risk putting him in, I'd say. Big risk.

  4. HNI
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    lloris*

  5. james 101
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Have 1FT

    DCL to

    A. Bam
    B. Antonio
    C. Keep

  6. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Areloa
    Cresswell, Dunk, Lascelles
    Lingard, Auba., Bale, Lallana
    Antonio, Lacazette, Kane.

    Sanchez. Moura, Dallas, Aina.

    Appreciate any tips to improve my free hit.

    Would you bring in Welbeck?

  7. cutch
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Martínez* - McCarthy
    Dallas*, Cresswell*, Cancelo - Dias, Mee
    Grealish*, Lingard*, Salah, Fernandes - Gündogan
    Bamford*, Watkins*, DCL

    Mee, Salah, DCL -> Dunk, Auba, Antonio (-4)

    Is it worth it?

  8. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Probably first and last time i'm captaining Dallas, but heck, why not

  9. Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 days ago

    Repost

    What to do here lads, 1FT, 4.6 ITB.

    Martinez,Button
    Cancelo,Dias,KWP, Coufal,Mitchell
    Bruno,Son,Bale,Gundo,Raphinha
    Antonio,Bamford,DCL

    That's 7 players with Son and Bam flagged