Spot the Differential

Alonso offers great potential as one-week punt for Gameweek 31 Wildcarders

Tom Freeman has finished inside the top 1k in five of the last 11 Fantasy Premier League seasons. He picks out three differentials for Fantasy Football Scout readers every Gameweek.


Gameweek 30 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 Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton, 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.

Marcos Alonso

Tuchel's wing-back system renews interest in old hands Azpilicueta and Alonso
  • FPL ownership: 2.6%
  • Price: £5.7m
  • GW30-34 fixtures: WBA | cry | BHA | whu | FUL

Spanish defender Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) has been given a new lease of life at Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel.

The 30-year-old was banished from Frank Lampard’s squad after a disastrous 45 minutes at West Bromwich Albion back in September, but has since started five league matches under his new manager, and taken full advantage of the opportunity.

When it comes to playing in a back four, Alonso often struggles, but when used correctly as a wing-back he has real quality, something Tuchel has recognised. 

Since Gameweek 21, when Alonso made a return to Chelsea’s starting XI in a 3-4-3 system, he has taken 13 shots. No defender can match that total during that period, despite limited minutes. He has also accumulated 25 penalty area touches (only Luke Shaw (£5.2m) has more) and created 10 chances for his team-mates.

At this stage, we should point out that a move for the defender this week does carry some risk, knowing that Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) is also pushing for a start. However, the fact Alonso was rested during the international break, while his English colleague played 180 minutes against San Marino and Poland, is encouraging. 

Alonso has delivered a string of impressive displays of late, and could be a perfect one-week punt for FPL managers planning a Gameweek 31 Wildcard.

Conor Coady

  • FPL ownership: 4.7%
  • Price: £4.8m
  • GW30-34 fixtures: WHU | ful | SHU | BUR | wba

With two clean sheets and a goal in his last five appearances, plus an appealing set of forthcoming fixtures, Conor Coady (£4.8m) could be a solid under the radar pick for the run-in.

Last season, investing in one of Wolves’ backline was one of the easier decisions FPL managers had to make, given that their record of 13 clean sheets was bettered by only three teams. 

And though they have struggled to replicate that defensive form this term, some of which can be attributed to the 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 experiment, their performances at the back have improved of late.

The England international’s goal threat is on the up too. Having not had a shot in the Premier League before this season, Coady scored his first top-flight goal against Man City in Gameweek 26, and came close to netting twice at Villa Park the following week, hitting the post with a header before forcing a superb save from Emiliano Martínez (£5.4m).

However, the real appeal lies in Wolves’ clean sheet potential, and with home games against West Ham United, Sheffield United and Burnley in the next five, plus away trips to Fulham and West Brom, further shut outs could be on the way.

Priced at just £4.8m, Coady offers the cheapest route into Wolves’ defence and is the most likely to start every match too. He could be a nice set-and-forget option given his schedule.

Stuart Armstrong

  • FPL ownership: 0.4%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW30-34 fixtures: BUR | wba | tot | – | LEI

Despite a stop-start season at Southampton, largely due to niggling injuries and a positive COVID-19 test, Stuart Armstrong (£5.5m) has been one of the club’s top performers in recent matches, with two assists in his last three Premier League outings.

The Scottish international was excellent against Bournemouth in the FA Cup, causing all sorts of problems for the Cherries defenders with his direct running. He ended the game with an assist but was unfortunate not to return more, as his pass found Che Adams (£5.8m) to score in the second half, only for VAR to rule it out, before his strike came back off the post for Nathan Redmond (£6.4m) to score Saints’ third.

Though Armstrong was used in a deeper midfield role at Everton in Gameweek 26, the Scot usually features in a more advanced position, where he can drift infield in Ralph Hasenhüttl’s 4-4-2 / 4-2-2-2 setup, allowing Kyle Walker-Peters (£4.7m) to provide the width on the right. That’s important with Burnley up next, given that only Fulham and Crystal Palace have conceded more chances down that side since the turn of the year.

Southampton may sit seven points above the drop zone, but with just one win in their last 12 Premier League matches, will be looking nervously over their shoulder. They now have a massive double-header against Burnley and West Bromwich Albion, and will need to get points on the board in these games, knowing that they have a tough run to follow.

At his best, Armstrong is a real asset to Southampton, and could be a nice budget pick for these crucial back-to-back games.

693 Comments Post a Comment
  1. lewis274
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    start lingard or sterling??

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Sterl.
      Otherwise sell.

  2. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    If you're planning to FH in GW33 is Kane, Son, and Bale overkill for DGW32 and GW34 (SHU) ? Three Spurs seem logical, but Lloris would cost me 2FTs for one DGW (I have Martinez for GW34), and none of the Spurs D are nailed.

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Yes its overkill.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Prefer Moura over Bale

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Huge amount rides on Southampton defence there imo

      They have been the pits this calendar year but in theory they are a capable defence. What sets them apart is the massive underperforming of XGC. If that continues then the triple up looks solid if you have FH33. If they revert to normal XGC it's a closer call.

  3. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Watkins to Bamford for free?

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Yes.

    2. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Yep

  4. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Rudiger, Alonso or Azpi?
    Rudiger makes Gundo to Son possible but other two more exxiting.Can just get Son gw32 by downgrading someone like Dias.
    What do you think? Will probably save WC until gw33 or 34

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Alonso or Azpi for me.

    2. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Azpi in your case

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Alonso for one week giggles; Azpi for longer term security.

  5. The VAR Team
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Both my defence and midfield is weak. Can I justify bringing in Alonso and playing Auba and Gundo hoping for the best?

    Martinez
    Dallas Stones* Cancelo*
    Son Raph Auba* Gundo*
    Kane Bam Antonio
    (Pope - Lookman Lowton Dunk)

    1. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Auba to Bruno.

      1. The VAR Team
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Cheers. Gundo to Kevin is also an option, I'd rather go for that

  6. afsr
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Watkins -> Bamford (-4) yay or nay?
    Bamford will then start instead of Antonio (i also have Lingard in start)

    1. afsr
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      no WC left, have Raphinia as well

    2. aleksios
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I wouldnt for a hit.Antonio can score.

    3. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      nah 🙂

    4. afsr
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Ok, then, which single transfer is better?

      A - Mount -> Son
      B - Mount -> Moura
      C - Watkins -> Bamford
      D - Watkins -> DCL

      1. Eastman
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        C
        I'd keep Mount

  7. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    A) Bale to Bruno and captain.
    B) Dunk to Alonso.
    C) Both for a hit.

    Thanks.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Is Dunk in starting XI or on bench? if starting XI, C.

      1. aleksios
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Not starting.

    2. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      B for me as I think Brighton will turn up against United

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        😀

  8. Maddamotha
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Which 3 would you play this gw? Double Leeds too risky?

    A) Dallas
    B) Strujik
    C) Cancelo
    D) Targett
    E) Coufal

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      ABC, D first bench

  9. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Got a bit of a benching dilemma. Got 3 Hammers; they're away to Wolves who neither score nor concede. I want to start 2 of Cresswell, Lingard and Antonio. Who to bench?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Cresswell and Antonio/Lingard is probably safe bet.

      Out of Antonio and Lingard, I would probably go for Antonio and hope for best. (50-50 decision)

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Yeah, normally you'd play 3 at the back and bench the defender, but it's v Wolves and Aaron's the leading FPL defender. So you reckon on parking Lingard?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Yeah, as of now I would say bench Lingard 😀

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Bench Antonio imo

      Boly back for Wolves makes them a tougher nut historically. Lingard is too hot to drop. The Cresswell cs to me is the most likely return and he always has the assist in him too.

      1. Milk, 1 Šuker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Well said Ping.

      2. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Assist Jesse or Ant? Hmm. You'll love my other options - also on my bench are Gundog (expected to be rested after 3 full games including Macedonian humiliation) and TAA (due to long run from next GW). Wish I still had my BB.

        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          I had a bench decision of 3 of Bale, Antonio Stones Watkins Konsa plus Ederson

          Did the logical thing and sold both Bale and Antonio 🙂 . Rather neatly that means I've now sold the 3 players who I've recently brought in for hits

          Still puzzled why my OR is where it is 😉

          1. Eastman
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 12 months ago

            I'd play Lingard. Form player

  10. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Pope (Forster)
    Stones, Dallas, Cresswell (Holding, Mitchell)
    Bruno (C), Salah, Gundo, Lingard (Mount)
    Kane (VC), DCL, Bamford

    0.5 M in bank

    Do I:
    A) Roll transfer
    B) Holding > Rudiger (play instead of Cresswell)
    C) Mount > Raph (and play instead of Lingard) + Holding > Azpi for -4
    D) Other (please specify)

  11. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    On WC?

    A) Watkins Raphina
    B) Grealish Bamford

    1. A-L
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Watkins is so frustrating to own. Don't do it to yourself

  12. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    It boils down to this for me. Who scores more?:

    A) Alonso or Azpi (Bale first on bench) - lose Dunk
    B) Bruno (Gundo first on bench) - lose Bale

    1FT 6.6itb Only WC remaining (prob play in 31)
    Martinez
    Dallas, Shaw, Dias
    Son, Bale*, Raphinha, Lingard
    Kane, DCL, Bamford
    (Pope) (Gundo, Coufal, Dunk*)

    Cheers and GL all!

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Really ??
      😀

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Yeh really!

        When was the last time Bruno set things alight?

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Err
          Away to City ?
          10 points ... 🙂

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 12 months ago

            You see it as clear cut as that that he outscores Alonso this week?

            Could be right ... just unsure

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              2 years, 12 months ago

              I do bro 🙂
              GL ....

              1. Don Kloppeone
                • 6 Years
                2 years, 12 months ago

                I guess there’s the EO factor also... GL too bro

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Alonso is an explosive differential but not owning Bruno this week could hurt.
      It depends on how willing you are to take a risk.

  13. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    what would you rather BB

    a. Veltman, Mendy + (Strujik, Saka)
    b. Cancelo, Foster + (Strujik, Saka)

  14. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Hmm Alonso has played 1 of last 4, why should he now?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Because although he can't defend, it isn't necessary v Baggies.

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Because we are on WC next GW 😉

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        So you're losing him for Palace? Bit tame of you that

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          I'm not even getting this GW 😀
          Using FT on DCL.
          Eagles are susceptible to headed chances IMO

    3. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      6 out of the last 10 - Captain material right there. The more important question when you're gambling is; who do you vice?

      FFS should also survey who people vc. It would give a clearer indication of gamble v intent

  15. Pep bites Kun
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Anyone got the bookie odds of Alonso:

    . Playing
    . Che clean sheet potential
    . Scoring

    ?

  16. Ray Kinsella
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Wildcarding with free hit up my sleeve for a week in the future. Thoughts??

    FORSTER/MENDY
    AZPI/TIERNEY/SHAW/COADY/DALLAS
    SALAH/LINGARD/BRUNO/JOTA/RAPHINHA
    DCL/IHANEACHO/KANE

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Can't read ....

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Same. Poor formatting.

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Who is your captain in Gw31?

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Undo caps lock

  17. Nanoelektronicar
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    All they ask is "Kane this, Kane that, stays, leaves" No questions about Son or Bale.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Losers
      They don't know how important is FPL

    2. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Sorry, sorry, just seen this:

      Mourinho says Son will be selected on Sunday
      "He was injured. Trained with the team fully this morning. He did partial exercises with the team yesterday and last week didn't train at all. This time we have Doherty and Ben Davies out. [Reguilon] is ready."

      https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/fixtures-results/tottenham-press-conference-live-jose-20309848

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Great

  18. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Alonso? Not buying it.

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Could work but I don't get the hype

  19. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Got Shaw, Dallas and Reguilon

    Worth losing one for Alonso as a one week punt? Could play 4atb if I bench Gundo or Son doesn’t play at all

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Yeah, Reg

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        That’s the current thought from me too, cheers

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Any advice below fella? Cheers

  20. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Hey fam!

    I think Alonso might start West Brom, get benched in UCL and then start Palace again! Tuchel will play Chilwell where he needs his LWB to defend that is against Porto. Whereas, he needs physical presence against teams like West Brom & Palace where the LWB is not required to defend that much.

    I don't have WC remaining, but still planning to punt on Alonso for the upcoming gameweeks. With a good and safe bench I can take the risk of his rotation! Thoughts?

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      He played Alonso away at Atletico though

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      No idea. I’m tempted to punt on him

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Have you seen Porto play or are they really attacking?

      Read few comments saying that Porto also sit back like Atletico (Alonso started against them).

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Porto will probably sit back and try to counter.

  21. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    option? Considering WC31.

    A. McCarthy+Dunk >> Mendy+Alonso (-4) and BB?

    B. Dunk >> Alonso (bench Dias, save BB)

    C. Save FT (save BB)

    Martinez
    Digne, Dias, Dallas
    Bruno, Son*, Lingard, Raphina
    Kane, DCL, Bamford
    (McCarthy, Soucek, Coufal, Dunk)

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Probably A because you will be in a better position with your WC in 31 not having to have three solid bench players for an upcoming BB

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      A

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Like both options. Depends if you want have a heavy bench on wildcard.

  22. ceerus
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    A) Son(-4)
    B) Jota

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      A could pay off with DGW. I'd prefer to see how pool line up with Firmino back before taking the punt on Jota

  23. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Son news good enough for me. Soucek & Aina to Son & Azpi locked and loaded.

    Last dilemma. Play Meslier or Martinez?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Hmm probably Meslier

  24. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    A) Dunk to Alonso (bench Cancelo)
    B) Lingard to Bruno (bench Gundo)
    C) Antonio to DCL (bench Lingard)

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      A if you plan to wildcard soon.
      B if its a long term move.

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Yeah should have said, WC 31. Thanks!

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      A

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      B)runo

  25. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    You just know Diagne is going to score a header in the first 5 minutes tomorrow

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Project Alonso ends here...

  26. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    A) Bale to Son
    B) Grealish to Son (Have Watkins)

    Planning on WC 31

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      A

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      A

  27. Totti
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Salah -> bruno for free

    A) yay
    B) nay

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      B

  28. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Is the safe bet here to do Veltman to Azpi for FT?

    Martinez
    Dallas Dias Cancelo
    Bale Lingard Bruno Raph
    Bamford Antonio Kane

    Pope Coufal Lookman Veltman

    1. The VAR Team
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      If no WC I’d do Bale to Son

  29. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Are people keeping Martinez on their WC? I could switch to Mendy now and then play Shaw Dallas and Reguilon

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Adding Leno to Martinez.