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. GoonerSteve
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Could use some advice please folks, not sure what to do.

    Current team:

    Martinez
    Targett, Stones, Dallas
    Gundogan, Son, Raphina, Fernandes, Lingard
    Kane (c), DCL

    Bench: Fabri, Coufal, Veltman, Brewster

    1ft, 7.8m itb.

    Any obvious moves? I feel I need Bamford but don't want to lose DCL.

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      You could do Brewster to Bamford and bench Gundo?

    2. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Watch upcoming Leeds fixtures, wouldn’t be bringing Bamford in now

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

    Watching the first KO without any involvement might be scary as well as boring 😀

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

      Big Sam to the rescue...

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

        Bartley O'Shea masterclass 😎

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

    Auba > Fernandes worth a -4?

    Auba has some decent fixtures coming up but no Bruno seems brave

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

      If you don't have the WC, it'll 100% pay off till the end of the season if both players stay healthy

    2. King Kun Ta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Do it

    3. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      The exact move I'm doing as well.

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

    Doherty is out - Aurier a possible one match punt!

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

      Unless Tanganga. Hmmm

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

      I’m selling Aurier

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

    Playing WC31. I was pretty set on Dunk to Alonso.
    But is Lingard to Bruno a much better one week move?

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

      fun vs sensible, whatever you prefer...

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

        Yeah. I don't think Brighton will be an easy game for Utd. Hmm....

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

      Yep

      Just count all those double digit hauls - he must around 40% double digits for the season.

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

        Good point. Cheers

  6. Freddiemac123
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Bale to Salah? Salah seems to have been forgotten about. He hasn’t scored much recently but surely due a big return soon

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I've been thinking that for most of the season...

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

    Any thoughts on this wild card...

    Ederson (Sanchez)
    Shaw-Dallas-Azpi (Konsa Cresswell)
    Neto-Bruno-Jota-Raphinha (Gundo)
    Kane-DCL-Vardy

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

      Not a fan really

      The spread of funds with quadruple cheapies along the middle looks to be asking for trouble. Neto and Wolves have so few goals in them that I'd ignore.

  8. King Kun Ta
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Current team.....

    Martinez
    Cancelo AWB Ayling
    Bruno Jota Lingard Bale
    Kane Antonio Bamford

    Martin Gundo Mee Holding
    0 FT and 6.2 ITB

    GTG? Or swap Gündogan and Jota? Or do Bale to Son (-4)? Or use WC?

    Ta for the feedback lads!

  9. Nedvěd11
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Bench Gundo or Lingard?

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Gundogan

  10. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Would you rather have Bruno or KDB for the next two gameweeks?

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

    Is Son a better option for the Captain against Newcastle this week?

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

      He’s a strong option for sure.

  12. J to the T
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Any idea if Forster will start ahead of McCarthy? If he looks like he will I am tempted by the Bench boost

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

    Martinez
    Dallas Shaw Reguilon
    Gundo Bruno Raphinha Son
    Watkins Bamford Kane

    Got £8m in the bank, but worth rolling? Could delay WC then by getting Trent and KDB in next week for free

  14. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    I was all set on selling Son for Mahrez and upgrading Gundo to possibly Jota before the IB but thought I would adopt a wait and see approach with Son. As it looks like he is fit (been in training etc) I don't want to sell him anymore but I have 2 FTs and don't want to lose them. Would Aina to Coady be a good transfer? At least he has a game in GW33 and the run in for Wolves is nice.

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

    Repost: 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

  16. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Anyone else thinking WC this gw instead of next? I'm sitting here with Bale instead of Son and could take advantage of 1-2 che defs and DCL with WC. While getting out Gundo (prolly benched) for Jota. Could also add Lloris for 3 spurs vs new and ready for the dgw.

    Feel most won't because of Leeds, but they are cheap enough to bench? Bamford could go with a FT for say Iheanacho after SHU?

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

      That's why exactly I activated WC this gw. Will be benching Leeds anyway in the next 3 GWs after SHU

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

        Cool, how's the WC looking if you don't mind?

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

          Just seen you posted

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

      Think it adds up if you have no Chelsea defence

      DCL could be great for rank this week. With the DGW I'm not seeing a huge difference between WC this week and next. The two awkward teams are Leicester and Arsenal but I'm not sure you need too much of either.

      12th Man has a great looking WC squad linked somewhere above.

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

        Cheers, will have a look!

  17. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Coufal->Alonso and bench Lingard or Lingard->Havertz and bench Coufal?

  18. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Veltman to a Chelsea defender for a -4? Or just play Dallas?

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Play Dallas

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

      Play Dallas for sure

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Cheers just wanted to check if my move could help climb the ranks

    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Dallas is a legit captaincy option

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

      Play Dallas

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

    1 FT

    Who should I transfer out of this round?:

    Meslier, Martinez

    Cresswell, Cancelo, Digne, Dunk, Tierney

    Bruno, Bale, Gundo, Lingard, Raphina

    Kane, Bamford, DCL

  20. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    WC30
    Mendy - Forster
    Rudiger - Shaw - Tierney - Coady - Dallas
    Fernandes - Jota - Gundo - Lingard - Raphinha
    Kane - DCL - Iheanacho

    8.6 ITB
    Upgrade midfield maybe? Any thoughts?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I’d probably bring in Son ahead of his double, but whether you do it now on WC or next week I'm not sure. Can I ask why the Tierney pick is it solely fixtures based?

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

        Yes, I'm bring Son definitely. But whom for? Also Tierney is solely fixtures based that can be TAA as well. Still weighing my options

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

      Raphinha or Gundo to Son?

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Tough cause Raphinha has the good fixture this week but then it gets hard, but he has the secured minutes. Would probably rather him to gundogan long term just because if security of starts. Also would like TAA eventually but he can wait I guess until the fixtures truly swing and you ride Arsenals upcoming ones until then

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

      Love it mate, would certainly move Gundo to Son with that money

  21. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Only for GW30
    A) Gundo+Alonso
    B) Bamford+Konsa/Coufal

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      B for me and probably Konsa. At least they’re both nailed to start

  22. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Hi all, some words on advice now I’ve narrowed it down. Best defender for a one week punt on BB, selling stones for a -4
    A) Alonso (already have 2 Chelsea defenders)
    B) Robertson (can’t afford TAA)
    C) United defender (Shaw/AWB/Maguire. Money doesn’t matter)
    D) Other, not named Dallas or a Villa defender

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I think I'd punt on Alonso. If Chelsea keep a clean sheet you're laughing.

  23. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    (S)on?

    Newcastle have conceeded most chances down that flank in last few weeks

    They have conceeded most goals(6) to counter attacks in the league this season

    And he's well rested...

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

      Will he start?

      1. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        100 percent when he’s fit he starts

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

          Yea but is he 100% fit and will Maureen risk him from the start against bottom feeders after coming back from injury.

          I doubt it

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

        Mourinho needs top 4, needs his strongest side and no Europa to play as well.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I’ve put the armband on him but will make sure to pick my VC properly just Incase

  24. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Is this gtg?

    Martinez
    Digne Alonso Dallas Cresswell
    Lingard Raphinha Bale
    Kane (c) Bamford(v) Antonio

    Pope Gundo Auba Stones

    2.7itb 0ft

  25. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Anything you'd change here? On wildcard. Thinking of taking a punt on Alonso captain as I'm at 93k.

    Mendy
    (c)Alonso Rudiger Shaw
    Bruno Son Jota Raphinha Gundo
    Kane Bamford

    Forster Antonio TAA Reguilon

    1. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      1.7m ITB

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Like that team a lot mate, can see why you’re ranked well. Only thing you could do is I guess do Rudiger to Azpi for security but also like the idea of having funds in the back pocket. You must have good TV also

      1. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Thanks mate, I am considering Azpi but I don't want to be in the situation where I need funds to make a move in a few GWs and I have to take a hit to raise the funds. It's a tough one as Azpi seems to be more nailed.

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

      I'd probably put Lloris in goal for new and the dgw instead of triple che def... Kepa could even get the odd game, did well when he got the chance. Think I'd take out Gundo as well but perfectly fine to keep too

      1. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Thanks for the reply. Yes Lloris in goal could be a good option. I'd have to take out Reguilon for maybe Tierney then. Think I'll keep Gundo though as City have Leeds next so it could be good to have a City option for captain that game.

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

      Not wholly sold on triple Chelsea defence but like the overall look.

      Think I'd try and swap out Gundo Antonio to DCL and Saka perhaps. Arsenal SHU next time feels like a fixture worth attacking at least partially. Plan here on getting Tierney in.

      1. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Thanks, you are right about targeting Arsenal v Sheffield Utd. I could perhaps get Tierney in defence.

    5. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Think rudiger played too many minutes in IB so might be rested.

      Also reguillion over shaw

      1. panda07
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Thanks, I hear you about Rudiger having played 3 international games. The bench should hopefully cover that though and I think Rudiger is great value for the rest of the season.

        I'm contemplating Reguilon over Shaw, I'll put him ahead of TAA on the bench anyway. They might both play if Rudiger misses out.

  26. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Never in doubt Son was going to be fit was it, just didn’t want to risk him international break....

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

    Mount certain to start?

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      No

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

    Apologies, I posted this a while ago and people couldn't read it, but kindly tried to help me!!

    Wildcarding with bench boost up my sleeve for a week in the future. Thoughts??

    Forster / Mendy
    Azpi / Tierney / Shaw / Coady / Dallas
    Salah / Bruno / Lingard / Jota / Raphinha
    DCL / Kane / Ihaneacho

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

      Nothing wrong with this, would like Bamford this week then move for Iheanacho after SHU

  29. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Why should I get Son this gw when he's flagged.
    Surely better to get him for gw32?

    1. Gazwaz80
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      He’s fit to play....

      1. Gazwaz80
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Tottenham Hotspur
        There is some good news for Spurs fans.

        Take it away Jose Mourinho:

        "Son is back. He trained fully with the team for the first time this morning. It was a good time for him to recover for injury. Matt Doherty and Ben Davies are out."

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

          Thanks for the info.

          So FPL will unflag him today?

          1. Gazwaz80
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 12 months ago

            They should do as they unflagged Bambam...

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

    Correct team selection?

    Pope
    Cancelo Dallas Alonso
    Gundo Son Raph Lingard
    Kane Bamford Watkins

    Areola, Bale, Dias, Dunk

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

      I am avoiding city, they will rotate and annoy me otherwise

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

      I'm starting Bale over Gundo but looks good

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

      Thanks both