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. The Strokes
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Which 2 to bench?
    A. Targett (Ful)
    B. TAA (Ars)
    C. Stones (Lei)
    D. Gundo (Lei) - Played 270 m. in intentional might not start
    E. Jota (Ars) - I already have Salah and Firmino is back
    F. Watkins (Ful) – Grealish be back to help

  2. Chrisitis
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Start
    a) Coufal
    b) Saka

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

      A
      Saka was injured for the internationals. He is nearly back but doubt that he would be risked with EL coming later in the week.

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

    Best one week punt for a mid up to 12 million. Don't care if cheap as will WC next week..

    Have Lingard Son Bruno and Raph.

    Thanks

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

      Sig or Harvertz

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

      Maybe Mahrez or Sigurdsson

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

      James is back so not Siggy

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

    Any reason not to do Cancelo to Rudiger for free this week?

    Also frees up cash for Gundo to Jota in GW31 or 32.

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

      Do it

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Do it

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

      Wait wait not yet he might not start ( got him in this week)

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Only potential issue is mins during International duty, but long term should be fine

  5. Saosin
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Mendy
    Dallas - Konsa - Cancelo
    Raphinhia- Son - Bale - Gundo
    Kane - Bamfrod - DCL

    Forster. Cresswell - Stones - Bruno

    1 FT. 0.7 ITB

    Worth BB?

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Yes

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

      Yep

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

      Not sure. Doubts over playing time for Gundo, Stones, Cancelo, Forster, Bale...

  6. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Can anyone offer me any help please? 1 FT, 1.8 ITB

    Martinez (Areola)

    Shaw Digne Dallas (Cancelo Veltman)

    Auba Salah Bruno Raph C (Lingard)

    Watkins Antonio Bamford

    Was thinking Auba/Antonio to Jota/Kane, unless anyones got any better ideas?

    1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I'd do the two you suggest, nice.

      Whats your thoughts on my decision below?

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

        Thank you..

  7. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    I'm using my ft to bring Kdb in.

    Is Dunk -> Rudiger worth a hit? Could play Targett instead

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

      Play Targett

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Thanks Holmes. Probably sensible move

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

        This. Good fixture for Villa’s defence

    2. The Strokes
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Not a hit

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

      Play Targett

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

      Interesting, plenty moving away from City with the rotation and bgw33... Interested to hear your thought abouts the move if you don't mind

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Only got Stones atm from City.

        Kdb on form and best captaincy option in gw31 despite danger of being benched and in case he gets fully rested I got deep bench.

        Got fh to navigate gw 33 blank.

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          And I think Dias,Kdb and Ederson are pretty much 100% sure starters until title is won.

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

            Seems like the case, but the title is as good as won already. At least if they beat Leicester this gw

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

          I've got Stones and Gundo but probably getting rid of both. Leeds 3 days before Dortmund makes KDB a risky captain option, but could be massive ofc

          1. S.Kuqi
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 12 months ago

            Who would you captain instead in gw31?

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

              Will decide after the gw, hopefully Pool look better with Jota back so Salah at home to Villa

  8. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Afternoon Folks,
    I don't normally ask much on here, but would appreciate it today.
    Played wildcard as soon as last gameweek started, regret it now due of lack of price rises over the international break.
    Anyway, currently nearly set now. Just final decisions to make below.

    Ederson Sanchez
    Shaw, Rudiger, XXX, XXX, Phillips
    De Bruyne, Fernandes, Mount, Jota, Mahrez
    Kane, Richarlison, Iheanacho

    Which 2 for the XXXs ?
    I'm choosing 2 from the following - Semedo, Coady, James, Christianson, Alonso*, Keane, Lowton,
    ( * if Alonso has to be Alonso+Lowton )

    Anyone have any thoughts on it?

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

      Coady and Fofana

      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Dont fancy Leicesters fixtures short term. Will shift Fofana in in a few weeks.
        Plan to phase out one City midfielder prior to the blank as well

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

      Coady or Saiss I would want in with Wolves fixtures.

      Then I guess any of the Chelsea back line with two clean sheets coming.

      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Coady>Semedo ?

        Semedo seems secure and has played OOP a bit too?

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

          Interested in hearing responses to this also. I like how Semedo plays more advanced but I’ve heard also that Wolves plan to get Coady forward more and use him similarly to Egan last season for Sheffield, apparently he has decent stats for touches in the box as well

          1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 12 months ago

            Yeah I am a bit torn really. Semedo hasn't really returned attacking (but nor have Wolves in general really...) so Coady in terms of potential bonus points / headed goal.
            Though if Wolves do score a couple I fancy a Semedo assist. Toyed with Neto, just not convinced about attacking points incoming.

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

      I'd get Alonso and Lowton tbh... Alonso very exciting and a great differential, plus explosive.. I guess it depends where you are are in ML's etc though and if you want to take a risk or 2

      1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        I'm about 75 points clear at the top in my mini league, but the wildcard will make my team and my closest rival very different (been the same for the last 6/7 weeks, been a tad boring...)

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

          Ah right. You’re good to go Alonso then imo.

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

    Bruno or KDB for the next two?

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

      Kevin

    2. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Both.... whats your thoughts on my decision to make above?

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

        I can't have both right now... Coady and Alonso from your options above

        1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Cant afford Coady along with Alonso, would need to bring to downgrade Rudiger to do that really
          Alonso would mean Lowton in e.g. Alonso, Coady, Lowton, Shaw, Phillips.

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

    Am I all set?

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

    Pope Gundo Auba Stones

    2.7itb 0ft

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

      That's an expensive bench

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

        Correct analysis

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

    Mendy Meslier
    Stones Coufal Dunk Konsa Mitchell
    Salah Bale Bruno Raphinha Lookman
    Kane Bamford Antonio

    Considering Lookman > Mount, yay or nay? Got WC and BB left, was originally going to BB this week but might save it for 32?

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

      He's a doubt to start, so would not be the best idea to bring him in this week.

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

      Yes Mount has 2 excellent fixtures!

  12. ididnt
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Trossard > Raphina. Yay or nay?

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

      Yay

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

    Pick one:

    A: Auba -> Bruno (start Dunk)
    B: Auba + Dunk -> Bruno + Rudiger (-4)

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

      B

  14. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Keep Salah or Bale for this week only?

    Selling one for Son.

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Salah

    2. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I’d sell bale

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

      Keep Salah

    4. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Cheers

  15. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Best transfer? WC’ing GW31

    A) Bale -> Bruno

    B) Dunk -> Alonso

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

      A

  16. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Sonny is good. He will be selected - Jose.

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

      Source? Thanks alot

      1. Cheeto__Bandito
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        ffscout twitter

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

        There ya go then.

      3. 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."

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

      Bale to Son it is, then

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

      Son captain!

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

    Either of these worth a bench boost? Thinking about WC31.

    A. Mendy, Dias, Soucek, Coufal (-4)
    B. McCarthy, Dias, Soucek, Coufal

    1. Cheeto__Bandito
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      A if you cant set up a good one on wc

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

        Thinking it could be tricky with the doubles and blanks to plan too. And after the international break perhaps most players should play? Also I don’t have much City (just Dias) who are always likely to ruin a bench boost by not playing anyways

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

      A does look good

      See a West Ham and Chelsea cs so that’s 12 points and maybe more after bonus. And then Dias and Soucek could give you a bit more

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

        First 11 would be this too so hopefully all start;

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

  18. 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

    I have 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)

    1. northernmuppet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Raph in immense this week.. BUT look at the turn in his fixtures... getting a Chelsea defender is logical move long term and short term.. Azpi if you can afford... if not Rudiger and yes play over Cresswell for me.

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

        Cheers. I can only get Azpi if I sell Mount for Raph though. Raph's fixtures also offputting for me, but I wouldn't have a problem just leaving him on the bench until they turn. My doubt over Rudiger is that a lot of people seem to think he won't start?

  19. Salalalalah
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Any idea when Everton will have their DGW? Wondering if I should ditch Digne for Chelsea def unless everton playing twice soon

  20. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Why has Pickford never got a flag?

    1. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      I was just about to ask this as was considering the other keeper as my back up........ Plus Everton have decent fixtures

  21. northernmuppet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    So Martinez owners.. there's a lot of us 🙂

    Time to switch to Mendy do you think?

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

      Maybe. I’m probably going to keep and rotate with Leno.

      Depends if I only have room for one Chelsea defender.

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

      Yes, now is a good time

  22. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Will there be another double game week with the potential to get 15 double game week players out on a bench boost or is that no no?

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

      Zero chance. No

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

    Bale to Son and forget about last week as a blip? Forget i ever owned Bale again.

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

      Yep, forget Bale as quickly as you forget scientific fact.

      1. That TV angle at Highbury
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        I concur

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

    A.Dunk to Alonso
    B. Auba to Son

    Have Rudiger

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

      B. You’ll want him for 32 anyways. I presume Dunk will be benched

  25. Bonus magnet
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Keep or sell Bale

    1. That TV angle at Highbury
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Sell. Too high uncertainty of starts for that price.

  26. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Mendy (WBA)
    B) Meslier (SHU)

    1. That TV angle at Highbury
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Mendy

  27. That TV angle at Highbury
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    A non-template WC team, trying to move ahead of the curve. What are you guys thoughts?

    Mendy / Forster
    Robbo TAA Rüdiger Shaw / Strujik
    Salah Bruno Son Gündo Lingard
    Kane / Iheanacho Brewster

    I know that the front line is a bit thin, but if Iheanacho keeps firing, then him and Kane is a pretty good tandem. Brewster is merely a fodder. I expect Liverpool to start firing with an easy schedule and everything to play for.

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

      I’d probably downgrade Robertson to upgrade Brewster. Look I get the thinking but a double up based on 0 form isn’t what you want to be going for right now. Especially if Nacho starts getting benched once the other mids are back. I like your thinking though. It’s a nice team

      1. That TV angle at Highbury
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Thanks, I appreciate it. I just feel like doing something outside the norm. The upside is massive if the Pool wingbacks find the form of last campaign. I just recently noticed that both TAA and Robbo actually have some really good stats. And with the fixtures and the rotation risk at City and Chelsea I don’t see any other defenders to offer as much upside. Sometimes you gotta go for the sexy picks 😀

        But you’re right - if Nacho returns to the bench, my whole team structure is setup completely the wrong way as there are no good replacements in that price bracket 🙂

  28. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Start one

    A Lingard
    B Watkins

    1. That TV angle at Highbury
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Lingard

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

      Tough but always lean to starting a mid. Watkins been cold for so long and Fulham looks a better defense right now

  29. VinMar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Start Stones or Strujik ?

    1. That TV angle at Highbury
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Stones

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

    Sell one. The other one will be sold before BGW33.

    A. Cancelo
    B. Stones

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

      A

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

      Who will they be replaced with? I’d say A as it would lead to presumably more itb and won’t hurt as bad if they play the same amount of minutes between now and 33

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

      A