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. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Meslier Pope
    Dias Shaw Targett Coufal Veltman
    Bruno Bale Son Gundogan Raphinha
    Kane(c) Antonio Bamford

    Planning to do Veltman and Bale to Azpi/Alonso and a midfielder (not sure who yet) and use BB, what you think?

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

      Yes.
      Bale to Lingard.

      1. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Will be using WC next week, so fancy a punt on someone. Maybe a Chelsea mid

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

    Right, deliberating around City defender or Ederson, similar with Chelsea 2 defenders or Mendy and 1 defender....... and Wolves df or not.....
    And trying to squeeze Alonso in.....

    Head fried.....
    Settled on front 8. Just 5 of the back 7 causing me tossing and turning.

    Would appreciate if you could give me an A or give me a B

    A)
    Ederson Sanchez
    Rudiger, Semedo, Keane,

    B)
    Mendy, Virginia
    Alonso, Cancelo, Coady

    Either will be joined by the following Motely Crue

    Shaw, Phillips
    De Bruyne, Fernandes, Mount, Jota, Mahrez
    Kane, Richarlison, Iheanacho

  3. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Bottomed...

    Got 1FT and 4.5m ITB... What to do?

    McCarthy
    Dias Targett Dallas
    Son Auba Gundo Soucek
    Kane Bamford Watkins

    Pope Coufal Trossard Dunk

    A) Save transfer
    B) Get rid of Trossard and bench Soucek

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

      Easy A.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Cheers!

  4. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Bale -> Havertz (-4) for a 1 week punt?

    A) Yes
    B) No

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

      Yes

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

      No for me

  5. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    who to captain:
    A) Kane
    B) Alonso
    C) Raphinha

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

      A

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      A

    3. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      C

    4. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

    Pope
    Stones, Rudiger, Dallas
    Bruno (C), Gundo, Lingard, Salah
    Kane (VC), DCL, Bamford

    (Forster, Cresswell, Mount, Mitchell)

    Captaincy and bench order correct here?

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

    Christensen or Rudiger for the next few GW's lads?

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

      Rudiger for long term. Just for this week you might do better with Christensen.

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

      Rudiger

  8. Igz08
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Martinez

    Cresswell Dallas Digne

    Son Bale JLingz Raph

    Watkins Kane DCL

    Pope Gundi Dunk Cancelo

    A) Bale -> Salah ©

    B) Dunk -> Alonso (Captain Kane, bench Watkins)

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

      B

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

    Martinez
    Dallas Keane Shaw
    Bale Raphina Son Fernandes
    Bambam CDL Kane

    Gundo and Stones 1st and 2nd on bench

    Big dilemma albeit a nice one
    Who to captain?
    Cheers lads, many thanks in advance 🙂

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

      Kane cappo

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

        Cheers Zim...

  10. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Hi all, been pretty out of the loop past couple of weeks. Just looked at my team and am fairly happy with it.

    Martinez
    Konsa Dallas Digne
    Kdb, Gundo, Bruno, Bale, Raphina
    Kane(C) DCL

    Antonio, Tierney, Burn

    Should I save ft ?

    or

    Burn to Rudiger and bench Konsa

    Also should I start Antonio for Bale or Gundo ?

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

      save FT. Team looks good, I'd leave Antonio on the bench personally

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

        cheers mate, thats what my first thoughts were when I finally opened my team after the break.

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

      Burn to Rudiger looks a no brainier, and I’d drop Bale but make him first sub

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

        That was my plan pre IB to get Rudiger in and was even thinking about using BB.

        But after the break and looking at it now and all the comments about Rudiger international mins, Im not sure if I should get him but I suppose even if he doesnt play Konsa would come back in and Id have Chelsea def going forward, with Villa's fixture turn starting next week, dont want a Villa defensive double up.

        Could save and do Konsa to a chelsea def next week also, what do u think ?

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

          I’m just really swayed by the Chelsea CS potential this week and might ship Dias before WC next week.
          Any thoughts on my team below please? Ta.

  11. icanseethroughyou
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Meslier, Forster
    Maguire, Dunk, Digne, Dias, Saiss
    Auba, Gundagon, Mount, Son, Raphinha
    Kane, Bamford, Antonio

    Anything you’d change? Still have bench boost but would probably need a hit. Will WC in 31.

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

      if ur wc in 31, maybe a punt this week on Alonso or DCL

      if not team looks fine overall

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

        Cheers. Just wonder when to bench boost now, not many weeks left. Might have to be 32

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

          I think there might be a bigger DGW in 35 so im saving my BB till then, will use TC on Kane in 32 probably.

          I think Dias to Alonso for a one week punt for u looks good.

          You do have a bit of a benching headache like me with the 8 attackers, Id probably toss a coin between Auba and Antonio for you, tough one though.

  12. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    I like the idea of Alonso as a one week punt before my gw31 wc but...

    How safe is him? There is always Chilwell who was actually showing good form before he got injured

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

      Chilwell played a lot over international break, and Tuchel will most likely want him rested for Porto on Wednesday.
      Still a risk going with Alonso however

  13. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Martinez

    Azpi | Dallas | Dias

    Salah | Gundo | Raphinha | Lingard | Bale

    Kane | Bamford

    A)
    1. Bale > Fernandes/KDB (reluctant just because of DGW32)
    2. Brewster > DCL and play DCL

    B) Play Dias, Targett or Mee as 3rd defender - have a feeling Man City will concede.

    Thanks guys!

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

      A with Bruno.

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

    Want to do
    Johnstone-Dunk-Digne-KDB-Bale
    To
    Mendy-Alonso-Coady-Bruno-Son.
    Use wc or not worth it?.

    1. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Will yu not make any more changes than does five?

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

        -Martinez
        -Cress-Dallas-Targett
        -Gundo-Raphinia-Lingard
        -Kane-Bam-DCL.

        Think not.
        Maybe Targett to Shaw.

        1. Deeney-is-a-god
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 12 months ago

          Would grt shaw instead of targett

  15. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Ruben Dias to Azpilicueta/Alonso
    Good move at this stage?
    Also, is picking Alonso safe atm?

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

      Yes.
      Yes.

    2. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Not sure, why do you want azpi instead of a rudiger? Big price difference, do you think there will be a big point difference as well?

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

    Repost: Is the safe bet here to do Veltman to Azpi/Alonso for FT?

    Martinez
    Dallas Dias Cancelo
    Bale Lingard Bruno Raph
    Bamford Antonio Kane

    Pope Coufal Lookman Veltman

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

      Go for it.

  17. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Chances of the following players starting? Thinking of BB

    Forster
    Auba
    Mount
    Cancelo
    Toby

    Have 1 FT to replace any one...

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      80%
      70%
      50%
      50%
      60%

  18. Deeney-is-a-god
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Thinking of getting rudiger in this week and benching dias, worth it? Suppose if rudiger does not play then dias will just come on anyway right...

  19. Champione
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Martinez
    Cresswell Reguillon Shaw
    Salah Son Mount Lingard Raphinha
    Kane Bamford

    Pope Antonio Tierney Targett

    1 FT, 1.4 ITB

    A) Targett > Alonso
    B) Save

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

      A.

    2. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Debating getting rudiger in myself, think I will

  20. thepirates
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Got 2FT and no WC left. Thinking of offloading Dallas to Rudiger, or Tierny but he got good fix coming up. Thoughts?

    Martinez
    Shaw - Dallas - Stones
    Raph - Son - Fernandes - Salah
    Kane - Watkins - Bamford
    Bench: Aerola - Gundogan - Tierny - Veltman

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

    Thoughts on WC? Should cover 33 blanks with only one ManCity. Double Villa and Everton for their double whenever it's played.

    Ederson
    Rudiger Reguilon Shaw
    Bruno Son Jota Raphina
    Kane DCL Watkins

    Martinez Neto Keane Lowton

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

    Fplstatistics reliable right now?

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

      For price changes that is..

  23. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Which of these would you start?
    1. Cresswell (wol)
    2. Stones (lei)

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

      1

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

    Anyone else considering Mahrez - Thinking he one of the MCI players that is more likely to play, especially vs Leeds

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

      I'm done with Pep for this season

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

      Not this week, but if Salah doesn't show he is back on form I will be getting rid of him next week and replacing with Mahrez or Jota probably.

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

    Pope
    Stones, Rudiger, Dallas
    Bruno (C), Gundo, Lingard, Salah
    Kane (VC), DCL, Bamford

    (Forster, Cresswell, Mount, Mitchell)

    Is Captaincy and bench order correct here?

    Thanks.

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

    Alonso certain to start this GW?

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

      No

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 12 months ago

      Likely - yes / Certain - no.

  27. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Bench one

    A cancelo
    B dias
    C coufal

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

    Son is being moved out -90 on fplstats, is it working properly?

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

      Showing as -124% now

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

        Yikes won't bother with them then

  29. thepirates
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Got 2FT and no WC left. Thinking of offloading Dallas to Rudiger, or Tierny but he got good fix coming up. Thoughts?

    Martinez
    Shaw - Dallas - Stones
    Raph - Son - Fernandes - Salah
    Kane - Watkins - Bamford
    Bench: Aerola - Gundogan - Tierny - Veltman

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

      Definitely start Dallas this gw and keep Tierney.

  30. SGD_FPL
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 12 months ago

    Hi Everyone,

    I am doing a research study where I am trying to see the role that fantasy football played (if any) in eliminating or reducing some of the negative emotions/struggles we all faced during the Covid-19.
    So for this, I would be very grateful if you can please do the following survey. It is completely anonymous and will take only about 5 minutes of your time. The survey can be accessed via the link below:

    https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=OrvxmPpegkeIur2JfbYOYmHy3-ekgFtBs9aVIahk8_tUNVBWM0ZLUFJUSFdFNlFPTFdVTTc4STg3SC4u

    There is a consent form at the beginning of the survey which gives more details on the objectives of this research and also gives details on the research team.
    Thanks very much!

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

      Hi, I like this idea. One tip/word of advice: allowing people to choose their own ID number could prove problematic if you get some people choose the same one. Maybe odds are against this, but leaving it open and having a maximum of 5 letters/numbers might result in having some duplicates such as 12345, etc. from people who didn't know what else to put.

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

      Also if they answered "yes" to question 13 it should take them to a separate section of the Form. I see you said to answer the question below if they said yes, but actually there are several questions following that they only people who answered yes should answer, and it's hard to know when to resume answering the questions without sectioning it off. There is a function in Google Forms to do this.

      1. SGD_FPL
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 12 months ago

        Hi, thanks yes I see what you mean ..ideally we would have asked the system to generate random ID but the platform that we used does not allow for it unfortunately.
        There is no separate section....we have put all questions in one section to make it more convenient and fast...the respondent just needs to keep on answering the subsequent questions (whether they chose yes or no for q13). Those who answered yes will have to choose from the emotions listed under 14...those who chose 'no' will probably say "none of the above". So all questions are meant for everyone (whether they were affected or not). I hope that makes sense?
        Thanks.