Spot the Differential

Phillips can offer excellent value as Liverpool prepare for fixture-swing

Gameweek 31 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 Leicester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, 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.

Nathaniel Phillips

  • FPL ownership: 1.9%
  • Price: £4.0m
  • GW31-35 fixtures: AVL | lee | NEW | mun | SOU

Academy product Nat Phillips (£4.0m) has taken his chance at Liverpool this season and now offers Fantasy managers exceptional value.

The 24-year-old spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan at VfB Stuttgart, where he helped them gain promotion to the Bundesliga. Having arrived back at Anfield ahead of the current season, he wasn’t expected to feature in many games, but has been thrust into action after injuries to key defenders Virgil van Dijk (£6.2m), Joe Gomez (£5.2m) and Joel Matip (£5.4m).

The Englishman has now made 11 Premier League appearances and alongside January loan signing Ozan Kabak (£5.0m), has kept back-to-back Premier League clean sheets. The duo have formed a decent centre-back partnership, and despite a challenging Champions League night earlier this week, it is worth remembering Real Madrid are an altogether different proposition to what they will face domestically during the run-in.

Crucially, the performances of Phillips have the added bonus of allowing Fabinho (£5.4m) to return to midfield. Jürgen Klopp’s side badly missed the Brazilian as a number six, and look a far better side with him sitting in front of the back four.

Up next for Liverpool is Aston Villa, who could be missing Jack Grealish (£7.5m) again this weekend. After that, the Reds take on Leeds and Newcastle, before closing the season with games against West Brom, Burnley and Crystal Palace.

Phillips costs just £4.0m, and as one of the cheapest starting defenders in the game, could be a quality enabler for the remainder of the season.

James Maddison

  • FPL ownership: 5.0%
  • Price: £7.1m
  • GW31-35 fixtures: whu | WBA | CRY | sou | NEW

James Maddison (£7.1m) returned with an appearance off the bench against Manchester City in Gameweek 30, having missed six matches through injury.

The playmaker had been in exceptional form prior to being side-lined, producing five goals, three assists and 64 FPL points between Gameweeks 17 and 25.

Unsurprisingly, the attacking midfielder has been Leicester City’s main creative outlet this term. Amongst team-mates, he leads the way for final-third touches, successful crosses and chances created, plus expected assists (xA).

However, since late last year, Maddison’s goal threat is improving too, something he touched on in an interview in January: 

“Me, the gaffer and Jack, the analyst, sat down and looked at where I can get more goals. Playing a bit deeper, I was a No.8 today, and breaking into the box and getting beyond that last line and really, kind of, almost smelling where the ball is going to drop. It’s not an easy thing to do. Frank Lampard was the best at it, arriving late and scoring goals, and that’s what I did today.” – James Maddison

Now shooting closer to goal, in more central areas, he has found the back of the net 11 times this season, eight of which have come in the Premier League.

Personal motivation could be a key factor, too. If Maddison is to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championship this summer, he will need to play a starring role during the run-in. Encouragingly, the fixtures offer him an opportunity to do exactly that, as Brendan Rodgers’s side face West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Newcastle United between Gameweeks 32 and 35.

Whether fielded out wide, as a number 10 or deeper, Maddison has found a way to impact games, and could be a smart differential for those on the lookout for a new midfielder.

Rob Holding

  • FPL ownership: 3.4%
  • Price: £4.2m
  • GW31-35 fixtures: shu | FUL | EVE | new | WBA

Another budget defender you might want to consider is Rob Holding (£4.2m).

Following the news that David Luiz (£5.4m) will miss a number of weeks with a knee injury, we think the Englishman is likely to start alongside either Gabriel Magalhães (£4.9m) or Pablo Marí (£4.4m), who are both left-footed.

As the clubs only naturally right-sided centre-back, Holding is the obvious candidate to replace Luiz, and with a schedule that sees Arsenal take on Sheffield United, Fulham, Newcastle and West Brom in the next five Gameweeks, he can offer FPL managers real value.

This season, the 25-year-old has started 21 Premier League matches, and kept eight clean sheets during that time. He has arguably been Mikel Arteta’s best defender, and as a result, was rewarded with a new contract back in January.

Despite a poor showing against Liverpool last weekend, Arsenal do appear to be heading in the right direction. Since Boxing Day, when they beat Chelsea 3-1, they have played 16 Premier League games, winning eight, drawing four and losing four, so their form has generally been good. The arrival of Martin Ødegaard (£6.0m) has added another creative option, and their forthcoming schedule offers encouragement that they can kick on and finish the season strongly.

Holding is likely to keep his place at centre-back in the coming weeks, and at £4.2m, could be a good bargain option for your squad.

1,194 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bojam
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Who to start this week? (A) Bale or (B) Watkins?

    Team:

    Martinez
    Dias, Stones, Azpi
    Bruno, Son, Bale, Jota, Gundo
    Kane, DCL

    Sanchez; Watkins; Coufal; Dallas

    0FT; 0.7ITB

    Is three Spurs overkill vs Utd? Will Bale even start?
    Watkins got a hattie vs Pool earlier in the season. Bit of a freak result though and Grealish out is a massive factor...

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

      1. Bojam
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers! Anyone else?

  2. BigAsGiroud_
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    For this week,
    A) Maddison+Bruno
    Or
    B) Sterling+Son

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A this week

  3. VICTORIOUS SECRET! !
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Reguilon + bamford----> philips + laca ???

    Yay or nay ?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

  4. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) KDB(C) to Sterling(C)
    B) Antonio to Iheanacho
    C) Both for (-4)

    Will be doing KDB to Bruno next week anyway and Bamford will play instead of Antonio

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      a

  5. space mercenary
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Interesting that these guys are still differentials. I have Maddison and Holding on WC and I expect many will go for all three. I wonder how long they will remain as differential status.

    1. JBG
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maddison been injured

    2. Nay08
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Maddison just came back from injury.
      with Holding, I think he more nailed after Luiz injured no? plus... It's Arsenal.

  6. Spurrsy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    GTG on WC? 0 in bank

    Mendy (Forster)
    TAA/Coady/Holding (Rudiger/Dallas)
    Bruno/Sterling(C)/Salah(V)/Jota/Neto
    Kane/Nacho (Davis)

    Sterling to Son next week.

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      7.5/10 g2g

    2. Nay08
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      what do you think if instead Bruno/Sterling/Nacho you do Lingard/Son/Vardy.
      is there enough cash?

  7. Nay08
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    another option I still can't decide on WC:

    1. TAA, with two dead benches (Mitchell and Davis the 4.2 fw)
    so only have 1 bench option. (I usually go with 2 playing benches just to feel safe)

    or

    2. Creswell, Philips, Iheanacho
    Philips will probably be on the bench anyway but at least he has a high chance of playing so not a dead bench if anything happens on my main player

    the team besides the disputed above:
    Leno/Forster
    Azpi/Castagne/Coady/-/-
    Salah/Son/Lingard/Jota/Neto
    Kane/Vardy/-

    1. Bojam
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Personally, I'd go option 2. You'll probably need more than one playing bench option.

      1. Nay08
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        thanks man, as of now I also lean toward 2 a little bit tbh. just need some thought if is it worth sacrificing bench to get TAA

  8. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy Forster
    Taa Rudiger Fofana Coady Mitchell
    Salah Sterling Bruno Jota Neto
    Kane Iheanacho Vydra

    0.0 itb

    WC gtg?

  9. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Captain Kane or Jota ?

    1. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jota if you are chasing.

      1. Nay08
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        yes and you can put Kana as VC in case jota not playing

  10. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Leeds let Aubameyang score a hattrick I wonder how many they'll let Sterling score

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling another 3pts

    2. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Got a clean sheet vs Chelsea in the same universe tho.

    3. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No doubt I'll be proved wrong but I think Leeds will make it tough for city

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

    Best team on WC

    Mendy -- Forster
    Rudi XXX XXX Veltman Holding
    Bruno Salah Jota Son XXX
    Kane Nacho XXX

    A: TAA + Shaw + Lingard + Davis
    B: Philips + Coady + Vardy + ESR

    1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      a

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

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Kepa Forster
    TAA Dias Shaw Coady Holding
    Salah (C) Son Jota JLingz Gundo
    Kane Iheanacho Antonio

    0.0 ITB

    1. bodgejob
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Kepa?!

    2. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Is Kepa starting?

    3. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      The whole FFS community demands an explanation on your Kepa pick right now

    4. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      kepa !!!

    5. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      This WC team is a hilarious combination of being absolutely template, and insane. Kepa and Antonio are such bizarre picks. Everyone else is so reasonable.

    6. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      You dont need a manager in a FPL team.

    7. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Haha it's Mendy guys, I blacked out! Antonio injury makes him a no go too

  13. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Rudiger nailed or should I go with D.Sanchez for the dgw?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'd say Rudi is more nailed than Sanchez

  14. bodgejob
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mendy + James or Johnstone + Alonso on WC? Both options with Rudiger

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      first one i think

    2. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Johnstone + Alosno then. Triple chelsea is a no

  15. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Rip this WC apart, tried to go with some real differentials
    Sanchez Forster
    TAA Dias Dawson Rudiger Phillips
    Salah Bruno Maddison Greenwood Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Wood
    0.0itb
    Thoughts?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      6/10 g2g this week

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Appreciate the honesty! Too punty?

    2. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      pretty average

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Anything obvious to change?

        1. Saka Rice
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Why Wood and not Vydras? Either way I'd only want them for this gameweek and 33, the other ones I'd use the 5 midfielders.Jota should be there instead of double Liv defence because there are other defenders with great fixtures anyway. The GK probably wont get more than 2cs the rest of the season.

          1. Saka Rice
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            oh and no Son...

          2. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            The forward options are so bare right now, he'll be gone though. Just struggle to find another nailed on option in that price range. I prefer Jota but no other basically nailed on 4.0 defender to replace Phillips will have to upgrade.

    3. b91jh
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Like the idea but Greenwood has been poor yesterday, even worse than Dan James

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        He's expendable. Can just downgrade him to Raphinha again and see how I can reinvest

        1. b91jh
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Thoughts on Moura if you are not going Son?

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah Moura is in my thinking but it's between him Greenwood, Maddison and Jota

    4. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Improve GK, just one between Maddison & Greenwood and Wood is only good this week for the next few.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thank you, MZ, Back to the drawing board!

        1. b91jh
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Fabianski could be a good differential pick to you. Leicester and Chelsea and it is a green sea.

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I'll look into Fabianski, should be good for the price. Prefer him to Leno but just worry about the defense now Rice is out

  16. JakeTheRed
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Afternoon all,

    I've been trying to piece together my WC for a little while, trying to make some points up in my ML. Only other chip I have remaining is BB.

    Mendy - (Forster)
    Dias - Rudiger - Coady - (Phillips) - (Struijk)
    Salah - Fernandes - Maddison - Lingard - (Neto)
    Kane - DCL - Lacazette

    Thoughts?

  17. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Okay, mates a little of the DON KLOPPEONE Style 🙂

    A, B or C ?

    A) Vardy > Bruno one

    Mendy, Foster
    TAA, SHAW, Rudiger, COADY, Holding
    Salah, LINGARD, Son, Jota, Neto
    Kane, VARDY, Davis

    B) Attacking one (No Taa, Vardy in)

    Mendy, Forster
    PHILIPS, FOFANA, Rudiger, DIOP, Holding
    Salah, BRUNO, Son, Jota, Neto
    Kane, VARDY, Davis

    C) Template one ( Vardy misses out and we hope Nacho is nailed)

    Mendy, Foster
    TAA, SHAW, Rudiger, COADY, Holding
    Salah, BRUNO, Son, Jota, Neto
    Kane, NACHO, Davis

    1. HD7
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I know most like C but I think I will go with B.

      Reason: I dont see a lot of defenders that are worth the big money. Will hope Philips and Fofana do well.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Looks like you've answered your own question. Either are fine

        1. HD7
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Hey there are a lot of analytical minds around here who can easily make me go 180 degrees with arguments:)

          I dont want to just hear what I like to hear 😀

  18. Totti
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    On wildcard
    Who to get?

    A) shaw
    B) maguire

    1. HD7
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      To be fair, I decided against Man Utd defenders, mate. Otherwise Shaw

      1. Totti
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Why you decided this?

        1. HD7
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          You can see above:)

  19. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Vardy or Salah in?

    Martinez,
    Shaw, Dias, Coufal, Dallas, Veltman
    Son, Lingard, Jota, Fernandes, Gundogan
    Kane, Antonio, Bamford

    1ft - 4.7 itb

  20. barcaa7
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why everyone have Foster ?

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      He's starting for southampton lately, and only costs 0.1 more than a minimum option. If you really need that 0.1 then go with a 3.9, but if you can spare it it's a decent insurance policy against a Mendy rotation.

      1. barcaa7
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I realy need this 0.1 to upgrade valtman to Fofana

  21. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Naive to stick Stones in on a WC? Have Shaw first on bench in case he doesn't start.......

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not really. Decent risk reward. I'm doing Dias myself, but could see going Stones if I needed those funds elsewhere.

  22. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Gtg? Almost finalized wc team.

    Mendy
    TAA Rudiger Holding
    Auba(c) Bruno Jota Lingard
    Kane Nacho Wood

    Forster Maddison Cresswell Castagne

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If planning on Auba -> Salah soon I like it. Though lack of Son could be bad for the DGW

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

    Mendy - Forster
    Dias - Targett - Coady - Holding - Phillips
    Salah - Jota - Fernandes - Son - Lingard
    Kane - Iheanacho - Vydra

    £1.9m ITB, plan to BB in 34/35

    Good to go?

  24. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    GTG? Subs order correct?

    Sanchez
    Stones/Shaw/Rudiger
    Salah/Son/Fernandes/Lingard
    Kane/DCL/Vydra

    Martinez/Raphonha/Phillips/Dunk

    cheers

  25. jimbo_smells
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all,

    Think I've decided to hold fire on my WC until GW33, as already have 3xSpurs for GW32.

    HOWEVER, team not looking so great for this week, so thoughts on best transfer option(s) from these:

    A) Antonio -> Iheanacho
    B) Antonio -> Vardy
    C) Antonio -> Lacazette
    D) Antonio -> Wood
    E) Antonio -> Ings

    F) Raphina -> Jota

    G) Dallas/Coufal -> TAA
    ---
    H) - Some combination of the above for a -4?

    (Have 3.9m itb, so plenty of upgrade options)

    ?

    Cheers!

    1. Bojam
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      In pretty much the same boat mate. 3 Spurs players. Can play the FH in 33. Thinking to WC in 34 probably.

      What's your full team? Will help to advise on transfer.

      1. Bojam
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        My team is:

        Martinez
        Dias, Stones, Azpi
        Bruno, Son, Bale, Jota, Gundo
        Kane, DCL

        Sanchez; Watkins; Coufal; Dallas

        0FT; 0.7ITB

        Already did Raphinha -> Jota.
        Considered Watkins -> Iheanacho (-4) but not sure it's really worth it this week.

        1. jimbo_smells
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Not ideal with Bale.. but guess you have to hold for now. Not sure anything else is worth a -4 this week

          1. Bojam
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah I know. Bringing him in GW29 was a bit of a disaster. Seems silly to get rid now though with the DGW coming. Just not sure whether to start him or Watkins this week?

      2. jimbo_smells
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers! Jealous of your FH.. I'm all out except WC! But maybe I'd consider saving it for the possible blanks/doubles in 35/36?

        Anyway, my full squad:

        Mendy, Martínez

        Dias, Coufal, Alonso, Reguilón, Dallas

        Fernandes, Raphinha, Son, Lingard, Gündogan

        Kane, Bamford, Antonio

        1. Bojam
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Reckon I'd do Raphinha -> Jota. Liverpools fixtures are great and you'll want some attacking coverage (Jota's numbers compare well to Salah's).
          If Antonio is definitely out then I reckon a -4 to Iheanacho might well be worth it too. Or wait a week and see.
          Without the FH, I'd be considering WC'ing in 33 otherwise you won't get a full team out. You can probably get away with keeping Kane and one or two City players on the bench that week if you want them for the run in.

  26. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC team good to go?

    Mendy
    TAA, Rudiger, Holding
    Salah, Fernandes, Son, Mount, Jota
    Kane, Iheanacho

    Forster; Coady, Fofana, Brewster.

    Play Holding (shu) or Coady (ful)?

    Can have Lingard instead of Mount but need differentials.

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      GTG...play Holding as far more chance of a cleanie i think? Bookies clean sheet odds agree.

    2. Ronnies
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Holding.

      Especially if Boly is still out.

  27. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Template WC team with Gundo and Fofana

    Am i G2G? Plan is to get Son for Gundo next GW

    Mendy (Forster)
    Rudiger TAA Fofana Holding Coufal
    Salah Jota Gundo Lingard Bruno
    Kane Nacho Vydra

  28. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Those of you on WC playing Kane, Son and Davis/Burke...what are you going to do in GW33 if there's rotation?

  29. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bamford or Woods on my WC?
    Will need him to play GW32 (BB) & GW33.

    Woods has better fixtures but if I sell Bamford it'll be difficult to bring him back for the run-in as I have lots of value invested

  30. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    hey there lads! have 1,7m itb and 1ft / WC and TC available - Not sure if I should use ft or wc.. Would it be wise to save Wildcard for later? cheers.

    pope (martinez)
    dias cresswell dallas (targett veltman)
    bruno lingard raphinha son (gundo)
    dcl kane bamford

    a) raphinha -> jota
    b) hit the WC chip