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. barcaa7
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Start Coady or Holding?

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

      Holding I think.

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

      Holding this week

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

    Start Bale or Watkins?
    Have Kane and Son.
    Thanks.

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

      Watkins, though I think Jose will decide it.

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

        Bale no show? Even after last week?

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

          It sounds mad saying Bale won't start but he's either not training well enough, out of favour with Mourinho or both. Seems to be no reason why a fit Bale isn't nailed on on that team which are mostly under performing. Could start him and let the bench work if he doesn't play. I think Watkins can score v Liverpool though.

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

      All of Bale's hauls have come at home this season. Doesn't mean he'll start of course but i think it's worth the risk.

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

        Tending towards agreeing with this. After last week I think Jose might rotate a bit. Moura or Lo Celso out, Bale in maybe (I hope).
        Watkins without Grealish isn't that great, even against Liverpools dodgy backline.

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

    WC, wainting for advices

    Mendy (button)
    taa diaz coady (rudiger mitchell)
    Son bruno salah jota neto
    Kane iheanacho (davis)

    * no other chips
    * 0.4 itb

    1. Jon Snow
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not super keen on having 2 bench fodder wiht this messy season, maybe upgrade mitchell

  4. Paddy Gooner
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bruno > Salah for rest of season???

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

      No.

    2. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nope

  5. 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

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’d play Raphinha over Vydra. He’s awful

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

        its newcastle!

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

    Is starting Mahrez over Son worth it on a WC for 1 week punt?

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No

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

    Martinez to Mendy worth a -4? Will then have exact cash to do Digne, Gundo, Antonio > Phillips, Salah, Iheanacho (-8) next week.

    Sanchez
    Dias, Digne, Cresswell
    Bruno, Lingard, Son, Gundo, Jota
    Bamford, Kane
    (Martinez, Antonio, Targett, Struijk)

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No

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

      No.

  8. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Repost. What you think guys? Still got WC & BB.

    A. Digne >> TAA (-4)
    B. Play WC
    C. G2G?

    Martinez
    Dias. Alonso. Digne
    Bruno. Son. Lingard. Jota. Raphinha
    Kane(C). DCL
    (McCarthy. Bamford. Coufal. Dallas)

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Its getting close to a WC, when are you thinking of playing it?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Considering WC34 and BB DGW35 now. What you think?

    2. Big Al Stankovic
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      C

  9. Blanka
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any captain Aguero love on here with me?

    Don't worry if you aren't brave enough.

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

      I raise you Matty Pereira!

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

        Great shout ha. If I was on a WC I'd definitely have him in my team at least.

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

    All set with my Bruno less WC team?

    My city leagues allow no United and I don’t play for OR atm....

    Mendy
    Dias Azpi Rudiger TAA
    Salah Jota Maddison Neto Sterling(c)
    Kane

    Forster Vydra Nacho Coufal

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

      Sterling to Son next week

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nice! I’d play Nacho over Dias or Rudiger

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

        Cheers

  11. suddenorgan
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Areola (Martinez)
    Azpi Shaw Rudiger (Tosin, Burn)
    Bruno Salah Son Lingard Raphinha
    Kane Watkins (Bamford)

    Bamford + Raphina -> Vydra + Jota for free??

    Not massive on Vydra but if he can fill in this week and then be benched forever more I'm fine with that

  12. XX SMICER XX
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    One week punt?
    - Pereira
    - Pepe
    - Gudmundsson
    - Saint-Maxim
    - JRod

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

      Whoever plays Newcastle

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

    Which 1 on WC.
    A. Mendy & Coady
    B. Leno & Fofana

  14. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mount or Madison?

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Flip a coin, I am thinking Maddison

    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Mount, because he has match practice and form.

    3. Utopsis
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Chelsea have CL 3 days after CRY, and the FA Cup Semi 3 days before BRI - dampens Mount's appeal for me (restricted minutes).

  15. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on Lingard?

    LINGARD. I have for now
    1. Is it best to stick with form or will Antonio being out probably the end of the season be too much (But do have Newcastle away on GW32)
    2. Go to Maddison early (or swap in GW33 for Lingard)

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Didn't sound like Moyes thought Antonino was out for the season based on the tweets from FFS

      1. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        He is mate. Up to 2 months out anyway

        1. Biggsy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Based on what? The Manager or the rumour mill?

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

            keeping him.

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

    Would you make any changes for my WC?
    Rudiger or D. Sanchez for the dgw?
    Mendy or Leno?

    Mendy Forester
    TAA Rudiger Coady Holding Fofana
    Salah Jota Fernandes Son Esm
    Kane Iheanacho Vydra

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      The Chelsea guys. Looks good

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

        Thanks you sure I shouldn't go with D.Sanchez for the double then take him out?

        1. Concrete
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Has its benefits but it’s a wasted transfer for me

          Spurs too inconsistent

  17. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Maddison or Mount this weekend?

    Please also state whether you like or dislike goats cheese when providing your pick?

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Both decent options

      Yes, with bacon

    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Both are good. Given Mount's form and Maddison having been away I would go with Mount.
      Am unoffended by goat's cheese, but do not actively seek it out regularly.

    3. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      It depends on form and what you are eating it on/with.

      Also Mount this weekend. Maddison long term

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

        This. Goat's cheese is good but I'll eat anything

    4. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Brendan Rodgers on James Maddison: “It was really good to get him back on the field. He’s a bit away from where his level would be. It’s important to have him back.”

      Not exactly encouraging from Rogers ... leaning towards holding mount now ...

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

    A) Fofana, Madders, Bamford (8th attacker)
    B) Veltman, ASR (8th attacker), Vardy

    1. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      A

  19. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A Mount
    B Maddison
    C Jota

  20. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Anyone got the armband on Bruno?

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not this week. Salah

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        No Salah here.
        One of TAA, Jota,Fernandes,Lacazette or Kane.

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Toying with it

      Between him and Jota here. Much prefer to attack Spurs defence than United and don't trust TAA.

  21. artvandelay316
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Pope
    Stones, Rudiger, Cresswell
    Salah (C), Bruno, Gundo, Mount, Lingard
    Kane (VC), DCL

    Subs:
    GK: Forster
    1) Dallas
    2) Bamford
    3) Mitchell

    Am I good to go?

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      How will this affect Lingard?

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      David Moyes says that he "doesn't think" Michail Antonio is going to recover for the match against Leicester City but the Hammers are otherwise not "too bad" on the injury front.

      Tweet from this very website after the presser - paints a more positive picture

  22. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mahrez should start this GW or go with Mount?

  23. tabby98
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Which WC team is better?

    A)
    Mendy, Forster
    Dias, Rudiger, Coady, Coufal, Phillips
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Jota, Lingard
    Kane, Iheanacho, Vydra

    B)
    Mendy, Forster
    Azpi, Rudiger, Dias, Shaw, Phillips
    Salah, Son, Jota, Lingard, Smith-rowe
    Vardy, Kane, Iheanacho

  24. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Captain Salah or Jota?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Salah for the pens

  25. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    WC GTG?

    Mendy
    Rüdiger Christensen Philips
    Salah Bruno Son Jota
    Aguero (c) Kane Iheanacho

    Forster Holding Amartey ESR

  26. Noob
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    The Trent allure is so strong.

    Would you sell either Digne or Cresswell to Trent for a -4?

    I don't have Salah or City mids - currently (C) on Jota but would be tempted by Trent if I did the above transfer.

  27. McPollolocco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mahrez or Rodriguez for the next gameweeks?

  28. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Right, think I'm on settled on this WC. Thoughts?

    Martinez
    Azpi Cresswell Holding Phillips
    Salah(c) Bruno Son Jota Lingard
    Kane

    Forster Nacho Shaw Davis 1.0m

  29. RedJive79
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Antonio to Nacho for -4?

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

      I've done it.

    2. artvandelay316
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do you have enough cover elsewhere (e.g. put an extra midfielder or defender on and bench Antonio?). If so, probably not worth -4. Save it for next week. If you need a forward, then yes spend the -4.

      1. RedJive79
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I can play Bamford or Veltman instead but that's it.