Spot the Differential

Low-owned FPL pick Aubameyang can exploit Norwich in Gameweek 4

Gameweek 4 is almost upon us, which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some more Fantasy Premier League (FPL) differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Arsenal, Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers 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.

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG

  • FPL ownership: 1.7%
  • Price: £9.9m
  • GW4-8 fixtures: NOR | bur | TOT | bha | CRY

It feels strange to include a player like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£9.9m) in this section of our coverage, but the Gabon international comes into Gameweek 4 sitting in just 1.7% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squads.

Having lost all three Premier League games so far, conceding nine in the process and failing to score a single goal themselves, there will understandably be reservations about investing in Arsenal assets, let alone a premium forward.

However, it’s worth noting that the Gunners have faced back-to-back matches against arguably the best two teams in Europe, and with key personnel – including Gabriel (£5.0m), Ben White (£4.4m) and Thomas Partey (£5.0m) – all set to be available for selection in Gameweek 4, Aubameyang should at least have a platform to rediscover his best form.

Encouragingly, there were glimpses of the ‘old’ Aubameyang against West Bromwich Albion in last month’s EFL Cup tie, albeit against lower-league opposition. The 32-year-old bagged a well-taken hat-trick, and will now hope to open his Premier League account for the season against the leakiest defence in the division – Norwich City – tomorrow afternoon. Aubameyang has an excellent recent record against the Canaries, too, scoring twice against them both home and away back in 2019/20.

The introduction of Martin Odegaard (£5.5m) could also be key. The Norwegian created a whopping 12 chances against Gibraltar during the international break, while last season’s performances also suggest that he can supply Mikel Arteta’s frontline with the type of service they crave.

Investing in Aubameyang is the ultimate differential punt in Gameweek 4, and while it does carry some risk, he might just be worth a look.

ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN

  • FPL ownership: 3.0%
  • Price: £5.0m
  • GW4-8 fixtures: AVL | tot | MCI | SOU | bre

Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) has been a crucial part of Thomas Tuchel’s defence this season, having started and completed 90 minutes in all three Premier League matches.

There is bound to be some rotation moving forward, but with 36 clean sheets in his last 48 appearances, he may well have edged ahead of Thiago Silva (£5.4m) in the pecking order, at least for now.

The 25-year-old academy graduate found himself on the periphery of the squad last season, but has caught the eye in the clean sheet wins over Crystal Palace and Arsenal, while stepping up to help the Blues keep Liverpool at bay despite going down to 10 men following Reece James’ (£5.6m) red card in Gameweek 3. 

Defensively, amongst team-mates, he ranks top for interceptions and clearances, and second for aerial duels won and recoveries, which does suggest that he should do well for bonus if they can keep a clean sheet in the coming matches.

Following his international run-outs against Scotland and Faroe Islands, the 25-year-old is expected to start against Aston Villa in Gameweek 4. Dean Smith’s side have managed just nine shots on target against Watford (a), Newcastle United (h) and Brentford (h) combined, while Chelsea’s fixture run between Gameweeks 7 and 11 is particularly appealing too.

Christensen hands FPL managers a cheap route into one of the best defences in Europe, and providing you have a playing bench who can sometimes step in, he looks like an excellent option for our backlines.

FRANCISCO TRINCAO

  • FPL ownership: 0.8%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW4-8 fixtures: wat | BRE | sou | NEW | avl

Francisco Trincão (£5.9m) has enjoyed a promising start to life at Wolverhampton Wanderers, starting all three Premier League matches and bagging his first goal for the club in the 4-0 EFL Cup win over Nottingham Forest.

Encouragingly, the Portuguese international is improving with each game, and came close to opening his Premier League account against Manchester United in Gameweek 3, only to be denied by an excellent goal-line clearance by Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m). He later scuffed a shot wide when in a decent goalscoring position, too, which does suggest that he needs to work on his finishing, but the fact he is getting into these positions is of course a positive.

Despite losing three matches in a row, Wolves have faced tough opponents in Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Man Utd, and for those eyeing up their attacking assets, the underlying numbers do point to a change of fortunes. 

Offensively, Wolves boast the third-highest expected goals (xG) from open-play tally (4.39), ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool, while their 57 goal attempts and 36 shots in the box also stand-out. 

The next step for Lage’s men is to turn convert those numbers into points, and handily for the Molineux outfit, they now have one of the best runs of fixtures in the division from Gameweek 4 onwards, stretching right the way through to Gameweek 14.

It was also noted by Stevie Eye Test FPL in his excellent Wolves analysis, due to Trincão’s ability in tighter spaces, these next matches against low-block terms may actually suit him more.

Despite Daniel Podence (£5.5m) pushing for a start, it seems likely that Trincão will get the nod again at Watford, and priced at just £5.9m, could be a nice differential option given his schedule.

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2,203 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Need little help here?!?!?

    Sanchez
    TAA-Shaw-Tanganga-Ayling
    Salah-Bruno-Ben-Greenwood
    Ings-Antonio

    Buendia,Tsimikas,Obafemi

    A. Ings to DCL
    B. Buendia to Saka
    C. Ayling to Tierney
    D. A+ B (-4)
    E. A+ C (-4)

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      D for me. Early season hits arent fatal

  2. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I’ve lost track
    1) is Richarlison eligible?
    2) worth selling Wilson for a hit? Budget 9.9, bench Brownhill Ayling Omo, already own Antonio/Ings

  3. Eye Test Dave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Kane v palace, guaranteed to play being ignored v Ronaldo who may start / may be on pens. Decent differential

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Decent but it’s been a long time since we blew defensive teams away, especially away from home

      Also I saw the last 6 results of this fixture, look them up if you want, I think they all involved only 1 goal

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Just feel that Nuno style wont result in lots of goals

  4. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On WC so for the long run:

    A) Ronaldo, Christiansen, Sanchez
    B) Lukaku , James, Sa ( have White to cover James this week)

  5. niaz1982
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the return of Cristiano Ronaldo: "Everyone is very happy to have him back. Looking forward to Saturday. He has had a good pre-season and played for the national team. He will get on the pitch at some point that’s for sure.

    1. niaz1982
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cue slight worry trigger was pulled too soon to bring him in

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

        He will start. Starting Ronaldo will boost the Old Trafford crowds which gives benefit for the home team.

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I think he’ll come on as a sub

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      This would nearly convince me more that he'll start than if Solskjaer actually came out and said he was going to start

  6. StevenW
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I’m wildcarding GW7, until then…

    Ings + Pogba -> Ronaldo + Traore (-8)?

  7. Cruicky
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    As it stands,

    Callum Wilson ruled out, Son likely out.

    Almiron (NEW/Paraguay), Jimenez (WOL/Mexico) & Sierralta (WAT/Chile) all expected to be allowed to play.

    No decision yet on the Brazilian players. Richarlison is eligible to play.

    1. niaz1982
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Firminho out

      1. Cruicky
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Firmino ruled out this weekend + midweek at the least it sounds like - Klopp didn't mention a time frame sadly.

    2. AleksaMaster
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Did Nuno say something about Son?

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You don't know that Son is 'likely out', just that he's a doubt. His powers of recovery when people think he will be out are legendary.

    4. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers

  8. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Bruno and Ings to Greenwood and Ronaldo -4?

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

    Scenes when Ferran Torres and Ronaldo starts from bench in gw4 😉

    1. Jaws
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Fully expecting them both on the bench

    2. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Scenes when they haul and you're in tears 🙂

  10. Rbyrne95
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4.5 mid?

    Also - Jimenez and Semedo or DCL and Marcal?

  11. Tibbs
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What say you, talk to me:

    1) Barnes + Ings>> Jota + DCL
    2) Toney + Bruno>> Ronaldo + Torres
    3) Ings + Bruno >> Ronaldo + Jota
    4) Ings + Barnes + Bruno>> Ronaldo + Jota + Torres (8.3m) -4

  12. Mince n Tatties
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ole on Ronnie...

    He will get on the pitch at some point that’s for sure...

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hmm, not quite as I expected.

    2. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Why change the quote? He said "be" not "get".

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He might have said get, my bad.

  13. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Martin Lipton says all PL clubs have agreed to ignore the Brazilian ban on players and play them this weekend. He seems to know more than the likes of Pep and Klopp who dont know if they will be allowed to play their Brazilian stars....

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Funny thing is the penalty is supposed to be a 3-0 loss for any team that disobeys FIFA on this, so how will they decide whether Leeds or Liverpool takes it when Alisson, Fabinho and Raphinha play?

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If Leeds and Liverpool both play their Brazilians, there can't be any punishment really, as the current rule is Fifa could impose the forfeit of a 3-0 defeat on teams who ignore the five-day ruling and field ineligible players.

      They can't both lose 3-0 can they?

  14. George James
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best move for this bunch? 1FT 3.3 ITB

    Sanchez
    TAA • White • Shaw
    Son* • Bruno • Gundo • Benny
    Antonio • Ings • Toney

    Steele / Ayling / Tsimi / Brownhill

    A) Son >> Salah

    B) Ings >> DCL

    C) Ings + Son >> Ronaldo + Jota -4

    D) Something else??

  15. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ronaldo super sub

  16. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What a comment on Ronaldo that is from Ole, a thing of beauty

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      People going into panic mode

    2. Harry the Hack
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      what comment?

      1. excellor8
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the return of Cristiano Ronaldo: "Everyone is very happy to have him back. Looking forward to Saturday. He has had a good pre-season and played for the national team. He will get on the pitch at some point that’s for sure.

    3. ClassiX
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah - absolutely - was thinking the same. Can be interpreted by both schools of thought as confirming their position. Very cunning... 🙂

  17. wildnothing
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Foster Bachmann
    TAA Shaw Coufal Veltman Livramento
    Salah Bruno Benrahma Greenwood Brownhill
    Ings Toney Antonio

    What do you guys think of Ings and Bruno to Ronaldo and Jota for free?

  18. AppleDunk
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Worth starting Ben White over the likes of Coufal?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Probably.

  19. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    "He’ll definitely be on the pitch at some point, that’s for sure."

    Surely means he will start on the bench?

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Ole is a grade A bullsh!tter

      1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah I actually am more confident that he starts now than at any other point

        1. Hiiler
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Same thoughts here. Lukaku started right away, Why should Ronaldo be benched. 🙂

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sounds that way.

    3. Gazza2000
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Can't see it, he will start imo

    4. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It's meaningless. Whether he starts or comes on as a sub, people will claim the signs were there in advance.

    5. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Come on guys, Ole trying to play it cool.

      He definitely starts.

      1. Hiiler
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Trying to not show "his cards" to Newcastle. United.

  20. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    The notification marks a further deterioration in relations between clubs and Fifa, who could impose the forfeit of a 3-0 defeat on teams who ignore the five-day ruling and field ineligible players.

    This was the stance (probably still is, yesterday).

    However will

    A) FPL reverse the points if the clubs ignore the rule, and this was implied.
    B) Leeds play Liverpool, so if both played Raphinha and Allison, they can't both lose 3-0 can they? 🙂

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

      For the purpose of the league table they can. 0 points and 3 goals against, for both teams.

  21. shanebuckz
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    What two out of these 3 would ye pick and why??
    A) traore
    B) gray
    C) saka

  22. Mcgugan
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    With the Ronaldo comment, i'm now on Salah captain.

    Crazy thought though - could Jota be a great differential captain over Salah?!

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      salah has performed better with firmino on the pitch compared to with jota

  23. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On the pitch "at some point"? For 11.5? Captain? I think not.

    1. Harry the Hack
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      *12.5

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      12.5....

  24. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone put off bringing in / captaining ronaldo (v) due to oles vagueness??

    Cheers

    1. FPL Brains
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah.

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

      I am on the fence dropping Bruno, that comment has cemented my thoughts, holding Bruno one more week.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Gosh....so tough....I might bring ronaldo in and captain salah.. no idea

    3. DB_00
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah. Thinking to keep Kane for Palace then switch after now

    4. JoeShmoe
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      no he'll start 100%, home at OT vs Newcastle, be like a pre season game for him

    5. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, captain for me

  25. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Gotta play FF with your brain not your heart.

    Think that means I'll have to pass on Ronaldo till Chelsea's fixtures turn for the worse.

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Keeping hold of Bruno then? Does he get the armband for you?

      1. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I'm weighing up Salah vs Lukaku. If I play it super safe, it'll be Salah.

  26. StevenW
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which forward gets most points over next 3 GW’s?

    1. Matjes_taet
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      DCL or Auba.

  27. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    If Ronaldo doesn't start it's because the club want to unveil him before the game for marketing purposes just like they did with Varane.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Cristiano Ronaldo’s role for #MUFC against #NUFC: “He's been having a good pre-season with Juventus, he’s played for the national team, he’s had a good week with us here. He will definitely be on the pitch at some point, that's for sure”

    https://twitter.com/SimonPeach/status/1436305960281255940?s=19

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Varane was different though wasnt it? I dont think he had trained at all with the squad as was isolating and the reveal was his first day allowed with the squad.

      Ronaldo been training since Weds. Seems a lot different.

    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      don't think we learnt anything from this comment. As if he wasn't going to be on the pitch at some point
      for me it's whether you think he can/will brace and outscore bruno by a hit. if not I think its safer to wait at least a week

      1. Fitzy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I think we learnt that less will be captaining him

    3. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      😆

    4. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’ll get him regardless, but am marginally more tempted to Captain Salah over him now

  28. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Son not looking good then....

    Any news on Lukaku?

    1. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Trained yesterday, should be fine

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

    2. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lukaku that is

  29. Harry the Hack
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ings, Ronaldo -> DCL, Bruno (-4)?

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      too many forwards

    2. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Lol.

      Ronaldo will start, Ole playing mind games