Spot the Differential

Armstrong a FPL differential for Gameweek 6 and beyond

Gameweek 6 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 Southampton, West Ham United and Everton 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.

ADAM ARMSTRONG

  • FPL ownership: 3.0%
  • Price: £6.0m
  • GW6-10 fixtures: WOL | che | LEE | BUR | wat

Adam Armstrong (£6.0m) has made a promising start at Southampton after joining for a reported £15m in August.

The 24-year-old took the Championship by storm last season and was second in the scoring charts with 28 goals in 40 appearances. He also registered 189 shots, more than any other player in the English leagues.

Now at Saints, he will need time to adapt to top-flight football, but has already scored against Everton and supplied an assist at Newcastle United. He also thought he’d won his side a penalty at Manchester City last weekend, only for it to be overturned by the referee at his pitch-side monitor. Blanks have arrived in three of his five fixtures, then, but it is worth noting the opposition that he is faced during that time, which has also included games against Manchester United and West Ham United.

Despite those tricky fixtures, his underlying numbers remain solid. Amongst all forwards, he ranks second for shots (16) – only trailing Michail Antonio (£7.9m) – with 11 of those attempts arriving inside the box. His 1.46 expected goals (xG) total, however, is trumped by 11 others.

Following last weekend’s 2-0 loss at home to Brentford, it’s hard to know which Wolverhampton Wanderers will turn up in Gameweek 6. The Molineux outfit’s defensive numbers have generally been good this season, but they have managed just one clean sheet during that time. A move for Armstrong also feels like more of a long-term play, given his fixtures from Gameweeks 8 to 12: Leeds United (h), Burnley (h), Watford (a), Aston Villa (h) and Norwich City (a).

At Man City last weekend, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side were superb, and with fixtures now easing, Armstrong could emerge as the best budget forward to own in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

KURT ZOUMA

  • FPL ownership: 1.1%
  • Price: £5.4m
  • GW6-10 fixtures: lee | BRE | eve | TOT | avl

West Ham United’s new signing Kurt Zouma (£5.4m) has impressed in his two appearances for the club, and quickly established himself as a key part of David Moyes’ backline.

After watching from the bench at Southampton in Gameweek 4, the 26-year-old featured from the start at Dinamo Zagreb last Thursday before facing up to Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.7m) on Sunday. Despite the Hammers conceding twice in that latter game, his performance was excellent, as he made 12 clearances as well as two crucial interventions to stop Man Utd adding to their tally.

While Zouma’s forthcoming fixtures – at least on paper – don’t scream ‘buy me’, it’s worth noting that none of his opponents are exactly firing on all cylinders going forward, while defensively, West Ham aren’t easily broken down, with the effective Declan Rice (£5.0m) and Tomas Soucek (£5.9m) screening the back four.

There is also potential for Zouma to deliver attacking returns. 

Despite limited minutes in 2020/21, he scored five Premier League goals at Chelsea, while his headed attempts per 90 minutes total was only trumped by Harry Maguire (£5.4m). That suggests that he could get some joy from set-pieces this weekend, against a Leeds United side who could be four centre-halves down and have already conceded twice from dead-ball situations this season, plus 15 times in 2020/21 – the most in the division.

Zouma could take advantage of those weaknesses, then, and be a nice differential punt with just 1.1% ownership.

ABDOULAYE DOUCOURE

  • FPL ownership: 3.2%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW6-10 fixtures: NOR | mun | WHU | WAT | wol

Abdoulaye Doucoure (£5.5m) has hit the ground running so far this season, with a goal, three assists and 27 FPL points to his name already.

The Frenchman was predominantly used in a deeper midfield role in 2020/21, but has thrived after being handed more attacking responsibility by Rafa Benitez. That has been especially apparent when Everton use a 4-3-3 formation, which enables Doucoure to roam and have more influence in the final third.

He has also impressed defensively, as he leads the way amongst all midfielders for ball recoveries (45) and ranks in the top 10 for aerial duels won.

There will understandably be reservations about investing in the Toffees’ assets after their heavy loss at Villa Park in Gameweek 5, but I do think that it was a more even contest than the scoreline maybe suggested, while it’s also worth noting that the defeat was their first of the campaign.

Encouragingly for Everton’s forward players, this weekend’s opponents – Norwich City – have made plenty of defensive mistakes since returning to the Premier League. Across their five opening matches, they have conceded 14 goals, and while they have had a tough start against Liverpool, Man City, Leicester City and Arsenal – they struggled against Watford last weekend, giving up six big chances in the process.

With Benitez’s gameplan based around getting lots of crosses in the box via the impressive Andros Townsend (£5.4m), Demarai Gray (£5.8m) and Lucas Digne (£5.4m), Doucoure could thrive this weekend, and given that three of his next four fixtures at home, could be an effective midfield differential.

296 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bullet Eder
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Can Bamford drop or can Antonio rise tonight? Would rather wait for tomorrow's press conferences but have exact cash to do the swap.

    1. Oooo Matron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Antonio is fine, get him in.

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If you bought Bamford for 7.9 then you don't need to do the move tonight.

  2. Oooo Matron
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best Bamford replacement? Leaning towards Maupay, good from & good fixtures.

    A) Dennis
    B) Jiminez
    C) ASM
    D) Maupay
    E) Wood

    1. Scrumper
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      F) Armstrong

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

      G) Pukki

    3. Twisted Melon
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      G

  3. Kryptonite666
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    do we think Marcal starts ? need to decide if I want to sell Raph.

    Would you sell Raph for Sarr for 1 FT if Marcal is first on bench?

    1. 824545201
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Is Raph even confirmed out?

      1. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        50/50 I think

      2. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Would not want him with a crocked Leeds team anyway.

  4. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ftg for this week?, rolling 1 ft for Lukaku and Chelsea defender move next week.

    Sanchez
    Taa, Shaw, Coady
    Salah, Jota, Grealish, Raphina, Benrahma
    Ronaldo, Antonio

    Livramento, White, 4.5m fw

  5. HD7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) Save and just play Marcal
    B) Raph to Benrahma
    C) Raph to Gallagher

    Ramsdale
    Trent James Dias Livra
    Salah Raph* Gray Sarr
    Ronaldo Lukaku

    Steele Marcal Sissoko Scarlett

    1. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Same dilemma as you. I’m leaning tieards selling for Sarr

      1. Kryptonite666
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        You already have Sarr. So maybe gallagher.

        Will Gallagher Gray Sarr worry you - too much reliance on cheap mids ?

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

    I think I am getting Armstrong for bam

    Play in 6

    Bench in 7 and bring in a premium def with the change (4 at the back)

    Play 7 onwards

    Stats look OK and saints will hopefully up turn after a couple of decent draws against city and United so far

    1. LeSof
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I’m thinking the same

  7. 824545201
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    On a WC, need advice for a midfield spot:

    A) Keep Benrahma
    B) Raphinha (might be injured)
    C) Sarr

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I would keep Benrahma

  8. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you rather get rid of this week

    Jota or Greenwood?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Greenwood

    2. Kryptonite666
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      You could hold both

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Not with Ronaldo being a hoover

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Greenwood

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

    Do Semedo and Raph
    To
    Alonso and Gallagher?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      yes imo

  10. mcginnntonic
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Already made a trf this week, worth taking a -4 to remove bamford? Can play Liv or Rudiger instead

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

      I'm playing Livra. Don't like any replacement options.

  11. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hey fam! Save FT & GTG?

    Sanchez
    TAA Shaw Livramento
    Salah Bruno Sarr Gray Odegaard
    Ronaldo(C) Antonio

    Steele Ayling Tsimikas Scarlett

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

      Save ft. Very nice

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

      Sure.

    3. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Save. Nice team

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Save. Looks great.

    5. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers everyone

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

    Bachman (doubtful to play) to Ramsdale for a hit? Probably won't pay off this week but it's a long term move correcting a mistake.

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

      I would

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

        Yea no WC to correct the mistake. Don't want to pay more than 4.5 and he seems like the best option until the 2nd WC.

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

    I don’t own ronaldo, heavily tempting to go Antonio over salah … am i mad?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I like Antonio and have him but I like Salah much much more so no from me.

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

        Ok mate. Just cos it’s Salah or anything else? Brentford have looked decent

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Salah has 50 points already. At this rate he will eclipse his record of 303 points.

          If you have him then do not get rid. If you don't have then obviously your choice.

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

      Not mad by any means. Depends on what you want to achieve. High-risk high reward if it pays off.

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

        ..... Sometimes !

  14. Grounderz
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Owners, if you have both, would you keep both Raphinha and Greenwood? Or sell either one of them for Sarr?

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

      I would keep for this week as Greenwood will play and Raph probably needs benching; however long term I think Raph will be better

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

        Need to keep monitoring the news on Raphinha. That said, would you start Raphinha or Livramento?

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

          I would start Raph - I think it’s 70+ minutes or nothing

  15. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Torres to Greenwood or Sarr?

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

      Keep

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Why?

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

          Cos city’s fixtures are coming good and I think he plays vs Chelsea

          1. Jullepuu
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 6 months ago

            Thinking about a gw8 wildcard and they have 2 tough games right now + he started in the cup which isn't good news

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sarr

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

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

      Sarr. GW is not a good option anymore. Shot volume down after Ronaldo came. Rashy back in a bit, might not be a starter after that.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        True. Thanks

  16. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Mane + Jesus > Sarr + Ronaldo (C) -4?

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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

      No

  17. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    lol was just about to ask about armstrong as a replacement for bamford, no need now 🙂

  18. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Antonio price locked and Bamford won't drop tonight, right?

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

      Antonio locked until 25 Sep 11:21 PM, GMT.

      Bamford delta is close to 1/2m but that could tumble on Friday/Saturday unless he gets a lock

  19. Fpl_Ludwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is this worth a -4?
    Traore to Gray

    and

    Raph to Sarr/Benrahma

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

      No

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

    Better option here

    A Raph to Sarr (-4)
    B play Raph, Gilmour first sub

  21. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Used my Wildcard in gw5 because I had Antonio, DCL, Tsimikas and co to get in the likes of TAA, Reece James, Bamford and Raphinha.

    Such luck.

    Anyway, what would y'al do with this team?


    TAA* - Semedo - James*
    Raphinha* - Jota - Salah - Gray
    Ronaldo - Antonio - Bamford***

    Subs: Steele - Livramento - Williams - Sissokho.

    With 1 FT and 0.3m itb, what would you do with this team?

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

      Hold Bamford and play Livra against wolves

    2. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      why is there a star next to james?

      1. Bartowski
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        because he's out of this world?

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

    Foster or Begovic as second keeper on a wildcard? Ta

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

      Foster place to get back possibly, Begovic is always reserve

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Foster

  23. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Best option:

    A) Play Ben White (home to Spurs)

    B) Bamford to Armstrong (-4)

    Cheers.

  24. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Is Bamford confirmed as out? Can’t see it in the tweets bit.

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

      From FFS

      Llorente, Koch and Bamford won’t be available. And the rest of them I couldn’t tell you if they will be or if they won’t be.” – Marcelo Bielsa

      By the “rest of them”, Bielsa was referring to Jack Harrison (illness/match fitness), Raphinha and Ayling.

      “Don’t think I’m holding back information, but the initial response that I gave you: I said that Koch, Llorente and Bamford would not participate. These three cases that you made reference to, they are subject to their evolution on whether that will allow them to participate. If I said that they would definitely play or they weren’t going to play, neither of those things are certain.

      “With regards to the protocols, [Harrison] would be in condition to play. But just because the rules say he can does not mean he will be ready to play.” – Marcelo Bielsa

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Ah thanks. What a shame. I’ve had such a nice start to the season and made my first luxury transfer and an early one at that. I’ll struggle to get 9 out at this rate.

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

          Ooh

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

      he is but starting him just in case

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Bielsa apparently said in his presser - quote unquote

      “He’s fcked lads, properly banjaxed - won’t make it for the weekend. Cheers”

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

        lol, Google translate Está jodido con muchachos, con el banjax adecuado; no lo logrará el fin de semana.

        He's screwed with boys, with the right banjax; he won't make it on the weekend. 🙂

      2. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Was he doing a Roy Keane impression?

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

          🙂

      3. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Just trying to figure out banjaxed in Spanish.

  25. Tripleh123
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Repost.Looking ahead , looking to triple up on Chelsea players, which option is preferred? Have Lukaku & Alonso

    a) Rudiger
    b) Kovacic
    c) Mount
    d) James

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

      A

    2. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I bet rudriger will be the benched one upcoming gws.

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

        I think B C and D will be the benched one upcoming GW's too

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

    This team g2g for the weeks ahead?

    Sanchez (foster)
    TAA - Livramento - Marcel (Rudiger/Williams)
    Salah - Gray - Benrahama - Sarr
    Ronaldo - Lukaku - ASM

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

      Play Rudiger

      1. Crooky
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Think CS more likely than Saints against Wolves?

        Is TAA + SM > Antonio + Dias in the long run

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

          I think Saints V Wolves and Chelsea V Man City will be low-scoring. But Rudiger > Marcel, he might even be dropped Marcel for Ait Nouri, as he was subbed for concussion, but looks fine according to the press (not FPL though)

          I have the same dilemma with Livra or Semedo, but it will be both if Raphina is out.

  27. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which 2 would you get rid of this week

    Ayling
    Dier
    Bachmann (already have Raya)

    Any ideas would be welcomed

  28. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    A) Sissoko
    B) Gray / Docoure / Townsend (-4)

  29. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    I have raphinha ayling and no one on the bench (tsimi obafemi)

    What you suggest

    1. Take a hit
    2. Start a wc
    3. Keep possible 1 point..

  30. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Which would you have?

    1) Salah (c), ASM, Bruno
    2) Salah, CR7 (c), Benrahma, -4

    With Bam injury, thinking about going for Ronaldo - option 2), until GW9 - switch to Kaku. Thoughts?

    1. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2

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

      Bam injury as good an excuse as any to get Ron.

    3. Maeki2
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      2 is essentials its a nobrainer