Spot the Differential

Spurs, Newcastle and Man City differentials to consider for Gameweek 9 and beyond

Gameweek 9 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 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 Newcastle United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur 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.

CALLUM WILSON

  • FPL ownership: 1.1%
  • Price: £7.3m
  • GW9-13 fixtures: cry | CHE | bha | BRE | ars

Callum Wilson (£7.3m) made an instant impact upon his return to Newcastle United’s starting XI in Gameweek 8, as he netted an early goal against Tottenham Hotspur.

As a result, the 29-year-old has now found the back of the net in three of his four Premier League appearances this season, and is averaging an impressive six points per match during that time, a total that only Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m), Michail Antonio (£8.1m) and Jamie Vardy (£10.6m) can improve upon amongst all forwards.

However, this season’s form is merely a continuation of the consistency Wilson offered in 2020/21, when he produced 12 goals and six assists from 26 matches. He was also involved in 58% of his side’s goals when on the pitch, emphasising his status as the Magpies’ talisman.

Newcastle remain winless in the Premier League this season, having drawn three and lost five so far, but will hope to turn a corner against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 9 under new caretaker manager Graeme Jones, who will be desperate to get off to a good start. After that, fixtures are mixed, but it is worth noting that a pair of appealing home games against Norwich City and Burnley follow those detailed above, which does suggest that Wilson could be a solid set-and-forget option right up until early December.

With 15 Premier League goals from 30 games since his move to Tyneside, Wilson usually delivers when fit, and could be the pick of the mid-price forwards in the coming weeks.

PHIL FODEN

  • FPL ownership: 4.9%
  • Price: £8.0m
  • GW9-13 fixtures: bha | CRY | mun | EVE | WHU

With attacking returns in each of his last three Manchester City appearances in all competitions, Phil Foden (£8.0m) is surely one of the best differentials in the game right now.

The 21-year-old has been in fine form since recovering from a foot injury that kept him out of action at the start of the season, and produced an excellent assist for Joao Cancelo’s (£6.3m) opener against Club Brugge in midweek.

Interestingly, Foden played in multiple positions throughout the night, but was at his best as a false nine. However, he seems to be good wherever he plays at the moment, and though there will surely be some rotation in the coming weeks, his versatility – and form – does suggest that he will start more often than not right now.

His numbers have been particularly eye-catching, too. Since making his first start in Gameweek 6, amongst all team-mates, he ranks top for passes received in the final third, penalty area touches and successful crosses, and second for expected goal involvement (xGI).

As for City, they now take on Brighton and Hove Albion before hosting Crystal Palace in Gameweek 10. The former fixture certainly won’t be easy to navigate, especially given the Seagulls’ impressive defensive numbers throughout 2021, but at the same time, it is also worth noting that they have scored 16 goals in their last five league encounters against Graham Potter’s side.

Foden is becoming an influential figure at Man City, and with an ownership of just 4.9%, is a tempting differential route into one of the league’s most potent attacks.

TANGUY NDOMBELE

  • FPL ownership: 0.3%
  • Price: £5.8m
  • GW9-13 fixtures: whu | MUN | eve | LEE | bur

Tanguy Ndombele (£5.8m) has impressed for Tottenham Hotspur in his two most recent outings, which has coincided with a move into a more advanced, central no. 10 role.

The Frenchman was a constant threat against Newcastle United last time out, as he netted his first Premier League goal of the season, and posted match-leading totals for goal attempts, shots in the box and penalty area touches. His performance against Aston Villa in Gameweek 7 was encouraging too, as he forced a smart stop from Emiliano Martinez (£5.5m) during the second half.

There will understandably be scepticism about a move for a player who has so often flattered to deceive during his time at Spurs, but in Nuno Espirito Santo’s new 4-2-3-1 formation – which features Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (£4.9m) and Oliver Skipp (£4.5m) screening the back four in a double pivot – it does feel like Ndombele will have fewer defensive responsibilities, and in turn, be handed a platform to truly express himself in the final third.

As for Spurs, they are currently placed in fifth position in the Premier League table and have now won their last three matches in all competitions. Next up is an away trip to London rivals West Ham United, before matches against Manchester United (h), Everton (a), Leeds United (h), Burnley (a), Brentford (h) and Norwich City (h).

Ndombele has improved in each match he has played this season, and if he can nail down a starting no. 10 spot, could offer real value in the coming weeks.

354 Comments Post a Comment
  1. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On wc:
    A) son and brownhill
    B) foden and sarr

    1. GE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. GE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        If not playing Brownhill every week

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Cheers. My wc would look like this....look OK?
          Raya foster
          TAA cancelo Chilwell livra amartey
          Salah son raphinha mbuemo brownhill
          Vardy antonio toney

          1. Cheeky Onion
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Looks solid. Havertz is the flavor of the day, but don't see how you'd squeeze him in without looking Son. I like Toney and Mbuemo as picks, but not sure about the double up

            1. waltzingmatildas
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              Just not sold on havertz, maybe I'll be proved wrong.

          2. Deer-in-headlights
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            Well done.

    2. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm looking to ship out Sarr soon. Watford's form is poor and fixtures aren't great either

      1. waltzingmatildas
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, true. But he is still getting chances and is OOP and possibly on pens? Fixtures are tough, don't think they'll win many games, but think he can still score

  2. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which transfer would you prioritize for this week?

    A) Ronaldo > Vardy
    B) Benrahma > Havertz
    C) Reguilon > Cancelo/Dias

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Probably C

      1. Cheeky Onion
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        That was the original plan, but he's played 2 full 90's this week. Fear he's due a rest

  3. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    hey lads. 1ft and 3.1m itb. feel kinda weak in the defence with james.. worth a hit to change him?

    ramsdale (foster)
    taa cancelo james (duffy livramento)
    salah raphinha mbeumo mount (luiz)
    antonio lukaku* hwang

    a) lukaku->vardy
    b) lukaku->kane
    c) lukaku+mount -> vardy+son
    d) james->?

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd probably just do A or B

      1. winchester
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        currently leading my ML as well, not worth any hits, right. Which one of those lads tho?

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Both decent picks, I prefer vardy but Kane seems to be picking up form

          1. winchester
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            cheers. yeah indeed. both on pens as well.

    2. Podge
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I wouldn’t take James out no, plenty of cover there on your bench

      1. winchester
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        cheers. which striker would you replace kaku with?

        1. Podge
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I’m struggling to decide between Kane and vardy too 🙂

  4. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you choose now from these ?

    A) Son
    B) Auba
    C) City one: Foden/Mahrez/Jesus

    Also about GK ?

    1) Raya
    2) McCarthy

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A 1

    2. winchester
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A1, easy. unless son gets covid

    3. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Foden & Raya

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

    1Ft

    Lukaku to Jesus/Auba/Kane/Edouard?
    Thinking about Jesus seriously

    Ramsdale
    Trent Rudiger Dias Livra
    Salah Raph Gray Saka
    Lukaku* Vardy

    Steele Marcal Sissoko Scarlett

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Kane

  6. Podge
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I have the funds to just do lukaku to Kane but I’m not sure he’s right at the moment, other option is lukaku and Jota to vardy and havertz -4.
    Anyone got an opinion?

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      think this a great chance to hope on the kane train, 5 % ownership

  7. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1FT 2.9 itb
    Foster
    Azpi Cancelo White
    Salah Raph Saka* Sarr
    CR7 Antonio Toney

    Sanchez Brownhill Shaw Williams
    A) Saka > Havertz
    B) CR7 > Vardy
    C) Shaw > Rudiger

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I’m going b

  8. _Gunner
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    G2G and correct benching?
    Anything worth a hit?

    Sa’
    Cancelo Dias TAA Livramento
    Raphinha Mount Salah(c) Mbeumo
    Lukaku Antonio

    Subs/ Steer White King Sissokl

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      G2g

  9. DagheMunegu
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku Saka to Havertz Jesus -4?

    Yes or no ?

    1. GE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Can’t afford Vardy?

      1. DagheMunegu
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Not with Havertz

  10. GE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Wildcard good? What would you change?

    (0.2 itb)

    Ramsdale
    TAA/Cancelo/Azpi/Chilwell
    Salah/Havertz/Bernardo/Raphinha
    Vardy/Antonio

    Bench: Foster, Livramento, Brownhill, Davis

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Hmm think the bench is a bit light. Would downgrade bernado and upgrade

      1. GE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Down to Mbeuno and Davis -> Hwang? (Max 6.1)

        1. waltzingmatildas
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Yep, like that

  11. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Chance of Reece James start? Thinking I should play ESR ahead of him

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Just play James. Worst case is a cameo but if he starts or doesn't come on, it's fine too.

      Some people are even captaining him.

      1. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers Camzy……ESR on the left wing probably with Saka out….hence my concern

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I think he'll probably come off the bench anyway. I think James or Cancelo... one of them won't play.

  12. tokara
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Broja wagon gone

    1. DannyDrinkVodka
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Why is that?

      1. tokara
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Che is back

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Adams/Armstrong will be competing to start alongside him

      1. tokara
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Wow big call there

        Broja now highly rated?

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          yeah, at least for now I imagine he'll get starts. it's just whether he can keep scoring goals, whoever is starting up top will just be form dependant.

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

    CR7>Kane(C) locked and loaded. Big week incoming

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good

  14. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz or Foden? I know Havertz most likely plays up top, but Foden's stats are great

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Havertz much better for the short term, then could switch to Foden when Werner/Lukaku return

  15. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Son and Vardy
    or
    B) Kane and Foden

    1. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. drughi
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        prefer kane over vardy though

        1. Gazza2000
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I like Kane more as a captaincy option over Son as well but can't them both in... plus Kane is a nice differential to have with his 5% ownership

        2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          If prefer Vardy & the guts of 2 million change personally

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A all the way

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        thanks

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A all day, all night, all week, all month, all year

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I would have thought it would be more close though...

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          The fact that you won't captain Kane leans it massively towards A

          1. Gazza2000
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 5 months ago

            I like to have another captain option though, a lot can change within a couple of weeks.

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              2 years, 5 months ago

              That's fair

  16. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A is safer. B potentially more explosive, but I think I would go A

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      reply fail- meant for Gazza

      1. Gazza2000
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers 🙂

  17. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What would you do this for GW?

    Lukaku, Ronaldo & Armstrong > Kane, Vardy & Toney (-4)

    or

    Lukaku & Armstrong > Vardy & Toney for free

    Any ideas would be welcomed

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

      I love both moves. Think I would do B depending on the rest of your XI

    2. mataave
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B - Ronnie will probably score this weekend anyway. No need to swap to Kane for a -4. Wait until next week

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      the second one, would wait on Kane for a bit

  18. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best picks/punts for 3 gameweeks before GW12 wildcard?

    1. Jimmy Boy
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm also planning a GW12 wildcard and like the look of Broja for the next three.

      1. Boom XhakaLacaSaka
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Does look interesting just dont fancy dropping either antonio/cr7 for him

  19. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Mentioned earlier but think it got bottomed.

    Salah now reaching 65% ownership.

    Chances of him hitting 70%?

    You are already toast not owning him.

  20. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which one? (no son on the team)

    a) vardy
    b) kane

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

    2. Hangman Page
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C

  21. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is Lukaku & Docoure to Kane & Raphina worth a minus 8??

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      OPEN CONTROLS IS BACK

  22. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez
    Livra, Rudiger, Cancelo
    Salah, Traore, Benrahma, Gray
    CR7, Lukaku, Antonio

    Steele, Duffy, Marcal, Gilmour

    A) Lukaku > Vardy
    B) Lukaku & Traore > Toney & De Bruyne (-4)
    C) Lukaku & Gilmour > Broja & De Bruyne (-4)
    D) CR7, Lukaku & Gilmour > Vardy, 7.0 (ASM?) or Toney & De Bruyne (-8)
    E) Alternatives welcome

  23. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    0.1m off doing Jota > Havertz, you can't write it. Jota > Mount a good transfer for this week?

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      So, so

    2. drughi
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      0.1 off lukaku>kane and 0.1 off doing lukaku and benrahma > vardy and foden. I guess early transfers is the key

  24. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thinking time for wild card

    Current team

    Sanchez foster
    Laporte christiansen white shaw williams
    Salah raphinha esr sarr gilmour
    Lukaku ronaldo antonio

    Wc
    Sanchez foster
    Chilwell laporte white livramento ______
    Salah raphina havertz brownhill _____
    Jiminez toney ______

    A taa mbuemo ronaldo
    B christiansen son vardy

    Also any other glaring mistakes?

    Cheers.x

  25. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Kane & Gray
    Toney & KDB (-4)

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Prob first one

  26. Patio Kev
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Love this article every week as food for thought but was it written before the Lukaku injury ?

    I really like the Foden pick but am thinking Auba (3%) over Wilson as a Lukaku differential replacement.

    Also Havertz (4%) has got to be a good shout too now surely as a differential.

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      The mentioned Ndombele the article is a wash

      1. ilikewud
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        *they

      2. Patio Kev
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        0.3% owned so definitely in differential territory. Can’t be easy trying to come up with new players under 5% ownership every week.

  27. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Open Controls

  28. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Gonna rephrase my earlier question. Which transfer looks better this week, considering the hit as doubt Jota will start for the foreseeable.

    A) Jota > Mount
    B) Jota, Benrahma > Havertz, Mbeumo, -4

    1. mataave
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Would be tempted by B as I imagine Havertz is likely to rise in value with the amount of people transferring him in. Plus he's more likely to get on the score sheet playing as a CF

  29. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    May I interest you in a Permalink?

    Perhaps an Open Controls for sir?

  30. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku being sold rapidly 😮

    1. Patio Kev
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Not a big surprise, it’s a lot of money to have sat on the bench.