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Four Sky Sports Fantasy differentials who can replace injured players

Fantasy Football Scout are delighted to be partnering with Sky Sports Fantasy Football this season – bringing you even more content on the popular, free-to-enter game.

Our resident experts Luke Williams and Niall Murphy are recording every week throughout the season on our new, dedicated Sky Sports Fantasy Football channel so you get the very best insight and advice.

There’ll also be articles to come from the pair throughout the campaign.

Fantasy Football Scout and Sky Sports Fantasy Football to join forces in 2021/22 1

With injuries mounting, Niall this week reveals his pick of the options under 5% ownership for those in the market for budget-friendly, dependable differential picks.

As attention turns towards a hectic festive fixture schedule for Sky managers, unfortunately too many of us are continuing to face something of an autumn injury and rotation crisis.

In an October-November period where prudence on transfers is so often rewarded later in the season, many find themselves in the unavoidable scenario where dipping into the market is the only option.

That’s why this article seeks not only to highlight the traditional ‘differential’ picks that come with a high level of risk, but dependable, under-the-radar and well-priced alternatives that could serve managers for the medium to long-term – and all under 5% owned.

Aymeric Laporte (9.1) – 4.6% owned in top 1k

I did tell you these were going to be solid picks. Top of the tree is the joint-third highest points scoring defender in the game this season with 58 points from his seven starts. With over 0.9 points per minute per game so far this season, the Spanish centre-back is well inside the top 10 best value players, which really begs the question – why do only 46 of the top 1,000 managers have him in their teams?

Competition and rotation fears with John Stones (9.2) appears likely to be the main reason. However, 10 Gameweeks into this season, it appears the matter is settled in Laporte’s favour. With a 1.5m price saving over his defensive counterpart,, and an equal, if not superior propensity to pick up passing bonus, I think that Laporte could be the optimal route into a double Man City defence, alongside Joao Cancelo (9.5).

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (8.1) – 1.2% owned in top 1k

The holding midfielder is about as safe a pick as they come. Destined it seems to play almost every minute of every game, he’s starting again to show why he was so popular in Sky last season. After a slow start under Nuno Espirito Santo, it may yet be too early to predict with certainty that the Spurs man is back to his best, but if his recent run of form is anything to go by, the signs are visible.

The Dane has picked up passing bonus three times in his last four, adding tackles to that on two occasions. He also seems to be getting into the final third more often, registering a shot on target in each of his last three games. This upturn in output, if sustained, could see Hojbjerg considered in the ‘set and forget’ category of midfielders, where security of starts and consistent, steady points returns prove superior over more sporadic picks who often lead to needless transfers. Another string to the midfielder’s bow is that he could offer an alternative captain cover for single match days where a transfer to Harry Kane (12.0) or Son Heung-min (10.8) could be saved.

Hwang Hee-chan (7.8) – 4.4% owned in top 1k

Probably the highest risk pick of the players in this article, I think Hwang could be the ideal differentialCheaply priced, strong short-term fixtures, playing out of position and in form – with an obvious standalone captaincy – I think Gameweek 12’s Monday fixture versus Everton could be the right time to pull the trigger on him.

So far, the South Korean talisman has scored in two of his four league starts, which included a brace and man of the match award at home to Newcastle. He also bagged off the bench on his debut against Watford. Clearly, he has an eye for goal and despite otherwise limited exposure in front of goal, a generous run of fixtures is (EVE, cpl, WHU, nor, BUR) still to come. For those without a captain for Monday’s individual match-day against Everton, the budget-friendly midfielder could be the ideal replacement for those facing injuries and rotation issues. Like most midfielders around Hwang’s price, he does come with the caveat that he will likely return a relatively high number of two-pointers versus other, more consistent returners like Hojbjerg, Youri Tielemans (8.5) and James Ward-Prowse (8.6). He may also face pressure for his place from Adama Traore (7.9), Francisco Trincao (7.8) and Daniel Podence (7.4) in the longer term.

Lewis Dunk (8.2) – 5.0% owned in top 1k

Dunk sailed under the radar for much of last season and ended 2020/21 as one of the highest points scorers in the game. Already he has raced into the top 10 defenders in terms of points scored despite deflated passing numbers, resulting from the presence of Shane Duffy (6.6) which has seen Dunk pushed out to right centre-back. He’s also yet to pop up with a trademark goal or man of the match award, but his performances suggest neither could be far away, registering shots on target in three of the last five games.

Crucially, with the benching of Duffy, the Brighton captain has moved back into a more central role in one of the league’s sternest defences. If Duffy continues to sit out, then Dunk once again will become one of the best value players in the game. Following the game against Liverpool, the Seagulls embark on a strong set of fixtures (new, avl, LEE, whu, SOT) where clean sheets and passing bonus could be consistently achieved. Dunk also offers the perfect price-replacement for the likes of Andreas Christensen (8.3), Joel Matip (8.4), Marcos Alonso (7.9), Ismaila Sarr (7.8) and Said Benrahma (7.8). 

465 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Scooby75
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Play up!

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

    What changes besides Raya would you make to this team for GW11?

    Foster Raya
    Trent Chilwell Cancelo Livra Duffy
    Salah Foden Son Mount Hojbjerg
    Vardy Edouard Broja

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Salah > Trossard

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

        Comment of the day 🙂

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

      None

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

        Worried that Broja may be out for a while with his ankle but guess I can keep him on my bench.

        Might do something with Edouard if he does not get going.

        1. Stranger Mings
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Can you afford either hwang or Toney

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

            Nope 0 ITB.

            I could do Edouard to Hwang pending how both fair this GW.

  3. Reacher
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Thought plz guys

    A, Lukaku to Kane

    B, Lukaku to Jesus

    C, lukaku to Jesus & Gray to Foden (-4)

    All the above depends on TT’s presser but by the sounds of it big Rom will be out

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

      B.

    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      b

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

      Do you have Vardy or are you sparing cash for the likes of Son?

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

        By going for Jesus?

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

          I’m not a Vardy fan, happy to look daft but he’s not a player I want.

    4. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      Do you already have Toney?

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

      C

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

        No but got Mbeuno

  4. aleksios
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here? 2.4itb.

    --Sanchez
    --Rudi--Chilwell--Cancelo--TAA
    --Salah--Sarr--Gray--
    --Vardy--Antonio--Hwang.

    --Steele--Livra--Raphinia--Gallagher.

    Thanks guys. 

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      nah gtg

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

      Liking that back four and considering it myself. Only need Rudi to have same.

    3. Toby Lerone
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Sarr to foden?

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

      I'd do Gray to Foden

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

    No need for a hot but that bench wi haunt you IMO

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

      Hit**

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

    final two spots on wildcard, appreciate your thoughts.

    A) R.James and Broja (bench Broja and hope his injury isnt too bad)
    B) Rudiger and 4.5 att as bench fodder
    C) Cheaper D (Mitchell or Jansson) and Hwang

    Rest of team

    Sanchez Foster
    Chilwell Trent Livra Cancelo
    Foden Salah Jota Mbeumo Son
    Antonio Toney

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

        cheers and in B, would you go Rudi or James?

        1. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Rudi. You have Chilwell, get Rudi for a little nailedness.

    2. Stranger Mings
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I have gone mount over jota on WC as worried about jota game time ?

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

        I am but building a WC with rotation in mind and have a strong bench. I just feel with everyone owning trent and mo, where are you getting upside from liverpools form vs the crowd, stat wise the best attacking team in the league. Unless you get Mane but at 12m he isnt quite proving value

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Robertson. I'm going Rudiger to Robbo in GW12

    3. Original Sin
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      James and Broja for me as I don't see any point of having a 4.5 attacker where you might need good bench cover.

      You could go for a cheap Def, in that case you will play 343 or 352 and that will give you a good bench imo.

      However having James/Rudi is tempting because of the upside, if you are feeling lucky go for James/Rudi and if you want to play safe for for 3.

      1. Original Sin
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Not 3, C*

  7. No Totti No Party
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Will Armstrong replace Broja ?

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

      possibly but could easily be Che Adams and Redmond.

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

      Maybe, yes.

    3. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I reckon it will be Adams

  8. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Can anyone give my arithmetical insight on owning Chilwell and Alonso with Livramento as a sub,
    Is it likely to pay or not?
    The above will have decent bench options in any event.
    Cheers in advance

    1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Go for Chilwell and James. Double delight..

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        i actually have

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

      Alonso may not end up playing much in the PL now by the look of how Chilwell has 3 x 90 minutes in a row.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        That is the question. It could revert to easy games for Alonso and hard for Chilwell. Jointly scored 74 points in 700 minutes. Only salah outperforming that stat.

    3. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I think Chilwell is going to nail down the spot and owning Alonso will be a bit of a waste

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Probably. Who knows

    4. Steve
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      it's like paying 12m for a defender. Would you do that? What's the most you'd pay for the best defender in the game? Surely no more than 8m? Just get Chilwell with Livra as cover. Stats suggest that if chilwell doesn't start he doesn't get a cameo either.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        I hear you but not quite. If you only had one and a 4.5 alternative. one is paying 1.3 on top of the 6 mil. It would be similar to having a Trent I expect.

  9. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Foster
    TAA Cancelo James
    Salah Foden Saka Raph* Mbeumo*
    Vardy Antonio

    Ramsdale Livra Armstrong Duffy

    G2G and save FT? 1.1 ITB

    If Raph is out then could go to Mount
    Or should I do Armstrong to Toney now?… but then bench who?

  10. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Chillwell will start. So i'd just go Chilwell and Livra

  11. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Good to go for this week?

    Sanchez
    TAA - Rudiger - Cancelo - Chilwell
    Salah (c) - Son - ESR
    Antonio - Vardy - Toney

    Steele - Gray - Livra - Sissoko

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

      Yes mate, solid.

    2. Meme2011
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      GREAT LINE UP

    3. dshv
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Good

    4. Kodap
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Lovely stuff, thanks chaps

  12. Friday's Press Conference Times
    Skonto Rigga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Morning folks, 15 press conferences today starting imminently:

    Bielsa - 9am
    Smith - 9.30am
    Arteta - 10am
    Klopp - 12pm
    Pep - 12.30pm
    Lage - 1pm
    Vieira - 1pm
    Solskjaer - 1pm
    Benitez - 1.15pm
    Tuchel - 1.30pm
    Moyes - 1.30pm
    Jones - 1.30pm
    Rodgers - 1.30pm
    Nuno - 2pm
    Farke - 2.45pm

  13. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    This is how I will roll. Plan is Sarr -> Mount/Mbuemo next week.

    Sanchez
    TAA Livramento Rudiger
    Salah Jota Foden Sarr
    Jimenez Antonio Vardy

    Steele White* Brownhill Amartey

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Looking good

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

      Interesting, you have no City defence. You planning on getting or just going without?

      1. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Want to see if they keep a CS against Palace. If I really want a City D, I will probably consider using WC to bring in others I like too. Or just a -4 and upgrade White next week to Cancelo/Dias.

  14. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I think Maxwell Cornet is going under the radar. Watched him a couple of times and he reminds me of Antonio. Burnley have decent fixtures coming up too.

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

      Agree, looks a real talent, tenacious.

    2. Will Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely on my radar - just holding off due to Dyche talking about managing his minutes whilst he adjusts, but he is definitely in the mix for my next moves

  15. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    To play?

    1. Saka or mbeumo
    2. Ramsdale or foster

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

      Mbuemo Foster

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

    Play 2 please chaps:

    A. Hwang
    B. Mbeumo
    C. Raphinha

    1. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B and C

    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      a and c

      mbeumo is a post-hitting merchant

  17. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1453997417762799622?s=20

    Raphinha likely to be available. Bamford's still out

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      good news that!

  18. KirkhamWesham
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Who to bench?
    Livramento or Townsend?

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'd always bench the defender

    2. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Remember that prices are set by a small group of people ahead of the season, all lacking crystal balls

      With that in mind: if Livra and Townsend were the same price, who'd you bench in GW10?

  19. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    1ft and 1.1itb. Save ft? Bench correct?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Cancelo Dias James
    Salah Raphinha* Mbeumo*
    Vardy Jimenez Antonio

    Foster; Saka, Livramento, Brownhill

    1. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes with Raphina & Mbeumo looking to be ok I would save.

      GTG.

    2. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah all good. Nice team

  20. hustler7
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Pulled my WC last week and got 101 points which I was very happy with. However I have been hit with loads of injuries and James and Foden not 100% to start (I knew this when pulling the WC which is why I have a strong bench) what to do? 1FT. ) 0 ITB.

    Raya* Foster
    TAA James Dias Livramento Duffy
    Foden Salah Raphina* Mbuemo* Havertz
    Vardy Ings Broja*

    Raya to Fernandez or Guatia or Ramsdale? Then is anything worth a hit? If Mbeumo and Raphina are fit I'm ok. Any thoughts appreciated!

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Raph and Mbeumo are expected to be fit, according to their coaches. Broja can easily be benched. Raya to Guaita, for me. 3-5-2 with Livra first sub

      1. hustler7
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks! Will make a late decision on replacement keeper using the members tools.

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          Ah damn. I just noticed Guaita's immediate fixture. I have him pencilled for GW11+, so I forgot the GW10 scary stuff. Start Foster this GW, then Guaita comes in from GW11, if you do choose to get him. Or straight to Fernández and start him, I guess. Brentford defend as a system, so clean sheets shouldn't be that big an issue with Raya out

          Nice to see the members area being mentioned here in the comments. Good luck 🙂

    2. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nice team, don't think I'd be taking a hit. Raphinha likely to be available so that's a start...

      1. hustler7
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        My thoughts too will just get Raya out. Cheers.

    3. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nice team. You'll certainly have 11 starting players. I'd personally save the transfer so you have 2 transfers next week to play around with. Start Foster this week

  21. Muscout
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Foster
    Cancelo Rud Liv
    Salah Benrahma Raph Galla
    Ronaldo Vardy Antonio

    Sanchez DougLuiz Manq Duffy 1.2itb

    What would you do with 2 FTs?

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

      I'd look into freeing up budget for Son/Kane in gw12.
      Spurs have some tasty fixtures coming up.

  22. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Fernandez is a good sohut if he is the 100% backup keeper

    1. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      reply fail

    2. hustler7
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Haha thanks!

  23. Fpl_Ludwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What should i change, or is it good?
    Got 1.3 ITB and 1 FT
    Sanchez
    Cancelo / TAA / Azpi
    Salah (C) / Havertz / Gray / Raph
    Vardy / Antonio / Toney

    Bench: Steele / Marcal / Duffy / Mendy

    1. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Marcal to Chilwell and bench Gray?

  24. ebb2sparky
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you prefer Azpi in a 442 or Wilson in a 343? I’ll have Chilwell too. 442 means a stronger first sub which might be best given Foden and Chilwell are potential rotation risks.

  25. KirkhamWesham
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Anything worth spending my FT on?

    Foster
    Cancelo TAA Chilwell
    Mbeumo Son Raph Salah Townsend
    Vardy Toney

    Ramsdale Livramento Jansson Davis
    1.3m itb

  26. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    0ft, 1.1itb

    Foster
    AZPI - Rudiger- Dias - Cancelo
    Raphinha - Salah - Foden
    Jimenez - Vardy - Antonio
    _______________________________
    Ramsdale: ESR: Livramento : Brownhill

    A) Azpi to TAA or Chillwell (-4 hit)
    B) No hit

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

    Play Ramsdale or Foster?

    1. ebb2sparky
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I doubt it will make any difference but I’m on Foster at the moment since I think he has a higher chance of a clean sheet.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Foster, cleanie chances improve w/o Broja.

  28. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Have Chiwell and Alonso so:

    A) Sell Alonso for James/Rudiger
    B) Keep Alonso
    C) Alonso to Janson and Sarr to Mount (-4)

    1. COLLIN QUANER
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

  29. Erez Avni
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    sa
    rudiger taa cancelo
    salah raph sar benrahma
    jimenez antonio vardy

    foster livra white luiz

    A. Sar & Benrahma to Foden & Mbuemo (-4)
    B. Sar & Benrahma to Foden & ESR (-4)
    C. Benrahma to Mount, play Livra
    & bench Sar

    cheers!

  30. bigdip
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    This is just my defence and bench AZPI - Rudiger- Dias - Cancelo (ESR, Livra, Brownhill)

    Worth taking a -4 hit to do Azpi to:
    A) TAA
    B) Chillwell
    C) No hit

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

      I would never take a hit for a defender.