Spot the Differential

Low-owned FPL pick Emerson Royal can thrive as a wing-back under Conte

Gameweek 12 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 Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Hove Albion and Burnley 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.

EMERSON ROYAL

  • FPL ownership: 0.4%
  • Price: £4.9m
  • GW12-16 fixtures: LEE | bur | BRE | NOR | bha

Despite an inconsistent start to life at Tottenham Hotspur following his summer move from Barcelona, Emerson Royal (£4.9m) has begun to show his quality in recent matches.

The 22-year-old has been used as a right wing-back in Antonio Conte’s first two games in charge, and was one of Spurs’ best players at Goodison Park prior to the international break. During that match, he provided a constant outlet down the right and attacked the box with real urgency, almost scoring from a Sergio Reguilon (£5.0m) cross.

Prior to his summer move, Royal contributed four goals and 10 assists in 76 La Liga appearances, mostly for Real Betis. Notably, Barcelona’s Jordi Alba was the only full-back to be involved in more Spanish top-flight goals than Royal since the start of 2019/20, while it’s also worth noting that he gained plenty of experience playing in a more advanced role whilst at Sao Paolo.

Spurs’ schedule between Gameweeks 13 and 15 should also hand Royal further opportunities to impress, given that Burnley have allowed 138 crosses from their left flank, compared to 97 from the other side, while Norwich City’s left-sided vulnerabilities have been well documented throughout the campaign so far.

Royal’s Fantasy prospects will surely be handed a boost by the arrival of Conte, and with an FPL ownership of just 0.4%, is a tempting differential at the back.

LEANDRO TROSSARD

Another assist for Salah as Brighton and Southampton prepare for favourable schedules 5
  • FPL ownership: 2.6%
  • Price: £6.5m
  • GW12-16 fixtures: avl | LEE | whu | sou | TOT

Leandro Trossard (£6.5m) has started the season strongly, providing goals in each of his last two outings.

As a result, the 26-year-old now has four attacking returns since Gameweek 4, and overall, has accumulated more FPL points (51) than any of his colleagues.

The statistics suggest there is more to come, too. Amongst all midfielders, only Mohamed Salah (£13.0m), Sadio Mane (£11.9m) and Jarrod Bowen (£6.3m) rank higher for shots in the box, while his 309 final-third touches and 17 created chances highlight his importance to his team’s attack. He also took a penalty in Gameweek 12, although the absences of other key personnel may have been the reason for that.

Tactically, since his arrival at the Amex from Genk back in 2019, the Belgian has largely been deployed on the wing, where his performances have been a little inconsistent. However, he has taken up a more central role this season, and in particular, thrived as a false nine at Anfield in Gameweek 10, where he was able to drag Liverpool’s centre-backs out of position, which in turn created space in behind for Brighton’s midfield runners.

Despite failing to win a single match since Gameweek 5, Graham Potter’s side have taken points from Liverpool and Arsenal during that time, which will give them confidence ahead of Saturday’s trip to Villa Park, before an enticing home encounter against Leeds United to follow.

All things considered, that makes Trossard one of the most appealing options in the mid-price category right now, and an exciting differential for those unconvinced by the longer-term prospects of Conor Gallagher (£5.9m) and Emile Smith Rowe (£5.8m).

MAXWEL CORNET

 1
  • FPL ownership: 1.4%
  • Price: £6.0m
  • GW12-16 fixtures: CRY | TOT | wol | new | WHU

Maxwell Cornet (£6.0m) has hit the ground running since his summer move from Olympique Lyonnais.

In just six Premier League starts, the Ivorian has chalked up an impressive four goals, and having completed almost 90 minutes for the first time in Burnley’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea in Gameweek 11, could now be set to kick-on.

Statistically, amongst all team-mates, only Chris Wood (£6.7m) has produced more goal attempts, shots in the box and penalty area touches over the last four Gameweeks, while his role in the team – which probably isn’t certain yet – has seen him regularly feature as a second striker. Going forward, if he can consistently produce the required work-rate, he could perhaps become Burnley’s talisman as the season progresses.

While Sean Dyche’s side struggled during the opening weeks of the season, losing four of their opening five matches, they have since lost just one in six, which has seen them beat Brentford and take points off Chelsea and Leicester City. Admittedly, the in-form Crystal Palace (h), Spurs (h) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) won’t be straightforward, but appealing matches against Newcastle United (a), Watford (h) and Aston Villa (a) follow, which does suggest that their assets might be worth considering.

In a short space of time, Cornet has proven that he has the ability to thrive in the Premier League, and could now be a useful differential option for our FPL squads.

301 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Play two:

    1. Jimenez (WHU)
    2. Raphinha (tot)
    3. Mbeumo (new)
    4. Livramento (nor) [would be 5 at the back]

    Thanks

    1. Tactical Frank
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Livra and Raphinha

    2. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Same dilemma, although I can play three. Leaning towards benching Livramento atm and playing 3-4-3. I am a Saints fan though so can probably deal a bit better with his inevitable bench points. Probably worth listening out for Lage’s presser. If there is any threat of Jimenez’ minutes being managed then I’ll likely bench him instead. So it’s between those two for me.

      1. FCSB
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I think I will definitely play Raphinha assuming presser fine… so it’s between the other guys

        I’ve been set on benching Mbeumo the whole time, he could easily haul, but expecting a bit about Howe’s Newcastle team… could go either way

        Then I suppose it’s between Jimenez and Livremento… I will see what Lage says like you suggest, he is still playing a strong West Ham team… I just mostly follow the rule of attack over defence in a dilemma. I fancy a Southampton win, but Norwich should have more to give with the new manager bounce so miiiight get a goal

        Tough one!

    3. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      3+4

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

      2,3

  2. Boo Ya Ka Sha
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Would you do Mbeumo and Dias to Jota and Lamptey (4.4 max) next week for free? It'd leave this setup

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, James
    Salah, Foden, Jota, ESR
    Kane, Antonio, Toney

    (Foster, Lamptey, Livramento, Brownhill) 0itb

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I would

    2. Original Sin
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lowton instead of Lamptey

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

      No … Lamptey will break and you’ll have nothing to play with over Xmas.

  3. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who to transfer to Azpi this week for the foreseeable?

    James or Reguilon

    1. RUUD!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Realise I didn’t word that very well. Basically Azpi out for James or Reguilon?

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Hehe I think the direction of transfer is obvious anyway!
        James

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

        James. I wouldn’t be touching the Spurs defence until we see something positive forming over next few matches.

    2. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Do you have any other Chelsea def cover?
      Do you have any plans for the extra funds?

      If yes to both, then Reg. If not, then James.

  4. VTown
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A - Kane and Gallagher
    Or
    B - Son and Wilson

    1. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I have B

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

      A

    4. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I have Kane, Gallagher, Wilson. Son is a great option as well. I think it's a coin flip but A

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

    RMWCT?

    Steele ¦ Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Reguilon Livramento
    Salah Son Jota Gallagher Rice
    Vardy
    ¦ Rudiger King Davis

    1. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not a lot wrong with that. Personally I'd probably downgrade Rudi to Mitchell or Lamptey, and go a bit deeper on the bench, or upgrade Rice if you're playing 451 every week.

  6. gnz
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Guys, hows this looking?

    Lloris (Foster)
    Rudiger, TAA, Cancelo (Saiss, Coufal)
    Benrahma, Salah (c), Jota, Foden (Sarr)
    Antonio, Hwang, Toney

    I have 2 transfers but only 0.2m in the bank

    Thoughts?
    Cheers

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lloris could be coming back in style. Sarr -> Gallagher the obvious move. Personally I'd want James instead of Rudiger

  7. Mondeo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Reading Klopp's comments on Bobby - ahead of schedule?

    Is Jota a trap?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He's a trap either way.

    2. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Has he said anything of substance on the injury other than he’s getting better and he’s out for the weekend? Don’t think we’d expect him to say much different and not sure that conflicts with the mid-December date mentioned in the Atheltic.

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

      Yes, he is. In his belly you will find a new definition of pain and suffering as you are slowly digested over a thousand years.

    4. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I think its probably still mid December... "that will take a bit longer" doesnt change the injury recovery for me

    5. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Jota has never performed for me. I brought him in this week and I'm sure that won't change.

  8. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Bench two !

    A. Livra
    B. James
    C. Chilwell
    D. Raph
    E. Mbuemo
    F. Pukki
    G. Antonio

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Currently on Livra plus Raph

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

      AF

  9. drughi
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Save FT ? 0.6 itb

    Foster
    TAA Rudiger Chilwell Cancelo Livramento
    Foden Salah (c)
    Jimenez Antonio Vardy

    Sanchez ESR Townsend Gilmour

  10. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which move would you do here? Not sure if Cancelo is worth the hit this week...

    A) Havertz --> Jota
    B) Havertz + White --> Cancelo + 7.1M (Zaha, B. Silva) -4
    C) Havertz + Omo --> Cancelo + 6.6M (ESR, Gallagher, Raphinha) -4

    1. chriscosta
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

  11. chriscosta
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Transfer 1 out (for Son)

    A) Raphina
    B) Mbeumo

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

      Neither tbh … but if you threatened me with violence, B. It would have to be extreme violence, as I think you should be holding both.

      1. chriscosta
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        lol, nah only looking for an opinion !!

    2. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

    3. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Hold A - Just prefer him as a player. Has done well even when Leeds haven't been at their best.

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

    Sanchez to Guaita -4 or play with 10?

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      The only way this is worth it is if you want Guaita moving forward. If not, hold. Looking at a 2 pointer if Guaita keeps a cleanie so not the end of the world to hold.

  13. Aaron P
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    A) Kane, Son and Gallagher

    or

    B) Kane, Foden and Jota

    1. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B - Wouldn't double up just yet.

    3. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B

  14. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Still undecided, which do you prefer?
    A) duffy to lowton (strong bench)
    B) duffy to manquillo (money to upgrade mbeumo to gallagher next gw)
    C) burn ft
    0.2itb, 2ft
    Guaita foster
    TAA cancelo Chilwell duffy livra
    Salah foden raph mbeumo normann
    Kane antonio toney

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Probably B

    2. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B I think

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers guys

  15. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    GW-12 - 0.9 bank - 0 FT
    Steele/(Sanchez)
    Rudiger/Chillwell/TAA/(Livramento)
    Salah/Foden/Raphina/Jota/(Saka)
    Toney/Vardy/(Scarlett)

    Raphina or Toney
    to the bench for Livra?

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Keep Livra bench

  16. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Guaita
    James Chilwell Cancelo Dias
    Salah Mbeumo Havertz*
    Kane Antonio Toney
    (foster Raphinha Livra Brownhill)

    2FT. 0m itb.

    I was supposed to sell Havertz and buy a Jota, but now I have my doubts at Kloop's words. I gave up TAA on a wildcard, so if I bought him now I would admit my mistake.
    So Havertz to Bernardo, Gallagher, Cornet,.... Easy move
    Maybe Havertz and Dias to Cornet and TAA...
    Maybe Toney and Dias to Wilson and Reguilon...

    Any suggestions?

    1. mdm
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe best is to admit your mistake..

  17. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Good to go?:

    Gunn
    TAA - Cancelo - Chilwell
    Salah (c) - Raphinha - Mbeumo - Jota
    Kane - Jimenez - Antonio

    Subs: Sanchez; Livramento, White, Allan

    1. Meechoo115
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      All good

  18. Meechoo115
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Start foster or Ramsdale?

    1. Iano78
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ramsdale purely because he's the better keeper

  19. TheYogaDaddy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    What to do here?

    Ramsdale (Foster)
    TAA Cancelo Chilwell Livramento (Duffy)
    Salah Foden Raphinha Mbuemo (Brownhill)
    Vardy Antonio (Maupay)

    1.1 itb, 2ft

  20. Bielsa's Bucket
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    GTG? £0.8 ITB

    Steele
    James, TAA, Cancelo
    Gallagher, Salah (c), Jota, Mbeumo, Raph
    Kane (vc), Toney

    Sanchez, A.Armstrong, Duffy, Livramento

    1. Tinfoil Deathstar
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Strong bench. Might put Livra as no 2 on bench but otherwise all good.