Spot the Differential

Rangnick’s appointment could see Sancho become powerful FPL differential

Gameweek 14 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 Manchester United, West Ham United and Leicester City, 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.

JADON SANCHO

  • FPL ownership: 2.1%
  • Price: £8.9m
  • GW14-18 fixtures: ARS | CRY | nor | bre | BHA

Jadon Sancho (£8.9m) has struggled to make much of an impact since his summer move to Manchester United, but has now scored in back-to-back matches under Michael Carrick, with goals against Villarreal and now Chelsea.

As a result, the former Borussia Dortmund winger is an intriguing differential for Fantasy managers, who under the guidance of Ralf Rangnick, has the potential to shake up the current midfield template.

Against Chelsea on Sunday, United opted for a safety-first approach involving Nemanja Matic (£4.5m), Fred (£4.9m) and Scott McTominay (£5.4m) screening the back four. That allowed a more mobile front trio of Marcus Rashford (£9.4m), Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) and Sancho, with the latter putting in a particularly exciting shift, showing real composure for the visitor’s opener.

Notably, Sancho has all the attributes to thrive in Rangnick’s set-up, via his pressing ability, speed, direct running and off-the-ball movement. In fact, the German tactician spoke fondly of the winger just last year, when he suggested he was a unique talent: “I don’t see any other player with his combination of pace, being dangerous in front of goal and ability to get assists. He’s one of the best talents in Europe.”

United’s forthcoming schedule offers further encouragement that he can kick on. Between Gameweeks 14 and 27, the Red Devils face just one side currently nestled in the top four, with particularly appealing matchups against Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, Newcastle United and Burnley before the end of the year.

Sancho is one of the Premier League’s brightest young stars, and with an ownership of just 2.1%, is a tempting midfield differential.

JARROD BOWEN

Is Jarrod Bowen the best FPL midfielder under £6.5m? 1
  • FPL ownership: 3.1%
  • Price: £6.4m
  • GW14-18 fixtures: BHA | CHE | bur | ars | NOR

We’ve been big on Jarrod Bowen (£6.4m) for a while now, having included him in this column ahead of Gameweek 3. Now, after producing two goals and six assists in the 11 matches that followed, we think he’s worth talking about again.

Since his first attacking return of the season – an assist against Manchester United back in September, Bowen ranks joint-tenth amongst all players for expected goal involvement (xGI). Furthermore, his 24 goal attempts, 19 shots in the box and three big chances created are all also top 10 totals, which suggests he can offer real value in the coming weeks.

Corner-taking duties are another route to points for Bowen, which is especially relevant given that the Hammers’ are one of the deadliest sides in the division from dead-ball situations, with their total of six goals from set-plays only bettered by Liverpool across the opening 13 rounds.

As for the schedule, David Moyes’ side do have a couple of trickier-looking fixtures to navigate next, though it is worth noting that Brighton and Hove Albion have failed to win any of their last eight matches, while the schedule from Gameweek 16 right through until 27 is excellent. That includes games against Burnley, Norwich City, Southampton and Watford in December, all of which are particularly appealing for attackers.

Bowen has thrived as a winger for West Ham this term, and could be an effective differential for the festive period and beyond.

JAMES MADDISON

  • FPL ownership: 5.0%
  • Price: £6.6m
  • GW14-18 fixtures: sou | avl | NEW | TOT | eve

James Maddison (£6.6m) was one of Leicester City’s standout performers during their 4-2 win over Watford on Sunday, producing the game’s decisive moments.

The playmaker was rewarded for his performance in the Foxes’ 3-1 UEFA Europa League win over Legia Warsaw – when he also scored and provided an assist – by retaining his place in the starting XI in Gameweek 13. Pushed up into a no. 10 role, he was excellent throughout, making a smart run and composed finish for the opener, before then adding two assists for Jamie Vardy (£10.6m). He went close to more attacking returns too, ending the match with four goal attempts and five created chances, which suggests he could be a huge Fantasy differential in the coming weeks.

It was a really encouraging display from Maddison, who has struggled to live up to expectations in the early part of the season, with his manager heaping further praise on him after the match:

“It was great, you can see his quality, he was a real inspiration for us. We always have a point to prove every single day. For him it was looking at his game, he knows this is a game and a level where you are always looking to prove yourself. You can never be calm with that, you always have to be intense. You are seeing the work, not just with him but the confidence returning to the team. It’s not about the one player, it’s about the team but he was excellent today.”

As a result of that win, Leicester now sit five points adrift of the top four, with an appealing trio of fixtures up next: Southampton (a), Aston Villa (a) and Newcastle United (h).

Sunday’s performance was the best game we’ve seen from Maddison for some time, and given his kind price tag of just £6.6m, could be a nice differential option for our midfield set-ups.

993 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    1) muembo to gundo
    2) livra to Alonso ( play Alonso ahead of muembo)
    3) save ft, play muembo

    1. Ligdon
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      2

    2. Noisy Neighbour
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Either of the first two is a great move IMO.

  2. Mr_Barbs
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Foden to:
    A) Jota
    B) Gundogan

    1. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A

    3. Bill Haverchuck
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Jota should be in everyone's team for the next few games at least.

  3. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Any news on Toney?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Farke speaks at 4pm.

      Hopefully him limping after FT was nothing.

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        cheers.You mean Frank?

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah, sorry.

  4. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Any Palace fans around??! Will Benteke start tonight???!

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

      Keep asking matey ! I read that Vieira set him goal
      Scoring challenge so I
      Am playing

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Haha it’s driving me mad not knowing if he starts or not haha

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

    Anyone with James, Foden, Saka & Vardy?

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

      James & foden only & not expecting them to play

    2. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      James, Foden and Vardy. I was going to start Foden, but with the risk of the others being benched as well I think Foden has to go.

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

    Would you pick Broja or Dennis for budget third striker spot? Will be mostly benched, couldn't afford King

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

      Dennis although unlikely to play v Chelsea

    2. Root
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Neither. 4.4

      1. Bill Haverchuck
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Having a decent bench is important at this time of the year so I'd disagree

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

    Just seen James yellow caution. Hope he plays.

  8. Well you know, Triffic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A stab at what i think Chelsea's backline will be:

    Azpi Chalobah Christensen Rudiger Alonso

    Anyone agree?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Pulisic RWB, Azpi RCB, think Pulisic came on at RWB for a reason.

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Isn't he left footed lol?

        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Wouldn't have moved James to LWB if he was.

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

      I reckon so, yes.

      Silva probably due a rest and I doubt James will be risked if carrying an injury, especially against Watford.

    3. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Pulisic Azpi Christensen Rudiger Alonso.

      Chalobah, Reece, Silva all played 3 games in 8 days and are well due a rest. Hudson Odoi is the only other option at wing back and he played 3 games in 8 days too

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Chalobah is 22 so maybe his recovery is good. Reece is actually 21! But given he took a knock maybe he won't be risked.

  9. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ah ffs wat is with Chelsea players when I bring them in. 1st lukaku after working toward it for wks now James when I decide for 1st ever to double up a team. Ffs.

    Yes I'm angry

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

      I brought Chilwell in a couple of weeks ago, then brought Son in last GW.

      I feel your pain.

  10. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Would you move James to Dias? (have Alonso TAA Cancelo & Livra)

    1. Alcapaul
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      No

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Horrendous move

  11. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Ramsdale
    Trent • Cancelo • Dias
    Salah • Son • Foden • Jota • Mbeumo
    Antonio • Toney
    (Foster / Livramento / White / Davis) 2FT 0.8ITB

    Is Mbeumo + Livramento -> Alonso + Gilmour in a switch to 442 good moves? Unsure whether to sell Livra / White.

    1. Noisy Neighbour
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If it’s not for a hit I would do that. Gilmour might outscore Mbuemo anyway. As bad as Mbuemo has been lately, he might lose his place.

  12. davies
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    First sub:

    A) Livramento (LEI)

    B) King (CHE)

    1. jimbo90
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. marcos11
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

  13. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Does anybody know what Ranieri said about Dennis?

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

      He said he's a bit of a menace.

  14. Junks
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone have any insight into the Saka injury?

  15. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Foden => (S)on -4 with 2.8ITB worth it?

    1. Noisy Neighbour
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I thought long and hard about bringing in either Kane or Son this week, but i looked at their numbers and they’re just so dreadful I couldn’t do it. Even just looking at their stats since Conte came in, they’re bad. Kane’s are actually worse than before overall. And if you look at the minutes per pass received for Son and Kane, it’s obvious what is ailing Spurs. They don’t have the right people on the ball nearly enough.

  16. FPL MAN 123
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Opinions on: Raph & Antonio > Jota & Benteke?

    Ramsdale
    TAA | Livramento | James
    Salah | Gallagher | Raph | ESR
    Ronnie | Vardy | Antonio

    Foster | Duffy | Tomyiasu | Douglas Luiz

  17. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Sancho and Rashford are two players I'm going to monitor closely under Rangnick. I think they have potential to be better value than Ronaldo over the good fixture run. In the right system, I think they have the quality to be top FPL assets.

  18. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Don't ask why, but I still have Azpi.
    Surely there is a good change that he will start? Or transfer out for a hit.

    1. Bill Haverchuck
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I think he starts, but you should be getting rid next week for Alonso

    2. Jude Rooney
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      give him one more week

  19. JBay
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I'm genuinely starting to believe these Chelsea injuries are my fault. First I had James, he didn't play and injured in the next game. Then I got Rudiger, he gets injured. I had Lukaku, he got injured. Then I got Chilwell for Rudi and Chilwell got injured after 1 GW. Now I have James and he's flagged. I'm sorry everyone but I'm going for Alonso now. God speed.

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

      No please not Alonso

    2. POGON 1948
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Please get Rudiger instead

  20. woodles
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Need to start 1 and order the bench. What do we think out of:

    Foden
    Saka
    Livra
    Gilmour

    Help appreciated!!

    1. POGON 1948
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Call me crazy but out of those Gilmour sounds like the best starter lol

      1. Noisy Neighbour
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Him or Livra. Could be an attacking return in their for him against that LEI defense.

        1. Noisy Neighbour
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          there

  21. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Best long term pick of these? Who to choose ?
    A. Foden
    B. Gundogan
    Just checked the stats and they are slightly in favour of Gundogan this season…so tempted to switch Foden—> Gundo after Pep’s comments, otherwise need to play Foden (avl) or Toney (tot) this GW.

  22. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    1FT and 0.1 ITB. Team ok?

    Sanchez
    Rudiger Dias Cancelo
    Raphinha Salah (C) Son Gallagher
    Vardy Antonio Toney

    Foster Duffy Normann Tsimikas

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

      Yes, looks good. Bench in urgent need of improvement mind you.

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I concur. Thinking if I save a FT for next week I will have more money to play around with. At the moment I can only afford Duffy -> Johnson move which doesnt seem worth it.

        1. Bill Haverchuck
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah mate that's the right call. Wait and do a proper job on it next week.

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      It's alright but the bench is a concern.

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I concur. Thinking if I save a FT for next week I will have more money to play around with. At the moment I can only afford Duffy -> Johnson move

  23. Tic Tacs
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Too much of a risk to captain Kane instead of Salah this week?

    1. Guru Mediation
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      It's a leap of faith given the lack of form Kane is in. Depends how you want to play the game

    2. DycheDycheBaby
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If you are really chasing then maybe. I just don't think this GW is the one to do it.

      1. Tic Tacs
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        True, I'll wait for the right week. Maybe less risky to captain TAA this week.

        1. DycheDycheBaby
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah could go with TAA.

    3. Noisy Neighbour
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      For me, both Kane and Everton have been to poor to risk it.

      1. Tic Tacs
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah agreed, hopefully Kane shows something that might make him an option for the weekend.

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

    Foden to Gundo for free? I have Jota already

    1. Bill Haverchuck
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Gundo has been excellent recently, but I would bear in mind he will be subject to Pep's rotation policy in the next few games.

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

    So with James foden and vardy in my team, I m almost certainly take my second hit.

    Vardy foden to kane Gallagher -4? Am around 52k rank. What do you guys think of the move?

  26. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Now with James a worry, better first sub option?

    A. ESR

    B. Livra

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

      A

  27. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is Maddison a trap agian? Had him at start of season..

    1. POGON 1948
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I think all the Maddison/Sancho hype is a little early yeah

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Me too. Think il just do Foden➡️Jota for free this wk I have James and Vardy do needed players whom will actually play .. Watcha think?

  28. Newms
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    What to do here?

    Guaita
    TAA / James / Reguilon / Lamptey / Livramento
    Salah / Son / ESR / Jota / Ramsey
    Vardy / Toney / Broja

    2.4 ITB

    A) Livramento to Rudiger
    B) Ramsey to either Bowen or Maddison
    C) Broja to Wilson
    D) Save

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

  29. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    As Cancelo and James owner I am planning to try my luck and do Livra to Reguillon for -4. Reg going up in price, Livra going down soon. I could do it for free later tonight, but with this amount of injuries happening, I fear that I will be needing my ft anyway, if not immediately, then two next week anyway. Risky "small" upside chasing, but I prefer to keep my team intact. "To be lucky, you have to give luck a good chance".

    Anyone else here with similar plan?

  30. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Chelsea can/should use the Zenit game next week to afford players rest who need it.

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      They were already planning to take James off the pitch when Chilly got injured. This game is not about what Tuchel and Pep should do, it's about what they actually do. We have to live with it, and forget hoping.