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. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Now when you heard that foden is ok why still asking to getting jota instead of him?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Is he ok to start?

      1. fn.jota
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        pep didnt said that.
        grealish and foden trained but still need reassessment

    2. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Reckon he’ll get 20 mins.
      Question is whether 20 mins v Villa is likely to get more points than Livra… worth the risk to start Foden I think.

      1. Raf
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Done, I’m risking it. Play Foden

  2. Wag the Drog
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Anything need addressing here? 1 FT, 0.9 itb.

    Ramsdale
    Reece-Cancelo-TAA
    Salah(c)-Jota-ESR-Raphina
    Jesus-Vardy-Toney

    (Livra, Duffy, Brownhill)

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

      Looks like a solid save

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

      I am considering Livra to Reguillon, I fear Cancelo and James being rested. Reg has nice fixture soon again.

    3. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      save

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

    Lost on the last page. Right line-up and bench order here?

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo James Rudiger
    Salah (c) Jota Gundogan Raphinha
    Kane (vc) Toney

    Steele ESR Livramento Street

    Cheers!

    1. Wag the Drog
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Looks solid enough to me. Might question swapping ESR and Livra.

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

        Cool, thanks

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

    Sanchez Steele
    Cancelo TAA Alonso Rudiger James
    Salah Jota Foden Bowen Gilmour
    Antonio Jiménez

    Bench who?

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

      Gilmour and... toss-up between Rudiger and Bowen. Maybe Bowen. If Foden misses out, your choice is made for you anyway.

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Bowen Gilmour unless you think Foden wont get any decent amount of gametime.

    3. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Bowen, Rudiger, Gilmour

  5. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on Spurs Emerson for a 2 week punt?

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Prefer Reguilon

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

        Same

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'd rather have Reg

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

      Reg

  6. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A) Gundo
    B) B.Silva

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

      I went A, for what it's worth

    2. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A probably

    3. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Gundo plays a lot better when KDB is out.

      1. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        True, but KDB almost back isn't he?

        Thanks all.

    4. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    Hi all, thoughts on this line up….headache incoming

    1) Do I start Sanchez or Martinez
    2) Does this look ok? Know James might be at risk now

    Sanchez/Martinez?
    TAA Cancelo James Livra
    Salah Jota Raph Gallagher
    Vardy ASM

    Bench: ESM, Toney, Omo

    Thanks

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Martinez and g2g

      1. xvavl
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks…can you tell me why Martinez? Looking at the stats Sanchez looks better. Do you think more save points (hopefully)?

  8. Bathman315
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    G2G?
    2FT £0.6m ITB

    Mendy
    Cancelo, Robbo, Rudiger, Ait nouri
    Salah (c), Son, Raph, Gallagher
    Vardy, Broja

    Subs: Ramsdale, ESR, Livramento, Dobbin

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      G2g

      1. Bathman315
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers boss, I ended up going for ESR to Bowen as wasn’t keen on Broja starting

  9. fn.jota
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Repost, last post was confusing

    Ramsdale, Foster
    James, Cancelo, TAA, white, livra
    Gallagher, salah, foden, mbeumo, d luiz
    Jimenez, Toney, Kane

    Yesterday i was thinking:
    A. Alonso - White or Livra
    B. King & Jota - Jimenez & Mbeumo

    As thinks stands looks like foden is not 100% so im thinking
    C. Foden & White - Jota & Alonso

    G2G? or should i stick with the first plan and mantain foden?

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

      C

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

        But I'd rather keep White over Livra now. Livra dropping soon, I would bank the money and White has better fixtures.

        1. fn.jota
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          cheers! yes i prefer mantain white over livra and cashout (0.2), only thing is double arsenal defence if i mantain white

  10. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Havertz and Williams -> Zaha and Alonso (-4)?
    Which means I can bench Foden.

    1. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure Zaha would be my first choice 7m mid.

  11. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Hey folks, Suggestions on what to do here with 1ft and 1.2m itb

    Ramsdale Foster
    Taa Cancelo James -- Livramento Duffy
    Salah Jota Raphinha Foden -- Mbeumo
    Kane Toney

    A: Foden >> Gundog
    B: Duffy + Foden >> Alonso + Gundog (-4)
    C: Save FT

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

      Gundog or Bowen actually

      1. Jimbo-Jones
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Save

    2. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Don't mind B if Foden out but then who do you bench?

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

    Current team:

    Ramsdale/ Foster

    TAA/ Cancelo/ Alonso/ Livra/ White

    Salah/Son/ Foden */Jota/ Raph/

    Antonio/ Jimenez/ Davis

    1 ft 0.4 itb

    Should I:

    A. Roll
    B. Foden ---> BSilva/ Gallagher?

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A if nothing concrete on Phil pre-deadline

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

    Really torn on whether to play ESR or Livra.

    Just not sure ESR will get much from the United game.

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

      Livra

    2. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      ESR

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

      Ha, thanks

    4. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      ESR

  14. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    James an injury doubt. Lovely

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

      I don't see Tuchel risking him if so.

      Chelsea should walk that game regardless.

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

        I agree

  15. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Foden to
    a) Gundo
    b) Bilva
    c) Jota

    1. darkmatt3r
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I went Jota

    2. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      C

    3. fn.jota
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      c

  16. darkmatt3r
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Anything need addressing here or worth a hit? .5 itb 0ft

    Sánchez

    TAA James Cancelo

    (c)Sala Raphinha Jota Smith Rowe Gallagher

    (v)Kane Pukki

    Foster Toney White Duffy

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Save I think

  17. The Road to Turfdom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Treading water a bit ... anything obvious I'm missing here? WC in tact, 1 FT - thoughts appreciated:

    Bachmann / (Foster)
    TAA / James /Johnson (White, Livra)
    Salah (C) / Son / Raphinha / Gallagher (Brownhill)
    Ronaldo / Toney / Wilson

    Ronaldo -> Kane for free? Save? So bad it should be a wildcard job?

    1. darkmatt3r
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I swapped Ronaldo for Kane a couple of weeks ago and so far regretting it, hoping it pays off this gw

  18. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Not keen on losing Foden, would anyone do this for free:

    Raph => Jota

    1. The Road to Turfdom
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Not this week

  19. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    You reckon Havertz will play?

  20. Lazerball
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is Ddubravka nailed?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      step away from the computer

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Lol

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

      Lol. 4.4 GK facilitates nice things. Would only be for 2 GW then WC

  21. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Would you give me some advice here? Here's how I am:

    Ramsdale / Foster
    TAA / Cancelo / James / Dias / Livramento
    Salah / Foden / Jota / Raphinha / Luiz
    Antonio / Wilson / Toney

    A. Dias to Alonso
    B. Foden to Bernardo/Gündogan/Gallagher
    C. Hold

    1. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Hold. You can bench foden if you think he'll cameo. Amazing fixtures coming up for city

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

        Gundogan still MCI option

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

        Cheers, sir!

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

      A+B!!!

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

        You think that's worth a hit?

  22. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Have a good feeling about my team this GW which means a 20 pointer is incoming

  23. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone going Lukaku for Vardy?

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

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, James
    Salah (c), Foden, Son, Raphinha
    Antonio, Wilson, Toney

    Foster, Livramento, Duffy, Brownhill

    1ft 0.3 itb

    Would you make any moves here? Really not sure what to do about Foden

    Or bank the transfer and gtg?

  25. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Any chance havertz start with tuchel comment about werner..?

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

      What did he say?

      1. Taegugk Warrior
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Werner is doubt

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

    Foden and Saka are coming out for a -4

    Players I would like

    a) Zaha
    b) Gundo
    c) B Silva
    d) Bowen
    e) Gallagher
    f) Maddison
    g) Barnes

    Could have any combination of two. Any views would be great!

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B and d

  27. thepancakeman123
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Which 2 of these 4 would you play? Currently on Livramento and Smith-Rowe

    A) Livramento
    B) Duffy
    C) Smith-Rowe
    D) Toney

    1. Water_Pink
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A and D

  28. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Is Jota 100% nailed?

    1. tommo1989
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Until Firmino is back

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

      Until Firmino is back, yes.

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

    Planning on doing Sa to DDG next week. (Don't laugh at the back)

    Even United should manage some clean sheets with those fixtures.

  30. tommo1989
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Play James or Gallagher?