Spot the Differential

Budget FPL defender Davies offers cheaper route into Spurs backline

Gameweek 15 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, Manchester United and Arsenal, 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.

BEN DAVIES

  • FPL ownership: 0.3%
  • Price: £4.4m
  • GW15-19 fixtures: NOR | bha | lei | LIV | CRY

Budget defender Ben Davies (£4.4m) could be set for a new lease of life at Tottenham Hotspur under Antonio Conte.

The 28-year-old started the season as back-up at Spurs, which limited him to just one league start up until the Italian’s arrival in Gameweek 11. However, the Welshman has since completed 90 minutes in each of Conte’s three league matches in charge, which has coincided with his side keeping two clean sheets.

During that time, Davies’s role on the left of Spurs’ three-man defence has seen him regularly burst forward and contribute in the final third, linking excellently with wing-back Sergio Reguilon (£5.2m). That was evident against Brentford on Thursday, when he forced the own goal that put his team ahead, before later sending another header at goal that was saved by Alvaro Fernandez (£4.5m). His defensive work was notable, too, with two interceptions, four recoveries and a couple of successful clearances.

Up next for Tottenham is Norwich City, who rank bottom for non-penalty expected goals (non-pen xG) and who have found the net just eight times across their 14 outings this term, while appealing fixtures against Brighton and Hove Albion (a), Crystal Palace (h), Southampton (a) and Watford (a) follow prior to the January break.

Davies has had an up and down career at Tottenham to date, but there is hope Conte can coax the best out of him, and if he does, FPL managers will be handed a budget route into Spurs’ backline.

MARCUS RASHFORD

  • FPL ownership: 0.8%
  • Price: £9.4m
  • GW15-19 fixtures: CRY | nor | bre | BHA | new

Following the inclusion of Jadon Sancho (£8.9m) in last week’s column, this time it’s the turn of team-mate Marcus Rashford (£9.4m).

The England international has had a frustrating campaign so far, mainly due to injury, but has scored two goals and provided an assist in his six Premier League appearances since returning from shoulder surgery, despite featuring for over 60 minutes just three times.

Against Arsenal in midweek, he appeared a little isolated but did deliver at a crucial moment, when he produced the cross for Cristiano Ronaldo’s (£12.3m) strike, while prior to that, his pressing ability was key to his team’s performance at Stamford Bridge.

Now, with Ralf Rangnick installed, he will surely be handed further opportunities to kick on, with his manager’s comments about wanting to control games and play on the front foot hugely encouraging for Manchester United’s attacking assets.

The Red Devils’ forthcoming schedule offers further encouragement that Rashford can deliver, with games against Crystal Palace (h), Norwich City (a), Brentford (a), Brighton and Hove Albion (h), Newcastle United (a) and Burnley (h) before the end of the year. In fact, the next time they face one of the ‘traditional’ big six is in March, against rivals Manchester City.

Rashford has all the attributes to thrive in a Rangnick system, and could be a nice pickup for those on the lookout for a real midfield differential.

TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU

Budget FPL defender Davies offering viable route into Spurs backline 2
  • FPL ownership: 4.1%
  • Price: £4.6m
  • GW15-19 fixtures: eve | SOU | WHU | lee | nor

With six clean sheets, an assist and three bonus points in his 11 Premier League appearances since joining Arsenal, plus an appealing set of forthcoming fixtures, Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.6m) could be a solid under the radar pick in December.

Unlike Nuno Tavares (£4.3m) and Kieran Tierney (£4.7m) on the opposite flank, the Japan international has established himself as first-choice under Mikel Arteta, and was arguably the best player on the pitch during their 3-2 loss at Manchester United on Thursday, when he almost won a penalty after Harry Maguire (£5.4m) pulled him down.

The 23-year-old’s creativity is on the up, too. Having started the season slowly in an attacking sense, he has recently started to contribute more in the final third. In fact, over the last four Gameweeks, Tomiyasu has posted team-leading totals for successful crosses and chances created, while his 0.68 expected assists (xA) total ranks eighth amongst all defenders.

However, the real appeal lies in the Gunners’ clean sheet potential, and with home games against Southampton, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers before the end of the year, plus away trips to Everton, Leeds United and Norwich City, further shut-outs could be on the way.

Priced at just £4.6m, Tomiyasu is a cheap route into Arsenal’s defence, and could be a nice set-and-forget option given his security of starts and increased attacking potential.

1,277 Comments Post a Comment
  1. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Antonio + Gallagher > King + B.Silva?

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

      Antonio's fixtures turn good soon and you'll want him back

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

        Can get him back for Toney quite easily

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

      Have been looking at a similar move and decided against it for now.

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

        Reasonings?

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

          Replacing Jimi felt more urgent, and also saving 1FT for fixture congestion.

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

      I would

    4. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yes great moves. Get Bowen for Westham run.

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Have a look at Antonio & Gallagher fixtures from next week onwards

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

        Not think BSilva has equally as good fixtures?

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

    2ft, 2.0 in the bank

    No idea what to do here, any suggestions?

    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA, James, Alonso, cancelo, Livramento
    Salah, raphinha, Jonathan (bissouma, allen)
    Antonio, Toney, Vardy

    Want to do raph to esr next week, worth it now to avoid burning a transfer?

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

      Would hold Raph one more week. Who is that Jonathan, though?

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

        Whoops, Jota

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

      Haha. He’s ok. You can afford doing Allan to ESR, can you not?

    3. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      You could always up grade bissouna for a decent bench for this period

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Allan better as he’s 0.1 more

  3. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Play 2:
    A) Lamptey
    B) Livra
    C) Mbeumo

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

      A and c

  4. buttsy9
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Wildcard GTG?

    De Gea - Guaita
    James - TAA - Alonso - Cancelo - Reguilon
    Salah - Son - Cornet - Bernado - Smith-Rowe
    Dennis - Davis - Toney

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Tasty

      1. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Bench headache every week though

        1. buttsy9
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Better that headache than the terrible team I had before! Weak up front though but hopefully the midfield can make up for that.

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

      Too weak up front for me. Davis is never going to play and when Dennis goes AFCON you’re left with just Toney.

      1. buttsy9
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Struggling to trust any forwards right now and can’t find a way to afford Ronaldo without big sacrifices.

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

          Agree, but you’ve gone too far in the other direction imo.

    3. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      As above. Strong side but too many benching headaches.
      I would downgrade Guaita & 1 defender to allow for forward upgrade.

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

      No point in having Guaita plus DDG, just get fodder and use funds to switch Dennis to King. (no AFCON, on pens, etc).

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

    James owners, s it safer to 'spread the risk' and start Antonio instead of Alonso? Just thinking one West Ham goal will wipe the clean sheet and it could well be Antonio who gets the goal

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Starting both James & Alonso, and would bench Antonio if I still had him

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      You own Chelsea double up for a reason. Play Alonso

  6. cescpistols111
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    What changes would you make to this team? 2FT, 0.0 ITB.

    Don’t want to waste my transfer but also don’t know the change to make.

    Sanchez Foster
    TAA Cancelo Rudiger Livramento White
    Salah Son Jota Raphinha Brownhill
    Vardy Toney Davis

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Livra to Johnson

    2. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Brownhill to Gilmour

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

      Maybe switch Brownhill to Gilmour who has been playing more advanced lately and on some set pieces.

      Saves you 0.1m too ; )

  7. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    How does Toney & Vardy to King & Kane sound for free?

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

      nah vardy got newcastle and toney watford next week

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

      Not good

  8. Saintjack01
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A) Bernardo and Dennis for Gallagher and wood 2FT
    B) Williams and Watkins for coady and wood 2FT
    C) jota Williams king for coady Gallagher and wood -4

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

    Start one:

    1. Livra
    2. Anotonio
    3. Gallagher

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

      Livra imo

    2. Tree House
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Antonio

    3. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      3

  10. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    please complete WC team

    3.9 X
    taa rudi X X X
    bowen esr salah jota X
    ronaldo denis X

    which & whom ?

    a) rams - laporte/walker davies lamptey - gundo/bernardo - benteke
    b) ddg - laporte/walker white dufy - gundo/bernardo - benteke

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

      You need Cancelo.

      1. Nightf0x
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        can get him and drop benteke

  11. Teror
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Start Vardy or Livra?

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

      Vardy imo

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

      vardy

    3. Oggle22
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      This a serious question?

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Lol

    4. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy

    5. XX SMICER XX
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Tough one, Vardy. If you don’t fancy Vardy then sell him

  12. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Would you start White, Mbomo or Antonio this GW?

    Cheers!

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

      White then Antonio then Bongo last sub behind Brownhill

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

        Ahah, thx man!

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

    Keeping Foden as reckon he might start this week, and he’ll definitely be back for City’s run.
    So thinking of doing Gallagher > 4.5 to allow for one of the below next week:

    A. Kane, Davis > Ronaldo, King

    B. Kane, Gilmour > Sancho, Jesus

    Thoughts?

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

      Problem is Gallagher has a decent run after United. Who else you got?

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

        Need the 0.1 to do Kane to Ronaldo next week.
        If I go for Sancho/Rash instead, then I don’t need to downgrade Gallagher…

        Guaita
        TAA Cancelo James Reguilon Livra
        Salah Foden Jota Gallagher Gilmour
        Kane Antonio Davis

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A out of those

  14. The Mentaculus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Score predictions for today..?

    WHU 1-1 CHE
    NEW 1-2 BUR
    SOU 0-0 BHA
    WOL 0-2 LIV
    WAT 1-4 MCI

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

      1-2
      1-1
      0-1
      0-2
      0-3

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      1-3
      2-1
      1-1
      1-3
      0-9

  15. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Team GTG? Rolling a FT this week

    Sanchez (Steele)
    TAA James Cancelo, Rudiger
    Raphinha Salah (C) ESR Jota
    ASM Toney
    SUBS - Antonio Gallagher Duffy

  16. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Play 1:
    A) Toney
    B) Mbeumo

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

      A

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

      A

    3. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

    GTG bench OK? 0ft 3,7m itb. raph will probably be one of the city guys in gw16. cheers

    ramsdale
    taa - cancelo - james - reguilon - livra
    salah(c) - raphinha - jota - son
    antonio

    (foster - dennis - hwang - gilmour)

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

      Looks good

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

        cheers

  18. fpork
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Play Gallagher (Mun) or Bowen (Che)?

    1. Tree House
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Gallagher

  19. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ramsdale
    Trent Reg James Livra
    Salah Son Raph ESR
    Toney CR7

    Foster Dennis Luiz Manquillo

    2ft 0.1m itb thinking Manquillo and Livra to Johnson and Dalot?

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

      Hmm Dalot isn’t nailed by any stretch, though?

      1. Oggle22
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        That's my thinking also

  20. thomashl
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Caught in two minds here:

    Hold transfer - or do Chilwell to Davies?
    Rather fancy having 2FTs next gw, with lots of fixture swings… unless?

    Sanchez
    Cancelo TAA James Livra
    Jota Salah Gallagher Raph
    Toney Wilson
    (Foster - Antonio Chilwell Brownhill) 4.1 itb

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

      I wouldn't.

      I'd play Antonio over Gallagher I think. Close though

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

        Cheers mate. Yeah, it’s one of those dilemmas… Utd keep letting in easy goals, and Antonio’s had one return in 8 games. But yeah, have been back and forth there.

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

      Save ft I reckon

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

        Thanks mate. That’s settled then!

  21. Punter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Not feeling great about Alonso any more, had him last 2 weeks. Also fancy getting a City double up. Is this a bad move?

    Alonso and Sanchez out , Ederson and Lamptey in. For free

    Also have Mbuemo and Toney I should maybe be prioritising instead

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Brentford out first

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

        This

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

      Toney is good for a bit fixture wise. He's easily their best player.

      Ok Chelsea conceded but he's very attacking and they have Leeds at home next week.

      I like the Lamptey pick, I've been waiting for more minutes. Maybe just get him in for someone else.

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

    A) livra to tot defender
    B) livra to ars defender
    C) save ft
    1ft, 1m itb
    Guaita foster
    TAA cancelo james alonso livra
    Salah jota gundo raph normann
    Kane toney Davis

    1. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Save and do it if you still have 2 frees

      1. Stamford B
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Or when you have 2 frees

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

          Yeah fair enough. I still like livra so not urgent

  23. Stamford B
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Play Kane or Traoré?

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

      Good thing there are no emojis here

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

      Kane

    3. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Close, but Kane

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

      Play Traore and captain him.

      Kane third on bench.

  24. Michelle Davin
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Jimenez and gray to
    Dennis & gundogan for free?

    1. MikeNash404
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

  25. Gideons Rolling Another One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Any thoughts on the below would be welcome?

    Trossard to
    A: Bilva
    B: Mount
    C: Gündogan
    D: Keep

    1. MikeNash404
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      C

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      A

    4. Gideons Rolling Another One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers, as mixed as it gets!

  26. ZAWAd25
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Who scores more this week?

    A) Kane + Dennis

    B) Ronaldo + Toney

    1. MikeNash404
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

  27. Old Bull
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    What are people’s thoughts on Reguilon as an option? I’m torn about bringing him in. Fixtures look difficult soon but still tempted

    1. Chrisaa87
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I Just brought him in for rudiger.

  28. Tree House
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Livra (BHA)
    B) Jimenez (LIV)

    Thanks!

    1. Old Bull
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I’ve benched Livra as expecting Brighton to score in south coast derby. Also Wolves are at home

  29. MikeNash404
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Play one, bench two.

    A) Antonio
    B) Benteke
    C) Livra

  30. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I just don’t know if I should do Vardy to Ronny for free or roll the transfer. Will Vardy even start…

    What would you do?