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. Better luck next year
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Correct order to play these players?

    Toney, A. Armstrong, Mbeumo, Livramento

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

      In that order

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

    Play one

    1. Antonio
    2 gallagher
    3. Livra

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      2

    2. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Antonio

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

      3

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

      3

  3. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Hi. What was the LMS safety score for gw14?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      55 I think

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks mate

  4. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Salah or Ronaldo captain?

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

      Salah

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

      Is there a doubt about R?

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

      Ron

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

      Palace defence without Ward

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

    Sanchez
    TAA, James, Cancelo, Reguillon
    Salah (c), Jota, Foden, ESR
    Antonio, Wilson,
    Steele, Jimenez, Williams, Allan
    1.9 itb. 0 ft

    Anything worth a hit?
    Bench right?

  6. Sal8
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Play 1.

    1. Livra
    2. Antonio
    3. King

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

      1

  7. Skogen89
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Pray for me. Kane c

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

      Balls

  8. bench boost for every gamew…
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Someone ought to translate Tuchel comments on Alonso and wing back position, what the h.. does he mean by offensive game? Well well, if it means going more attack minded it means Alonso rested vs Zenit not West ham, but if it means games with more high tempo it means the opposite. Hopefully Tuchel does not mean offensive game in the resentful meaning..

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

      It means get rid of Alonso

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

    A rotation risk that has played every Prem game this season and has a nothing game mid week that he can rest in? The only thing foolish here is your comment.

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

      Or your placement?

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

        That too 😀

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

        Probably felt absolutely amazing and all puffer up when you hit 'post'

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

          I did yes. Never mind my chance will come again.

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

            It will, it will

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

              See below for details

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      The nothing game comes midweek. The fatigue comes now

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

        The only thing that is tired is your comments

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Good one. Had to think about that?

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

            Yes

  10. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Start ESR or Alonso?

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

      Esr

  11. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Couple of annoying price changes are going to leave me 0.2 short of my desired wildcard team which I’ll be activating once the gameweek starts, how would u shoe horn the 0.2 in

    Wildcard team

    Sanchez
    Taa Cancelo Reg James
    Salah Jota Foden
    Ronaldo Watkins King

    A) Reg to 5.0
    B) Ronaldo to Lukaku
    C) king to Dennis

    Which option looks best to fit the team in?

    1. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Bench is Steele Gilmour Livramento Brownhill

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

        I think your bench is too weak.

        If you want to stick with that team then downgrade Livra.

        1. Babit1967
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          It is weak for sure, I’m not too fussed tho as the only player who has came off my bench this season with a decent score is Livra

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

      C

    3. Skogen89
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

      None of those. I'd go Foden > Bilva tbh

      1. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        I did look at that but Foden is much more exciting and explosive although Bilva I would imagine gets more minutes

    5. AD2110
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      C or Foden to Gundo / Silva

      1. AD2110
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        If downgrade Foden you can get Ramsdale in?

        1. Babit1967
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 3 months ago

          Yup

          Foden to Bilva
          Sanchez to Ramsdale and can fit that team above in

          Reckon that’s better?

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

      B

  12. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Which one?

    1) Rudigar ---> TAA

    2) Alonso ---> TAA

    3) Keep Rud and Alonso

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

      2

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

      2

    3. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      2

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

      2

  13. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Start one?

    A. Mbeumo
    B. Antonio
    C. Livramento

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

  14. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone thinking of doubling up on city mids???

    Amazing fixtures ahead as we all know

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

      But which two?

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Have foden....thinking of adding Gundo

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

      Not a bad strategy, I think. If you do it in the assumption one plays and one doesn't (knowing inside, that both might play)

      1. n14mul
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Exactly my point. Everyone has decent bench cover such as livra, Broja Gilmore.

        Either way even a bench appearance from gundo or foden in the next 5 gw could result in goals...

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

      Rotation frustrates me too much to own any City mids

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

      Defence

  15. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Kane is going to mess with us all and score a hat tick this weekend.

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

      He'd better

  16. Unbelievable_jeff
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Who to bring in for the next few?

    A) King (Pens)

    B) Dennis (Form)

    Thanks

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Dennis’ form is crazy, you’d have to think it’s unsustainable? King on that basis

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

      I’m getting King next gameweek.

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

      King

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

      Dennis

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

      A

  17. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    what do you read into conte's comments about kane?

    i'm thinking of giving kane the armband (currently 1k OR and thinking its a good time to push strongly)

    crazy?

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      What were the comments?

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

        “Kane is a really good striker.”

      2. Lord Flashheart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        in the twitts section

    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      "I hope to improve the situation, to improve the confidence of all players and to see that maybe without Harry we can cover the situation. Now in this moment, honestly, I don’t see this team starting without Harry."

    3. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I've been burned by not capping Salah already this season. Too scared to do it again

    4. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      If you have Kane, norwich at home is one of the reasons you have him. Captain him.

  18. Dryriser
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Lads can I get your opinion on what 2 youd start this week

    Sanchez
    Trent rudiger cancelo ruguilon
    Jota salah
    Wilson vardy

    A.ESR
    B.Gallagher
    C.Livramino
    D.Gray

    1. stu92
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A and B I think

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

      AC

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

      A c

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

        Thanks guys

  19. stu92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this team? 2FT and 0ITB.

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo James Rudiger
    Salah Jota Raphinha ESR
    Vardy Wilson
    (Antonio Gilmour Livra)

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

      Hold

  20. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Field Dennis or Duffy?
    Currently on the latter.

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

      Field?

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

        As in start.

  21. Obamawang
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Can you help me pick which one to start today:

    (1) Livremento (v Brighton)
    (2) Antonio (v Chelsea)
    (3) King (v City)

    Thanks!

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

      Antonio

  22. Tommy J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I was going to transfer Guaita to Ramsdale but now thinking De Gea could be a good option, United fixtures so enticing, surely they will improve defensively under Rangnick.
    Anyone disagree strongly or agree it’s a reasonable gamble?

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

      If you have the luxury of using a FT for that change then reasonable. Don't see more than 10 points between them, though, over the next 8 GW's.

      1. Tommy J
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks

  23. mcginnntonic
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    scared to not have foden today after pep presser.

    raphina alonso to johnson foden?

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

      Not this week

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

      Nope

    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      The press conference where he says he might not play

  24. bjarnia87
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Yes or no?

    Hwang and Gallagher to B.silva and Locadia (4,4M non playing)?

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

      I wouldn't sell Gallagher

  25. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Start one:

    A) Antonio
    B) King
    C) White
    D) Livra

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

      I will play antonio its time for him against all people with double chelsea defence

  26. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all, looking for suggestions with 2FTs & £1Mil itb

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Coufal Livra Laporte Alonso
    Bissouma Raph Salah Benra Jota
    Jesus Antonio Jimi

    Perhaps Jimi or/and Antonio out?

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

      Can you help me below mate I'm in the same boat.

      I would hold Antonio at this stage, you've held him through his rough patch they get better from GW16.

      Jimi out to King/Dennis would make sense, bench them this week but good run from 16 too.

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

        I’m thinking Benra Jimi to Bilva Wilson

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

    Totally stumped here, 2FT

    Sanchez
    TAA - Rudiger - Alonso - Cancelo
    SalahC - Raph - Jota - Foden
    Kane - Toney

    Steele - Mbuemo - BWilliams - Davis
    2FT 0.3 itb

    How to get rid of Mbuemo? Open to dropping Raphina.

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

      Raph to Bowen. Toney to King?

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

      Toney to Dennis?

  28. MOZIL
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Gallagher to ESR for free? or save

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

      I wouldnt. ESR over performing

  29. Mauricios Cappuccino
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    If you have James, what other Chelsea DEF would you double up on:

    A) Rudi
    B) Alonso

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

      B

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

      A

  30. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Bench one ….

    A) Mbeumo (lee)
    B) Antonio (CHE)
    C) White (eve)

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      C, there will be goals today