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. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Bench Antonio or Livra?

    1. J to the T
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Antonio

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

      Ant

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

      A

  2. J to the T
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Worth a -4 for
    White Raphinha Antonio -> Regulion Bernardo and Dennis?

    1. Jonesy5
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Maybe just Regulion this time, and look at Dennis in next week. Wouldn’t bring him in for City

      1. J to the T
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Yep that’s the plan

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

    please complete WC team

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

    which & whom ?
    a) rams - laporte/walker davies lamptey - benteke
    b) ddg - laporte/walker white dufy - benteke
    c) ddg/rams - cancelo white/davies lamptey - under 5.0 fwd
    d) rams - lamptey cancelo regi - 4.4 fwd..

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      a

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

    A) White / Livra --> James (double up with Alonso)
    B) White / Livra --> Reguilon
    C) Roll Transfer

    Also is benching Antonio crazy?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A lot of peeps benching Tonio

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

    Would you rather have:
    A) Ronaldo, King, Jota
    B) Watkins, Antonio, Son?

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

      A

    2. ball c
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A.. better fixtures coming up

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

      Even with ronaldo doubt and rest/rotation?

      1. Max City
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        yes

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

      And Firmino return?

  6. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Should I

    A) Alonso for Reguilon
    B) Livramento for Reguilon
    C) Save

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo TAA James Alonso
    ESR Raphinha Salah Son Jota
    Wilson

    Foster Toney Livramento Davis

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

      I would do A

      1. C'mon the Fylde
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks!

  7. Brad1807
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Please help with team 1.2 itb and 1 ft

    Need .4 to bring in Ronaldo for vardy or keep ? Or keep vardy and Antonio

    Any help would be great.

    Sanchez , foster

    Arnold, regulion , rudiger , semado , livermanto

    Mbuemo,Gallagher,B silva,salah,jota

    Antonio , Dennis, vardy

  8. darko
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Bernardo or Jota?

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

      Close call. Jota feels a bit more reliable, both teams have pretty even fixtures

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

        Yeah, it’s a toughy. Would like a city mid and obvs already have salah, but Jota feels slightly more reliable. Cue Firminio shock comeback!

  9. FPL-Albion
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I still have my WC, when is the last time I can use this first WC?

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

      GW19

      1. FPL-Albion
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks, so I play before gw19?

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

          You can play it for GW19 if the deadline is in December

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

    Mbuemo out for:

    A) Bowen
    B) Maddison
    C) Cornet

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

      B

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

      B or C
      I actually transferred Bowen out

    3. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

  11. RAMZES666
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Having a tough time deciding who to play
    A. Gallagher (MUN, A)
    B. Livra (BHA, H)

    Gallagher playing deeper but still on set pieces. Man Utd prone to brain farts. Livra 33% of keeping a CS. Tough one.

    What do you guys think?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      B

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

    GTG? 5-4-1

    Ram
    TAA Cancelo James Reg Livra
    Salah Jota Foden Maddison
    Vardy

    Subs: Antonio King 4.5

    Can only hope Foden starts but Peps comments aren't overly convincing

  13. Jonesy5
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Play Toney (Leeds) or Wilson (Burnley)?
    I’m currently on Wilson

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

      W

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

      Wil

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Wilson at home.

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

      Wilson

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

      Wilson 100%

    6. Jonesy5
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      Thanks all, pretty conclusive

  14. smix
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    A. Gallagher & Jimenez to Bernardo & Dennis for a hit or
    B. Hold

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      I'd wait a week.

  15. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    On a WC
    A) Son Jesus
    B) Kane Bernardo

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A looks better to me.

  16. smix
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Bring in Bernardo or Gundogan (would prefer him as a differential) ?

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

      Bernardo
      But both equally likely of popping up with a goal

  17. tommo-uk-
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Ramsdale

    TAA Cancelo James Livramento
    Salah(c) Jota Raphinha Gallagher
    Kane Toney

    Bench: Foster Duffy Jimenez Brownhill

    Roll FT or anything obvious sticking out?

  18. tryf88
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Gauita
    James, Regulion, Cancelo, TAA, Liv
    Jota, Salah, Raph, Gallagher
    Ronaldo

    Foster, Antonio, Dennis, Allan

    Hugh headache on who to start/bench order. Gtg or start Antonio/Dennis over Liv/Gallagher?

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

    Play
    A) Rudiger vs whu (have antonio)
    B) King vs MCI (have cancelo)

  20. C'mon the Fylde
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Alonso to Reguilon for free?
    Yes or No? I have James.

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

      Yes do it

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

    Play one and why?

    1. Antonio
    2. Livramento
    3. Gallagher

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

      Livramento clean sheet actually seems more likely than the other 2 doing anything

  22. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Bench Toney or Antonio?

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

      Ant

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

    Am I g2g? Captain & bench order ok? Don’t like benching Antonio but surely he is the sensible option.

    Sanchez
    TAA - Cancelo - James - Rudiger
    Salah (c) - Son (v) - Jota - ESR
    Toney - Jesus

    Steele - Antonio - Lamptey - Sissoko

  24. JorisLa
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    best 4.5mid?

    A) Douglas Luiz
    B) Bissouma
    C) Sisokko
    D) ??

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 3 months ago

      A

  25. Fabreghastly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Same questions over and over. Just scroll through the pages people 🙂

  26. NABIL - FPL otai
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Looks like I'm the only one who got Wood here..

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

      Still undecided between Wood and Watikins..

      1. NABIL - FPL otai
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 3 months ago

        Similar conundrum. Went to the big guy.. Watkins can wait GW17 if still relevant

  27. TVPlugSockets
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Time to get rid of Vardy?

    If I downgrade to Wilson I can upgrade my midfield fodder to Bernardo or Gundo and have a very strong bench.

    But leaves it difficult to get a premium attacker back in the team.

  28. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    I gotta pick two from James, Alonso, Bowen and Antonio. Having a strong rotatable squad had bought me a lot of OR but man that is a headache

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

      James and Alobso

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

    Anything worth a transfer here? Or save it?

    DDG
    TAA Cancelo James Dier
    Salah(C) Son(VC) Jota Mbuemo
    Jesus Toney

    Foster; Antonio Livramento Brownhill

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

      Move out Mbeumo if possible

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

        I’d love to… but with only £0.2 in the bank, I don’t know who to get for him…

        Plus with 2 easy fixtures, it may be worth holding for 2…

  30. smix
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 3 months ago

    Gallagher to ESR looks good or better to hold ?

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

      If you have 2FTs I’d do it. Otherwise hold