Spot the Differential
27 December 2021 2463 comments
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Gameweek 20 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 Crystal Palace, Everton and Manchester 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.

ODSONNE EDOUARD

ARS/CRY
  • FPL ownership: 2.0%
  • Price: £6.3m
  • GW20-24 fixtures: NOR | WHU | bha | LIV | nor

Summer signing Odsonne Edouard (£6.3m) has had a mixed start to his Crystal Palace career, producing three goals and two assists across his 15 Premier League appearances.

However, with two games against rock-bottom Norwich City in the next five, plus an away trip to Watford that still needs to be rearranged, perhaps as early as Gameweek 21 or 22, he certainly has the potential to kick-on.

The 23-year-old has had to be patient at times this season, and hasn’t always played in his natural centre-forward position, but with Christian Benteke (£6.3m) absent on Boxing Day, plus Wilfried Zaha (£6.8m) suspended for Gameweek 20, his chances of a start through the middle on Tuesday certainly looks promising. It’s also worth noting that Zaha, plus Jordan Ayew (£5.8m), will in all likelihood depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) soon, which in turn should create further opportunities for him to play.

Edouard is currently averaging a fairly modest 2.24 shots per 90 minutes at Palace, but there is assist potential, too, as he often arrives in between the lines, looking to combine with those around him, especially box-to-box midfielder Conor Gallagher (£6.1m) and Palace’s wide players.

With a crucial run of games coming up, Edouard can make a real impact, with a home tie against Norwich handing him the perfect opportunity to get his confidence up.

DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN

Five-time top 1k FPL finisher Tom Freeman on Calvert-Lewin, Wolves and his Gameweek 2 plans 6
  • FPL ownership: 2.6%
  • Price: £7.9m
  • GW20-24 fixtures: NEW | BHA | nor | AVL | new

After almost four months on the sidelines, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.9m) was set to return for Everton’s game against Burnley on Boxing Day, only for it to be called off due to a Covid outbreak in the Toffees’ camp.

As a result, a move for the England international ahead of Gameweek 20 certainly carries some risk, with his level of fitness also in question, but due to the calibre of player, we think it’s worth offering an early heads up that he is back on the FPL radar.

The England international started the 2021/22 campaign in excellent form, scoring in each of the opening three Gameweeks, before suffering an unfortunate toe injury. During that time, he recorded 7.7 points per match, whilst producing 11 shots in the box and an expected goals (xG) total of 3.13, which remains a team-leading figure for Rafa Benitez’s side.

Now, with the striker set to be involved in the next league game against Newcastle United, he could be an effective differential for those willing to move early, knowing that Everton also have a kind run of fixtures to follow, which sees them take on Brighton and Hove Albion, Norwich City and Aston Villa before the end of January.

Benitez urged caution when discussing Calvert-Lewin’s return recently, but given his side’s current problems, they may have little choice but to throw him in from the start in Gameweek 20.

KEVIN DE BRUYNE

FPL Gameweek 17 round-up: Tuesday review, injury news and the things we learned
  • FPL ownership: 4.1%
  • Price: £11.9m
  • GW20-24 fixtures: bre | ars | CHE | sou | BRE

It feels strange to include a player like Kevin De Bruyne (£11.9m) in this section of our coverage, but having only recently recovered from Covid, the Belgian comes into Gameweek 20 sitting in just 4.1% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squads.

Since his return to Manchester City’s starting XI earlier this month, De Bruyne has netted three goals in his three starts, including a whopping 16-point haul against Leeds United in Gameweek 17. During that time, amongst all midfielders, he has posted league-leading totals for shots, efforts on target and created chances, highlighting his potential to both score and assist.

Rotation, just like it is for all City assets, is of course a concern, especially given his premium price tag. However, having been withdrawn on 70 minutes against Leicester City – Bernardo Silva (£7.6m) and Ilkay Gundogan (£7.3m), meanwhile, both featured for the full 90 – he will now be pushing for another start against newly-promoted Brentford on Wednesday.

Key to his appeal is that fixture, too, after the Bees’ were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day. As a result, they have now shipped 15 goals across their last eight Premier League matches, which suggests Pep Guardiola’s attacking players will be handed plenty of opportunities to get amongst the goals.

De Bruyne has had a stop-start campaign, mainly due to injury and Covid, but is now getting back up to speed, and could be an effective differential pick in Gameweek 20 and beyond.

  1. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know any updates on Benteke? Strange he wasn't in squad on Boxing Day.

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably was one of the unnamed players with Covid. Vieira didn't name names.

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I see. Cheers.

    2. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I believe he has forgotten to get vaccinated.

  2. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Some crazy transfer options for y'all
    A- laca + bilva-> broja + salah
    B- laca + Martinelli -> Antonio + jota
    C- Ronaldo + martinelli -> Antonio + salah

    All moves for -4
    Pick one of A/B/C

    1. Moose™
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A firm nudge in the direction of B frrom me

  3. Moose™
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bilva Laca > Son Maupay

    Go?

    1. putana
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      yep

    2. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      King/Broja instead of Maupay?

    3. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Maupay has a tough match. As well as suggestions below, you might afford Edouard?

  4. FPL Theorist
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Surely time for a James rest with Liverpool up in GW21, right?

    Chelsea fans, any insight?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I do hope not!

    2. soup natsi
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on Thiago and Chalobah injuries

      1. FPL Theorist
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Good to know, cheers mate!

    3. Capocannonieri
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Even if he plays, I cant remember the last time I got more than 2 points. A few 1 and 0 point games mixed-in due to yellow cards and own goal.

      Surely, he will stop registering zeros soon.

      1. FPL Theorist
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        What? He had 8 and 6 in GW17-18. Got 3 baps in 17 despite conceding.

        1. Capocannonieri
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          By golly, you are right.

          I guess I lost track after 1, 0, 0, 0 before those 14 points and 0 right after.

  5. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Any help would be hugely welcomed. 1FT & 1.3 available.
    .....
    James Cancelo Livramento TAA Dalot
    Bissouma KDB Jota
    Kane .....
    Missing players Ramsdale, ESR, Laca, Ramsey, Foster & Wilson
    A. ESR + Wilson - Gallagher + Antonio ( -4 )
    B. Just one of the above?
    C. Any other idea's?
    Thank you 🙂

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A but with Maddison for the likely double-doubles.

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Smart shout, Thank you

  6. dshv
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ramsdale Foster
    Taa Cancelo James Reguilon Livra
    Son Foden Esr Gallagher Jota
    Ronaldo Watkins Davis

    2ft.. 2.5mil

    1. Esr to Bowen
    2. Foster to who
    3. Ramsdale to ddg?
    4. Bring back Salah?
    5. Davis and Foster to Bachman and king

    Tell me what to do ??

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      1

  7. Better Call Raul
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    2 FTs

    Thinking of:
    Ramsdale + Lacazette -> Lloris + Antonio

    Didn't see the match but promising that Antonio scored. Bit concerned that West Ham maybe in a downward spiral.

    Thoughts?

  8. HonestBlatter
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bilva's Citeh has scored 17 goals since I got him in without any involvement. Must be a record and will HODL him still since bigger issues in my team

    1. Capocannonieri
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      That's still better than me, 17 goals - and I had Silva and Foden. I even got Foden on a -4

      Then a French lady of the night costed me 30 points (my guess and the basis of Mahrez' haul)

  9. Oooo Matron
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Are there any games that look likely to be postponed? Everton V Newcastle looks very unlikely to be played, but any other matches in danger?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wondering the same

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Watford-West Ham would probably be the other possibility after Watford missed the last game.

    3. Will Kane
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I've had a feeling all along that Leicester would try to postpone the Liverpool game but no so much as a whisper yet so maybe not

      1. Oooo Matron
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I'm surprised about this - unfortunately I think they're bench showed enough promise to keep their game on.

        1. Will Kane
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          The fact that they put players on their bench but openly stated they weren't fit enough to come on and play was strange. As you say, the fact these players were 'technically' available makes a postponement less likely. Let's see if the rumour mill starts churning tomorrow..

  10. putana
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    anyone have the stats of how many people inside the top 100k played a free hit this week?

    1. Capocannonieri
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Man, your name "Putana" means bad things in many Latin based languages.

      But not in English though, cheers

  11. waldo666
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this WC draft? 1.5 ITB

    DDG Bachmann
    TAA Cancelo Reguilon Dalot Livramento
    Son Jota Maddison Bowen
    Ronaldo Antonio King

    Thoughts appreciated.

    1. putana
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      too much united for me but looks fine

      1. waldo666
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers, Dalot could be someone else, doubt I would be confident doubling up anyway but he is nicely priced.

        1. WVA
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Dalot to Tierney then?

          1. waldo666
            • 15 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Could do but was aiming to have a full bench this week so was avoiding those without matches.

    2. WVA
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lol my team is so similar and can't wait to do Bilva to Maddison. Upgrade Liv to Tierney?

      DDG
      TAA Cancelo James Reguilon
      Son Jota Bilva Bowen
      Ronaldo Antonio
      Steele King Sissoko Livramento

      1. waldo666
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, if you're comfortable benching him this week.

  12. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Ronaldo absolutely not worth getting on WC1?

    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm keeping on WC1 fwiw, will captain again this week too.

    2. Tinmen
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’m captaining. I expect a big response from him and united

    3. :
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Profligacy.

    4. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      In a 4-5-1 I'd possibly still want Ronaldo because all available forwards aren't worth a place in my team compared to mids and defenders.

      1. Baps Hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I might consider Kane over him tbh.

        1. Sheffield Wednesday
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, Kane is a probable.

    5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I have him but wish I didn’t. Will get rid of him as soon as possible which won’t be any time soon.

  13. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    No GK this week.

    Steele†
    TAA James Rüdiger Cancelo
    Gallagher Salah(c) Jota Bowen Bernardo
    Dennis
    [Ramsdale* Antonio Coady* Watkins*]
    £0.7M 1ft

    a) Steele > Sánchez (backup alternates with Ramsdale)
    b) Steele > Bachman (for 1 or 2 point returns)
    c) Ramsdale > Lloris
    d) hold but then Ramsdale > Sá in January

    Who to bench this week?
    Currently Antonio, but not confident with Bernardo starting.

  14. WVA
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    King or Broja? Are both their games in doubt?

    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      King

    2. Will Kane
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Think Watford should play, they'll probably be a bit rusty. Broja must be a doubt to start with Che and Armstrong fit again

  15. Tommo1212
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Reguilon LB position at Spurs pretty much nailed ? Any doubt when Sessegnon returns ?

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Reguilon is first choice but Sessegnon may play the odd game.

    2. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Think Reggy nailed. Sess preferred against 'pool as he's a better defender.

  16. Zimo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Guaita back or Butland will play against Norwich?

    1. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Seems to be very much a lack of concrete information surrounding Guatia atm.

  17. George James
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Best move for this lot? No real bench and feel a few will be rested. 🙁

    Sa*
    TAA • James • Alonso • Cancelo
    Salah • Jota • Bilva • Mount
    Antonio • King

    Steele / Williams / Watkins* / Ramsey*

    A) Sa >> DDG

    B) Watkins >> 7.8m forward (who?)

    C) Something else 0.2ITB 1FT

    1. tristanabc
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely A. Not many options up front at that price range so wouldn’t bother with B until one becomes available. Bilva/Mount/James/Alonso would all be on the radar to go if you fancied a -4 gamble.

  18. Tinmen
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Folks, help me on this one please.

    Lloris or De Gea ?

    1. g40steve
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      DeGea

    2. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I've gone DDG as have opted for Reguilon as Spurs defence.

    3. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      DDG

  19. Mr. O'Connell
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    When you realise there's another gameweek tomorrow and you only have 8 starters again (and no Salah)

    https://youtu.be/mAUY1J8KizU

  20. tristanabc
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on:
    Sa, Martinelli, Lacazette -> De Gea, Moura, Antonio (-4)?

    Sa*
    Alonso Cancelo TAA
    Salah(C) Jota Foden Bowen Martinelli*
    Lacazette* Dennis

    Steele* Walker* Watkins* Livra

    1. George James
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Like it mate.

      Thoughts on my lot above?

  21. Tinydancer
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I have: Saka, Raphinha, White, Ramsdale (and Bissouma, Livra) .... its going to be a rough week


    I am thinking:
    Saka > Gallacher
    Stelle > Dubravka (weird but will cover this week / a few tough Arsenal fixtures)


    Think its worth the -4?

  22. smash
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Tempted to go Ronaldo back to Salah as a -4 then I won't have to waste time overthinking armband etc

    Anyone else going this route?

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Rested Son at Southampton to repeat 4 goal heroics?

      1. Capocannonieri
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Won't happen Dogg

        Son only does that when I don't own him and I currently own him.

    2. _Make
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      For one game (realistically) I'd much rather put the armband on my next best player (TAA, Jota etc).

  23. Mark Colonel
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is Manquillo missing with Everton due to another yellow ?

  24. AC Yew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    WC team ok?

    Sanchez DDG
    Lowton Dier TAA Cancelo Laporte
    Salah Jota Son Ramsey Bowen
    Broja Antonio King

  25. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Cancelo Dias James Alonso
    Son Foden Jota Bowen ESR
    Lacazette Watkins King

    1 FT 2.6 ITB

    Do I need to just get a playing keeper or should I also get someone like Antonio for Lacazette (King first on bench)?

    1. Dave’s Rubber Digne R…
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I’ve got Ramsdale and Steele. Debating Bachmann given it avoids sucking too much into keepers and easily swapped to Foster if he takes yeh spot back quickly. I assume he won’t be back before the DGW at least.

      Similar team. If you’re like me, I’m more worried of not having Salah. Suspect I’ll probably take a -4 and do Laca and Steele to Antonio and Bachmann. Captain on Son or Jota.

  26. Flynny
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which of these options sound best please? Get salah back for a hit? Or captain jota and don't get salah....thanks

    (Ramsdale foster)
    Taa James alonso cancelo (livra)
    Jota Foden bilva bowen (esr)
    Ronaldo king (laca)

    A.....Ronaldo esr and ramsdale to salah broja and ddg / lloris - 8

    B....Laca bilva and ramsdale to son broja and ddg / lloris - 8

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I try to avoid hits currently as m every decision I make is wrong. So for me it’s Ramsdale > Lloris.

  27. Bob B
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Son or Ronaldo captain for this GW?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Son

    2. Capocannonieri
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Why not Salah this GW

      Did you fire the man this past week?

    3. waldo666
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ronaldo

  28. Paqueta Rice
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hi folks. This how I currently stand with 1ft and 1m itb

    DDG
    Trent, Cancelo, James, Alonso, Dalot
    Salah, Foden, Jota, Bernardo
    King

    Sanchez, Broja, Lacazette, Martinelli

    Considering:

    A) Martinelli to Gray
    B) Lacazette to Dcl
    C) Lacazette and Martinelli to Scl and Moura
    D) Save ft

    Concerns over Bernardo playing and also Dalot after full game tonight.

  29. Better Call Raul
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Foden likely to start next game?

    1. Capocannonieri
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Owning Foden is an injury, watching ESR score goals in Cameos is an insult

      So lately, I am injured and insulted by my bad decision to have Foden

  30. BENOIT
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Start Regullion (sou) or Broja (TOT) ???

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Reg id say