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. C_G
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    is this gtg?? no FTs, 0.1 ITB

    Sanchez

    Cancelo Rudi TAA Livra

    Foden Bilva Salah Jota

    Dennis Antonio

    Steele Laca Saka White

    Should I do Laca/Saka?White ---> ? (-4)?

    cheers

  2. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Dias or Reguilon?Already have Cancelo.

    1. Jackie Moon
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      If no Spurs defence id get Reguilon. Looks really attacking in a Conte defence. I’ve had him for weeks already and doing well (when he’s played)

      1. Return of the FF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Not Royal?

        1. Jackie Moon
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I feel Reg is the better player, but both should be good options.

  3. Sterling Malory
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hmm, bit stuck here now with 3 gooners. Who should I prioritise transferring out from this bunch

    Ramsdale (Foster)
    TAA Cancelo James Dias Livra
    Salah Jota Foden Brownhill (ESR)
    Antonio (Laca Watkins)

  4. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Apologies, bottomed.

    Best move foward here guys please?

    Sanchez
    TAA - Cancelo - James - Reguillon
    Foden - Salah - Jota - Bernado
    Dennis - Antonio
    ____________________________
    Ramsdale: ESR: Tierney: Watkins

    1FT, 0.2 ITB

    A) Roll FT
    B) Foden + Watkins > Son + Broja (-4)
    C) Bernado + Foden > Son + 5.1m mid (-4)
    D) Something else

    Cheers gents!

    1. Nedvěd11
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Roll

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        cheers Nedved

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

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, James
    Foden, Bowen, jota, Salah (c)
    Antonio, Lacazette, king

    Foster, livramento, Duffy, Raphinha

    0.4 itb 2ft

    Missed the deadline yesterday due to the site crashing so now I have 2ft.

    There isn't many strikers I fancy so it either.

    A Lacazette > Edouard ( take a punt for one week at home to Norwich)
    B Lacazette and Raphinha > 4.5 and Son

    1. Jackie Moon
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not tempted by DCL for Laca? I know it’s a risk, but those fixtures seem too good to pass up. With DGWs to come.

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

        I have thought of kaca to DCL but it feels too much of a risk. I'm hearing there's a strong chance the Everton game gets postponed. In normal circumstances I'd be straight on DCL as his mid-long term fixtures look good.

        I just feel like using Edouard as a one week punt then reassess for the double gw.

  6. Hulk Smash
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which are the forwards to target now, excluding Ronaldo?

    I am looking to sell Lacazette and I also own Antonio and King. I suggested Wilson earlier because his fixtures look great but most of the replies advised to avoid him.

    1. ZTF
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wilson is injured. Quite annoying that Iheanacho is off to AFCON, as he could have been great.

    2. JBG
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      DCL if the injury didn't ruin him.

    3. FPLMACKEM
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not many good strikers atm. I'm seriously considering laca to Edouard! For a one week punt.

  7. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Nobody considering the fact Salah hasn’t been rested in the league yet and for the past 3-4 seasons he’s been rested at least once over the festive period?

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

      He was just rested because of the postponement ._.

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        The reason I say is Firmino is back now so might be a chance for Klopp to field Jota, Mane and Firmino in the front 3

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

          Mate you are clutching. Liverpool's last fixture was 6 days ago. Salah's last match was 9 days ago. He got a rest in the EFL cup & he got a rest due to the postponement.

          1. Scapegoat Salah
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I want to buy him back, I just know my luck

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      You do realise Liverpool just had a game called off this weekend?

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

      Got his rest when Leeds game was postponed. Tuesday-Sunday next two games. No need for rest.

    4. fish&chips
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Didn't he just get a full match rest?

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I guess you could say he did indeed get a rest but they’ll still have to play that game at some point

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

          Salah won't have to plat that fixture if it moves to GW22.

          1. Scapegoat Salah
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Which would be a big shame! Robbo back that gameweek?

    5. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Go to sleep

    6. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Don’t see it … but would love it if he was rested v Foxes.

  8. osceola31909
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I may not have a playing GK and my only bench is Livramento.

    Should I do:

    A) Watkins --> Antonio
    B) White --> Reguilon/Emerson Royale
    C) Guaita --> Sanchez

    Guaita
    TAA - James - Cancelo
    Salah - Jota - B. Silva - Mount - Foden
    Dennis - King

    Livramento - Ramsdale - White, Watkins

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

    Goalkeepers are Ramsdale/Steele (0.7M 1ft)

    Ramsdale > Lloris or de Gea?

  10. tabby98
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    I’m on a WC, better to keep Salah or leave him out?

    1. ZTF
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Keep. All being well you will have less problems than others so can sell him after Chelsea.

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Surely you want in on that Leicester hat trick?

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

      Keep. You can downgrade him to absolutely anyone you want after GW21.

  11. Champions League Varane
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Don’t start laughing but Dwight Gayle for two weeks?

    1. Return of the FF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No...

    2. antis0cial
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No. Would prefer Broja at that price point.

    3. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I can’t breath ….

  12. ZTF
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Raphinha, Coady to Bowen, Dier -4?

  13. antis0cial
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Foster to Bachman? Anything better? .2 itb 1ft

    Ramsdale**
    James Alonso Cancelo TAA
    Son Silva Mount Jota
    Ronaldo Dennis

    Livramento Martinelli Watkins

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

    will mahrez still be available for the arsenal game?

  15. TeddiPonza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Team

    Ramsdale! Foster!
    TAA James Reguilon Cancelo Livra
    Bernardo Foden Jota Bowen Martinelli!
    Ronaldo Laca! Gelhardt!

    1 ft 2,7m in bank

    Which move is best?

    A. Laca and Bernardo to Salah and Broja. Play Reguilon captain Salah
    B. Laca and Martinelli to Son and King. Bench Reguilon and captain Ron
    C. Laca and Bernardo to Son and Antonio. Play Reguilon and captain Ron
    D. Something else

    Thanks

    1. Jon Snow
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Leaning toward B but not sure I'd bench Reguilon

  16. Jon Snow
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Sanchez, Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Alonso, Livra
    Salah, Jota, Bilva, ESR, Brownhill
    Watkins, Antonio, Hwang

    Currently got 10 playing, 2FT, 1.5 itb
    A) Can anyone see a route to Son without losing Salah this week?
    B) Focus on fielding 11 by ditching Hwang or ESR

    1. JariL
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Would Bilva and Watkins to Son and Broja work?

      But I would still do B and get Son when you have to get rid of Salah.

      1. Jon Snow
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        That move is possible but didn't seem logical when Bilva might get back in the goals and I had non playing people to deal with.

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          different positon for Bilva now, goals have dried up

          1. Jon Snow
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Fair point, haven't watching City in a while or looked at the stats so wasn't sure why the points stopped flowing despite the goals.

            Think I will go for it after all, Son definitely looks like the more attractive option this week

      2. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Boring brain says start Bilva but heart says start King … I’m such a coward.

  17. JariL
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    4.2 sell value for Livra. Would you replace him with any other cheap def on WC?

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

      No

  18. tafrère
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Ramsdale and Lacazette out for :

    A. De Gea
    B. Fabianski

    1. Antonio
    2. DCL

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

      i plan on holding antonio for a few more games then switching to dcl

    2. boroie
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A1

  19. Tmel
    • 15 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    DDG or Lloris?

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

      Lloris

    2. JariL
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm going DDG although not confident with the United defense. But rather have Reguilon/Emerson instead of Lloris.

    3. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I went DdG for the fixtures. Happy with 5pts this week after that debacle but Spurs look by far the better side

    4. Saka White Rice
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Ddg because cheaper and you can get Reguilon in if you want spurs defence

  20. boroie
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    A - Bernardo -> Son
    B - ESR -> Moura/Gallagher/Bowen

  21. Rbyrne95
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think KDB, Salah and DCL will start?

    1. Rbyrne95
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Should rephrase, is Salah playing or rested?

      1. ZTF
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Playing. Klopp will want the last 2 games out of him before he disappears surely

      2. JBG
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Think Kdb and Salah will start. Hard to say about DCL.

    2. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      All having a day off.

      1. Rbyrne95
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Gives me optimism Foden may start then lol.

  22. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    One more yellow for Ronaldo and he will get suspended?

    1. ZTF
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Pretty sure the 5 yellows deadline has now expired

      1. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Is it 19 games for each team or until gw19?

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

          19 Games.

      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        GW21 for MU due to postponed games

        1. ZTF
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Ahh yeah good point.

      3. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        The 5YC threshold for each team is 19 league games. They have only played 17

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, he has two games to get through due to postponements

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yes United played 17 games and 19 games ( half season) is deadline I believe rather than date

    4. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      cheers all

  23. ZTF
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Choose one.

    A) Dalot
    B) Dier

    Already have DDG.

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Dier

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B

    3. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Can’t believe I’m saying this … but Dier.

  24. Sterling Malory
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think either Eze or Olise gets a chance on the wing for Palace with Zaha out?

    Both are available in my draft league. Either worth a punt?

    1. RogDog_jimmy
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Eze for me - but both interesting ideas. Olise seemed like he was going to be great but hasn’t bedded in yet

  25. boroie
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Anything worth a hit here? Bench correct?

    DDG
    TAA Cancelo James Dier
    Salah(C) Son Jota Foden
    Antonio Dennis

    Foster*; Broja Livramento ESR*

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

      Looks good to me and bench correct.

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

        Thanks!

  26. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Repost. Better option here?

    A. Ramsdale > Lloris
    B. Foster > Sanchez

    Ramsdale foster
    Taa cancelo rudiger Alonso tierney

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

      lloris

    2. Ashleyajolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A)

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks

  27. Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Non Salah owners, who is your captain?

    a) Foden
    b) Bilva
    c) Son
    d) Antonio
    e) Jota

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Thinking Taa

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

        Lei will score i think

    2. boroie
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I own Salah and all of these. My VC is C.

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

        Although in saying that… if I didn’t have Salah captained, I think I’d go Jota or TAA to try and cover a Salah haul

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

          Jota might be benched with Firmino fit and Jota needed in Jan

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

            I can’t see it… on form and plenty of rest. But if you’re concerned I’d probably stick it on Son.

      2. Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Nice team you got there! Son served me well this week

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

          Also just realised… I don’t have Bilva anymore… transferred him out for Son

    3. lugs
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Kane

    4. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      E c …. C vc …… for now

  28. boroie
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Most important question of all…

    What time is the best and safest time to make transfers?

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

      As late as possible I reckon.

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

        Tried that yesterday and it didn’t work out so well

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

          I’d say 30mins prior as game keeps crashing. You need info if there late postponements.

    2. Rbyrne95
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably 10 mins before the deadline going by how many games get called off.

  29. Ashleyajolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Lacazette & ESR out
    Gray & Antonio In?

    2FT & 0.3 ITB

    Mendy
    Tomkins, Cancelo, Dias, James, TAA
    Salah, BSilva, Raphinha*, Gallagher
    Dennis

    Subs: Sanchez, ESR, Watkins, Lacazette.

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

      I’d be careful with Gray… I think their game v Newcastle will be off

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

        Yes I am slightly concerned. Although Gray fixtures look good.

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

          Yeah they definitely do. Gray is on my radar but I think I’ll give it a game or 2 to see how Everton recover before pulling the trigger.

  30. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Howe says Wilson could be out for months, while he hopes ASM will be back in a few weeks. That money's gonna be spent and quickly

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Martial might have a home!

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

      Auba to Newcastle ?, good move for both clubs

    3. Lieutenant Frank Columbo
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      If Newcastle are looking at the likes of Martial, they are in a hell of a mess. If they sign him, they deserve to go down.

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

      Dwight Gayle anyone?