Spot the Differential

In-form Robertson an appealing FPL differential for Gameweek 23 and beyond

Gameweek 23 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 Liverpool, Aston Villa and Burnley, 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.

ANDREW ROBERTSON

Who is the best third Liverpool asset to own during AFCON?
  • FPL ownership: 3.2%
  • Price: £7.0m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: cry | LEI | bur | NOR | –

Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) has blanked just once across his last seven Premier League appearances, yet is still owned by just 3.2% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.

During that time, the Scot has produced one goal, five assists and 10 bonus points, plus four clean sheets, averaging 7.9 points per match.

His ability to create has caught the eye, too.

Since Gameweek 13, Robertson ranks amongst the top three defenders per 90 minutes for chances created, big chances created and crosses, whilst his 2.26 expected assists (xA) tally is only bettered by team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.4m). There isn’t a great deal of goal threat on offer, with just four shots in the box registered, though it is worth noting that his 34 penalty box touches are at least eight more than any other backline option.

Liverpool’s forthcoming schedule offers further encouragement that he can continue producing, with this weekend’s trip to Crystal Palace followed by appealing ties against Leicester City (h), Burnley (a) and Norwich City (h). Robertson’s share of set-pieces could be key here, too, with the Eagles, plus Brendan Rodgers’ side, both vulnerable defending dead-ball situations at times this season.

Robertson’s recent form suggests he can be an effective differential for that run, and perhaps even stake a claim to be the third-best Liverpool option behind Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) and Alexander-Arnold going forwards.

PHILIPPE COUTINHO

  • FPL ownership: 5.5%
  • Price: £7.0m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: eve | LEE | new | WAT | bha

Despite Philippe Coutinho’s (£7.0m) ownership already surpassing our usual 5% differential threshold, we’re making an exception this week, due to the Brazilian’s impact off the bench against Manchester United in Double Gameweek 22.

The playmaker’s goalscoring cameo swung the tie in Aston Villa’s favour, ahead of an appealing run of fixtures which gives Steven Gerrard’s side a real opportunity to build some momentum. There is also potential for a Double Gameweek to be added into the mix, with postponed ties against Leeds United (a) and Burnley (h) still to be rearranged.

As for Coutinho, it’s difficult to gauge his fitness levels from a 22-minute run-out, and because of that, it is by no means certain that he starts against Everton on Saturday. However, it surely won’t be long before the Brazilian is locked into Gerrard’s 4-3-2-1 ‘Christmas tree’ formation, which is arguably the perfect set-up to get the most out of him. That’s because the system involves two number 10s rather than traditional wingers, which means Coutinho will have the freedom to drift infield and affect the game in more central areas.

Normally we preach a ‘wait and see’ policy with new signings to see how they bed in, but with Villa’s next run of fixtures of such an attractive nature, Coutinho could be an excellent differential.

JAY RODRIGUEZ

Who are the best budget FPL enablers for Gameweek 2 and beyond? 1
  • FPL ownership: 0.5%
  • Price: £5.2m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: ars | MUN | LIV | bha | cry

Following Chris Wood’s (£6.7m) surprise departure to Newcastle United last week, plus Maxwel Cornet’s (5.9m) ongoing involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Burnley are woefully short of striking options.

As a result, budget forward Jay Rodriguez (£5.2m) will likely be tasked with spearheading the Clarets’ attack, which Sean Dyche touched on earlier this week:

“It’s not the perfect scenario, but it is what it is. I do believe in people having the chance, and Wood has been one of the mainstays, but now he’s gone, it opens up the next window.

We do want people to take on that challenge, and down the years I’ve believed in the players to do that, and I still believe in the players we’ve got here to take the challenge on.

Jay (Rodriguez) is a great servant to what it is, a fantastic pro, and we do believe in Jay. He’s been very unlucky this season with injuries and the timing of them, because he’d have played more football.” – Sean Dyche

Worryingly, Rodriguez’s last Premier League goal was 11 months ago, though it is worth noting that he has netted five in cup competitions this season, whilst his combined tally of 14 across the previous two campaigns does at least offer a bit of encouragement that he can deliver.

Notably, the Clarets’ schedule detailed above does underwhelm, with tough games against Arsenal (a), Manchester United (h), Liverpool (h) and Brighton and Hove Albion (a) up next. However, they also need to fit in five postponed matches – a trip to Aston Villa along with home games against Leicester City, Watford, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur – which means plenty of future Double Gameweeks.

Rodriguez has showed glimpses of his quality throughout his time at Burnley, and with so many out, could be the man who steps up.

896 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I was all in on captaining Jota this weekend. This 32 point performance and Trent 14 has come too soon and now I know he’ll blank =[

  2. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which one?

    1) Moura>Raphinha - Jota (C)
    2) Ronaldo>Dennis, Trossard>De Bruyne (C)

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

    What the hell was that lads?! Congrats Liverpool. Better team won, no complaints.

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Because of the postponents

  4. lifes a pitch
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Play Alonso or Bernado?

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Who else on bench?

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

      Bernado

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Bernardo

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

    Best replacement for Son?

    Can’t afford Fernandes/KDB and already have Jota/Foden/Bowen…

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Raphina seems popular

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

      Maddison?

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Raph Maddison

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Do you have to replace him?

    5. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I’d keep him as he’s close to a return.

    6. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'm getting Raph (c)

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

    If only this was in the epl mega points as a trent and jota owner!

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      We are all Trent and Jota owners!

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        This

  7. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Bench Bernardo, trossard or Antonio?
    Captain taa, Jota or raph?

    1. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Trossard

      Don’t know. Same dilemma. Toss a coin. Maybe Jota makes sense as attacker for best side mentioned. But tonight’s puts me off, in a way.

    2. Oles Brummser
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Currently on Raph. Great player, good form and playing against suspect defence. But obviously the lesser safe pick ownership wise

  8. AdamJ91
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Regulion > Digne?

  9. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Do you guys think foden will start vs saints?
    Was thinking of captaining foden or jota

    1. royals forever
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Jota imo

  10. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Help is needed please

    In your opinion who is the best 7.5 ST for this front eight for the next few GWs

    Jota Bernardo Saka Bowen Mbeumo

    Ronaldo Dennis xxxxxxxx

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. thepancakeman123
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Can you not get the extra 0.4 for Calvert Lewin?

      1. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        If Villa double, Watkins

  11. Sarri-ball
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Quite set on mount to kdb do 2night take the 0.1

    Or in these times let the 0.1 go

    No arsenal or burnley so dont seem 2 be any other ? Over games

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

      I’d go for it.

  12. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    This worth a -4…

    Trossard & Son -> Ramsey & KDB?

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

      I think so

  13. thepancakeman123
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure who to captain this week, who would you go for?

    A) Trent
    B) Cancelo
    C) Raphinha
    D) Dennis
    E) Ronaldo

    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      D or C for me

  14. boroie
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Do I do Son -> KDB tonight?

    If KDB goes up and Son goes down tonight then I can’t do it…

    1. Sarri-ball
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I think i will would be extremly bad luck. If went wrong

  15. Old Bull
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Assuming there’s no DGW are this lot good to go?

    Sa
    Laporte Cancello(c) Tierney TAA
    Jota Coutinho Bowen Raphinha
    St-Max Dennis

    Sanchez Digne Broja Salah

  16. Purse83
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Looking to wildcard and can’t decide on the best forward below 8m (have Dennis and Broja):

    A) Antonio (have Bowen)
    B) Watkins/Ings (have Coutinho and Digne)
    C) DCL
    D) Other

    1. thepancakeman123
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      DCL, unless Villa have a double, then Ings

      1. NorCal Villan
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Ings???

        That’s a bold strategy, Pancakeman, let’s see if it pays off for you

    2. Thewoodyhorse
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Richarlison

  17. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Evening. Suggestions on what to do with this? 2.1 ITB. 2 FTs

    DDG Steele

    Trent Cancelo Reguillon Lamptey Livramento*

    Son* Jota Bernardo Bowen Sissoko

    Ronaldo Watkins King

    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      KDB?

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

      Raph for Son

  18. Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is it crazy Dennis C???

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes. Norwich are poor but so are Watford.

      1. Z
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        That is true.....but Dennis can score and Norwich cant deff 🙂

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Wouldn’t be surprised if Norwich won tomorrow tbh

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No, if he has a double he will probably be popular

      1. Z
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        It is too late for double i guess

  19. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is Partey suspended for Burnely ?

    Cheers.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Assuming it isn't postponed, yes

  20. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Jota or Foden on a WC (before switching to Salah in a few weeks)?

    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Jota 100%

    2. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Foden

  21. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Can't stop watching the end of Leicester-Tottenham. Just amazing stuff. Watching Conte celebrate just feels so good. Thankfully United didn't go for him. Hate Spurs as well but he's going to get Spurs going for titles in a year or two.

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely zero chance that spurs get involved in title battles in the next 2-3 years.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Really? Wasnt long ago that we were in a champions league final.

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah zero chance. City are light years ahead. Liverpool are a long way ahead.

          And not forgetting that conte can’t be at a club more than about 2 years because he is such a divisive character.

          1. have you seen cyan
            • 4 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            The PL might be hard to win, but European titles will be possible, and other domestic silverware.
            I fully expect Spurs to win some form of silverware next season

            1. No Professionals
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah they might win an fa cup or league cup

              1. have you seen cyan
                • 4 Years
                2 years, 2 months ago

                You are under valueing the impact Conte is having imo. Even Alli is trying, it may not be the strongest squad but when you have them all giving 110% then things like what Leicester did can happen. Look at Doherty and Berg last game as well.
                Look at the squad Leicester had, yes odd season, but still what a feat with that squad.

                1. No Professionals
                  • 6 Years
                  2 years, 2 months ago

                  Conte’s scorched earth policy has short term gains and no long term viability

      2. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        If Leicester can win the PL then surely anything can happen?

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Was a year when every other contender was at the bottom of a cycle, all the stars aligned.

          Spurs haven’t got the players. They are so far behind.

      3. fedolefan
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Weren't Chelsea title contenders out of nowhere under Tuchel? Yes, they'll need signings and that's probably what Conte was promised when he signed. Stopping City is just very difficult but they may have an off-year if they don't do well in the Champions League again. And City really is the only obstacle. The rest he will get Spurs to compete with.

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Conte won’t be there long enough.

          Even if you removed Man City, I’d take Liverpool to beat spurs in a title race 10/10.

          Everyone getting excited about an injury time win against one of the worst defences in the league.

          1. fedolefan
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 2 months ago

            Liverpool couldn't score a goal against that same defence. Conte won't be there long enough is silly speculative talk. And no one is saying this Spurs team will win the title, there's a lot of additions to be made and we can only rule them out after we see the signings.

  22. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    the Arsenal v Burnley game .
    Chances of being off?

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

      Depends if one of the teams has placed a postponement request.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Might force a transfer with both Odegaard and Lowton in my squad.
        Thanks.

  23. Shteve
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Who's a better pick in the medium term?
    A. Digne
    B. Laporte (Cancelo is my only other City asset)

    1. MrJobby
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Laporte , look at the form , what has Digne brought to the table this season other that a lot of 0 and -1s , and Villa as a team don’t keep anywhere near as many clean sheets

      1. Shteve
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Leaning towards Laporte but Digne in a new team with a new lease of life could be a great pick for 5m and we've seen what he can do in the past. Looked good against United too so I certainly wouldn't dismiss him.

  24. GW23 Fixture and clean sheet odds
    G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    GW23 fixture odds can be found here:
    http://prntscr.com/26ghh3y
    (Provided by Betbrain.com)

    DGW22 clean sheets:
    LIV: 49% ✅
    MCI: 38% ✅
    BHA: 37% ❌ & 20% ❌
    WOL: 37% ❌
    EVE: 36% ❌
    WHU: 36% ❌
    NEW: 31% ❌
    TOT: 28% ❌
    LEI: 23% ❌
    MNU: 29% ❌ & 38% ❌
    SOU: 29% ❌
    ARS: 27% ❌
    BUR: -
    AVL: 25% ❌
    CRY: 25% ❌
    NOR: 24% ❌
    WAT: 25% ❌
    CHE: 18% ❌ & 44% ❌
    LEE: 16% ❌
    BRE: 12% ❌ & 20% ❌

    GW23 clean sheet odds:
    ARS: 49%
    MCI: 46%
    CHE: 41%
    LIV: 39%
    WOL: 36%
    BRE: 33%
    WAT: 33%
    MNU: 32%
    LEE: 30%
    AVL: 29%
    EVE: 29%
    LEI: 29%
    BHA: 27%
    NOR: 23%
    NEW: 19%
    TOT: 19%
    WHU: 19%
    CRY: 16%
    BUR: 14%
    SOU: 10%
    (Provided by Betbrain.com)

    Clean sheet totals:
    Manchester City: 13 (+1)
    Liverpool: 11 (+1)
    Arsenal: 9
    Chelsea: 9
    Tottenham: 8
    Wolves: 8
    Brighton: 6
    Aston Villa: 5
    Crystal Palace: 5
    Southampton: 5
    West Ham: 5
    Brentford: 4
    Manchester Utd: 4
    Burnley: 3
    Everton: 3
    Leeds: 3
    Leicester City: 3
    Norwich: 3
    Newcastle 1

    Red arrow for me this week (thank you Ronaldo), and I think it's another quick turnaround, so will be seeing you soon!

    G

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I don’t get how Chelsea are 41% to keep a cleanie vs Tottenham.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I wouldn't mind one last hurrah from Rudiger before he leaves my squad. Disappointing dgw made worse by that unnecessary yellow card.

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

        Thought the same. But there it is… Alonso time!

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

        Chelsea just played spurs twice and kept a cleanie in both.

    2. World XI
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Arsenal have no CM options. Surprised to see them top. On wait, Norwich, that's why

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

        They're playing a different team

  25. DMP
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Been away all week. News about doubles?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Nothing yet, rumour that tomorrow something will be announced but who knows when!

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

        TY.

  26. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Finger hovering over the button. Yay or Nay?

    James + Gray > Digne + Raph -4?

    1. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I’d prefer to do it over two weeks, just do James > Digne this week

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks!

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Both

    3. Oles Brummser
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Raph is sensible . Rest of defence?

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Just done the Digne move, defence now;

        TAA-Cancelo-Digne (Reguilon) (Livramento)

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

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, James
    Gray, Raphinha (C), Jota, Bowen, Foden
    CR7, King

    De Gea, Antonio, Livramento, Duffy

    1ft 2.3m ITB

    Finally getting round to transferring James. Best replacement?

    A Laporte
    B Dias
    C Digne

    1. Oles Brummser
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      All good replacements. Depends on how much risk you are seeking. Dias the safest pick

  28. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on bruno captain

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

      Think you've missed the boat there mate.

      1. jonnybhoy
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Had him captain already. Just think it will continue this week too.

    2. Arfaish
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Not a bad option but I prefer City players I.e. Cancelo or KDB

    3. Oles Brummser
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Can never overestimate the importance of confidence, but if I did not already had 3 city I would have ditched him for kdb this round. Ronaldo has proved a real blocker for his points potential

  29. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    When fit, who is Watford's first choice keeper?

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

      Need at least one more game to be sure but looks like being Foster

    2. Oles Brummser
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Who played last match direct back from injury?

  30. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Keep Kane for Chelsea?

    1. Shteve
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

    2. Oles Brummser
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Premium strikers has not been the way this year. Kane always produce vs Leicester, and never vs. Chelsea. Kan you afford both Kane and Salah without to much sacrifice in rest of team? Kane is a FH player for me this year