Spot the Differential
18 March 2022 813 comments
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Blank Gameweek 30 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 Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester 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.

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN

  • FPL ownership: 0.7%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW30-34 fixtures: lei | che | WHU | wat | TOT

Christian Eriksen (£5.5m) has been instrumental in Brentford’s recent wins over Norwich City and Burnley.

The Dane joined the Bees on a six-month deal after his release by Inter Milan and made his first appearance as a substitute last month.

He has since played the full 90 minutes in successive victories, producing the assist for Ivan Toney’s (£6.6m) opener in the 2-0 win over the Clarets last weekend, before he later provided the pass that led to the forward being fouled for his injury-time spot kick.

Brentford’s improved form has coincided with Thomas Frank’s decision to move from a 3-5-2 to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation, with the creativity of Eriksen in a deeper midfield role key, where he can set the rhythm of his team’s attacks. Already an important part of their approach, the playmaker has amassed 80 opposition-half touches in his last two matches, at least 11 more than any team-mate.

Eriksen has produced three shots and created a modest three chances in his 218 minutes of pitch-time so far, but his dead-ball prowess is a key factor behind his appeal this week, given opponents Leicester City’s tendency to concede from set-plays, which has been apparent all year. The scheduling of the match also favours the visitors: the Foxes were in France on Thursday evening before facing the Bees on Sunday, so Frank’s side may fancy their chances at the King Power.

Brentford’s performances of late suggests they are building some momentum, and as Eriksen settles into his new surroundings, he could be a smart budget differential for our Fantasy teams.

JONNY CASTRO OTTO

  • FPL ownership: 0.3%
  • Price: £4.5m
  • GW30-34 fixtures: LEE | AVL | new | MCI (tbc) | bur

Following last weekend’s win at Goodison Park, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now produced successive victories and clean sheets, which has coincided with the return of Jonny Castro Otto (£4.5m) from injury.

And one of the biggest positives from those displays have been the performances of the Spaniard, who ranks joint-third and fifth among defenders for chances created and final-third touches in that time.

Additionally, only Leander Dendoncker (£4.7m) and Raul Jimenez (£7.6m) took up a more advanced role last time out.

Due to injuries to Nelson Semedo (£4.8m) and Ki-Jana Hoever (£3.9m), Bruno Lage doesn’t currently have an experienced alternative to Jonny at right wing-back, with Chiquinho (£5.5m) stepping in during the closing stages of the Watford win, which would seemingly ensure his place in the starting XI for Blank Gameweek 30 at least.

Now, Wolves face Leeds United on Friday and are looking to make it three wins on the spin. There are appealing fixtures to follow, too, with matches against Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Burnley in the next five.

Heading into Blank Gameweek 30, it looks like Jonny will be one of the first names on Lage’s team sheet, and could be a nice differential pick for FPL managers on the lookout for a budget defender.

YOURI TIELEMANS

Tielemans a FPL differential for Gameweek 21 and beyond 2
  • FPL ownership: 3.9%
  • Price: £6.4m
  • GW30-34 fixtures: BRE | mun | CRY | new + eve | AVL

Belgium international Youri Tielemans (£6.4m) has developed into one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League since his move to Leicester City.

Across his 19 league starts in 2021/22, he has produced six goals and two assists, averaging 4.7 points per match.

Notably, he has also posted team-leading totals for chances created and expected assists (xA), while his all-round ability lends itself to bonus points, with only eight midfielders bettering his tally of 13 across the season.

The injury situation at Leicester certainly isn’t ideal, but in the absence of Jamie Vardy (£10.3m), it may give Tielemans’ prospects a further boost, as it’s highly likely he will be on penalty-taking duties this weekend.

Despite suffering back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Rennes, Brendan Rodgers’ side had previously won four in a row, and now have an appealing run which includes home matches against Brentford and Crystal Palace, before a confirmed Double Gameweek 33 which involves trips to Newcastle United and Everton. They also have two outstanding fixtures that still need to be accommodated somewhere during the run-in.

Tielemans has been a crucial player for a while now, and having been handed a breather at the Emirates last weekend, should be raring to go in Blank Gameweek 30.

813 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    First

    1. mojoindojo
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Wow

  2. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    🙂

    1. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      First fail is not a good omen usually. Best wishes still.

  3. Mozumbus
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Keep Raphinha or take a hit?

      1. Mozumbus
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, thanks

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

        Thanks for this update

  4. royals forever
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Should I take a - 4 and do Digne > Doherty or are these nine players enough for GW30

    Ramsdale

    White Kilman

    Saka Kuluveski Ramsey Barnes

    Kane Jimenez

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Mozumbus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      No hit. Good enough. Wish you green arrow

  5. adstomko
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Worth a -4, yes or no?

    Salah, Thiago Silva
    >> Kulusevski, Pereira

  6. FFFoxy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What has Jonny looked like as an attacking force since his return. I know small sample size, anyone any data/info?

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

      You could go to the Members area and Members table to take a look?

  7. Cheeky Onion
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Only have Saka, White, Kulu, Doherty, and Watkins playing with 1 FT. 1 FH, WC & BB still available. Worth a FH or take a -8 to field 8?

    1. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      FH for sure

  8. Mooster©️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    VanDijk to Doherty and Broja to Jimenez for -4?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's a yes from me

  9. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Bamford is still 7.7m, that's a shame.

    Yarmalenko could be an outside punt this week too, would think he deserves a start and looks the most threatening west ham attacker right now

    Tielemans, and KDH are differentials although not sure how long term they are.

  10. ArseneAllTheWay
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Willock & Broja > Douglas Luiz & Toney (-4) to give me 8 players this week?

    Yay or nay?

  11. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is Trent likely to miss the Watford game ?

    1. DonaldDrapier
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      "out for weeks"

      1. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        A fortnight is technically weeks

    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Could easily be on bench if he recovers in time. Hammys aren’t to be messed with, big games ahead and should have enough to beat Watford without him

  12. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Kulu or Martinelli? On FH

    1. Dan D
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Would you choose

      Regulion PLus Coutinio or Kulu + Terney ?

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

      kulu

    3. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kulu

  13. Mozumbus
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Looks like Raphinha is ok and traveled with the squad

  14. Baron Penguin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have no defenders at all, and no Kane/Son. I am using an FT to get Son but I am pondering no defenders as the -4 requires an attacking return or clean sheet to come off which is a risky business.

    So... is it worth getting Reguilon or just go with a 1-0-5-2 formation?

  15. No Kane No Gain
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    What sources are more reliable. The ones saying Raph travelled or the covid ones??

    Won’t be happy until I see a pic of him at the stadium lol

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

      The source was exactly the same in both cases...

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Safe to say he’s playing then?!

  16. ididnt
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Pick one:

    1) Livra & Adams > Coady & Toney (-4)
    2) TAA & Willock > Coady/Saiss & Barnes/Madi (-4)
    3) Livra & Willock > Kilman & Eriksen (-4)

  17. Avery
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on options, pick one from each grouping. Thanks

    Play:
    A. Lacazette or
    B. Jimenez
    ----------------
    1. Doherty or
    2. Kulu
    ----------------
    3. Maddison or
    4. Barnes

    Personally on: A,1,4

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      A
      2
      3

  18. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Son + laca -> gabby + kane (-4)?
    Or keep son

  19. Pringle
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who do you prefer this GW only?

    A. Jonny
    B. Kilman
    C. Thomas
    D. Amartey

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      B

  20. Bobby_Baggio
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Anything worth changing on my FH team? Bench order correct? Cheers.

    Sa
    Coady - Tierney - Saiss
    Son - Maddison - Cout - Kulu
    Toney - Kane - Laca

    (Martinez) - Saka - Cash - Jansson

    1. Maddamotha
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Little heavy with x3 Wolves defenders? Are you that confident of a CS? I had 2, but only Sa in my team atm from their defense.

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        not massively but cant see any other fxtures ending with a clean sheet so may aswell go for it. Can always bench coady and start cash

    2. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I would play 5 mids: Saka/Martinelli/Barnes instead of Toney

      Cash instead one of Coady/Saiaa

  21. Bubbles1985
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    FH good to go... ?

    Sa
    Doherty Tierney Cash
    Coutinho Saka Barnes Son
    Kane(c) Jimenez(vc) Toney

    Schmeichel Fornals Coady Cresswell

    Bench order giving me nightmares!

    Cheers

    1. Bobby_Baggio
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You are G2G. Bench will always be tough on a FH. Cheers for your reply earlier

      1. Bubbles1985
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        No problem fella, GL!

    2. Dan D
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      no Lcacazette and Maddison Kulu ?

      1. Bubbles1985
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Tempted to get Laca instead of Toney.

        Coin toss though!

  22. Nightf0x
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Sa
    Sais tierney periera (cash reg)
    Martineli fornals son(c) mads/tielemans/barnes
    Kane toney jimi

    FH thoughts ?

    1. Dan D
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Kane (C)

  23. Drexl Spivey
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Maddison & Barnes double up a sleeping giant, no?

    1. Jon Snow
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Tbh i wouldn't be surprised if Leics lose again

      1. Drexl Spivey
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        They don't need to win.

  24. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Only have 8 playing this week.
    Dennis > Toney worth a -4?

    1. Fpl_Ludwig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      yeah, i’d do it

  25. XP
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I have 9 players for this game week .... I have all my chips left. Worth using Free-hit or saving?

  26. Il Capitano
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1FT 0ITB

    Ramsdale
    Doherty Kilman
    Saka Raph Kulu Ramsey
    Kane (C) Jimenez

    Foster - TAA Robbo Cancelo Salah Broja

    Worth making any moves here or just save the FT?

  27. Jon Snow
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Am i imagining things but i read somewhere Brentford concede a lot of chances through the centre?

    Pushes me towards Maddo over Barnes

  28. _Ninja_
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Looking for a Digne replacement, Is Tierney worth the extra over White?

    Sa
    Saiss Digne Doherty
    Son Saka Martinelli Raphinha
    Kane Hwang

    Dubravka Salah TAA Broja KWP

  29. Sid07
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    1) rudiger + broja to Doherty + Toney (-4)
    2) rudiger + broja to Doherty + laca

    1. Sid07
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      2 is also for (-4)

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

      I’d keep Rudiger

  30. NotsoSpursy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Broja -> Toney
    TAA -> Cash

    -4 ?

    1. Sid07
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Only broja to toney