Spot the Differential

Three budget FPL differentials to consider for Gameweek 35 and beyond

Gameweek 35 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 Everton, Burnley and Crystal Palace 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.

ANTHONY GORDON

  • FPL ownership: 3.0%
  • Price: £4.6m
  • GW35-38 fixtures: CHE | lei + wat | BRE + CRY | ars

Anthony Gordon (£4.6m) has undeniably been one of Everton’s standout players this season, and with six fixtures in the final four Gameweeks, is one of the best budget midfielders on offer.

The 21-year-old has shown he can be equally effective playing on either flank, but has mostly been used on the right of late.

And in terms of match-ups, that looks ideal for Gameweek 35 and beyond, with Marcos Alonso’s (£5.6m) defensive weaknesses well documented throughout the campaign. Added to that, Watford have also been particularly susceptible to conceding chances down that side, which we discuss in more detail below.

His crossing ability could also be key, given that forthcoming opponents Leicester City and Crystal Palace have had issues defending set pieces all season.

“He is growing all the time and we saw that – going and playing against one of the best teams in the world, standing up and going past people and showing energy and quality and dedication. The next bit for Anthony is the end product of goals and assists – and he is desperate for it. It will come for him, he needs to stay cool with that – because every day he works on it, he does the right things. He is going to be a huge player for us and a huge player for his country.” – Frank Lampard on Anthony Gordon following Everton’s defeat to Liverpool in Gameweek 34

Since Frank Lampard’s first match in charge in Gameweek 24, the youngster has posted league-leading totals amongst sub-£5.0m midfielders for goal attempts and shots on target, whilst his 16 chances created is a top-three tally, strengthening his claim as the best all-round budget midfielder for the run-in.

In a disastrous season, Gordon has been a rare bright spark for Everton, and if they are to stage a great escape, it’s highly likely he’ll be heavily involved.

DWIGHT MCNEIL

Overlooked Armstrong can benefit from Southampton’s appealing fixture run 2
  • FPL ownership: 0.2%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW35-38 fixtures: wat | AVL | tot + avl | NEW

Dwight McNeil (£5.5m) has raised his game under interim boss Mike Jackson, impressing in his new-look roaming role.

It’s fair to say the 22-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations in 2021/22, but playing on the right has allowed him to cut inside onto his stronger foot to cross and shoot.

“He has given me the confidence back and got me believing in myself a bit more. He’s given me some guidance and a bit more freedom to go and get on the ball. I still know what I have to do out of possession but it has been a really great week.” – Dwight McNeil on life under Mike Jackson

In his last three matches, McNeil has racked up six goal attempts and created one big chance, whilst also posting team-leading totals for touches and successful passes in the final-third. That’s coincided with very good displays in the wins over Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, which have propelled Burnley out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Key to his appeal is this weekend’s opponents Watford, given that no team has conceded more chances from their left since the turn of the year. Across the 2021/22 season, they have also allowed 387 crosses from that flank, more than any other side bar Burnley themselves.

McNeil has now produced decent back-to-back performances, and if he can carry on that form, could be a real differential pick for those on the lookout for a new budget midfielder.

MARC GUEHI

Who are the best Crystal Palace players to own in FPL ahead of Gameweek 12? 9
  • FPL ownership: 1.8%
  • Price: £4.5m
  • GW35-38 fixtures: sou | WAT | avl + eve | MUN

Monday’s goalless draw with Leeds United marked Marc Guehi’s (£4.5m) tenth clean sheet of the season, ahead of an appealing run of fixtures that sees Crystal Palace take on Southampton (a), Watford (h), Aston Villa (a) and Everton (a) in Double Gameweek 37, plus Manchester United (h) on the final weekend.

That promotes Guehi – who has missed just one Premier League match all season – as an interesting budget differential at the back.

The former Chelsea man has produced a couple of goals from 14 shots in the box this term. However, it’s his ability to rack up baseline bonus points (BBPS) that is key to his appeal, largely thanks to his pass completion stats, with his total of 437 only beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.4m), Marc Cucurella (£4.9m) and Virgil van Dijk (£6.8m) among all defenders.

Palace’s defensive numbers also stand out. Across the season so far, only Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have posted lower expected goals conceded (xGC) tallies, with just 43 big chances conceded in that time.

Clean sheets have been harder to come by on the road (3/10), but two have arrived in their last five away outings, offering encouragement ahead of this weekend’s trip to Southampton and their double-header in Gameweek 37.

In a relatively short space of time, Guehi has proven he has the ability to thrive in the Premier League, and could be a useful budget option for our backlines for the remainder of the season.

491 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Mentaculus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    I want to roll here, but it it too much of a risk that I end up fielding 9/10? Want to give Martinelli another chance to see if he starts as I dont have much £ available to upgrade. Hoping for good news on Mitchell. Lining up Son & Jota ➡ Mané & Saka next week, and perhaps Sanchez ➡ Schmeichel.

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo James Matip
    KDB(C) Son Jota Mount Martinelli
    Kane
    (Dubravka, Mitchell, Gelhardt, Young-Coombes)

    1. TopBinFC
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Martinelli wont play I feel, its either him or ESR as both dont start together. I have Martinelli but WC next week, cant wait to get rid, little or no returns and nowhere near nailed. Gordon, Ramsey etc all cheaper and far better options.

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Yeah he's a bit of a concern but is in the FFS predicted lineup & I'm not really keen on switching to Gordon/Ramsey. His recent returns haven't quite lived up to his potential / evident threat but I still really like him

        1. TopBinFC
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          Any nailed player is better than Martinelli, just my opinion.

    2. TopBinFC
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      KDB, Jota, James and Martinelli could all be benched this GW.

    3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Why not address the Martinelli and James issues first?

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        This is what I'm weighing up. If I move Martinelli on, it'll be via downgrading James to get Maddison (or I could get Saka this week & Maddison for Jota next). I love watching James at RWB though, and even if he only plays once in 36 I still think he might outscore anyone I could bring in at 5.1m or under

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          Ok as long as you are willing to take that risk with James.

  2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Gordon
    B) White
    C) Davies

    Thanks!

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

    2. TopBinFC
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      White

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

    4. dwain100
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

  3. drughi
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    So very tough gw 34, dropped from 12k>16k and now top 10k looks very unlikely so dont know what to aim for really. Advice on what to do here ?

    Sa
    TAA VVD James
    Salah Son(C) Ramsey Saka
    Pukki Weghorst Werner

    Ramsdale Raphinha Coady Doherty

    A. Werner>Watkins
    B. Werner and VVD > Watkins and Robertson/cancelo -4
    C. Raphinha and werner > watkins and coutinho -4
    D. Save ft

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      D

    2. dwain100
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      C

  4. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Foster
    TAA, Cancelo, Alonso
    Salah, Mount, Son, Kulu
    Pukki, Watkins, Dennis

    Schmeichel, James, Matip, Gordon

    0.6m ITB, 1 FT, BB GW36, FH GW37

    Benching headache.

    A) Good to go
    B) Play double Chelsea D (bench who ?)
    C) Play double Liverpool D (bench who ?)

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Pukki out, James in, Matip 1st bench

  5. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Seems the general consensus on twitter is FH37 is better than FH36.

    Does this mean people are loading up on Villa and Everton assets?

    I would like to want till next week but this weeks transfer is in limbo

    1. Float
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Free hitting in 37 means that you don't have to load up on Everton and Villa assets, which is partly why it makes it better imo

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Same here. No clue.

    3. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      If you FH in 37 you can ignore Villa and Everton until then. A Villa player may be good this week though.

    4. Sterling Archer
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      My plan get a villa player this week, probably Coutinho..
      Free hit in 36..
      For 37 I already have Gordon, will have Coutinho and use my FT for another DGW player

  6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Best striker option for 37?

    A) Richarlison
    B) Watkins
    C) Mateta

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Probably A but none are particularly inspiring.

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Slim pickings. I honestly can't pick one

  7. onceuponatyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    No interest in (C)ancelo??

    Gonna start after missing midweek, it's against Leeds... Looks like a great differential to me.

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Go for it

    2. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Leeds are scoring IMO. Dangerous game you're playing

    3. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Leeds could score

    4. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I get your logic, but I think there are better options this week. City will have a somewhat makeshift defence and their clean sheet odds are under 50% for a change

  8. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Best move here? FH37

    A. Werner to Jesus
    B. Raph to Coutinho
    C. Doherty to Cash

    Sa
    James TAA Laporte
    Salah Son Saka Mount Raph
    Werner Mateta

    Dubravka KWP Hwang Doherty

    1. Traction Engine Foot
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B or C

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Cheers could also do Raph/Doherty to Ramsey/Cancelo?

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      C

  9. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Tempted to save FT to have bigger flexibility before DGW36 - thoughts?

    Or could do Sterling to Son (c) followed by Havertz to Foden next week.

    Ederson
    TAA/Robo/Cancelo/Alonso
    Salah/Sterling/Havertz/Mount/Saka
    Pukki

  10. FredrikH
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Who has the highest ceeling this GW?
    Salah, Sterling or Coutinho.

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Sterling I think. Don't see a ton of goals in Newcastle (A)

      1. FredrikH
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Same. Might punt on him or Coutinho.

    2. STONEROSES
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Coutinho’s just had his conservatory done so I think he’s got the highest ceiling this week mate

  11. Traction Engine Foot
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Save a transfer here? Or sell Havertz for Saka/Foden?

    Foster
    TAA Cancelo Laporte Alonso
    Salah Son Havertz Mount
    Watkins Nketiah

    Schmeichel Pukki Dewsbury-Hall Tavares

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I'd save

  12. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Better option out of these?

    A)
    GW35: Sterling(c)
    GW36+38: KDB + Maddison

    B)
    GW35: Son(c)
    GW36+38: Son + Foden

    1. dwain100
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B

  13. Hypnos
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Dear Sir/Madam

    I hope you are well.

    Wildcard question:

    A) Salah and Ramsey
    B) Mane and Coutinho

    Kind regards,

    Numpty

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      B

  14. drughi
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Keep james or VVD ? one is going for cancelo

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      VVD

  15. jimmyharte
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Just seen the highlights and Havertz could of had 3 and James hit the post. Sweet.. could of been top of my mini league!

    1. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      If your auntie....

      1. The Mentaculus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Nah, Jimmie has the right attitude here. Dont be too results-oriented

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Havertz certainly in the right positions but his finishing seemed weak/ lacked energy...it was strange.

      Coulda, shoulda, woulda. On to 35

  16. dshv
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    BB36, Change something here?

    Casper Foster
    Taa Robbo Alonso Cancelo Cash
    Son Salah Kulusevski Havertz Mount
    Dennis Nketiah Pukki

    0.6itb..

    1. ameisin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I guess I'd look at moving either Havertz or Mount (or both) on for 36, seeing as CHE rotation expected before FA Cup final.

  17. veedub1989
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Mount>Coutinho for free?

    Mount | Salah | KDB | Son | KDH
    Nketiah | Dennis | Pukki

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Are we not expecting Chelsea to destroy Everton? Villa has been so bang average.

      1. Rassi
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Some are also expecting rotation for Chelsea boys.

        1. veedub1989
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          Exactly - Mount looked good but I expect that he may get rotated. Coutinho has good fixtures too, the type he could excel in (against poor opposition - I say this as a part-time Norwich fan).

  18. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Do we have any idea who’s likely to be rested in the Chelsea side?

    Would you start Kulusevski over any of these?

    A - Mount
    B - Havertz
    C - Werner

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Speculatively, I'd say Werner

  19. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Best 5.5 striker to replace the disgrace that is Broja?

    1. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Not much choice, so Nketiah

    2. Bavarian
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Mateta

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Not sure there are any that are nailed over the doubles... Nketiah and Mateta probably the best options at that price...

    4. Boz
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I have Nketiah and Joao Pedro but don't have much faith in either.

    5. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Nketiah with some decent fixtures too.

      Otherwise it's Watford calling.

  20. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Is there a more complete RB in world football than Reece James right now? He can do everything...

    There are rumours that Real Madrid are trying to get him, and they see him as their long term replacement to Carvajal. James is only on 58k a week...

    1. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      everything..... Except stay fit.

      Brilliant player though.

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Fantastic...when he plays. Most complete RB based on what? The last 2 weeks?

    3. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Between, him, Trent and Dalot for me

  21. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Schmeichel
    TAA / Robertson / Cancelo / James
    Salah / Mount / Kulusevski/ Raphinha
    Kane / Werner

    Thought on those moves?

    In: Watkins / Coutinho or Havertz?
    Out: Werner / Raphinha

  22. AD105
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Any suggestions? Will be free hitting either in 36 or 37

    Pope
    Rudi Robbo Cancelo
    Son Saka Raph Havertz
    Kane Weg Werner

  23. Tommo1212
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Decisions to make ...Chances of Bowen & Foden playing 60 mins very slim with Rotation for EL & CL ?

    Bowen - A) 60 Mins +
    B) Cameo
    C) Does not get on Pitch

    Foden - A) 60 Mins+
    B) Cameo
    C) Does not get on Pitch

  24. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    A or B?
    A. FH36, BB37
    B. BB36, FH37

    Sa, Dubravka
    TAA, Cancelo, Rudiger, Alonso, Amartey
    Salah, Saka, Kulu, Maddison, Raph
    CR7, Weghorst, Broja

    Cheers

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      That's tricky you either need to get rid of CR7, or FH37, but BB doesn't look good for either GW. I think I'd do CR7 and Raph to KDB and Dennis before GW36, and FH37.

  25. AD105
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Any love for Jesus? Should play with City CL in midweek, no?

    Thinking of Raph/Werner > Coutinho/Jesus?

    1. Boz
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Risky. I wouldn't go there as I don't think he'll start in the PL

  26. Boz
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Sell Mount or Havertz for Coutinho or roll FT?

    1. Alli In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Struggling with exactly this. For this week only, I'd sell Mount. I like Coutinho's high ceiling v Norwich, Mount's played a lot of minutes lately (more than Havertz) and surely rests if not GW35, then in DGW36. But... I'd far rather Mount in 38, and can get Coutinho with FH in 37. Rolling gives more flexibility for 36 when I'll BB, in case of any injury. If I didn't have FH for 37, I'd definitely do the transfer. Given I do, I'm still undecided!

  27. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Help please guys

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      911

  28. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Help please guys

    1. FCSB
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Lol

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      desperate times

  29. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Sa
    Cancelo Doherty* A.Nouri*
    Kulu KDB Salah Saka* Eriksen
    Kane Watkins

    Subs: Broja, Digne*, Tsimikas*

    Not sure what to do with this complete mess. Luckily missing last weeks deadline gives me 2 FTs. Any help pls?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Doherty & Digne ➡ Matip & Guehi?

  30. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Ramsdale
    TAA Alonso Schar
    Salah Son Saka Mount KDH
    Kane Nketiah

    Dubravka Broja Kilman Doherty

    1FT, 0.5itb

    1. Doherty Broja >> Laporte 4.5 (-4)
    2. Doherty >> Matip

    FH37 is the plan.

    Thanks