Spot the Differential

FPL Gameweek 1 differentials: Digne, Maddison and Bamford

The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 1 deadline is now upon us, which gives us an opportunity to have a look at some differential options for the start of the season.

As always, we’ve selected three players with an ownership of five per cent or less at the time of writing, who represent viable alternatives to some of the more popular assets out there.

LUCAS DIGNE

Digne’s FPL potential evident in Aston Villa debut 5
  • FPL ownership: 4.3%
  • Price: £5.0m
  • GW1-5 fixtures: bou | EVE | cry | WHU | ars

Lucas Digne’s (£5.0m) performances towards the back end of last season were particularly strong, as he settled into his new role as one of Steven Gerrard’s attacking full-backs.

From Gameweek 22 onwards, his first outing in an Aston Villa shirt, the Frenchman created more chances than all defenders bar Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m). In that time, he ranked third for successful crosses and fifth for final-third touches, while as a corner taker, he also has an additional route to points.

Villa produced some decent defensive displays under Gerrard, as they ranked eighth amongst all Premier League sides for actual goals conceded from his appointment in Gameweek 12 onwards. Not only that, but they look set to tighten up further at the back in 2022-23 following the acquisitions of centre-back Diego Carlos (£5.0m) and defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara (£5.0m).

Villa have played five matches during pre-season, winning four whilst keeping a trio of clean sheets. Now, with an appealing run against Bournemouth, Everton and Crystal Palace inside the first three Gameweeks, there is potential to start strongly.

In all of Gerrard’s favoured set-ups, be it a narrow 4-3-2-1, 4-3-3 or diamond formation, Digne will be handed plenty of freedom to attack, and as a result, could be a nice differential pick for the opening rounds.

JAMES MADDISON

Eriksen Covid latest as Maddison and Castagne haul 1
  • FPL ownership: 5.0%
  • Price: £8.0m
  • GW1-5 fixtures: BRE | ars | SOU | che | MUN

James Maddison (£8.0m) has performed well in pre-season, notching four attacking returns which included an assist against Sevilla last weekend.

“James Maddison, it’s the best I’ve seen him in the three-and-a-half years I’ve been at Leicester. He looks now really physically strong, technically confident and tactically, his view of the game is outstanding.” – Brendan Rodgers on James Maddison’s pre-season form

The playmaker had a slow start to 2021/22, producing just one assist in the first 12 Gameweeks. However, he went on to register a whopping 22 attacking returns in his final 23 appearances, averaging an eye-catching 7.4 points per start in that time.

As a result, he ended the campaign as the fifth highest-scoring midfielder in FPL.

While Leicester City’s first eight fixtures aren’t anything to shout about, they do face Brentford and Southampton in Gameweeks 1 and 3, opponents Maddison scored against last season.

Zero summer signings may have contributed to a sense of a worry around their assets in FPL, but the Foxes hit over 60 Premier League goals last season, despite a demanding European campaign and an injury-hit squad.

Now, Leicester will benefit from the easing of fixture congestion in 2022/23 as a result of their non-involvement in Europe, and given that Maddison is in contention for an England call-up for the World Cup, could pick up where he left off last season.

PATRICK BAMFORD

Scout Notes 7
  • FPL ownership: 1.3%
  • Price: £7.5m
  • GW1-5 fixtures: WOL | sou | CHE | bha | EVE

Patrick Bamford’s (£7.5m) fitness has been carefully managed over the summer, in the hope that he can now leave last season’s injury woes behind him.

The striker was restricted to just nine top-flight appearances in 2021/22, but registered just under 200 FPL points a couple of years ago, as he netted 17 goals and 11 assists under Marcelo Bielsa.

Bamford has made four appearances throughout pre-season and in his last outing against Cagliari, captained the side and scored an excellent brace in a 6-2 win.

Now, he is expected to start against Wolverhampton Wanderers after gaining 90 minutes of action against the Italian Serie B outfit, with manager Jesse Marsch giving an encouraging update earlier this week.

“It’s been a huge week for him, he looks great, he looks fit, he looks sharp. The good thing as well is now having Patrick closer to 100%, we’ve been able to work tactically through what we want him to look like. I believe there’s a lot of room for improvement and that’s our goal to help him. He looks great, he’s psychologically incredibly excited and I know we have a great player on our hands. Is he at 100%, probably not but he’s close.” – Jesse Marsch on Patrick Bamford

He should also be on penalty-taking duty, too, having previously scored two from two.

2021/22 was a difficult campaign for Leeds United which involved a change in the dugout, and as a result, they are a bit of an unknown quantity ahead of this new campaign. However, according to our Season Ticker, only Arsenal have a better opening seven matches than the Whites.

Undoubtedly, the sale of Raphinha to Barcelona will be a huge loss, but if Bamford can stay injury free, he could re-emerge as one of the best mid-price forwards in FPL.

Who played the most minutes over the March international break?

1,368 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    I have 1.5m in the bank, what would you upgrade in this team?

    Ward - Iversen
    TAA - Robbo - Cancelo - James - Neco
    Salah - Rashford - Martinelli - Bailey - Andreas
    Kane - Jesus - Archer

    1. DagheMunegu
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Keeper

      1. Pedram
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        To who?

        1. DagheMunegu
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Ramsdale

    2. Admiral Benson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Rashford to Mount or Maddy?

    3. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Rashford to Saka

    4. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Get an 8.0m mid for easy one transfer hopping…

      1. mrmojorisin8
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        +1

      2. TheBiffas
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        +2

      3. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        This

    5. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      keeper to ederson or ramsdale

  2. Tiki-Taka
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Who are the best:

    4.5 mids - guaranteed to start + possibly deliver odd assist/goal
    4.5 strikers - same thing (if any)

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Fulham lad
      Archer

  3. DeathoftheParty
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Anyone payin £7.5m for Patrick Bamford have lost their mind...

    1. Brosef Stalin
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Absolutely mad to include him in this list

      1. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I mean its a differential article!

    2. theroadrunner
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Hello. I have lost my mind.

    3. LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      25 attack returns in 20/21 easily worth £7.5m - freak foot injury is all healed now and he looked really sharp last match.

  4. DagheMunegu
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Guys would you change Walker to either trippier or Bailey ?

    Ramsdale
    TAA Robbo Cancelo James Walker
    Salah Rashford Martinelli
    Haaland Jesus

    Ward Archer Andreas DaSilva

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Walker to Bailey

    2. mrmojorisin8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Bailey for flexibility, 4-4-2 better than 5-3-2

    3. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Bailey

  5. GordonMcDowall
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 7 months ago

    What about Rashford? £6.5mill Mid. Looking to start up front against Brighton?

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Ronnie’s shadow is still everywhere, once he goes Rashford becomes an opinion…

    2. Q
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      My final dilemma too. But it would be rashford or martinelli

  6. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Reckon Zaha is a good differential shout….

    1. Brosef Stalin
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Agreed, not enough people talking about him

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Was going to start with him but chickened out…will look to get in Gw5

        1. GordonMcDowall
          • 1 Year
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Do I drop Martinelli or Guimares for Rashford?

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            1 year, 7 months ago

            Neither

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Think he's reverse fixture proof. Will do well in the opening 6, during the tough fixture run and then do nothing when people look to bring him when fixtures ease

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Ha, yeah true enough….

  7. KidingRunner
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    foden or mahrez?

    1. mrmojorisin8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I'd say Mahrez, should be sharper due to a proper pre-season

  8. Brosef Stalin
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    BB GW1 team, wildcard GW2 - what do you reckon?

    Martinez / Ward
    TAA / Robertson / Gabriel / Cash / Dalot
    Diaz / Saka / Sancho / ASM / Bailey
    Kane / Jesus / Wilson

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Might not beat a non BB template team

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Should have 15 starters so looks good to me. Captain choice will make or break

      1. Brosef Stalin
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Very true, and BB therefore risky in GW1 as it's not really known who are 100% starting I just like to get the chip off my chest.

        Going Kane as captain

    3. schlupptheweek
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I like the core. I think ASM is an interesting maverick move so won't say don't go for him. Other options good on a bench boost are Leeds players (Kristensen, Aaronson, Rodrigo, Meslier) and you might need to flip a coin given Iversen is lurking. Last year I somehow got 0 points from a GW1 BB so atleast you'll beat that!

    4. DazF90
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Also going for BB but mines a little different to yours (has Salah)
      Nice team though mate good luck

  9. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    How's she looking?
    Ward
    TAA Robertson Cancelo Cash Saliba
    Salah KDB Bailey Neto
    Kand

    1. Brosef Stalin
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Midfield looks unbalanced with both Salah and KDB in it. I would downgrade one to strengthen rest

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Thanks. Actually it's Jesus who's sacrificed here. KDB would be 8.0 to fund the striker. Even in this case, midfield would remain the same pretty much.

  10. billnats
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    532
    Perisic, Robertson & Neto

    442
    Neco*, Dias & Mount
    *benched

    1. mrmojorisin8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      442

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

    A) Sanchez / Gabriel / Mount
    B) Sanchez / Aaronson / Mount
    C) Ramsdale / Bailey / Mount
    D) Sanchez / Rashford / Barnes

    ?
    TAA / Robertson / Dias / James / ?
    Salah / Martinelli / ?
    Haaland / Jesus

    Cheers

  12. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Good to go? 0itb

    Mendy
    Robbo Cancelo Zinch Dalot
    Salah Mahrez Mount Bailey
    Kane Jesus

    (Gazza Neto N.Williams Greenwood)

  13. The Mentaculus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Is there a general FFS league to enter, besides H2H & LMS? Can't find the code

  14. I am 42
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    headache...still undecided for my 2 x 5m defender

    currently on Walker & Trippier

    what about you?

    1. GC123
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I’ve got Walker and Gabriel but the former is getting caned on here

    2. Big Ronnie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Currently on Digne

    3. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Cash

    4. mrmojorisin8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Walker has little upside, maybe Zinc or Digne/Cash?

  15. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Digne
    B) Cash
    C) Trippier

    1) Mount
    2) Kulu
    3) Saka
    4) Foden

    1. Q
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      C 1/3

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Cheers

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      C1 for me. But I do like Saka too

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Cheers Rafa

    3. mrmojorisin8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      C3 for me, although any 8m mid has pros and cons that mean you're unlikely to go wrong either way

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Cheers

    4. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A2

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Cheers

  16. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    What's everyone doing with Perisic - starting or avoiding?

    1. Brosef Stalin
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Wait a week

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Looks to be the safe bet

    2. AnyoneButLiverpool
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      waiting

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Changed him to Digne for the first 2 weeks. 1m itb to upgrade to a Spurs/Chelsea WB in GW3

    4. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Waiting

    5. fish&chips
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Was going to go with him but I think I might start with Digne now and reassess

    6. agueroooooney
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Starting

  17. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Saka salah and Kane

    Let dicing commence in the box

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Diving*

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Peno central, right there….

  18. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Last decision… thanks & GL 🙂
    A. Ramsdale+Trippier
    B. Iversen+James

    XX

    TAA Cancelo Robbo XX

    Salah Martinelli Mount Bailey
    
Haaland Jesus
    (Ward, Neco, Andreas, 4.5)

    1. fploutcast
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I think A has more points in it but James is tough to go without.

    2. Q
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I have the exact same as b

  19. Jässi
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Best 4.5m midfield after Andreas? Playing 5-3-2.

    1. gooner_112233445566
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Dasilva

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Reed for 2 points and nothing more

  20. chelseabrad
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Zinchenko or Gabriel?

    1. Brosef Stalin
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Zinchenko

    2. fploutcast
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Gabriel for me

      1. chelseabrad
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Why?

    3. AnyoneButLiverpool
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      gab

      1. chelseabrad
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Why?

  21. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) walker
    B) digne
    C) trippier
    D) gabriel

    1. fploutcast
      • 1 Year
      1 year, 7 months ago

      C, D/B, A in that order

  22. TheBiffas
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Those frantic RMT-spammers haven't noticed there's a lovely new article to be read 🙂 enjoy the peace here while it lasts

    1. Urban Cowboy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Points and screams in bodysnatcher fashion.

  23. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Which combo guys? (Got TAA + Cancelo)

    A) Ederson + James
    B) Mendy + Robbo
    C) Ramsdale + Robbo

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      C

  24. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Walker played 1755mins last season and isn't getting any younger

    1. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Are you getting younger? What is the secret to eternal youth?

      1. Percy Johnstone
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Benjamin Button

  25. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Best option here folks???

    A- Saka, Neto and Sanchez/Ward
    Or
    B- Mount, Martinelli and Ward/Iversen

    Cheers everyone!!!

    1. Muller Reus Corner
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I reckon B

    2. Q
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Cheers chaps!! B is what you be been on!! Will stick!!

  26. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Is 4.0m Patterson definitely going to be starting?
    I don't want to waste transfers on my bench fodder; I just want someone who might have to come in and bring their 1-2 points with them on rare occasion.

    But want to know they will play so they don't plummet in price.

  27. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    LMS code please

    1. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      88xxin

      1. Danno - Emre Canada
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Cheers
        Any other mini-leagues floating about other than the FFS?

      2. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Thanks

  28. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Captain Salah or Kane?

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Salah

    2. AnyoneButLiverpool
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      kane

  29. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    I've got 1m itb and have a fairly decent way to add Haaland to go 3 premiums, would you do the following moves and play 433?

    Mendy to Leicester combo
    Robbo to James
    Bowen to 4.5
    4.5 to Haaland

  30. AnyoneButLiverpool
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Can someone anyone reply to my post?

    Ramsdale Ward
    TAA Robo James Cancelo Neco
    Salah Martnielli Rashford Bailey Andreas
    Kane Jesus Archer (0.5 in the bank)

    Or

    Ramsdale Ward
    TAA Robo James Walker* Neco
    Son* Martnielli Rashford Bailey Diaz*
    Kane Jesus Archer

    or

    Ramsdale Ward
    TAA Robo James Walker Neco
    Son Martnielli Rashford Bailey Andreas
    Kane Jesus Wilson

    1. TheBiffas
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      First one because it has salah