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. Marshall96
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Robbo and rashford or
    5.5def and Diaz

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

      A

      1. Marshall96
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Then I can’t switch to 8.0mid if they start doing well

  2. brixtonBob
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Maybe I missed something, but why so many buying Rashford ?

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

      Beats me

    2. banskt
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      People think Manchester is a better-than-average team.

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

      could play as striker... martial out, cr7 not fully fit

    4. SamH123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      thought the same until I saw he's 6.5 and a midfielder so I can see the argument there

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

      His history and price and potential non rotation with Martial injured

  3. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Would you start Bailey over any of this lot?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Cancelo, James, Trippier, Cash
    Salah, Diaz, Martinelli
    Kane, Jesus

    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      i'd start him over cash

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Think I'd start him over Cash.

    3. banskt
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Another vote for starting him over Cash.

  4. the divine ponytail
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Any nailed 4.5m apart from Pereira who are not defensive mids?

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

      No

    2. out for a goalkick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Dasilva is the only other one that stands out - but not sure I'd say 'nailed'.

    3. banskt
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Second mid in a 5-3-2 or 4-3-3 is minimum 5.0m. Plan accordingly.

  5. Puntillimon
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    GTG?

    Ward iversen
    Trent cancel walker zinchenko neco
    Salah Diaz Bailey martinelli pereira
    Wilson kane Jesus

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Yep very nice

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

      Like it as threemiums go. GTG

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

        Ignore me, I've had a few beers. But I like it. Haha

    3. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Thanks!

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

    Final check before I go to bed. Solo Mo team. How am I looking?

    Ramsdale
    TAA, Robbo, Cancelo, James, Digne
    Salah (c), mount, Mahrez, saka
    Jesus

    Iverson, andreas, archer, plange

    0 ITB

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

      I personally would get a second forward by downgrading Digne to 4.0 and Saka to Martinelli, just because bench very weak and team could be exposed soon, but if you're set on 5-4-1, I like it!

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

        Understand the comment but I think I'll take the risk with Jesus being nailed on to start. Only a hit away from bringing a 2nd striker in if it all goes wrong. Thanks for the comment!

  7. focaccia
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Watkins & Martinelli
    or
    B) Maddison & Mbeumo

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

      A

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

    Son or KDB? Why

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Son. Easier fixture. Can swap to KDB in GW2 if you want.

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

      Son has Sou at home and his record is brilliant against them

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

      I have a similar question

      1) Son
      2) KDB + 4 points

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

        why +4 because I have locked in my transfer, ie Kane to Haaland

  9. Gazza2000
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Almost there... Iversen/Ward is so tempting, would give me a 8m midfield slot as well

    A) Ward and Mount 442
    or
    B) Ramsdale and Dias 532

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

      I succumbed. Once in a blue moon chance. Go for A man

  10. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    2 voted each option last time…

    A Robertson Ramsdale Dalot
    B James Ederson Trippier

    xxx Ward
    TAA Cancelo xxx xxx (Patterson)
    Salah Mount Rashford Bailey (Andreas)
    Kane Jesus (Archer)

  11. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this ?
    Ward
    Cancelo James Robbo Trent
    Salah Mount Martinelli Bailey
    Jesus Haaland
    Subs - Iverson Williams Pereria Archer

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

      That is my exact team, all 15. So yes, gtg.

  12. SamH123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    no one taking Cucurella? should be nailed from Week 2?

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

      He’s cheap easy switch from GW2

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

      vs spurs? I will wait til GW3

      couldn't decide Trippier or Cash/Digne as place holder

  13. out for a goalkick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    I'm actually sick of making tweaks now - roll on 18:30 so I don't have so many options to consider for a few days/weeks!

    Ramsdale
    TAA | Robertson | Cancelo | Trippier
    Salah | Mahrez | Kulu | Rashford
    Jesus | Bamford

    Ward | Andreas | Neco | Greenwood

    £0.5mil ITB

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

      Why Rashford ?

      1. out for a goalkick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        I like the price point - and no Martial due to injury - with £0.5 ITB I could move to Grealish/Bernardo/Zaha/JWP or drop back to Martinelli (who had been in my team most of pre-season - but palace away could be tight - meaning I don't want to be doubled on Arsenal. Neto/Bailey moves could occur if the hype comes to fruition.

  14. DavidSilva
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Anndd so it begins...

    Pope
    Tripp TAA Cancelo James
    Salah (c) Diaz Bailey Martinelli
    Jesus Haaland

    Ward Neto Williams Greenwood

    As boring as can be right? Tried spicing it up with Pope LOL

  15. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Leicester vs Brentford

    Who to start

    Raya or Ward?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Raya

    2. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Ward

  16. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Advice please!
    A rash/martinelli have two ars
    B perisic/Tripp/Walker/ cash have cancelo
    Cheers, good luck all

    1. Twisted Melon
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A) Martinelli

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

        Thanks -and from B?

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

      1 from A&B

  17. Twisted Melon
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    1) L Diaz
    2) Robbo

    A) Perisic
    B) Neto

  18. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Pens down? Can't see much I'd change here any suggestions?

    Sanchez
    Taa - Robbo - James - Cancelo
    Salah (c) - Mount - Aaronson - Bailey
    Kane (v) - Jesus

    Ward - Greenwood - Nico - Andreas

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

      Very nice

  19. Skeithkinny
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Mount or Diaz as an £8 Mil Midfielder?

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

      Mount

    2. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I think mount is more secure. When jota is back, he’ll rotate with Diaz. Also Carvalho will prob get some mins off him.

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

    Pick a team please, the bold ones are the differences

    Team 1:

    Ward Iversen
    Trent DIGNE Trippier Walker (Neco)
    Salah MARTINELLI RASHFORD (Pereira 4.5)
    Kane Jesus HAALAND

    Team 2:
    Ward Iversen
    Trent ROBBO Trippier Walker (Neco)
    Salah BOWEN MADDISON NETO (Pereira)
    Kane Jesus 4.5

  21. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    4th def - Trippier / Cash / Digne / Dalot?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Trippier for set pieces and corners

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

      i would like to know too lol

  22. Dags
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Bottomed-
    Guys, Really in a big conundrum here. Which combo scores more in the first 8 GW's and why?
    1) Trippier Bowen
    2) Cancelo Rashford

  23. TSN
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    best forward under 8.0? wilson? any other suggestion?

    sorry double post, first post was error

    1. out for a goalkick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Bamford, Toney, Martial (when fit!)

    2. tyiocoyg34
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      bamford

  24. The Pep Revolution
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Last decision.
    Current team is:
    Ramsdale Ward
    Cancelo TAA James Perisic NWilliams
    Salah Mount Martinelli Bailey Andreas
    Halland Jesus Archer

    What do you think of the following:
    Ramsdale and Perisic to Gabriel and Alisson?

  25. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A. Cancelo/Trippier

    B. Dias/Robbo

  26. OLA
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Opinions are really welcome on this one:

    A) Robbo plus Rashford/Bailey
    B) Digne plus Jesus

    Thanks!

    1. TSN
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

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

      Ouch, tough one but B) for me

  27. JPSpurs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Nothing drastically wrong with this?

    Ward
    Robertson, Cancelo, Perisic, Trippier
    KDB, Diaz, Mount, Martinelli
    Kane (c), Jesus

    Sanchez, Bailey, Andreas, Archer

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

      I guess you know for yourself. Too risky to go without both TAA and Salah

    2. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Missing the two best players in the game

  28. undersarmy
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Anybody got any links to free leagues to join??

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

      Outcast has been posting one…

  29. toystory2wasok
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    hello my loves, first post of 22/23, and it's a tedious A/B:

    A) perisic, neto
    B) james, bailey

    have mount. no other spurs coverage (could swap mount for kulu i spose)

    1. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B for me and I prefer Kulu to Mount personally

  30. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Gtg or any changes?

    Ederson
    TAA Cancelo James Trippier
    (C)Salah Kulu Martinelli Bailey
    Haaland Jesus

    Ward Dalot Andreas Greenwood

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

      Very solid, I like