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. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Reece James RWB 6m

    Absolute no brainer really

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

      yup

      same as robbo

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

      Fix are not amazing but yes looks like. Better than Trippier?

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

      No brainer as is good or? I’m thinking about dropping James and going Cancelo

    4. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      You’re not wrong

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

    A) Ramsdale + Neto
    B) 4,5 GK + Martinelli

    Ta

    1. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B with Sanchez

  3. shady4revr
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Zinchenko or Gabriel?

    1. MGD
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Gabriel for now

    2. Clive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Gabriel. Could easily score in the first 2.

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

    Robertson is the best differential atm. As good as a guarantee as they come.

  5. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Spurs fans, I've read that it's unlikely Perisic will start.

    Any of your sources got a better idea?

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

      Doesn't matter. Almost 50% probability that will be subbed before 60mins even if he starts.

    2. Snooze ya lose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Scout has him in predicted line up and neale says 60% chance

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        he won't start

    3. Y26 Royal
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      In the training video he didn't have a bib on when it appeared the likely first 11 did.

    4. Clive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      For me, I'm not buying Perisic for his clean sheet potential. If he doesn't start tonight it is fitness related but even 30 minutes against a tired Southampton defence is exciting. He is first choice most times for me.

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        he's not playing tonight

      2. Y26 Royal
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        He's 100% not playing tonight

        1. FPL Brains
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 7 months ago

          Haha.

      3. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        Yeah it's more there are plenty of good options to hold till he starts in prem games.

  6. Sacked in the Morning
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Please help, last couple of decisions…..

    A. Lei 4m gks + Martinelli
    B. Ramsdale + Bailey

    For 4th starting defender:
    1. Trippier
    2. Doherty
    3. Perisic
    4. Other 5.5m or less.

    Thanks!

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A & Tripper

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

      Trippier - I'm saving 0.5 to move to Perisic one he is fully fit

  7. tryf88
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Rashford vs Martinelli?

    1. Aztec Kamara
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Martinelli of the 2, but I currently have both

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

      Rash for 1st gw atleast

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

    My team is set, i'm going Salah-less for the first time in forever.

    Ward
    TAA Robbo James Dias
    Son Diaz Saka Bailey
    Haaland Jesus

    Iversen N.Williams Taylor Andreas

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Brave. Good luck!

    2. Nemes1s
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Brave but I really like it.

      Confident in Diaz's minutes?

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

        Thanks, I think Diaz is nailed on starter while Jota is out, and I have the option of an early wildcard to bring in Salah if needed after a few weeks. If Diaz's output in his limited game time last season is anything to go by, I fancy him to put out similar numbers to Salah this season, and at a fraction of the price.

    3. sinusoidal
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Doing the same - one must innovate in these testing times

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

        I feel happier with my team without Salah for some reason.

  9. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Final inquiry before leaving:

    A) Sanchez, Ward, Trippier, Mount, Rodrigo

    B) Iversen, Ward, James, Saka, Aaronsson

    1. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      That’s a tough one!

      I don’t like the two Leicester keepers but the rest of the players are far better so I’d say B.

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

    Would you pick A or B

    A. Alisson and Gabriel
    B. Ramsdale and Perisic

    1. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

    2. ScottyMaz12
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

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

      B

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

    Any thoughts?

    A) 4-4-2. 0.5 itb
    Sanchez (4.0)
    Taa, Robbo, trippier, Cancelo (N. Williams)*
    Salah, mount*, Martinelli, Bailey (Andreas)
    Jesus, Haaland (4.5)

    B) 5-3-2. 0.5 itb
    Ramsdale (4.0)
    TAA, Robbo, trippier, Cancelo, James*
    Salah, Martinelli, Bailey (Neto*, Andreas)
    Jesus, Haaland (4.5)

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

      A

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

      A

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

    Any advice? Last thing that's bothering me
    A) Start Trippier 5-3-2 with 4.5 mid on bench
    B) Bench NWilliams 4-4-2 with 5.5 mid starting

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

      b

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

      B. Because there's no 4.5 mid bench player except Andreas.

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

        However, if you could get a 5.0m bench mid in a 5-3-2, then it might give you more points.

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

        Have Reed atm, good for 2 points and that's it. Could have Bailey as 5.0 option

  13. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Please help..

    a) TAA, Robertson, White, Trip, Neto
    b) TAA, Walker, Trip, Cash, Martinelli
    c) A with Rob-> Cancelo

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

      C

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

      C

  14. L S P
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Neto in a 352
    B) Trippier in a 442

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

      B

    2. ScottyMaz12
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

  15. Planet Jo
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Son or KDB, if you already have Haaland? (for GW1 anyway)

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

      Son

    2. MADCHESTER UTD
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Son. I think spurs will wallop saints 4 or 5-0. West Ham away is trickier. Son scored 4 vs saints once

      1. Jock Grealish
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        saints have scored in last 15 v spurs so expect them to get one

    3. ScottyMaz12
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Son

    4. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Son

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

      Son for GW1

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

    GTG?

    Ward
    TAA / Cancelo / Digne / Walker / Gabriel
    Salah (v) / Son (C) / Martinelli
    Jesus / Darwin

    Sanchez / Bailey / Andreas / Taylor

  17. Who let Udogie out?
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 7 months ago

    GW1 captain: Salah or Kane?

    1. MADCHESTER UTD
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      I’m going kane

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

      Flip a coin or listen to your instincts.

      Both can do really well...who knows who does better.

    3. Jock Grealish
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      salah has hauled last 5 seasons opening game. kane only 2 goals in last 5

  18. Sadge
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Bottomed last page

    if you own both Salah , Son and Kane , would you still captain Salah , or go for Son/ Kane ?

    1. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Salah.

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

    A) Robertson & James
    B) Van Dijk & Cancelo

    (ALREADY HAVE TAA)

    ?

  20. Manani
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Saka + Neco
    or
    Martinelli + James (and bench Neto/Bailey)

  21. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    G2G?

    Ward, Sanchez;
    TAA, Walker, Trippier, Digne, Neco;
    Salah, KDB, Andreas, Martinelli, Bailey;
    Kane, Jesus, Archer.

    0.5itb

    any changes needed?

  22. ScottyMaz12
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A) Robertson, Martinelli
    B) Gabriel, Saka

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

      Robertson is a 'must have' IMO, so A

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

    How many on here have gone with Ward and Iverson?

    1. ScottyMaz12
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Yep, seems worth the punt to start with

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

      Me

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

      me, worth it to free up funds

    4. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      o/

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

      Nearly did but then decided to just have Ward and get Rambo in

  24. Mcmush87
    • 1 Year
    1 year, 7 months ago

    A - Cancelo & Neto
    B - Walker & Sancho

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

      A

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

    Which 3 would u choose from

    A Cancelo
    B James
    C TAA
    D Robertson

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

      Too difficult. I've got all 4, if I had to get rid I would say robbo or James but it's tough

    2. Clive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      TAA
      Cancelo
      James

      I just love James's potential even in a Chelsea team that is short on defenders.

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

    A) sanchez, walker (any 5mil defender), saka
    B) ramsdale, Ruben dias, martinelli 0.5itb

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

      Got ward as second keeper, and have cancelo already

  27. Bishopool
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    a) Son
    b) KDB

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      B

  28. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Raya
    Robbo Perisic Walker White
    Salah(C) L.Diaz Kulusevski Mount
    Haaland Jesus

    Ward Greenwood N.Williams Andersen

    Final dilemma:

    A) stick with Robbo+Perisic combo or go TAA+Dier instead?

    B) Leave Mount or rather do Saka or Mahrez?

  29. reo19uk
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Which 1 would people choose?

    A) Andreas and James
    B) Neto and Digne

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      A

    2. ScottyMaz12
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      Does Andreas have to start for you every week? Wouldn't want that

      1. reo19uk
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 7 months ago

        No, he would be a bench sitter for me generally

  30. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 7 months ago

    Martnelii or Rashford.?

    1. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 7 months ago

      martinelli

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

      Rash