Spot the Differential

Pogba’s new role makes him a useful FPL differential for Triple Gameweek

Triple Gameweek 35 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 West Ham United, Aston Villa and Manchester United who we think have the potential to make an impact.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or below at the time of writing.

Paul Pogba

  • FPL ownership: 2.2%
  • Price: £7.6m
  • GW35-38 fixtures: avl + LEI + LIV | – | FUL | wol

Paul Pogba (£7.6m) has been one of Manchester United’s top performers in recent weeks, producing some of his best football since returning to Old Trafford from Juventus in 2016.

The French midfielder struggled with several minor injuries and a bout of COVID-19 earlier in the season. However, since regaining full fitness, he has become a vital asset to Ole Gunnar Solskjær, which has coincided with a new, hybrid role on the left of United’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

The more advanced position means he is generally further up the pitch when United reach the final third, where he has the vision and ability to quickly switch play. And that’s led to a big improvement from Pogba, who has scored two goals and registered four assists in his last ten matches across all competitions. He also ranks joint-second amongst team-mates for shots in the box, and third for chances created over the last six Gameweeks.

The Red Devils are now unbeaten in 13 Premier League matches, and after the latest fixture amendments were announced earlier this week, now visit Aston Villa before back-to-back home matches against Leicester City and Liverpool in Triple Gameweek 35.

While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly which, if any, of United’s assets will be handed three starts, Pogba’s versatility enhances his chances, and now in a really good moment, could be an effective differential for the remainder of the season.

Michail Antonio

  • FPL ownership: 5.0%
  • Price: £6.4m
  • GW35-38 fixtures: EVE | bha | wba | SOU

Gameweek 34 saw the return of Michail Antonio (£6.4m) to West Ham United’s attack.

The 31-year-old was back in the starting XI after recovering from the hamstring injury which forced him off against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, and it didn’t take him long to impress.

His quickfire double, finishing off crosses from Vladimir Coufal (£4.7m) and Saïd Benrahma (£5.9m), turned the game in the Hammers favour, and he was perhaps unfortunate not to return more, as he ended the game with six goal attempts, two big chances and 12 penalty box touches. 

In fact, Antonio’s expected goal involvement (xGI) total of 1.43 was not bettered by any other Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player in Gameweek 34, and as pointed out by Neale in his Scout Notes, it is merely a continuation of a season-wide trend as no forward with substantial game-time to their name has a better rate of xGI per 90 minutes.

Manuel Lanzini’s (£6.4m) performance also caught the eye, with the Argentine excelling in a deeper role in Declan Rice’s (£4.7m) absence, and as a result of their win, West Ham now sit fifth, just three points behind Chelsea with four games to play. 

With a crucial run of games coming up against Everton, Brighton and Hove Albion, West Bromwich Albion and Southampton, Antonio can finish the season strongly, and could be one of the very best FPL differentials for the run-in.

Anwar El Ghazi

  • FPL ownership: 1.2%
  • Price: £5.2m
  • GW35-38 fixtures: MUN + EVE | cry | tot | CHE

Anwar El Ghazi (£5.2m) has not always been a guaranteed starter at Aston Villa this season, but has now scored in back-to-back matches and made a real impact.

The Dutchman’s Gameweek 34 strike at Everton took his tally to eight in the Premier League, making him the Villans’ top scorer behind Ollie Watkins (£6.5m), and there is no doubt that at his best, he has the ability to be a real game-changer.

Interestingly, captain Jack Grealish (£7.5m) recently labelled El Ghazi as Villa’s best finisher at the club, and it was easy to see why at Goodison Park, as he bent the winner past an excellent Jordan Pickford (£4.8m) late on. He also hit the woodwork and enjoyed plenty of success running at Carlo Ancelotti’s backline, which is encouraging.

The winger’s shoot-on-sight policy is evident in the numbers, too. Amongst all midfielders per 90 who have played a reasonable number of minutes, he ranks second for goal attempts, fifth for big chances and third for expected goals (xG), only behind Mohamed Salah (£12.7m) and Gareth Bale (£9.1m).

At this stage, we should point out that longer term, this move carries more risk, as it’s likely we’ll see El Ghazi drop out of the starting XI upon Grealish’s return. However, if the England international continues to be ruled out, and you fancy a short-term differential punt, this could be a good one.

2,781 Comments Post a Comment
  1. v3n0m
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who to bench:
    a) Kane (LEE)
    b) Holdgate (WHU, AVL)
    c) James (MCI, ARS)

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      C

  2. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Somebody picking Pogba over Bruno?

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Considering

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      On FH and chasing I'd definitely look at it.

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Will roll the dice with Rashford instead of him

      Greenwood & Big Fat Harry already on board

  3. Blue Gaffer
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which is best:

    1. Mendy, Castagne, Greenwood
    2. Martinez, Shaw, Havertz

  4. TheOneAndOnly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What are people's thoughts on Jota's minutes?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1 start 1 sub

  5. n-doggg
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Following ole’s comments...

    A. Shaw
    B. Maguire

    Go!

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A easily

    2. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Had Maguire changed back to Shaw

  6. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Salah or Bruno TC such a tough call

    More upside to salah if he does well. Bruno TGW but think he will only play in two games

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Easy Mo for me of the two given what you've posted previously about your TC strategy.

      Bruno likely has a DGW and no slam dunk captain fixture even if it's a TGW.

      Factor in schedule and United putting out mix and match sides then....

  7. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I'm also considering Pogba. Anyone as well?

  8. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Worth getting Cavani over Bruno for the double. Would be much handier for my team

  9. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi All,

    Son, Vydra, Rudinger > Greenwood, DCL, Phillips

    Sound reasonable?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      One or two hits?

      Tempted to do similar but with Zaha to save a further hit in 36

  10. PompeyUpNorth!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Not had time to read stuff today so apologies if this has been asked..
    Captain?
    A. Greenwood (I’m 35 behind in ML so could be a differential)
    B. Bruno (everyone will Capt him)
    I’m thinking Greenwood... agreed?
    Cheers!

    1. More Cowbell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If there's ever a week to bridge a big gap it's this one! Glory or bust, go for it. Greenwood!

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If you're chasing your ML rival then Greenwood.

      I'm on the other side of the fence and holding a 40 point lead and playing the safe option with Bruno

  11. tim
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Dcl or watkins?

    1. GS456
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      dcl

  12. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    So Rodriguez is still injured, probably for both

  13. Mackans
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who is the most nailed Everton defender?

  14. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Quick question:

    Is any cheap Everton defender nailed on?

  15. woodboy76
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any of you masterminds that can sort this mess into order, I have to play one and bench the others.

    Perreira (WBA), Coady, Vydra, Reguillon

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Play pereira 100%

  16. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Will u -4 to sell steer to mccarthy because i need BB or just forfeit the keeper slot?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Current thinking seems to be McCarthy will be dropped for the next two so may not pay off

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      McCarthy isn't playing in the double, Forster is.

      1. Letsgo!
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        But will u -4 for forster to play bb?

    3. BullDogTevez
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      -4 is nothing.

      I've -12 on BB this week sitting at 30k.

      Although I have WC to fall back on next week to get rid of the dross/BGW players.

  17. Blanka
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    On FH. Would you rather have Auba or Mane? Obvs also got Salah.

    1. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm on Mane

    2. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have gone Mane. See my post below 🙂

  18. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    G2g guys?

    Pickford
    Shaw TAA Castagne
    Salah Jota JWP Bruno*
    Kane Nacho Watkins

    (Rudiger Lingard Struijk)

  19. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1. AWB
    2. Digne

    Digne likely saves a hit for GW 36

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Digne

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2 is a must have 35 36

  20. G00LI0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    For those taking hits, how much of a hit are you taking?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      On one. Weighing up a second if it leaves me taking one less in 36

  21. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    AWB the best Utd defender now now?

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Shawly not

  22. space mercenary
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Interesting that Mane has not made the differential list at an ownership of a little over 5%.
    His form has picked up, is likely to start and is the best Pool performer on WhoScored. Has better shooting stats than Jota too. A decent FH option.

    1. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have him and Salah my punt on FH

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cant afford him so going Rashford instead

      If money was no object I’d get Manè though

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I put him in a couple of weeks ago mate.

      Still like him, but there wasn’t really anything to new to write up this time.

  23. Aster
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thinking about captaining Nacho over Bruno and Greenwood.

    But what puts me off is that he was almost invisible against Palace.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Leciester forward is a great capo call imo

      Newcastle safe & Man Utd will be heavily rotated/fatigued

      I’m going Vardy because I’m stubborn like that (often to my detriment)

      But Nacho is in way better form than Big JV

  24. BrutalLogiC
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How many dgw/tgw players do you have?

    7 for me

    1. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      10

      7 will def be on the low side

    2. Aster
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      6

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      3 triple and 7 doubles (and Kane)

  25. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Behind on my ML by 200 points Who to bring in for the DGW?

    A) Cavani
    B) Laca

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not keen on either to be honest. Lacazette almost no training pre sub appearance so fitness concern and Cavani probably plays less time than United mids

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Whoever you want as you are never catching 200 points in 4 weeks!!

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Vardy could score 200 points tonight alone

  26. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best option here

    A Play Fofana
    B Lingard to Zaha and bench Fofana for this team (-4)

    Leno
    TAA Maguire Digne
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Jota Zaha
    Kane Iheanacho

    Forster Fofana Holding Vydra

  27. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is AWB worth the 0.2 over Maguire?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not much in it

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes - Maguire is an unmitigated FPL disaster zone

      AWB is worth 1.5 more

  28. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    We all going for AwB then?

  29. Rassi
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    So nothing about Zaha from Hodgson?

  30. Letsgo!
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mccarthy or forster?
    Leno or ryan?

    1. Husseller
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Apparently the manager said he was giving Forster the next 2 games