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. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy
    TAA Shaw Targett
    Salah(C) Son Maddison Lingard
    Kane DCL Nacho

    Forster. Masuaku ESR Saiss

    1 FT 1.1 ITB. Any suggestions?
    Need a United attacker maybe. Thinking of Son-Rashford hokey Cokey. Thoughts?

    1. Heiro
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Similar thoughts.
      Rash over Green?

      Want Son for Wolves

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Rashford might get 3 games? I think he'l get more than Gwood.

    2. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Or Lingard to Greenwood?

  2. Big Hippo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best dirt cheap defender that is nailed for the rest of the season? I think it's either Phillips at 'Pool or Ayling?

    Cheers

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Philips.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Short of GW36 players. So just sticking to Lingz. Would want Lingz for the season end anyways.

  3. Iain Dowies Love Child
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Watkins or DCL for the final FH striker spot?

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      DCL

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

      DCL has the fixtures, Watkins the form. Which do you value?

    3. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      DCL

    4. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      DCL.

    5. Iain Dowies Love Child
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers all

  4. Boberella
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Enter your captain picks here...

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

      Lindelöf

      1. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Ok

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Salah.
      Can get Bruno. But it involves a hit.Also it leaves me in trouble for 36.
      So just doing a Son Rash Hokey Cokey.

      1. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Think Salah is a sensible pick. I don’t have him so it’s Nacho or TAA for me.

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

      Boring Bruno

      1. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        You leading or chasing? Just feel now is the time to do something non obvious

    4. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bruno

    5. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Greenwood

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

      Nacho for form especially at home - going Mo for a punt and on the basis that Liverpool will get United in the 4th fixture in a week.

      Rate one great fixture and one poor one over one humdrum one and two poor ones.

      1. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I’m on Nacho currently. His form is insane and I think Man U captain this week is a trap.
        Bit concerned about Salah (non owner), but TAA is tempting!

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

          Might very well switch at last minute to Nacho. Leicester home form absolutely trumps Liverpool home form.

  5. Jimmer887766
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Leading ML by 84 points with no chips left but 2nd place does not have chips as well. Would you risk taking -8 to get in Bruno, Jota and DCL knowing 2nd place will likely take -4?

    1. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sure. 84 pt lead at this stage of the season you’re fine mate.

      1. Jimmer887766
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks. I could go to Bale or Son in GW36 for Bruno..

        1. Boberella
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Bruno to Bale in 36 could be gold

  6. janlu0
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start Son or Lingard?

    1. Boberella
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I’m starting Son over Lingard

  7. Heiro
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi all,

    Jota to Greenwood?

    I have no United assets.

    Can't see him playing both.

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No. Jota has a fix in 36.

      1. Heiro
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Liverpool have a fix 🙂

  8. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Should I get

    A. JWP and DCL
    or
    B. Zaha and Adams

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  9. Kaptenen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    No one considering Havertz on free hit?

  10. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Son and Holding -> Greenwood and Digne

    Yay/nay?

    1. Plagued by indecision
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      yay

      1. Mind över Mata
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers

  11. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is Siggy a good option? can't afford Greenwood or Zaha

    1. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    2. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have him on my WC team - think he's a good option

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

    Give us some clarity on Wilf please Woy

  13. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Vardy, Fofana, Son & Trossard out to get a couple of Utd players in but which do you prefer? Thanks.

    A - DCL, Maguire, Bruno & JWP.
    or
    B - DCL, Digne, Rashford & Greenwood.

  14. It's his Job.
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Greenwood Bruno Salah or DCL Captain?
    Im chasing Points

    1. Jimmer887766
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bruno

  15. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    2FT and 1.3ITB. Have WC left and just heard about TGW. Feeling abosultely lost. Would you recommmend the WC? If so, is there a template? Ty 🙂

    Mendy
    Rudiger | Stones | Lowton
    Bruno | Salah | Raphina | Son
    Kane | Richa | Bamford

    Steer | Gundo | Veltman | Dawson

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

      I'd go for Bamf and Son to Nacho and Rashford, maybe take a hit of a defender who doubles and then WC next week due to the blanks for MUN, CHE, ARS and LEI

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Chelsea defenders could be out though according to Tuchel earlier

        Also have Nacho instead of Richa - apologies

        I'm thinking of getting a WC such that I have enough players for this week and next yfm?

  16. arkom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Rapinha & Vardy --> Bruno & Benteke
    B) Son & Requilon --> Bruno & Targett
    C) Rapinha & Vardy --> Rashford & DCL

    Which one of these? =)

    1. gorzal10
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B for sure

  17. Plagued by indecision
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Please rate my FH team:

    Guaita
    Maguire / TAA / Digne
    Aubameyang / Salah / Bruno / Greenwood / Zaha
    Iheanacho / DCL

    Subs: Forster / Holding / Mitchell / Davis

  18. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Nuno remains hopeful that Jimenez can still play a part. He meets with a specialist later this month (18th) "From there we will know exactly what will happen. He is totally fit but still precautions. [It's] an important day to move forward and make the right decisions." #Wolves

    Yosh

  19. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    The likes of Tierney and Saka should offer security next season, with Arsenal not needing to rest/rotate

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

    No Bruno for me?

    1FT/ 0.1 ITB

    Martinez*, Guita*
    Konsa*, TAA*, Dallas, Castagne*, Veltman
    Salah*, Greenwood**, Jota*, Lingard, ESM*
    Kane, Vardy*, Nacho*

  21. Drogo
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Why Maguire over Shaw or WanB, other than price?

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

      Certainty of starts. Maguire rarely rested

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

      Starts

  22. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hodgson: "Strangely enough, at this stage we seem to be recovering a lot of players. Mamadou Sakho, Connor Wickham and Nathan Ferguson are out," although the latter will be training with the team from the beginning of next week. "It's been a miserable 18 months for him." #CPFC

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Zaha?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Nothing yet

    2. SHOWSTOPPERRR
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ferguson has been the story of the season, we all thought he is a great enabler at the start of the season. Didn't he even made the bench till now??

  23. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thomas Tuchels comments about Hungry guys....

    Reece James for the DGW?

  24. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Kabak or Mitchell for remainder of the season?

  25. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    "We've been very pleased with Tyrick - in particular I thought he was exceptionally good at the weekend. But he's not been blessed with staying fit consistently. The big thing will be to make sure he stays fit going forward." #CPFC

  26. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hearing tuchel comments it's safe to go without Chelsea assets..Mendy and rudi owner here..

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

      What did he say now?

  27. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Give me some Palace news

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

      Ferguson is still out.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        What about Zaha?

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Prince phillip died couple of weeks ago.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Well played mate 😆

  28. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Ferguson has been the story of the season, we all thought he is a great enabler at the start of the season. Didn't he even made the bench till now??

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Injured

  29. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Transfer suggestions? 2FT's + £4.5m

    Mendy Forster
    TAA Reguilion Shaw Rudiger Holding
    Salah Son Maddison Greenwood Lingard
    Kane Iheanacho Vydra

  30. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Rashford + DCL
    B) Bruno + Watkins

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B