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. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Choose 1 for this week only!

    A. Maguire (Avl/Lei/Liv)
    Or
    B. Son (Leeds)+ 4 points
    Or
    C. Rudiger (City/Arsenal) + 4 points
    Or

    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son

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

      A, but whats in the impact on GW36?

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        FH

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

          Live dangerously then!

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

      i reckon Maguire gets 3 or 4 points... big trap there.

      the answer is Son for me

  2. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Sell which for Greenwood?

    1. Son
    2. Lingard

    Thanks

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

      Lingard

    2. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Lingard

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

      Lingard

      1. Torres76
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers Gang

  3. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Lingard + Kane -> Watkins + Salah
    B) Lingard + Kane -> DCL + Mane
    C) Gundo + Kane -> Watkins + Mane

    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      On FH?

      If not, don't sell Kane.

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

      A

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

    Rip it apart lads. FH team.

    Guaita Martinez
    AWB Castagne TAA
    Salah Bruno (c) Greenwood Jota
    Watkins DCL Iheanacho

    Martinez Digne Mitchell Saka.

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

      too much martinez

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

        Whoops. Thanks.

    2. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Just only Jota that I might wanna take a punt on Zaha / Eze / El Ghazi / Siggy

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

        Ooh Siggy intrigues me. Thanks.

    3. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Is good, I'd rather have Shaw than AWB.

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

        Agree on Shaw over AWB although I have the latter myself.
        Would also be tempted by the Pogba differential as mentioned in the article

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

      Too much United 😉

      Have you checked the link saying that he may well field a weakened team in one of the matches that influences CL spots? Both Liverpool and Leicester have better DGWs imo and that is what United players will get - a DGW

  5. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    2FT, 0.1 ITB, thoughts?

    Meslier / Guaita

    TAA / Castagne / Rudiger / Coady / Coufal

    Salah / Fernandes / Son / Jota / Lingard

    Kane / Iheanacho / Vydra

    Thoughts on Rudiger & Son to Maguire & Zaha?

    1. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I like the moves.

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

      Worried about Zaha’s groin injury...probably will play, but is a risk definately

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

    Need to raise some cash so, these are my options;
    which is better?

    A) Lingard to Ward Prowse, and bench Kane

    B) Maddison to Ward Prowse and bench Lingard

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

      goodness sake dont bench Kane whatever you do! would prefer Kane in one game to JWP in three!

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

        With A its more a case of benching Kane for Maddison rather than JWP

    2. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B.

    3. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B. I couldn't bench Kane.

  7. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1FT remains .. Already max out on Man United & Liverpool and I don't want to save it as planning to play FH chip on BGW36.

    What to do with this team?
    *Martinez
    *AWB - *Shaw - *Phillips - *Castagne
    *Bruno - *Salah - *Jota - Son
    *Iheanacho - Kane
    Bench : Lingard, Bamford, Dallas

    A : Lingard -> Siggy .. start him and bench Phillips
    B : Lingard -> JWP
    C : Bamford -> Watkins

    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I did B but wanted cash to get Bale for next week

      1. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Good plan. Thanks.

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

      C

      1. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Tempted on this as Lingard & co still have something to play for while Leeds are missing Raphinha.

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

          thats my logic too

  8. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which combo?

    A) Siggy + Kane
    B) DCL + Son

    1. Aaa
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      The ones who take pens

    3. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A .. two penalty takers.

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

    Which one to start?

    A Bamford
    B Lingard
    C Gundo

    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    3. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  10. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Sell Bamford for

    1. DCL
    2. Watkins
    3. Keep Bamford

    Thanks

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

      1

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

      1

    3. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I’d go Watkins

    4. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dcl

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

    Which of these for gw 35&36:
    A) el ghazi, dcl
    B) greenwood, benteke

    1. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      A

    3. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      a

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

    A) Kane and Philips

    or

    B) Watkins and Digne??

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

      B

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

      A

  13. The Fantasy Doctor
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Most nailed Palace defenders?

    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably Ward, Cahill, Mitchell, PVA in that order

  14. JoeSoap
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any preference? (pick your top2/3 - 3.2m to play with)

    A. Son>Salah
    B. Gun>Zaha
    C. Gun>JWP
    D. Coady>Digne
    E. Wood>Watkins
    F. Wood>DCL
    G. Gun>Greenwood/Pogba

    Players in caps blank GW36 so have only 9 players. Will be playing BB

    MENDY
    taa, SHAW, HOLDING
    Lingard, FERNANDES, Gundog, Son
    Wood, NACHO, Kane
    Forster Jota, Coady, RUDIGER

    1. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  15. Westfield Irons ⭐️
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who scores more in TGW35?
    Cavani 180 mins or Maguire 270 mins?

  16. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Sell Lingard for

    1. Greenwood
    2. Zaha
    3. JWP

    Got FH, W.C. left for the remaining weeks

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

      1

    2. zotter
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      why arent you using Wildcard now then??

      1. Torres76
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Playing Benchboost..

    3. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1 for tgw fun ! Especially with the chips you have remaining

  17. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Will there be anymore DGWs I have TC left.

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

      no way

  18. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    hello folks, please pick a combo-
    A- Digne+Rudiger+Greenwood+4 points

    B-Son+Rudiger+Greenwood+4 points

    C- Digne+Greenwood+Evans

    i'll use my FH in GW 36, so don't take 36 into account

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

    Am I crazy captaining Nacho over Bruno? Both have 2 games after Bruno is rested for 1 game. Leicester have a great fixture against Newcastle followed by the game against a tired/weakened United. Bruno will most likely have Liverpool as 1 of his 2 games which and the other isn’t exactly ideal. Nacho in way better form too

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

      What about Salah...will play 180 and Liverpool need to win...

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

      Thinking the same. But do not think Bruno will be rested.

      However, I will captain Nacho.

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

        No way he starts 4 games in 7 days. Physically impossible

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

      im thinking same and going Salah over Bruno....

      Bruno starts two IMO, might not even see minutes in third - and his form is average too

      1. veedub1989
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Not in Europe, he's been great.

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

      It's dwn to nacho against utd or bruno against pool and lei. I agree nacho vs Newcastle will outscore Bruno Vs villa(considering he will be rested)

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

    A. Digne + Watkins
    B. Coleman + DCL

    Best pick in your opinion?

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

      A

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

        ...DCL has better fixtures, and Coleman is attacking quite like Digne?

  21. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Choose one for this week only! (Will FH 36)

    A. Rudiger (City/Ars) to Maguire (Villa/Lei/Liv) for a -4?
    Or
    B. Just start one of Rudiger (City/Ars) or Son (Leeds)

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

      A

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B, start Son

  22. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A. Leno Rudiger (both highly doubtful to play both if either and leaves me with 10 players for 36).

    B. Henderson Ward -4 (Hendo should get two of 3, Ward should get 1 and gives me 11 players for 36 if Ward plays)

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

      B considering GW36

  23. Hobbit73
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Martinez and Mendy are my two goalkeepers and I wan

    1. Hobbit73
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Temperamental website. I wanted to swap Mendy for Henderson. Is he safe or is DDG jump in one of three games? It's worth a try as Chelsea have tricky fixtures coming up.

  24. Torres76
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which united three are you going with?

    I’m thinking McGuire, Bruno and Greenwood

    1. Hazardous1983
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Same, whats your rank mines is 28k

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

      Yeah. Probably those 3

    3. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Already have Bruno shaw
      Would have to take out son for another utd mid, but would have an extra player who blanks next week

  25. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    start targett or rudiger

    1. iCon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      50/50. Probably just Rudiger

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

    Ole admits Maguire is unlikely to play in all three upcoming fixtures: “Harry, he’s played every minute for us in the PL since he came. I don’t think that’s possible now. That’s another stat that he could have been very, very proud of but I can’t really see that happening.” #MUFC

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Obvious, nobody is starting all 3. He said as much after the europa league but the comments didn't get picked up on here

      • Hazardous1983
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        is shaw a better option now

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

          Yes. AWB might be the best option

        2. @persecuted_by_mods
            2 years, 10 months ago

            He's not gonna play 3 either, AWB probably most likely but wouldn't be surprised if Williams gets a game

        3. DycheDycheBaby
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Oh brilliant

      • ExpressoMySonny
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Please help I can’t make a decision what transfer suits?? Team currently has 0.tb with 2FTs

        Mendy

        Rudiger Phillips Shaw

        Son Bruno Salah Jota lingard

        Kane Ihenacho

        Bench Fabri Bamford Dallas coufal

        A) Rudiger, Bamford and Son to Zaha Digne and Watkins for -4
        B) Mendy, Bamford son to Greenwood DCL and Pickford -4
        C) Son to Greenwood and save the FT

      • Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Hey fam! Last call! Leading my ML with only 17 points and my rival has Digne!

        A. Alonso to Digne for -4 (Already on a -4)

        B. Play Targett in GW35, Dunk in GW36 & Alonso in GW37(Targett backup)

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

          Depends on other players and chips if both of you have got no chips left and almost same players then A

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

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

          Ole says he can’t see Maguire playing every minute now.

      • Athletico Underachieving
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Major doubts over captaincy now. Bruno, Salah, or Nacho...can’t wait to pick the wrong one!