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. CoracAld2831
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Please choose 1-2 out of these in your team:

    A: Fernandes
    B: Rashford
    C: Greenwood
    D: Pogba
    E: Cavani

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

      Fernandes and Greenwood.

    2. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A D

    3. CoracAld2831
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks.

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

      A D i see Rushford only starting one game

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

    Castagne or Digne?
    and why?

    1. Volley127
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Digne. Plays next week (vs shef no less).

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

        This

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

        Ah shouldve mentioned im on FH

        1. Volley127
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Ah really tricky then. Near 50/50 for me.

          Maybe Digne cos of set pieces and Jrod is out so he should take most.

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

            2nd in my ML, chasing 46 points
            leader has Digne

            guess ill go with Castagne and hope for the best

            1. Volley127
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              If that’s the priority then it makes sense! Good luck

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

                Thanks G, and the same for you

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

      Digne cause he's better

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

      Digne, set pieces

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

      I've got Castagne on my FH instead of Digne

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

      Castagne on my FH, as better clean sheet odds.
      Could get similar attacking returns as Digne.

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

        Thats it, Ive got Castagne on lock!

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

    Kane + Saka => DCL + Zaha/Greenwood/Rash for -4 worth a shot ?
    If so which one of the 3 ?

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

    Who scores more:

    A Digne
    B Ward

    1. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ward
      Digne is pathetic

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

      Ward

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

    Bench 1
    A) Jota
    B) Holgate
    C) Targett

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

      C

    2. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      C

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

    James and Lingard out, but who in:

    A) Rashford and Godfrey
    B) Bruno and Mitchell (bench fodder and play Rudiger)
    C) Greenwood and Digne

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

      C

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

      B

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

        C

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

      B but i'd likely play Mitchell over Rudi

  7. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Jota> Zaha for free. Yes or No?

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

      No

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

      Yes

    3. scholesy91
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No

    4. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Jota may miss one of the game

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

        He will miss minutes, but not a game (unless injured). Jota can do some good damage in limited minutes.

    5. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely for free

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

    Who scores more this GW

    1. Cavani
    2. DCL
    3. Watkins

    Cheers

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

      6

    2. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2.

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

      2

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

    Will Holgate get any game-time this GW given he's started the last 14 in a row?

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

      No

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

        Would you -4 and if so for who? Digne?

        Other defenders are Castagne/Konsa/Ward/Rudiger

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

          I have him, and if I had to start him I would ship for a hit.

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

          Get Phillips and reinvest the money.

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

            Cheers...not sure on Phillips though

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

              He was Liverpool's Player of the Month in March, started until he got injured. Then was in the starting lineup vs Man Utd (before the postponement) in his first game back. He is nailed.

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

                Have enough ITB to get Digne though; would you still go Phillips over him?

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

                  I was massively burned by Digne on my wc earlier, so I might not be the right person to ask about him. Upside is huge, but I don't trust him. But it all depends what you could do with the extra funds.

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

                    I'll be ditching Vardy (and possibly Bruno) next week so don't see funds being a big issue for run in. Digne has SU next GW too. Cheers for the advise/input though - tough to get an answer on deadline day!

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

                      No worries. If funds are no problem, then go for him. Fixtures are great. And GL.

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

    worth to take a hit on son to pogba/Zaha?
    would also need to take another hit in gw36 if i´m doing it, so that means a total of -8...

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

      I love double game weeks.

      1. g40steve
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Nothing like a -24 to ruin your year!

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

      I like the zaha pick. Nice games and will play 180 min pogba won't

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

    Digne / TAA / Dunk / Requilon / Phillips
    Salah / Lingard / Son / Greenwood / Rapinha
    Watkins / Nacho / Vardy

    BB activated
    1,6£ ITB

    A) Rapinha & Vardy --> Bruno & Benteke

    or?

    B) Rapinha, Son & Requilon --> Bruno, El Ghazi & Lindelöf (-4)

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

    Bottomed.

    For GW35 only, not beyond

    A: Dunk & Cavani
    or
    B: Maguire and Bamford

  13. Johnny too hotty
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    whos choosing between Greenwood and Zaha?
    On paper for me Zaha plays next week so makes sense but my heart is telling me Greenwood will still be better ..... arrgh!

    1. 2999 - Lady of Legend
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      On Zaha, changing to Greenwood would mean a -4, would only consider if Zaha injured but heard nothing more about that.

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

      I picked zaha because of his next 3 games and plays in gw36

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

    Reckon kepa will start the fa cup final and mendy all league games?

  15. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Team locked in.

    Havertz > Salah(c)

    Unitedless.

    1. scholesy91
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Brave call to go unitedless

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

        I honestly don't think it is. Would cost me a hit to get them in then a hit to get them out to field 11 in GW36

  16. wildnothing
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Gtg?

    Guaita
    TAA Robbo Digne Shaw
    Bruno (c) Salah (vc) Greenwood Zaha
    Iheanacho DCL

    Forster Lingard Saiss Wood

  17. MIGHTY JOE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    At this time it must feel like winning the lottery of you get a reply to your questions 😀

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

      It's pretty wild how quickly the pages are stacking up

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

      No chance.

  18. Canadian Football
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    hey guys....stupid question been really busy and havent been following much. Is there another DGW this season ?

    1. WHUFCSmith23
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No

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

    Been switching between Salah and Greenwood captain all afternoon. Wish I had the kahoonas to captain DCL though!

  20. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A)DCL + Rashford
    B) Cavani + Zaha + money itb

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

      A

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      B

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

      B

  21. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Besides Digne, is anyone nailed in Everton defence?

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

      Yeah, I would like to know this too. Godfrey risky?

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

      Nope

  22. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thinking of Lingard/Kane to Bruno/Antonio… would you do it??

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

      Would mean a -4 next week to field 11…

    2. scholesy91
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Go for it. Bruno captain ?

  23. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Digne or maguire

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

      Maguire to shock the world with a brace

  24. Kudo Warrior
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Quick poll:

    A) Digne
    B) Castagne

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

      Digne

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

      Digne

    3. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A, considering he plays 36 as well. B if just 35.

  25. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is this bench boost team good to go? Or would you transfer out one?

    Guaita, Martinez
    Konsa, Ward, Coleman, Alexander-Arnold, Castagne
    Fernandes, Greenwood, Salah, Saka, Lingard
    Vardy, Iheanacho, Watkins

  26. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    GTG?

    Mendy
    TAA/Castagne/Shaw
    Salah/Bruno(c)/Zaha/Siggy
    Kane/Nacho/Watkins

    Forster/Lingard/Holding/Rudiger

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

      Looks good, I like the siggy diff.
      Got the same team but greenwood in place of siggy

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

      Got some gaps next week…?

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

      Nice team but I'd rather DLC over watkins

  27. popey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    GW transfers 5 - gulp. Really was not well set up for the blanks and TGW

  28. GuillermoDickero
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on this -8 to make sure I also field an XI for next week...? Feel like it makes more sense to take the hit this week to benefit from the doubles this week

    Vydra, Son, Coady ---> DCL, El Goalzi, Digne

  29. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    % chance that Fofana comes off straight after sunset (‘42 min of the game)?

  30. PocketZola
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Should I take any hits here? 0.6mil itb and is the bench order ok?

    guita
    taa digne coufal
    salah son jota bruno(c)
    nacho vardy welbeck

    subs, forster, saka, taylor, holding

    1. scholesy91
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son for Rashford\Greenwood