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. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any defender for 3.9 or less nailed? Mitchell?

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

      Yes

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

      Will probably start 1 of the games. Roy's comments suggests not both

    3. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Best bet, but he's not nailed.

  2. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any1 going to cap Vardy?

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

      NEVER

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

      Did the last two weeks, never again

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

    Start Holding or Konsa?

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

    Who scores more this GW ? Saka or Zaha ?

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

      Zaha

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

      Saka. Has really gone under the radar here because of his price

      1. Dragon1983
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Saka - don't think Zaha plays both matches with groin

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

    Who to get from Crystal Palace
    A- Gauita
    B- Ward

    1. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mitchell?

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

        Yes Good Choice too

        1. Saka Rice
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I'm just not sure if Mitchell is nailed do you know if he is?

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

            No 🙁

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

      Guaita first choice for sure.
      I'm having to go Ward as need players for 36 and already have a keeper

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

    Who to play?

    A) Rudiger
    B) Fofana
    C) Holding

    Who to transfer in?
    1) Zaha
    2) JWP

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

      A2
      2 to be different

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

        Cheers. Yeah not much love for JWP compared to Zaha

    2. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      im playing ABC

      1. Dragon1983
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        B2

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

        Cheers

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

    Repost:

    Do you think Holding can play both games this DGW or i just play Lingard instead ?

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

    Should I start:
    1) Foster vs Liv CPL guaranteed 2 games but very cleansheet chances
    2) Mendy vs Mci Ars , better cleanie chance but Kepa may play in middle...

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

      Kepa may play in one*

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

        B

        1. Dragon1983
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          B - don't think Kepa plays before FA cup final

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Nit guaranteed. Both.

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

        Manager said Foster will start next 2

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Did you see the latest press conference? He suddenly became non committal

  9. 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

    Thanks!

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

    gw35 only

    A: Cavani & Dunk
    B: Maguire & Bamford

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

      A

      1. Dragon1983
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        B

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

    Any players missed out? Thinking of BB with this team for -8

    Martinez*
    Phillips*, Rudiger* Castagne*
    Bruno*, Salah*, Jota*, Greenwood*
    Kane, Nacho*, DCL*

    Forster*, Son, Mitchell*, Lindelof*

    Thanks

    1. Prison Mike
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure Mitchell plays both games?

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

        No other cheapie at that price of 4.0 and under. Might just take the gamble.

      2. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        why not?

  12. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Fofana ->

    A) Shaw

    B) Maguire

    C) Save FT and hope he doesn’t get subbed again...

    1. Dragon1983
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  13. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Lindelof is very nailed for all 3 games, but nobody mentioning him 🙂

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

      Bailly will play at least one.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 10 months ago

          And tuanzebe

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

        Lindelof is sht defender not nailed as Ole hunt for Maguire CB partner continues to have solidity next seasom

      3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Nobody is

      4. Maeki2
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        actually think maquire would have been the one to be moved instead of linelof if it wasnt for his price tag

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

        I’ve picked. The whole back will be rotated so just get the cheapest one..

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

      Right, Jamie. I've had you for two weeks. If you don't throw a PARTY this time I'm never owning you again. No pressure.

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

        This...captained him for both weeks too!

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

          Ha same here, he's potentially cost me my mini leagues

      2. Mr. O'Connell
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Dream on

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

      Using tc this week:

      Guaita
      TAA, Holgate, Castagne
      Salah (tc), Jota, Greenwood, Lingard
      Vardy, Kane, Nacho

      Martinez, ESR, Dallas, Veltman

      Still got my BB.. Don't know when I should use it.. Maybe now?

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

        Now is the week

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

      Best United triple up? Currently on Maguire, Bruno and Greenwood. I've heard the OGS comment on Maguire, but I don't see Shaw playing 270 minutes either...

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

        Shaw - Telles
        McGuire - Bailly
        Lindelof - Bailly
        AWB - Tuanzebe

    5. Viper
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sell Rudiger or Holding for Digne?

      1. Jebiga
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        But why ? Because first 2 are not nailed ?
        Digne doesnt have good games i would say

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Holding

        1. Dragon1983
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Holding

      3. Connor's Calling
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        tough one
        I'd say Holding as a tiny bit less nailed (after NEW), BUT ARS have the better double + they're now out of Europe so maybe less chance of a rest. Rudiger on the other hand - has a final to prepare for

    6. ManUtdFan977
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mendy
      shaw coleman fofana taa
      jota fernandes salah son
      vardy iheanacho

      Forster Lingard holding Davis

      2 free transfers

    7. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bench boosting this week:
      Fabri & White -> Guaita & Mitchell (-4)? [need to d'grade White to free up GK cash]

    8. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      How worried are we about Solskjaer's presser saying that he is gong to have to rotate the socks off the team this week.

      Basically puts all key Utd assets in for a DGW rather than a triple, but we already knew that, right?

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

        Yep, nothing changes

      2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Was always expected.

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

      Any advice on this FH team??

      Guaita
      TAA Shaw Castagne
      Salah Bruno Rashford Siggy
      Vardy Ihaenacho DCL

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

        Like it

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

        Very close to mine. I have Robbo, Schmeichel and JWP in for Guatia Castange and Siggy

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

        Think i'd rather Digne over Siggy

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

      Hi....2fts. 0itb . 0 chips

      Thoughts on vardy and son to Bruno (c) and dcl?

      Willing to take a hit if worthy...

      Mendy
      Taa shaw konsa (holding dawson)
      Salah son greenwood jota (lingard)
      Kane vardy nacho

      Thanks

      1. Jebiga
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        yup, looks like best bet

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

          Thanks

    11. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A) Vardy and Son>DCL and Bruno
      B) Son and Fofana>Bruno and Mitchell

      1. Dragon1983
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        B

    12. Babit1967
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      That’s the freehit team done lads, logging off now, good luck all

      Guaita
      Taa Maguire Digne
      Bruno (C) Salah Zaha Pogba
      Vardy Iheanacho DCL

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

      Anyone fancy Bale as their only Spurs attacker from next gameweek?

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

        Nah I'll be keeping Kane but might go for him over Son

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

        Yep, that's my plan. Expect him to boss the last few GWs

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

        Cheers both

    14. cescpistols111
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thoughts? 1FT, 2.4 ITB. No chips left.

      A. N.Williams -> Mitchell & start over Lingard
      B. Son -> Greenwood
      C. Save FT, use 2FT before GW36 to move some blank players.

      Leno
      Shaw (v) Kabak Rudiger
      Bruno (c) Son Jota Lingard
      Kane Vardy DCL

      Forster Coady Burke N.Williams

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

      Kane + Holding > DCL + Digne?

      1. Dragon1983
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yes

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

      Go for Greenwood or Zaha?

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

        Greenwood

    17. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Would you start Mitchel (SHU & SOU) or Lowton(FUL)?

      1. Dragon1983
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Mitchell

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

        Mitchell

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

      Play 3 between those:

      TAA Philips Bellerin Coady Rudiger

      1. Dragon1983
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        TAA, Phillips, Rudiger