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. Captain Haddock
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Triple Palace defense on BB. This must be a real success!

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

      That's one way to play it! usually an unexpected defence brings home the points in the DGWs, why not palace

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

        It wouldn't be the first time this season! Double CS in a double already

    2. Joey Tribbiani
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      But possibly none of them play 2 games?
      4 fit CBs, 2 fit LBs and 2 fir RBs

  2. popcoin
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Guaita, Shaw, Fofana

    B) Henderson, Ward, Castagne

    1. AutoFill 2021
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A IMO.

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

      B

  3. Boss Hogg
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    JWP or Zaha?

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      zaha

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

      JWP

    3. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Zaha

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

      JWP

    5. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      JWP

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

      Zaha easy

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

      Zaha.

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

    Kane to DCL for free ? Y/N ?

    Then Vardy to Kane next gw?

    (Would still only have 9 players next gw.)

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      N

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

      I rather do Vardy to DCL for free and save that transfer next week

    3. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      N

  5. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    For this gw:
    A) Digne Son
    Or
    B) Targett Salah

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

    Start reguillon targett or.holding

    1. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Holding

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

        Risk of him not starting

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

    Still undecided. First to 5 wins!

    A. Greenwood
    B. Zaha

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

      Flip a coin

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

      Greenwood

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

      Easy. Greenwich if you dont need him for 36 and Zara if you do

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

        THIS

    4. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      I've gone with zaha

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

    Start Fofanus or Rudiger?

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

      Fof

  9. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Talk me out of Pogba ahead of Rashy and Greenwood ?? .........Seriously think its a good move.

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

      I did it...mostly for the shits and giggles!

  10. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What would you do with Azpi/Rudiger? Both currently starting for me but will they start both games? Better off getting someone else? Thanks.

  11. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you do Son > Aubameyang?

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

      Nope.. why would you

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

      No effing way. Aub is a joke

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

    Best united defender?

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

    Thoughts on Bruno to KDB (C) next week?

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

      Rather Mahrez or Foden

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

        Cheers mate

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

      yep, FH would be awesome for that

    3. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm tripling up on City attack next week on FH, worth a go

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

      Could be the move!!!

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

      Cheers everyone

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

    Help please Play 3 between those:

    TAA Philips Bellerin Coady Rudiger

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

      First three

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

      TAA Phillips Rudiger

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

    Greenwood or Zaha?

    Greenwood probably only gets 2 starts over the next 2 gws, Zaha 3.

    Can Greenwood still outscore him?

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

      Zaha

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

      Zaha

  16. AJ24
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Straight shootout:

    A) Rudiger
    B) Holding

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

      A

  17. LLoris
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which one is better??

    A) Digne for Coady
    B) El Ghazi for ESM

    Coady is on my bench this week for me and will play next week. So I am gaining 1 game this week but the same next week.
    ESM is starting this week for me and will blank next week. So I am gaining 1 game this week and 1 game next week with El ghazi.

    1. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      A (again ;-))

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

        Sorry lol I'm just seeing the consensus

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

    No bruno is crazy?

    Bench Boost team

    Mccarthy Martinez
    Digne shaw reguilon TAA Vestergaard
    Greenwood rashard Salah Maddison Ward Proowe
    Vardy Nacho Watkins

    Rashford (C)

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

    A Shaw and Schmeichel
    B Castagne and Hendo

    1. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      I would do B

  20. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Smith Rowe to Ward Prowse or Martinelli?

    Also do we think Michael Keane will play and worth keeping?

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

    Start Targett on the double (a “meh” double) or Lingard who’s likely to be a differential with a lot of people benching him for doublers?

    1. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      J Lingz

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Lingz

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

    Reguilon to Shaw Worth -4???

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

      Not for me. Shaw will only probably play 2 games and all of Uniteds fixtures in the triple aren’t great.

      Add to that Spurs play Wolves home next gameweek and United blank

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

    Best defender (not more than 5.0) for this week?

    Thank you!

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

    gw35 only

    A: Cavani & Dunk
    B: Maguire & Bamford.

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

      Prefer A

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

      B

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

      B

  25. Dybala10
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Suspect the people brave enough not to captain Bruno will be the success story this week but I haven't got the balls not to captain somebody with a triple GW!

  26. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Rudiger + Vydra to Ward/Mitchel + Benteke for free?

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

      Not for me

  27. dillydally1982
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Couple of A or B questions that I guess many people have already asked...

    1)
    a) DCL
    OR
    b) Watkins

    2)
    a) Rashford
    OR
    b) Greenwood

    1. AJ24
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B
      A

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

      1a, 2a

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

      1a 2b

    4. dillydally1982
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Difference answer from each person...hahah!

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

    Pick one combo

    A- Digne+Rudiger+Greenwood+4 points

    B-Son+Rudiger+Greenwood+4 points

    C- Digne+Greenwood+Evans

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

      A

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

      A

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

    Gtg? Anything worth a hit?

    Martinez
    Trent • Digne • Shaw
    Salah • Rashford • Greenwood • Jota • Lingard
    Kane • Iheanacho(C)
    (4.0 / Bamford / Dawson / Struijk)

    Going without Bruno.

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

      GtG

      Actually very nice. Looked at an identical set up - losing Bruno - but decided to lose Kane instead 🙂

  30. CapK
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Chasing 40 points in my mini league for decent winnings,

    Best differential captain
    A) maguire
    B) salah

    Good luck all!

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

      B

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

      If salah is differential then Salah. Im leading and thinking Salah over bruno for the reason of too many games over short period