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

    I know this has definitely been a topic discussed 100times over already but any one got confidence in any particular Man Utd mid this week?
    Bruno feels the safest but Pogba and Rashford could be great differentials for the run in.

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

      I like Greenwood for this week.
      Rashford for the run in.

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

        Why Greenwood this week? What's your hunch?

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

      Greenwood.

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

        Why the love for Mason?

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

      I went Rashford over Bruno this week to get Digne instead of Ward. Rested on Thursday and the three games will suit Rashford imo. I’ll only have him for this GW anyway

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

        That's what I'm thinking at the moment. Makes sense with his Roma rest.

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

    Digne or Castagne?

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

      (on a FH)

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

      Digne

  3. JollyGoodYellows
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is Mitchell nailed now?

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

      Nope unfortunately.

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

      No - see comments from Roy (thanks to Il Capitano!) :

      We're going to have to be bolder in an attacking sense, maybe that compact shape isn't going to be as good as it's been as we are going to need to take more risks going forward. We're aware it's a delicate balance but we'll take the game to Sheffield United."

      "Tyrick Mitchell's performance at the weekend was particularly good. The big thing for him going forward is to make certain he stays fit and it's not a case of getting quite excited only to lose him to injury and have to rehabilitate him."

      "[Having such a strong squad is] very important. This is the start of a two-week spell where we play five matches – we need everyone available. It gives me the opportunity to rest players and avoid the situation we had at end of Project Restart."

      I therefore think PVA will play vs SHU

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

        Thanks mate, appreciated the detail. Back to the drawing board.

    3. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he doesn't play a minute. Brought in for his pace against City, but likely to be surplus to requirement this GW,

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

    Which Utd on FH?

    A) Henderson
    B) Defender (will have to skip Castagne)

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

      I've gone Shaw and Schmeichel

  5. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Son + Pereira----> Greenwood & Zaha worth it for -4?

    No other Man U attack

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

      yep

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

    A) Rudiger
    B) Holding

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

      I'm going Holding as a Mendy owner

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

        rudiger easy

  7. Herman Toothrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    This good for a 433 on FH?

    Guaita
    TAA / Shaw / Robertson / Castagne
    Salah / Rashford / Bruno
    Vardy / Nacho / DCL

    Fabri / ESR / Mitchell / Fodder

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

      Yes, looks great

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

      so nice

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

    Starting to come round to the idea of Zaha instead of Greenwood.

    I get the 'trap' talk with Zaha (weaker team) but he has the same amount of fixtures over the next two GWs as Greenwood, who may only get two out of three average fixtures...

    And I'm chasing.

    So
    A) Zaha
    B) Greenwood

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

      Simple answer is B if you don’t need to play him next week. If you do then A

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

        Thanks, I think that's why I'm leaning that way

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

      Same. Really difficult decision but leaning towards Zaha now.

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

        Cheers. Tough one

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

      I think i am going Zaha, despite groin niggle rumours although he will definitely start), but for me if i transfer Greenwood in then i will have to transfer him out for an extra -4 straight away). Is greenwood better than Zaha with a -4, and Zaha plays better against weaker defences.

      Would you do it for an extra -4?

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

        That's the thing, isn't it? Greenwood's 90 last night doesn't help either, though I suppose they don't have that many options with James out?

        So difficult!

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

          Yes it is, it is doing my head in lol. Keeping Zaha for GW36 is appealing but it is against Villa who will have Grealish back 🙂

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

    Bottomed;

    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

      You got two replies on previous pages..

  10. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Really struggling to know whats best

    A) transfer out HOLDING - leaves me 0.1m in bank and lose his decent fixtures last 2 games (i can start coady next week)

    B) transfer out COADY - leaves me 0.8m in bank but will need to take a -4 next week to get a full starting 11

    please sell one of these options to me (its a coin toss)

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

    Is Son to Rashford/Pogba good transfer ?

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

      Yes

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Not for me

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Guys what is the better option simple A or B

        A) Digne in, and play Lingard

        B) Ward in and Zaha/Jota/Greenwood/El Ghazi in -4

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

          A

      • Hazardous1983
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Is this good to go

        Sanchez (areola)
        Targett digne shaw (reguillon holding)
        Salah bruno jota greenwood (lingard)
        Kane.nacho watkins

      • doncapo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        On a FH. Is it a bit overload to go with both Nacho and Vardy?

        1. Reggie Nainggolan
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Thinking the same

          Currently on kelechi vardy Watkins

          Who would you rather have DCL or Vardy

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

          I have dcl, Vardy, Nacho on FH

        3. Lecky Legs FC
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I'm thinking the same as I'm behind my ML by a lot why not?

        4. doncapo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Front line currently DCL-Vardy-Nacho. Could go Cavani instead of Vardy but not really convinced he has even 2 starts. One option is going 3-5-2

        5. Gabhini Gupini
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I had Nacho and Vardy since my WC on GW31. Gotta say I regret bring in Vardy so did a Vardy to DCL

      • Hazardous1983
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        did a -4

      • ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Sorry for the repeat..

        Really difficult decision this week. On BB..

        Mendy
        TAA Shaw Coufal
        Greenwood Salah Son Lindz
        Nacho DCL Kane
        (Holding Castagna Tielemens)

        Should I make the follwoing transfers;
        (-4)
        A - KANE to WATKINS
        LINDZ to BRUNO
        2 single GW players / 7 for Blank GW

        or (-4)
        B - SON to BRUNO
        CASTAGNA for MITCHELL

        or (-8)
        C - SON TO BRUNO
        KANE TO WATKINS
        HOLDING TO DIGNA
        2 single GW players / 7 for Blank GW (NO SPURS!!!)

        1. Bucket Man
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          B for me. I’d rather Kane then Watkins even with one game

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

          B or hold for GW36, Castange is good this GW

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

        Ok first five and I'll decide. Who do I start?

        A)Fofana
        B)Rudiger

        1. The Pesci challenge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A

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

          B for me, have both, Fofana might come off again at half time this week and 60min next week. Rudiger ceiling should be a bit higher despite rotation...

        3. fplking14
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A

      • The Pesci challenge
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Is Areola to guaita for -4 worth it?

        1. Bucket Man
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Not for me

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

          Yes

      • linkafu
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Do we think Rudiger could play both games?

        1. The Pesci challenge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I don’t think he will

        2. Pep's Money Laundry
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          I think he might get a rest against Arsenal

      • Gudjohnsen
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        DCL or Salah captain?

        Not gonna captain Bruno

        1. The Pesci challenge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Salah

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

        Does anyone know if Michael Keane is playing? He was fit last week but didn’t play..

        Carlo hasn’t said anything from what I can find. Has anyone got any knowledge of should I sell him for a -4?

        Have got 6.6m

      • Bucket Man
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Please somebody reassure me. Is this any good on FH?

        I always spend hours overthinking and stressing needlessly. Around 300k anyway. Had Mane but with United possibly being weekend gone to Vardy and captaining.

        Guaita
        TAA, Maguire,Castange
        Salah, Bruno, Greenwood, Zaha
        Vardy(C), Nacho, DCL

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

          Almost similar to mine. Pondering between Castagne or Digne. Also not sure which ManU defender to go with. One option is having Henderson in goal and then having both Digne and Castagne.

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

          It's identical to the Scout Picks apart from you've got Vardy instead of Watkins, which I prefer anyway.

          1. Bucket Man
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Thanks guys, so should be good.

            I don’t think Henderson will even start all 3 and Maguire always looks good for a headed goal. Not trusting Everton for a clean sheet either.

        3. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Vardy is the questionable one for me, so definitely wouldn't captain him.

          1. Bucket Man
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Do I go back to Mane and captain Bruno then or Iheanacho?

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

          Similar to mine too. I’ve gone for Shaw over Maguire and Digne over Zaha

          1. Bucket Man
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Thanks. Good luck to you

      • Differentiator
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Why not captain Salah over Bruno?

        0% chance Bruno plays all three. Could actually see him with equal or less minutes than Salah!

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

          Already on Mo

      • fplking14
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Mendy Forster
        TAA Shaw Rudi Coady Soy
        Bruno(C) Lingard Son Jota Greenwood
        Kane Watkins Nacho

        2FT 0.7ITB
        What to do?!

        Playing BB

      • Jukes
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        On a Free Hit:

        A) Shaw & Siggy

        OR

        B) Digne & JWP?

        1. fplking14
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          A

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

          A

      • Mane Mane Mane
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        What’s the better option?

        A) Man U defender and JWP

        B) Godfrey and Greenwood

        Please help??

      • dillydally1982
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Is triple United attacked (Bruno, Greenwood, Rashford) madness? I just can't decide between Greenwood & Rashford.

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

          they will get two games each max, maybe against Liverpool and Leicester, tough opposition. Still, pretty much two games guaranteed

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

        1FT, 0.1 ITB, thoughts? Playing BB this week

        Mendy / Forster

        TAA / Shaw / Ward / Holding / Coufal

        Salah / Fernandes / Greenwood / Son / Lingard

        Kane / Iheanacho / Vydra

        Thanks

      • Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        What's the likelihood of Henderson playing all 3 United games?

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

          As good a chance as any but can see De Gea getting the Leicester game

      • WibblesTeam
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        gw35 only

        A: Cavani & Dunk
        B: Maguire & Bamford;