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. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    How many games you expect Rashford to play this gw:

    1
    2
    3

    ?

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

      2

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

      2,5

    3. Zlat-man
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2

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

      2.25

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

        The biggest positive for Rashford is I fully expect he will get the Villa game which is more then I can say for Greenwood or Bruno

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

      2

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

      2 nailed and one from the bench

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

      2x75min & 1x15mins

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

    Thoughts on Havertz on Free Hit? Looked great last couple games

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

      Rotation and tough games so no for me

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

      Tough games I wouldn't there are better options

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

      Eye up Pulisic if you want someone nailed and in form.

  3. Zlat-man
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    On freehit, so money not a problem.
    Which one and why:

    A. Pogba
    B. Rashford

    (have bruno+harry)

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

      Rash more explosive

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

    G2G?

    Mendy
    TAA Maguire Fofana
    Salah Son Greenwood Bruno (C) Lingard
    Kane Ihenacho

    Subs: Forster, Dallas, Holding, Davis

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

    Kane + Holding + Bowen -> DCL + Rashford + Shaw / AWB? -8

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

      B

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

        Huh?

  6. Slacker
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy or Chilwell in my draft team for the rest of the season?

  7. TGW35 Breakout Players
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who do you think will find form this GW, stepping up with a big score, and why?



    Maybe someone who hasn’t scored well lately, has very low ownership, or is being broadly overlooked in the community.

    

Have you seen something in someone’s play or in their stats to make you think they could be ready for a breakout GW?



    Extra points if you give a solid explanation for your pick.

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

      Not Vardy.

    2. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably Maddison.
      Back to full fitness. Great fixture and one he could be suited to.

      Plus, I bought him for his previous two blanks, and have left him out of my FH!

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

      Benteke

      We all know about the fixtures but he's on decent form too and looking almost semi-hemi-confident. Same GI as Zaha in the last 6 matches - only he's scored more goals.

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

        Interestingly the only stat that Vardy clearly beats him on on the last 6 for direct goal threat as opposed to assists is big chances. Benteke has buried more of them than Vardy though.

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

        This

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

      Zaha, Lingz, Kane & Son

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

      Pogba...can see him getting 2 - 2.5 games.. Has looked good of late and due a worldy or two

    6. GinjaWhinja
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mane.

      Playing against old club at home which is likely to be a big motivator, plus he seems to excel playing against big teams on the counter away from home. Had an incredible rest too.

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

      Jwp

      If they get anything against Pool, he’ll defo be involved. I’m thinking a direct free kick worldie.
      Against Palace I’m expecting at least an assist or two. 😉
      Basically I just have a gut feeling.

    8. lugs
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      despite his single, Kane to be the highest scoring player after his flop last week and when nobody captains him this week

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

      DCL

      West Ham, Villa, and SHU in the next three. All of them have struggled defensively as of late. He has been getting into the right position but his finishing has lacked but will get plenty of chances and if he can find some form could come out of the next 3 with 3 or 4 goals.

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

      Late enough answering. Scott McTominay. Had a rest for the original LFC fixture, didn't play last night, has been a steady figure in that midfield all season. Assuming Utd are not going to come out of the gates at full pelt, with 3 games to play in a week, a slow paced game would allow Macca to get into shooting positions outside the box. Who knows?

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

      Digne! Great stats, easy fixtures and most importantly on set pieces with no hamez, both him & DCL will be great IMO

    12. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Greenwood. TGW. Young and dangerous, fast and furious 😀

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

    Best non-Digne Everton Def?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Wanted to ask the same. Debating between Keane and Coleman

    2. Zlat-man
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      CMan (lol, sorry)

  9. FPL Tikka
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is this worth it for -4? Means I can get to 11 in GW36 without another hit

    Vardy > Calvert-Lewin
    Saka > Greenwood
    Rudiger > Shaw

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

      I dont think selling three players with DGWs is the best way to go

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

    What to do here?!? Take some hits of G2G?!
    0 funds and no more free hits ...

    Martinez**
    TAA** Rudiger**, Konsa**
    Bruno***, Greenwood***, Zaha**, Son
    DCL**, Nacho**, Kane

    Johnston, Lingard, Veltman, Dias

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

    Van Aanholt a decent punt?

    Need a double + non blanker...

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No

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

      Hodgson has been bigging Mitchell up, which I guess means PVA's place is at risk

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

      Think him and Mitchell get 1 game each.

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

        This

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

      Think PvA gets SHU, Mitch gets Saints

  12. Etern007
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Swap Jota for Greenwood with a -4.

    Yes, or no?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I am tempted and bring Robbo too

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

      no jota has 3 games in 35+36, greenwood most likely 2

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

      Jota was benched in the United game prior to its postponement. There's no guarantee he'll play twice this GW.

      1. Etern007
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        That was my thought as well. These decisions are so hard!

  13. 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)!!!!

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      McCarthy and Vest r your weak links

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

    2 Free Transfers any ideas? 2.1 itb

    Martinez
    Azpi / Phillips / Shaw / Maguire
    Salah / Bruno / Son
    Watkins / Vardy / Iheanacho

    Steer, Struijk, Raphinha, Lingard

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

      Son to Mane maybe

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

        0.1 short

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son to rashford/Greenwood

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

        Have 3 United already

    3. Brimble82
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Azpi&Son>TAA&Wilf?

  15. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A. Dunk to Lindelof, bench Saka
    B. Start Saka, Dunk on the bench

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

    Is it possible to make a 1 FT and then to use FH after that ?

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

      Yes, but your team next week will be as it was before the FT

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No

    3. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If you do the FH after you make your FT it erases your FT. You essential lose it since next week your team will return to your exact GW 34 squad.

  17. The Mighty One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hey team...Who should I put in my XI?

    A Lingard
    B Smith-Rowe

    I'm leaning to ESR. Thanks!

    1. The Point About It Is
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on your TV but Ling for me although v close.
      WHM still have lots to play for.

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

      Need help on ASM as well...

  18. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A. Digne, Rashford, Vardy (25.5)
    B. Castagne, Bruno, Watkins (24.0)

    Scout picks have gone B probably for budgetary reasons... I actually prefer A tbh

    1. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Definitely A but note that you are going to probably want to move Vardy out next week anyway. So if you don't have him already then maybe don't do it.

      I think Bruno is going to be underwhelming this week...as a United fan...and I am captaining Salah. I cannot believe Ole played him 83 minutes last night. Foolish. If I was Ole I would sit Bruno for the entire LEI game and play him in AVL and LIV.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah I've somehow ended up with the scout picks team bar Guaita but A instead of B above

        Then was thinking - hang on id actually much rather have A anyways so a bit suprised at the scout picks

        All roads have to lead to Bruno this week in fairness but for those chasing there's a bit of an opportunity here going without him

        1. The Mighty One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Hello to a Fellow "11". I agree in the Bruno idea just for the sentimentality of a TGW, but LEI will be a very tight affair. Villa is a wildcard game as we don't know how much UTD will attack. Then LIV vs UTD is going to be end to end as LIV needs the game and UTD will be up for it. I feel that the first two games of the triple will be United saving energy for Thursday. I think Salah is going to run riot, but what the heck do I know! Good luck, Max. I have always respected your postings around here...so I was glad to be able to reply to your question (whether I'm actually helpful is another matter).

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

      B for sure

  19. The Point About It Is
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is Coleman now a solid starter?
    Holding to Coleman will give me 2 starts and another player for GW36

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I want to know the same

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

    Guys have bruno

    A) Dcl greenwood Ward
    B) Dcl elghazi digne

    Both for -4 and B will get me 10 players without gk in 36. Only problem is rival have greenwood and dbl cp defence he also has dcl and digne too bb also. Am 50 points ahead. I am now towards B what you guys think?

    1. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Don't overthink it. Way more upside in A. DCL is in both of your teams so it is essentially Greenwood versus Digne.

  21. MadeinIreland
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Will Keane play twice?

    Will Saha play twice?

    Thanks...

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

      Saha retired years ago so unlikely 🙂

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

        As did Roy actually!!

  22. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Choose any one on a FH?

    A. Vardy
    B. Mane

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

      Mane huge differential

  23. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy
    Castagne Robbo ______
    Bruno Jota Maddison Zaha
    Vardy Lacca ______

    3.8 Lingard Mitchell Coufal

    Need some help to fill final spots. Choose one:

    1) Maguire
    2) AWB
    3) Shaw

    A) Cavani
    B) Watkins

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

    Any reason not to BB this week?

    1. Zlat-man
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Have two.
      1. On freehit
      2. Already used on gw19

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

      Depends on your team! If you have a strong bench go for it

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

      Not unless you've a shite bench

  25. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I’m chasing. Opponent will cap Bruno.

    Is it madness if I cap Salah? Have a strong feeling he will outscore Bruno easily even with one game less

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mark is doing it

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

      Not madness at all, you need to do it

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

    Would you switch Azpi/Rudiger for a -4?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No

    2. The Point About It Is
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      no

  27. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Jota or Robbo -4 till the end of the season?

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

    Predicted scores for TGL for a) Rashford and b) Fernandes?

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

    Coleman nailed?

  30. OOJ
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Please help

    Rashford or Greenwood on free hit?

    1. The Point About It Is
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      green

      1. The Mighty One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Green