Spot the Differential

Exciting Saint-Maximin can star in Newcastle’s last two fixtures of 2020/21

With the season so close to an end, Fantasy Premier League differentials have never been more important.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United who we think have the potential to make an impact.

As always, to qualify, the player must have an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

Allan Saint-Maximin

  • FPL ownership: 3.3%
  • Price: £5.2m
  • GW37-38 fixtures: SHU | ful

Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.2m) has been one of Newcastle United’s best players since joining the club from French outfit Nice back in 2019.

And despite enduring a stop-start campaign, mainly due to injuries, his return to fitness in the second half of the season has seen Steve Bruce’s side comfortably avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The 24-year-old, who is fast becoming his side’s talisman, was instrumental in a run of eight points from four games in April which saved the Magpies’ season. He was the match winner against Burnley, coming off the bench to score and provide an assist, and was pivotal against both West Ham United and Liverpool, too.

That upturn in form has coincided with Bruce’s decision to switch to a 3-5-2 / 5-3-2 shape in Gameweek 30. Since then, Newcastle have played some of their best football of the season, with three wins and two draws in their last seven matches, despite a testing schedule which has included games against title winners Manchester City, Leicester City and Liverpool. In fact, during that period, no team has scored more than the Magpies. Granted, it’s a small sample size to draw conclusions from, but it is encouraging ahead of back-to-back matches against relegated Sheffield United and Fulham.

In the new system, the Frenchman has been deployed as a second-striker, and has thrived in a more central role. Interestingly, he even referred to himself ‘playing as a no.10’ in a recent interview.

Saint-Maximin has always had the ability but has often frustrated due to his erratic decision-making. However, his end product is improving, and he could be a useful budget differential for the remainder of the season, especially when you consider his last two matches are against two obliging defences.

Dele Alli

  • FPL ownership: 0.6%
  • Price: £7.4m
  • GW37-38 fixtures: AVL | lei

Despite being frozen out under José Mourinho earlier this season, Dele Alli (£7.1m) has come back into favour in recent weeks under interim head coach Ryan Mason.

The 25-year-old played a key role in Son Heung-min’s (£9.7m) goal in Gameweek 35, and was unlucky not to score against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, as he struck the post in the second-half.

Despite blanking, it was his best performance of the season so far, as he ended the match with four goal attempts, one big chance and six penalty box touches. His coach later hailed his display as an “excellent no. 10 performance”, and now, after three consecutive league starts, has the potential to finish the season strongly.

Interestingly, since Alli’s return to the starting XI in Gameweek 34, he has actually outperformed Son for shots, efforts in the box and expected goals (xG).

It’s also worth noting that Tottenham Hotspur had 24 shots against Wolves, 13 of which were on target. Both of those totals exceed any amount they had in a single Premier League match under Mourinho, which highlights the potential of their new, more attacking, setup.

Spurs are now into the top six, with their win last weekend ensuring their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League is in their own hands, with Aston Villa at home and Leicester at the King Power Stadium their remaining games. Encouragingly for Spurs’ attacking assets, Villa conceded a whopping 23 shots in their recent trip to Crystal Palace in Gameweek 36, and will again be without the services of Matt Cash (£5.0m) in defence.

Alli is enjoying a decent run of form under Mason, and for those in search of a real midfield differential, could be worth a look.

Rodrigo

  • FPL ownership: 2.2%
  • Price: £5.7m
  • GW37-38 fixtures: sou | WBA

After a frustrating season with injuries and suffering from coronavirus, Rodrigo (£5.2m) has impressed in his last two matches, and surely done enough to earn Fantasy interest for a Gameweek 37 trip to Southampton.

The Spanish striker can operate as a centre forward or attacking midfielder, but replaced Patrick Bamford (£6.5m) in the number nine role at Burnley, and took his chance with a quickfire double. He could have had more too, as he ended the game with three goal attempts, two big chances and six penalty box touches, despite being afforded just 32 minutes off the bench.

His last two matches have proven he does not need to even feature in the starting line-up to perform well. During that period he has appeared as a second-half substitute on both occasions but still produced three goals and a total of five bonus points.

The 30-year-old arrived from Valencia last summer with a big reputation having played in the Champions League, but has only managed 12 starts in the Premier League this season. 

However, when on the pitch, his numbers are encouraging. 

Among all forwards per 90 minutes with substantial game-time to their name, he ranks fifth for goal attempts and top for chances created, highlighting his all-round ability.

Following Saturday’s win at Burnley, Leeds United have a four-point cushion over 11th-placed Aston Villa, which means they are closing in on a top-half finish.

It’s been an excellent season back in the Premier League for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who have now suffered just one defeat in their last nine games. They have the potential to finish strongly, too, with matches against Southampton and relegated West Bromwich Albion up next.

Rodrigo has been superb of late, and could be a smart differential for those on the lookout for a budget forward.

Pro Pundits 21

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1,935 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    GGMU

  2. Black Knights
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Yeah i may punt on ASM over Willock just in case he hauls.

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

    Who to captain guys?!? My rival will almost certainly captain Salah I feel!

    Johnstone
    Rudiger, Holgate, TAA
    Salah, Son, Lingard, Rapha, Greenwood
    Kane, DCL

    Martinez, Nacho, Veltman, Konsa

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

      Are you above or below them?

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

        Below by 30 points!

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

          30 points need some good level of risk. I d personally try Kane or Bruno

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

      Salah

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

        Why? If you are chasing you want to differentiate

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

          Salah is gonna destroy you

          Diff elsewhere

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

            Bollocks

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

            What's your rank mate?

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

          Yea I am thinking to differentiate. Its the only way I think...

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mo

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

    No Neves and Fornals 🙁

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

    Jota to:

    A) Harrison
    B) raphina
    C) foden
    D) ASM
    E) save ft and play holding/rudiger

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

      Raph

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

        Is he fully fit? Burnley performance worries me slightly

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

      Im torn between B and D

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

        It’s thought, rudiger cs odds are 45% might just play him

        I should of added Lingard to that list but not overly keen

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

          I'm in a similar predicament. Decided last night on saving FT to ASM and playing Rudiger. Chelsea 21/20 for the clean sheet. Nacho (on bench) just under 3/1 to score anytime.

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

      A for me

    4. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

    Need to have a flutter...

    Firmino or Aguero for the last two?

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

      Firmino

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

      Firmino

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bobby

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bobby

    5. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers all!

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

      Bobby

  7. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which keeper to play?

    a. Martinez

    b. Sanchez

    Cheers

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

      A

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

      Tough, maybe Sanchez

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

        Very tough. Don’t want to take a hit on a keeper

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

          No need for a hit

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Martinez

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

      B

    5. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      50/50, need a decider vote please 😉

  8. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I need someone to bring in for Jota whos a differential who I'll probably captain. Bale or ASM ??? Any others????

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      For this week only? I would prefer bale or mahrez
      For last 2 gameweeks, Raphinha for me.

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

    Hey lads, what to do here? Bring in a defender or midfielder? What do i lack for the upcoming two? Leading my ML with 50points. 1ft and 2,1m itb. Cheers lads.

    mendy
    rudiger coufal taa mitchell
    salah bruno lingard zaha
    kane bamford

    forster jota lowton davis

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

      I defs wouldn't be playing Mitchell! Lose Jota for maybe Mahrez? Son? Bale?

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

    Mane or Firmino?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mane

  11. Hy liverpool
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Good picks, tom.
    ASM over harrison/raph is tough, but it's a punt at the end.

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

    GTG? Bench and starting XI correct?

    Forster
    TAA | Digne | Dallas (C)
    Salah (V) | Lingard | Foden | Zaha
    Antonio | Kane | Cavani

    GK: Martinez | Zaha | Rudiger | Veltman

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

      Greenwood starting not Zaha

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

      Dallas captain is mental

  13. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you play any of the following over Lingard?

    Willock
    Raphina
    Foden

    Need to lose Jota and these 3 have good fixtures on paper but not sure if they displace Lingz

    1. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I don't trust Lingard, but he may haul, I don't know (he might be positioned higher on the pitch, etc.)

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

    Who gets more points?

    A. Kane Greenwood
    B. Son bruno

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

      B imo

    2. Better Call Raul
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

      B

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

      A

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

    Who to Captain ?

    A) Salah
    B) Bruno
    C) Kane

    Currently on Bruno.

    1. justmatt
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I’m on Kane I think, reasons in a comment below.

    2. snouty375
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bruno

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

    All set?

    Meslier
    Dallas Rudiger Taa
    Pereira Son Salah(c) Harrison
    Firmino Kane DCL

    Forster Lingard Holding Targett

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Give bobby the armband, for fun.

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

        Hahaha good shout

        May do!

        1. Hy liverpool
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Lingard over perreira for me.. It's very close tbh.

  17. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    captain salah or bruno?

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

      I prefer Salah

  18. justmatt
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone else think this potentially being Kane’s last home game for Spurs (and in front of fans) before a summer move might be even more motivation for him?

    This plus his decent record vs Villa is tempting me over Salah.

    1. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      All aboard the Kane train

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

      He might be dropped

      1. Boly Would
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I doubt that

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

      I like the home game argument. However, Fulham have a worse defense than Villa and Bruno is a midfielder.
      I'm B>K>S, but not many are.

    4. V-2 Schneiderlin
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      this is why I'm captaining him too - plus Villas recent goals conceded

  19. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Watkins to Antonio or Jota to Raph?

    1. justmatt
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Jota to Raph

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

      Jota to Raph

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

    Jota to:

    A) Foden
    B) Raphinha
    C) Torres
    D) Willock
    E) Save & play Ward-Prowse

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

      Personally like B

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      E

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

        I thought about this option but then thought I'd probably bring in the same player in 38.

        1. Max City
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          This

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

      B

  21. Daghe Munegu
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench one please guys

    A. Raphina
    B. Lingard
    C. Antonio
    D. DCL
    E. Greenwood

    1. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tough. Probably A or E

    2. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  22. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you rather choose Alli or Greenwood (most will probably say Greenwood I guess, but maybe you have some interesting thoughts). It's probably not beneficial at all to take one of them for a hit (for Zaha), but with last 2 GWs and not some excellent rank to defend, I will probably just make 1 transfer just for fun. I have been making cold and calculated transfers so for once I can do some casual decision I guess.

    1. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tough one because I probably wouldn't want either for GW38, and Greenwood would just shade it this week.

  23. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Are people picking Salah (c) over Bruno because Burnley are on the beach and Pool need to win to get top 4?

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

      p much

    2. Hig1990
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I applied same logic last weekend and they needed a last min Allison goal...I'm on Kane this week

      1. Jet5605
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah. I'm also wary of a Dyche inspired reaction after getting pumped at the weekend.

        Not sure I trust Spurs to pump Wolves but it's between Bruno and Kane

        1. Hig1990
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah, I agree with both points but Kane has the fans behind him in what could be his last game at home whilst also chasing the golden boot so he gets the nod from me. 1 goal and 3 bonus is all I need.

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

            Does he though?

            1. Hig1990
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 10 months ago

              Yes Jeremy

        2. Hig1990
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Also, Spurs are playing Villa not wolves. Cheers

  24. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Kane (C) anyone?

    1. Hig1990
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yip

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

      Currenyl on him, but don't know if he can be trusted, given he blanked against mighty Sheffield. But don't know if I can trust Salah either....

  25. RedJive79
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is this GTG? 10 points behind leader in ML. Already done Jota to Willock as a differential....

    Martinez
    TAA / Dallas / Digne
    Salah(c) / Son / Willock / Greenwood
    Bam / Kane(vc) / DCL

    Areola / Lingz / Struijk / Veltman

    1. Boly Would
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Looks good

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

    Best Chelsea defender for next two below 5.6m?

  27. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any city fans talking about lineup for tonight?

    I'm a blue but I don't mess with forums and the like

    Anything leaked?

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

      None yet. Read the scout tweets for Peps presser, I reckon we'll see a strong team tonight. Likes ot Mahrez/Stones for sure.

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

        Cheers

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

    Anything worth a hit? 2.7itb

    Mendy
    Digne Phillips Dallas
    Son Mahrez Raph Salah Lings
    Kane Ings
    (Forster, Vydra, Struijk, Holding)

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      gtg

  29. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Vardy to Firmino/Antonio for a hit

    Yes or No ??

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

      Yes imo

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers mate - Antonio or Firmino ?

    2. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tough one, probably yes

  30. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Dallas (SOU), Stones (BHA), Phillips (BUR), Shaw (FUL), Coufal (WBA)
    Torres (BHA), Salah (BUR), Son (AVL), Lingard (WBA), Bruno (FUL)
    Kane (AVL), Kelechi (CHE), Watkins (TOT)

    Pick 3 subs from that lot. Its the hardest choices I have ever had.

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Philips Kelechi watkins for me

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

        Thanks. Thats what I am on currently.