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. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    ON bench boost: play Forster or sell for Dubravka (-4)?

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

      Play Forster

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

      Forster will not play if you take the manager's comment a week ago

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Sell ... get a full team out ... more fun.

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

      I would play Forster

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

      Take the hit. You won't get anything for him not playing. Treat yourself to a potential CS or penalty save.

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

      Sell

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

      Sell imo if using BB chip

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

    Team of:

    Johnstone
    Dallas, Dias, TAA
    Raphina, JLingz, Salah (C), Son
    Kane, Bamford, Antonio

    (Martinez, Holding, Veltman* Jota*)

    GTG or do I need some united? 1ft 0,1 itb

    A) GTG
    B) Bamford and Jota to Rodrigo and Greenwood -4
    C) Bamford and Jota to Cavani and Harrison -4
    D) Jota to someone? And who

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

    Just saw the announcement that Hodgson is stepping down from Crystal Palace end of the season. Paves the way for Frank Lampard to return to the PL

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

      Unless they want a decent manager?

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

    Rival ahead by 3 points and has Raphinha:

    A) ASM (Fixtures, differential, fun)
    B) Raphinha (Safe, better stats)
    C) Play Traore (Away to Tottenham, +4)

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

      Raphinha is the only diff? I would go with A.

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

        No, but getting Raph feels like taking a hit only to give me less chance to pass him

  5. BS03
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Appreciate any feedback for my team below:

    Martinez
    TAA / Dallas / Digne / Shaw
    Salah(c) / Son / Lingz / Greenwood
    DCL / Bam

    Sanchez/ Watkins / Castagne / Jota

    A) Save FT
    B) Jota -> Harrison/Raph/Willock

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

    Pick one please:

    A) Iheanacho --- Bamford (play holding)

    B) Jota --- Greenwood/Bale/Alli (play iheanacho)

    C) Coady --- Reguilon (play iheanacho)

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

    Afternoon all need some advice please on what move to make this week. 1FT 0.5 ITB

    Pickford
    AWB Keane Coufal
    Salah Son Raphina Siggy Lingard
    Watkins Kane

    Guaita Iheanacho Watkins Ward

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

      2 Watkins?

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

        Sorry Watkins on bench is meant to be Fofana lol.

  8. tinear
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Help needed

    1. Jota to Raph
    2. Save ft and play either Zaha, Watkins, or Holding

  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    cant decide between salah and bruno who to captain....

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

      Home game for me

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        cheers

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

      Coin toss, no regrets

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        best of 3?

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

          As they say, keep doing it till you are satisfied with the results

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            🙂

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

      Bruno

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

    Vardy to Firmino/Antonio for a hit

    Yes or No ??

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

    Bottomed

    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)

    Bench 3?

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

      Iheanacho, Watkins, Coufal

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

      Kelechi, Phillips, Coufal
      In that order

  12. dansully3
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is there anyone out there that has any idea of Mahrez or Foden will play? I've snowballed from leading my ml by 150pts to chasing 30 now! Help!!!!

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez has had 2 fulls games rest and Foden played 20 mins in the CHE, you would think both players would start....

  13. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which one would you go for?
    A. Jota to Raphinha
    B. Nacho to Antonio
    C. Do both for a hit. Hit should pay off over the 2GWs since Jota is out for the season

    1FT 2.5ITB
    Mendy
    TAA Shaw Dallas Rudiger
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Lingard
    Kane Nacho
    (Forster Jota* Holding Davis)

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

      just do A mate

    2. Pegboy
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hold and have 2FTs for last day?

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

      Dallas essential

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

    Chasing 14 points.

    Captain: Salah, Kane, Greenwood or Mahrez?

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

      Bruno!! 🙂 especially as you are chasing

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

        I don't have Bruno.

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

          Who are you chasing?

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

      I have S, K, and M of those, and am thinking Salah might be the brave pick (chasing 18 points).

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

        How is Salah the brave pick?

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

          Because i think he has the most chance of getting 2 or 3, but also the most chance of getting none.

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

      Salah... Like I am :).

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

    GTG? Correct starting XI? And thoughts on the Dallas captain punt?

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

    GK: Martinez | Zaha | Rudiger | Veltman

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

      It's ridiculous especially this week

    2. Nando7
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      in the same problem as you have cavani kane and salah but not sure to captain, Dallas is a big punt considering SOU will have fans back too

      1. Nando7
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Currently have it on Salah but want to put on cavani just cant guarantee hell start compared to other 2

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

    A) Ihenacho > Antonio
    B) Jota > Raphina
    C) Jota + Lingard > Mane + Smith Rowe

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

      b

  17. klopp2567
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Lingard or willock?

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

    One of those weeks when you wish there wasn't any captain chip

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

      No captain chip would make the game more boring

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

        Agree, only this week though

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

      There isn't a captain chip

      There is a choose captain button

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

        Dull as always 🙂

  19. klopp2567
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Get Willock or Saint Maximin in place of Jota?

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

      I would punt on Willock

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

      Willock

  20. martyhan
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Top of my mini league by 23 points. Should I do zaha to greenwood for minus 4? Both chasing me have him

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

      that cuts your lead to 19 pts, if you think Zaha wont cover greenwood then its really your call lad.

    2. klopp2567
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      no way

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

      No, from me.

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

    1. Pick one: Fernandes or Son
    2. Pick two out of: DCL, Bamford, Antonio

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

      1 doesn't need to be there
      DCL Antonio

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

    Leading my ML by 51pts, who would you captain?

    a. Mo
    b. Bruno
    c. Kane

    Cheers

    I have an idea already just curious what others are doing on this forum.

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

      I'm ahead 55 after a hit

      Kane

      He will go Salah ( I own Salah too)

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

      78 ahead but a completely different issue. H2H is a knockout and I have no clue who to captain. And he has a similar team so it will all come down to the captaincy choice.

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

        My closest rival has Mo & Kane but no Bruno.

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

          Mo and Kane is close. Even I cannot decide.

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

            Same here. Kane in front of home fans could peg it ya reckon?

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

              I was on him. You think his insistence on getting a transfer out messes up with his mind? Also don't know how the home fans will react to the news.

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

                Didn't think about the fans reacting badly to him? Toughest decision ever!!!!

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

      Kane
      I have Mo but not Bruno, but it wouldn't be Bruno anyway

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

    Play Lingard or DCL?

    Thanks

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

      Currently on DCL. Can't decide between Lingard and Ings though

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

        Got rid of Ings for Firmino

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

      Im actually playing both and benched Bamford but i have Raph.

  24. JY84
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Planning to play my BB this week.... My squad currently is :

    Meslier
    Digne Philips Dallas
    Salah Bruno Lingard Zaha
    Watkins Kane DCL
    (Martinez, Coufal, Rudiger, Anguissa)

    (A) Zaha to Raphina
    (B) Anguissa to Wilock
    (C) Save FT

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

      B, go big on your Bench Boost!

  25. gomez123
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    GTG bench order ok?
    Ederson
    Dallas/TAA/Digne
    Salah(vc)/Son/JWP/Raph/Peireia
    Kane(c)/Watkins
    Sanchez/Nacho/Azpi/Maitland Niles

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

    Dont know why so many people are entertaining ideas that Kane could go to Man Utd and not Man City. He is leaving Spurs as he wants to win trophies so why would he go to Utd?

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

      Not if the Glazers can do something about it

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

      My point too. But then most of the people are United fan, hence.

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

      He's going to Chelsea i guess

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

      Kane starts every game for Spurs when fit so he would need to go to a team that plays him every game, City switch way to much for Kane's style I feel?

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

        part of that though is possibly because Aguero is always injured and he doesnt really trust Jesus so plays other guys like Sterling, Silva etc as strikers. Im fairly sure Kane would be nailed maybe only being rested now and then like when Aguero was at his peak and playing regularly.

        If Kane goes to City you may as well give them the title again.

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

      Maybe with Kane they would be able to win some trophies? This season showed that they seriously lacked a central forward and Cavani cannot play every game presumably. Altough I cannot see Levy letting Kane go to another English team.

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

        It wont be up to him. Kane can go where he likes. Levy has already been disgraced by signing up to the super league. He would be done for if he denied Kane moving to the club he wants after the service Kane has given Spurs.

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

          How come it is not up to him? As far I remember Kane has a contract with Spurs. Forgot what was happening with Modric?

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

    Best 10.0 mid for a one week punt?

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

      Havertz?

  28. Ian Davis
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who to captain: Kane, Salah or Bruno?

    I’d probably go Bruno, just thinking United might be playing at 70%

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

    1 FT. Would you do Martinez to Meslier/Fabianski or roll the Free transfer to the final week?