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. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone else with no man united?

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

      me

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

      Me

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Anyone else with no Sheffield United?

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

    Any thoughts appreciated. 20 pts behind rival. He has Greenwood. Both have Kane, Salah, Bale, Trent, Lings.

    Pickford
    TAA Dallas Stones Christensen
    Salah Son Bale Lingard
    Kane DCL

    Forster Jota Holding Vydra

    Roll FT?
    Jota & DCL -> Greenwood & Antonio? (-4)
    Jota & Son -> Bruno/Mane & ESR?

    Can't afford Jota -> Greenwood.

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

      You both have Son too?

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

        He doesn't have Son

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

          .. so I suppose I should keep Son. It's just I don't think Son will score and points are more important than differentials, 20 isn't a huge gap

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

          Why would you sell him then, you're chasing!

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

      I like option 2

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

        3 spurs though, expecting a haul each?

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

          not really

  3. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What to start?

    A. Saka
    B. Transfer in and start Raphinha for free

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

      B

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

      B

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

    Who to captain guys ?

    Kane
    Salah
    Cavani
    Antonio

    Any thoughts ??

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

      Salah

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

    Down by 50points, looking to take risk.
    -8 to bring in Torres,Greenwood and Antonio for Son,Soucek and Watkins

    Yes or no?

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

      aye

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

      probably not Torres

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes

    4. Better luck next year
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Down by 60 myself. Brought in Bale myself and captained. The others are to heavily owned in my ML. Torres may not start

      1. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I wanted bale captain but members here scared me off lol!

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

      No

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

    Raphinha, Foden, ASM or Willock?

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

      Raph

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

    In a H2H knockout. Both of us have similar teams and it will all come down to the captaincy pick. Who do I captain:

    A) Salah
    B) Kane
    C) Bruno

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

      B

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Salah

    3. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

    Help needed lads.

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

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

      1

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

        Greenwood

  9. Inter Family Special
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I need to bench one. Have TAA already.

    A) Phillips
    B) Godfrey
    C) Alioski

    Any thoughts welcomed

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

      C

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

      C

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

      C

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

    1. El Ghazi or Raphinha
    2. Pick 2 out of 3: DCL, Antonio, Bamford

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raph
      Bamonio

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

      Raph
      Ant and Bam

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

      Raph
      Ant Bamf

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

    Choose 3 players for this GW
    (can't be both Raphinha & Dallas)

    A) Coleman
    B) Coufal
    C) Dallas
    D) Lingard
    E) Raphinha

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

      B D E

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

        This

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bde

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

      Surely you've got to start Dallas!?

  12. Heung min Daughter
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Pickford
    TAA - Dallas - Shaw
    Son - Salah - Fernandes - Pereira
    Kane (c) - DCL - Adams

    Forster - SmithRowe - Mitchell - Holding

    On a free hit in a H2H semi final.
    0 ITB
    Any suggestions/opinions on changes?

    TIA and good luck all

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

      Looks really good. Only suggestion to think about is Willock for Pereira and Antonio for Adams.

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

    Shaw or AWB?

    1. Heung min Daughter
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Shaw

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

      Shaw. I sold him last week on WC but I really think he can get an assist today and clean sheet.

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

    I've hit my highest rank of the entire season. Don't have Bruno though. All he has to do is scratch his head later and my rank is going south.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Get bruno

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

        I'd have to lose Son and Digne. Think I'm going to get Greenwood in for Jota and start praying. At least it's the first game. Captain Mo or Kane.

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

          Same here mate

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

            I'll check in with you at 7.45!

  15. Bobby_Baggio
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    G2G on my BB or use -4 somewhere? 3.6m ITB. Cheers.

    Martinez
    Digne - Phillips - Shaw
    Bale - Salah - Raph - Greenwood
    Kane - DCL - Antonio

    (Meslier) - Alioski - Coufal - Willock

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

      gtg

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

        Cheers

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

      That actually looks really good even with 3.6 in the bank!

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

        No Bruno probably why

  16. Kileman
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Torres? or shall I go with Harrison? or another 7.0?

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

      If it's a choice of Torres or Harrison I'd go Torres.

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

    Best 10.0 mid for a week punt?

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

      Bale

  18. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who to get for next 2. Rank this players below in order of potential pts gain

    A. Son
    B. Alli
    C. Rodrigo.
    D. Harrison
    E. Antonio
    F. ASM
    G. Willock

    1. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      E D

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

      A has the potential to score the most points then D probably

  19. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Will any of Forster or guaita start or should I do guaita to meslier for free ft
    1) yes
    2) hold and do jota to raphina ( bench lingard)
    3) hold and do Watkins to antonio
    4) Bamford to antonio

    1. Inter Family Special
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have Forster and Guaita and won’t be transferring either out. They’d probably end up on 2 points anyway so I can handle 0 if neither plays. Hopeful Guaita will play though.

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

    Who to sell for Antonio
    A Bamford
    B DCL

    cheers

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    2. Sid07
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      Neither

  21. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play one?

    A Zaha (ARS)
    B Watkins (tot)
    C Nacho (che)

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

      A

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

    Play Dallas over Jesse Lingard?

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

      yes

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

    Would you rather get Shaw or Raphinha for this gw only?

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

      Shaw

  24. Jon Snow
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Willock or ASM?

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

    1 FT, 0.1 ITB | FH next week

    Areola | Sanchez
    TAA Digne Shaw
    Salah Son Mahrez Lingard Saka
    Kane DC-L
    ¦ Iheanacho Vestergaard Phillips

    Where to use the FT?

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

    Do we think Ings can play both final games?

    Could be a decent differential with two good fixtures.

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

      could well do but always a slight doubt over minutes

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

        Thanks for that, won't be going near him then. Back to the drawing board.

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

      Fixtures aren't great imo, Leeds defense has been good recently and away at West Ham won't be easy either

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

      He's in bits mate, avoid

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

    Play Lingard or willock??

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

    Start Holding or Christensen?

    Both teams equal odds for cleanie

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

      If equal odds I'd trust Chelsea over arsenal defence all day

  29. veedub1989
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Correct bench? Bamford isn't on form and Raph seems to be a risk, fancy Lingard for points.

    Mendy
    TAA | Shaw | Digne | Dallas
    Bale | Salah | Bruno | Lingard
    Watkins | Kane

    Forster | Bamford | Raph | Mitchell

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Incorrect

      1. veedub1989
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Helpful.

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

      Talking of not on form.... Lingard has been horrible!

  30. Erez Avni
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    play one:
    A. Gundo
    B. Watkins