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. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Kane to get booed by the returning fans?

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Probably 50-50. Some will cheer as it's kind of like he's giving the finger to Levy for not showing ambition.

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Would be great

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

      No chance, Spurs fans have too much respect for Kane. I don't know any Spurs fans that would boo him.

      By the way, just because Harry Kane says he wants to leave, it does not mean Levy will sell him this summer. 3 years on his contract and Levy has already said he wants £150M.

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

      Kane doesn’t come across as someone to throw their toys out the pram so I don’t know why this has come out before the end of the season

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

    Play Ward-Prowse or Holding?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ho

    2. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      JWP

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

      JWP

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

    Play willock or Lingard?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Willy

    2. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Willock

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

        Willock

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

      Willy

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

    Do we think Ings will start?

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

      Check the link i already posted..i'm keeping and hoping for anything.

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

        Thanks. Sounds like he starts if the medical team give the all clear. If not then should get 30 mins or so.

  5. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    So Jota is gonna do a Son?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Could start

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

      No chance vs burnley.

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

        Okay I see now that the comments from Klopp were misinterpreted

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

        I'd say at best on the bench but then plays CPL at home last game

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

      Max 2 points anyway..

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

    Need a Jota replacement. Any ideas?

    Lingard, Raphinha, Harrison come to mind.

    Current midfield:
    Salah Bruno Son Greenwood ___

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

      Bought Torres

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

      Harrison

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

    Wich one to play? Bamford, Dallas, Lingard

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

    Play Dallas or DCL?

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

      DCL

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

      Donkey calvert lewin

  9. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Jota back could be back for the last home game

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

    1) guaita to meslier ( Forster is backup)
    2) jota to raphina ( bench lingard)
    3) Watkins to antonio
    4) Bamford to antonio

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  11. ajk1211
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mahrez to Bruno worth a -4?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Waste of a hit, could end up lower in ML

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

      Naah hold

    3. ajk1211
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers

  12. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    best City attacking asset for the last 2?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Jesus

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

        any reason for that? He was the last on my mind

  13. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Should I do Bale > Son for free?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Too sideways move

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

        Yup

      2. Do I Not Like Orange
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Not if Bale unlikely to start (going by Mason quotes)

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

          Unlikely to start this GW?

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

    Willock or ASM?

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

      ASMR

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

      ASM

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

      Willock

  15. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    GENTS

    Entire mini league resting on this GW.

    Who to C????

    Kane, Salah or Gruno (or Greenwood)

    Currently on Kane but Villa no push over as opponent. Could be last match? Fans in the stands at home?

    1. James VARdy
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Salah for me

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

      Salah

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

      Salah, CL and GB to play for !!!

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

    Which DEF could be worth a -4 upto 5.5m ??

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      None really, will end up even lower in your ml

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

      Probably none of them. That implies you’d need a guaranteed clean sheets plus then a bonus/attacking return.

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

      Dallas?

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

      Thnx guyz

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

      Tierney ?

  17. arkom
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Digne / TAA / Shaw
    Salah / Lingard / Son / Greenwood / Mahrez
    Nacho / Adams

    1. Watkins 2. Phillips 3. Dunk

    2.1£ ITB
    1 FT

    A) Dunk --> Dallas/Coufal etc.
    B) Watkins --> Antonio
    C) Watkins --> Cavani
    D) Other?
    E) Save

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      E

  18. Malkmus
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A'noon all. Who to play in def out of these?

    A - Mitchell
    B - Rudi
    C - Phillips

    Will be playing - Mendy: Trent - Dallas - X

    Ta!

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

        Ta

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

    G2G?

    Martinez
    TAA, Holding, Dallas
    (S)alah, Bruno, JWP, Raphina, Lingard
    Kane, Bamford

    Forster, Benteke, Targett, Maguire

    TIA

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      7/10 g2g this gw

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

        Verging on genres grade. Could probably bring in shaw or Lindelof for Maguire, but for -4, I don't think there is much point. Thanks

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

          generous*

  20. J to the T
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start A or B?
    A. Rudiger LEI
    B. Coufal wba

    Bench one of 1, 2 and 3
    1. Zaha ARS
    2. Lingard wba
    3. Watkins tot

    I am A3 at the moment

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A 3

  21. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench one

    Keane (wolves home)
    Coufal (wba away)

    Please help

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bench Coufal

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  22. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Good to go??

    Martinez
    AWB Shaw Digne
    Salah(c) Bruno JWP Son
    Watkins DCL Antonio

    Button Siggy Struijk Ward

    0.1m itb, 1FT

    ROLL TRANSFER?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      7/10 g2g

  23. dansen
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Front 8 as follows. Who to bench?

    1) Salah
    2) Bruno
    3) Raphinha
    4) JWP
    5) Saka
    6) Kane
    7) Watkins
    8) Antonio

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2

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

      Watkins or JWP or Saka

    3. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Saka or Watkins. Probably just go with benching Saka

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

      1

  24. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start Guaita (ARS) or Martinez (tot)?

    Home fans for Palace & Spurs plus Roy's last home game making me lean towards Guaita.

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

      Guaita for me

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers mate!

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Wont make a difference, probably lose or concede

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        You're probably right. 😛
        Although Guaita pulled out a 10 pointer against Arsenal in the reverse fixture.

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

      question is will Guaita even start?

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah I think he will now. Roy said he wanted to give a game to Butland.

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

          He said 'at least.' Everyone on here believes he will start. That would be great for me as well

  25. KAALI_DAAL
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Nacho or Ghazi?

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

      Same, I’m playing Ghazi

  26. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    For this week only

    A) Zaha
    B) Raphinha

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

      A

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

        I was hoping you’d sat that 🙂

    2. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

  27. theroadrunner
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Do you lads think Guaita starts? Would help me get Anto for Watkins rather than replacing him and going with a full 15 man squad with the BB. Chasing ML by 23 points.

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

      Yes think he starts

  28. focaccia
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Pick one: Jota >

    a) Saint Maximin
    b) Willock
    c) Raphina

    1. James VARdy
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'd go with C

  29. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    So do you think that Jota will get some minutes vs Burnley?

    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      max 20

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

      No

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

        No

  30. madame shelly
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A Son & bamford or
    B Kane & willock (-4) ?

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

      A

    2. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B