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. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    This is doing my head in

    A.Raphinha
    B. Harrison
    C. Foden
    D. ASM
    E. Willock

    Can't afford Torres otherwise would have gone for him.

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Foden if you're chasing, Raphinha if you're holding.

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

      Harrison

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A or E if you need extra funds for next GW.

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

      Foden for just this week. Raph for this and next week.

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

      I like D

  2. gart888
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench one:
    - Digne vs wolves
    - Dallas vs southampton
    - Shaw vs fulham
    - Lingard vs west brom

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

      JLingz. Stats have halved since his better games.

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

      Lingz

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

    Get in Bruno or Kane? Can only get one and have a feeling I’ll get the wrong one.

    1. Blue Moon Rising
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tough one

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

      Can you stretch to both for -8?

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

        Could do son dcl zaha > Kane bruno Willock. Think it’s worth a double hit though?

    3. Ch0udini
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      The one that you don't have covered with other player (Son, Greenwood etc.)

  4. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anything worth a hit here? Bound to be some rotation!

    Johnstone
    TAA/Digne/Shaw
    Salah/Bale/Greenwood/Harrison
    Kane(c)/DCL/Bamford
    (Martinez/Lingard/Phillips/Velt)

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

      Good team with bench cover, no need for a hit in my opinion

  5. Blue Moon Rising
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Ederson Foster

    Rudiger Fofana Dallas Philips Keane

    Salah Bruno Jota (!) Son Greenwood

    Kane Vydra Nacho

    2.5 in the bank 1FT

    A) Jota to Harrison/Willock
    B) Son and Jota to Bruno (C) and Harrison/Willock (-4)

    1. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A....but go with Raphinha

  6. House Frey Wedding Planner
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play one:

    1. Rudiger
    2. Phillips (don't have TAA)

    1. Blue Moon Rising
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I’m Philips atm

  7. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Jesus or Torres for free?

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

      Neither

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

    Salah extremely poor historic stats vs Burnley.
    Kane exactly the opposite vs Villa.

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

      History, chapter #2: Salah vs Kane

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

      Are you saying Salah is due a haul and Kane due a blank against the aforementioned opponents? That could be logical too.

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

    Why Antonio is so popular? Form isn't so "proud" at the moment..

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

      Numbers

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

        What numbers? 😀
        Asks stupid

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

      Stats & Fixtures.

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

    Kane, Bruno or Salah (c) ?

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

      Toss a coin, I'm going Salah

  11. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you do jota and vydra to willock and Antonio?
    Would be benching willock.

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

      For sure

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

      yeah.

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

      Cheers guys! It's for a hit.....

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

      I would rather play willock than antonio

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

      Jota to willock & bench vydra

  12. nims076
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Have £8m to spend and need a replacement for Jota:

    1. Dele
    2. Raph
    3. Harrison
    4. ASM
    5. Saka
    6. ESR

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

      1

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

      Of those I think B.

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

      2

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

      Willock?

  13. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Burnley to put up a fight with a home crowd?

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

      Definitely. Pool will do well to keep a clean sheet.

  14. mixology
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you still expect Bale to get decent minutes based on Mason's comments? Wasn't planning to transfer him out....

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

      20-30mins maybe

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

        Yikes

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

      What did he say?

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

        scout tweets. He's not sure if Bale can handle full minutes after a short turnaround with tomorrow's match

    3. MHG
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I was planning to trf Son out for Bruno but now looks like I should do Bale for Bruno?

      My rival , who is 35 points behind in my ML currently just has Bale though

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

        Bale at home with Spurs fans was supposed to be a nice differential. It may still be- not sure that I'm getting rid.

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

          Yes and Son seems a bit negative and lost on the wing when Bale is playing

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

    siggy to:

    A) mount
    B) greenwood
    C) willock
    D) other suggestion

  16. bazhef
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Worth -4 to sell Son and bring in Salah?

    Trying to hold 3 point lead in H2H league and playing main rival.

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

    Sacrifice Son or Kane for -4 to get Bruno (C)?

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

      Son if you must but maybe just go without.

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Son

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

      I considered it, opting against it. Prefer the 4 points and Son & Kane against Villa

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

    Jota price drop and Antonio price rise is a pain, short by 0.2 in all options!!!

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

      Literally why I did Watkins > Antonio before West Ham had even played in GW36 (risky)! Tight margins!

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

    Interesting comments RE: Bale & Jota.

    Martinez
    TAA / Shaw / Digne / Dallas
    Salah / Greenwood / Lingard
    Kane / DCL / Antonio

    Sanchez // Bale / Holding / Jota*

    If Jota is fit for GW38 that's a boon. Now just the question of whether I should bench Bale or not?

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

      You will play Bale. I know it.

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

      of course not

  20. GCM0803
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best jota replacement?

    Have salah, lingard, raph, son

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

      Greenwood?
      Otherwise Foden/Torres

  21. thepirates
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Got Kane, Salah & Bruno. 30’points off ML leader, but also want the 10k finish (13k atm). Go for Bruno cap or safe? Is he expected to play 90?

    1. FPL ElasticO
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah he will... But I would prefer Kane vs WOL.... Wolves at times this season has been terrible in defence..

  22. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    -8 to get Bruno too much?

    I've got Jota and Maguire I need to get rid of but can only get Bruno with a third switch, which would probably be losing Lingard or DCL. Thoughts?

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

      Lingard is a better pick in wk38, so I would get rid of DCL of those 2.

  23. FPL ElasticO
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is it worth doing this transfer? Or Hold FT.

    Bamford >> Antonio
    Or
    DCL >> Antonio

  24. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    a) Jota > Raphina
    b) Jota > Bale
    c) Jota & DCL > Harrison & Kane (-4)

    a or b mean benching DCL
    c means benching Lingard

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

    Leading cash mini league by 13 points and my rival has Pickford and Digne

    Should I start Coleman as an Everton defense "cover" or play Lingard/Coufal?

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

      Start Coleman

  26. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    which defence to bring in?

    liverpool
    man united
    leeds

    captain:

    bruno
    salah
    kane

    thanks

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      The answer is Pool!!

  27. jimmyharte
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Damn the poll is close for captain.

    Who are people feeling?

    A) Salah
    B) Bruno

    1. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A...golden boot, must win fixture.

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

      Brought Bruno in for a hit so have to captain now.

  28. Kroos-Control
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is it worth doing:
    Wood > Antonio
    Jota > ASM
    for a -4 hit. Winning the league by 20 points.

    1. Ohh1454
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure about wood to Antonio he could score against Liverpool and Sheffield last day of season

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I wouldn't sell Wood, you might as well keep him with shu fixture. Just do the ASM move or save

  29. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Gtg or play nacho over Siggy ?
    Ederson
    Shaw Dallas Trent
    Salah ASM Son Siggy Lingard
    Kane Bamford
    Bench - Sanchez Nacho Targett Konsa

    1. Natho79
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Don't know if this helps but I will be playing Nacho over Siggy after last Sunday's performance from Everton in the hope of getting into top 100 overall. They look completely shot.

      1. Ohh1454
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Ya I’m kinda 50/50. Feel like there might be a reaction and he’s on a lot of set pieces

        1. Natho79
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Form over fixtures

  30. Aladdin Sané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play El Ghazi over Lingard?