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. Tomas_brolin
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is it sentimental to think Kane at home vs leaky villa with fans back for potentially his last game is the best captain option?

    I captained David Silva last year but tempted by Kane over Salah and Bruno. Was surprised to see Kane so low in the captain poll

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

      Only have Salah and Kane but going Kane. Villa look poor

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

      I don't think anyone is picking him as captain due to sentimental reasons, he is one of the logical picks this week

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

      Kane
      At home
      Vs leaky villa
      Maybe his last game in spurs shirt
      Chasing golden boot

      Too good to be true

  2. Pep bites Kun
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What's the expectancy on Greenwood to start - 50/50 - greater or lower?

    Predictions on score? I'm thinking it's going to be sizeable v Ful in front of the home crowd - 3-0?

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

      My captain has been on Salah but I keep thinking that Greenwood is a great option. And with the amount of goals FUL have conceded plus some fans in the stand, makes me want to move it to Greenwood. I’m up 70 points in my ML, so I’m hopeful that this won’t hurt me too bad.

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I think you're well safe with a 70pt lead. Chasing OR?

        I don't have him, so would be taking a playing player (Lingard) out over 2 games and possibly introducing rotation risk, with ESR as cover.

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

    Quick vote:

    1. Raphina
    2. Harrison
    3. Both -4

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

      2

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      1

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

    Bench two:

    A) Digne
    B) Dallas
    C) Watkins
    D) Mount

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

    Captain?

    A. Salah
    B. Bruno

    Go!

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

      B
      Playing at home and weaker opponent.

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

      A

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

      A

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

      So 50-50... Helpful.

    5. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

    Play 1 pls?

    a. Lingard v WBA

    b. Bamford V SOU (have Raph)

    cheers

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

      A

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

      Same question and have both Antonio & Raphinha, currently playing Bam i think, just hope he gets at least 60' after Rodrigo's brace, if he does start then he's gonna wanna prove a point i think?

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

      Probably b.

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

      cheers lads

  7. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    TAA for a hit or Coufal for free???

  8. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Just dawned on me that there’s crowds tonight

    Ooh

  9. 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?
    Lingard has fallen off stats-wise & Everton are Everton... tricky decision.

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

      Bale over Lingard. And Jota our for the season

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

        Jota may be fit for GW38. Regardless, he's benched this week & I either sell/start him in GW38.

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

    Over the next few weeks which scores more

    A, Joelinton (SHE, ful)Robertson (bur, CRY)
    B, Coady (eve, MAN) Watkins (tot, CHE) +8

    Bruce says Joelinton on penalties

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

      On bench boost

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

    Who to start?
    A) Fofana (che)
    B) Holding (cry)
    C) Coady (eve)
    D) get any defender for (-4)

    Have DCL and Zaha playing, so Holding/Coady CS unwelcome.

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

    reposting looking for replies

    siggy to:

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

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

      I'm going Greenwood however would love Foden but Pep gives me strokes

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

      ASM/Harrison based on fixtures

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

        already owning raphinha

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

          So ASM for me.

          Mount tough fixture, Greenwood may be rested, Foden roulette risk.

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

    Get Torres or Willock in place of Jota?

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

      Willock, I'm going nowhere near City players.

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

    Son > Bruno
    Jota > Saint Maxamin (or Rodrigo?)

    -4.

    Worth it?

  15. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play 1:

    A. Lingard (wba)
    B. Nacho (che)

    Play 1:
    1. Phillips (bur) (also playing TAA)
    2. Coufal (wba)
    3. Coady (eve)

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

      A
      2

  16. jernej93
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Jota to:

    1.) Raphinha
    2.) Willock

    Defending 60points ML lead 🙂

    1. Van der Faart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Willock

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

      Have any other Leeds players?

      1. jernej93
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Dallas

  17. Van der Faart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Son to Bruno, JWP to ASM

    B) JWP to Greenwood, Richa to Antonio

    Both for -4

    1. jernej93
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

      Son has two interesting fixtures, will play both .. Bruno will be probably rested or on limited minutes on last GW

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

    Last decision to make: Captain Salah (the obvious choice) or Greenwood (better match and a bit punty)

    Martinez, Meslier
    TAA, Targett, Dallas, Coufal, Veltman
    Salah, Bale, Lingard, Greenwood, Willock
    Bamford, Kane, Iheanacho

    1. jernej93
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      First if you are defending lead, second if you wanna risk it

  19. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Did Hodgson say anything about Guaita?

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

    These moves for a double hit- yay or nay?

    Son zaha dcl > Kane bruno Willock

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

      Nah no way

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

        Zaha siggy > Bruno raphina for a hit then?

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

        Or son nacho > Kane Greenwood?

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

      Nah.

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

      Ballsy! I kinda like the moves but a -8 is risky!

      I say go for it. Yolo

  21. TVPlugSockets
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hmm hadnt considered Torres. Rotation risk though I guess?

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

    What's with people continuing to say Spurs have wolves?

    They...play... Villa!!!

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

    no leaked United line up yet?

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

    Looking at these moves for a -4.
    Jota & DCL > Raphinha & (K)ane
    Or get Willock instead of Raphina so I can do a Bruno to Mané swap in 38?

  25. BullDogTevez
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Afternoon Guys,

    Is there some kind of tool that can screen shot individual game weeks of your team so you can look back in years to come?

    Already aware of https://www.anewpla.net/fpl/report/index.php

    Forgive me if this is commonly known, been out the loop for a while.

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

      Windows snip tool then save the image to your hard drive/cloud etc.

  26. johno92
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bale or Greenwood? Appreciate all advice its come down to the wire in my money league!! 🙂

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

      Greenwood

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

      Greenwood

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

      Greenwood

  27. Tibbs
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Doing my head in with this choice (chasing)

    1) Play Zaha (+2FT next week)

    or, Jota to:

    2) Foden
    3) ASM
    4) Torres
    5) Willock
    6) Harrison

    Would bench Zaha if make the tranny

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

      Play Zaha, he is good enough punt

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

      1

  28. smix
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Madness to go Mahrez (c). Chasing a 60 point lead !

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

      Flip a coin

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

      Very capable of a big haul when he plays. If you can accept the game time risk then why not but to note Brighton have been doing ok defensively and city mightn’t go full throttle

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

      You won't make much ground going with Salah / Bruno / Kane, pick a solid VC and have some fun

  29. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Captain:
    a) Bale
    b) Mahrez
    c) Greenwood

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

      C

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

      Not sure you can captain Bale based on latest comments. Mahrez still a rotation risk & BHA good at home. Would go with C, especially if there's any early team news.

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

      C

  30. Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Boys HELP please

    Transfer in:
    1. Raphina ( for Zaha or Mount)
    2. Antonio (Watkins)

    Play one:
    A. Zaha (Ars)
    B. Mount (Lie)

    T H A N K Y O U