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. GreatCarragherReef
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi- start one of these:
    A) Willock
    B) Iheanacho
    C) Watkins

    Tearing my hair out

    1. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      C

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

      A

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

      cheers all

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

      Easy A

  2. Stormbringer22
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    First one to 3. Jota out for:

    A. Raphina
    B. Willock

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

      raph if you dont need the funds. I had to go willock so that i can bring in salah for fernandes next week

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

      B

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

        B

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

      A

    4. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tie breaker?

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

      A

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

    Mendy
    Struijk | TAA | Dias | Alioski
    Willock | Salah | Mahrez | Son
    Bamford | Kane

    ( Forster | Lingard | Holding | Vydra)
    0ft, 2.9 itb

    A) BB GW37
    B) spend more on bench and BB GW38

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

      is forster starting these next two games?

      Don't think dias plays gw38

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

        I think Forster plays 38. Dias > Ake maybe.

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

      A

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

        Forster will likely play last game actually so I think B

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

          Cheers

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

    1 FT, 0.1 ITB | FH next week

    Areola | Sanchez ->

    A) Meslier
    B) Johnstone
    C) Ramsdale

    Best one week GK punt?

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

      A

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

      A

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

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

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

      2

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

      4 and play lingard or 2

  6. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Maddison or Lacca as 7th attacker?
    I am on Maddiosn atm.

    Mendy
    Robbo Shaw Coufal
    Bruno(C) Salah Lingard Zaha Maddison
    Bamford Watkins

    3.8 Lacca Mitchell Castagne

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

    Tough decision for me, need some help

    Start who?

    A) Ward-Prowse - LEE(H)
    B) Lingard - WBA(A)
    C) Dallas - SOU(A)

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

      B

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

      C

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

      B

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

    Who to start out of these three sharp shooters?

    A) Benteke (ARS)
    B) Kelechi (Che)
    C) Wood (LIV)

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

      Benteke

    2. Mighty Wings
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      C for me, Liverpool consistently conceding

  9. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Raphina IN

    OUT
    A) Mount
    B) Lingard

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

      A

      1. Ady87
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks!

    2. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Rival has Raphina so covering the liability.

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      I'd lean B, Lingard off the burner ...

  10. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any suggestions would be great 1FT .1 ITB. Thank you.

    Martinez
    Azpi Trent Ayling
    Salah Siggy Mahrez Raphinha Mané
    Kane Bamford.

    Areola Rudiger Kelechi Burn.

  11. Lemongrab
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone have Mason's exact quote on Bale?

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

        Ta. Doesn't exactly clear things up!

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

      Mason asked if Bale can start another game so soon:

      "I am not sure. Gareth was probably the best I have seen him all season at the weekend. He was sharp, he was running at players, he has that confidence back of playing in repetitive games and he feels confident in his body.

      He also knows his body. He is a question mark for tomorrow. We are not sure whether or not he is going to be ready. It is down to the player, he is experienced enough.

      We'll see. Like it was with Serge [Aurier], if a player doesn't feel 100 per cent [and] I don't feel confident enough, we have enough players ready [who are] competing, that want to play. If a player doesn't feel 100 per cent and it is not right then he won't play."

      -- On this, if he's doubtful now, it doesn't feel too good.

  12. YEAH PITCH!
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play

    A) Rudiger
    B) Siggurdson

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

    Bale & Siggy to Bruno & ASM for a hit or hold ? Worried about the Bale comments

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

      I might do that, then move Bruno out for 38

  14. I Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best Jota replacement?

    A) Foden
    B) Willock
    C) Harrison (have Raphinha and Dallas)
    D) Pereira

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

      I like A, D is fun too tho

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

      D

  15. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Chasing a 20 point lead would you go for:

    A) Greenwood (leader don’t have)
    B) Kane (leader will probably cap)

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

      Has to be A if chasing

  16. ronpateluk
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Vardy + Jota --> Kane + Harrison (-4)

    Worth it? Not having Kane for final gamweeks is worrying

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      For sure.
      Kane wants that golden boot and I think Tot players been told pass to him.

  17. timmmuh
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bottomed:
    Who to play here, need 3 of the 6?
    A) Digne (WOL)
    B) Pereira (WHU)
    C) Dallas (sou)
    D) Raphina (sou)
    E) Wakins (tot)
    D) Phillips (bur)

    Cheers!

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

      Raphinha, Dallas, Digne for me.

    2. Calculated Risks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bench Watkins and Phillips for sure. Probably Raph next as most chance of reduced mins

  18. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Martinez (Steer)
    TAA Coleman Shaw (Holding Coufal)
    Salah (c) JWP Bruno Greenwood (vc) (Lingard)
    Kane DCL Antonio

    GTG? Or any of these worth a minus 4?

    A Lingard to Willock
    B DCL to Nacho

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

      I've done Lingard to Willock this week, he has looked bad since Antonio came back. DCL to nacho not bad either, wouldn't be surprised to see 2 blanks from him

    2. Max City
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I am to bench Nacho.. So not going to bring him in if I didn't have him

  19. Cheeto__Bandito
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Keeping Jota. Back for Palace

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

      "Tiny chance". I'm keeping him this week as I have the luxury of being bale to bench, but I will admit it sounds like it'd be a bench appearance if anything.

  20. Calculated Risks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    This line up okay? Sat at 200k so about 40 points to try make up for 100k. Think Mane was very unlucky at weekend so willing to punt on him

    Mart
    Dallas, Digne, Shaw
    Greenwood (VC), Mane (C), Salah, Gundo, Willock
    Kane, DCL
    (Watkins, Rudiger, Dawson)

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

    Bale > Lingard -4?

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      yeah

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

      if protecting lead yea, as Lingard high EO

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

      I'm not sure about that. Lingard's stats are pretty poor of late. I'd much rather the likes of Greenwood, or Harrison/Raphinha.

  22. puhd
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A- Play Ihaenacho or Vardy
    B- Sell Vardy for Antonio or Benteke

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

      B for Antonio; great last 2 fixtures and underlying stats say he should get points

  23. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Reckon bale starts? Can't afford him not to.

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

      May be not according to Mason comments.

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

    Bench one

    Keane (wolves home)
    Coufal (wba away)

  25. HanS14
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Mendy
    Philips taa Stones
    Son salah lingard mahrez greenwood
    Dcl kane
    Forster holding saiss davis

    1 ft, any changes or gtg?

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

    Pereira or ASM or Willock as fourth midfielder

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

      ASM for me based on what i have seen and confidence is v high in Newcastle set up.

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      ASM or Willock
      I am going Willock

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

    Would you do Son > Bruno (C)?

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      50/50. For free, could work out.

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      As a FT?

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

      High risk, high reward but yes

    4. Maddamotha
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes FT. Currently leading my ML as well.

  28. DannyDrinkVodka
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Digne or Dallas?

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dallas

  29. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    So with Pope back better go for Kane cap?

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

      Is he back?

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Didn’t think he was back. Link?

    3. Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He’s back? I don’t think he is ?

    4. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Well his manager said he has to make a late call on him. That for me sounds like he's gonna play

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

        He said he is "touch-and-go" which from Dyche almost always means they are missing out.

  30. McGlynn8
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Right Guys help a man out....

    Play Leno or Meslier?

    Play JWP or Smith Rowe?

    Captain Salah or Kane?