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. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Looking ahead but adama traore as a differential last day of season ?

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

      God no

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      i'm never going with greased up deaf guy again

  2. the spud man
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    rudiger -> dallas -4 ?????

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

      no way

    2. the spud man
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      pay of over 2 games?
      rival has dallas

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

      Rudiger + 4 > Dallas points

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

    GTG?

    Dubravka
    TAA Shaw Dallas Phillips
    Salah(c) Bruno(v) Greenwood JWP
    Kane Antonio

    (Areola Bamford Lingard Targett)

    0 FT, 0.5 ITB, No chips left

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

      Bench Phillips play Bamford or JLingz

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

      I’d play Lingard and bam over JWP and Phillips but get why you wouldn’t

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

    Bottomed

    Madness to go without Kane? Would be a hit to get him an ML leader (I'm 2nd) has him so would be taking a hit to block....

    1. DCL + Lingard > Kane + Willock
    2. DCL + Siggy > Kane + Harrison/Raph
    3. Bamford + Lingard > Cavani + Torres
    4. Bamford + Siggy > Cavani + Mahrez

    3 and 4 are riskier, obviously...

    Thoughts?

    1. dwain100
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Would be worried without Kane - how far behind are you and do you have other differentials. If no other differentials then 4

  5. dwain100
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) Greenwood or
    B) Raphinha

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

      I’ve gone Greenwood but have no Bruno
      Both should play both but depends on coverage

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

      A

    3. Kudo Warrior
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

    4. dwain100
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks guys

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

    ASM or Willock. ASM not great FPL wise ?

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

      Willock has 5 in 7, but only 2 Baps which is odd
      Asm is more punty though, and higher ceiling

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

      Grab Willy

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

      Willock is surely punching miles above his weight these last few weeks. Think he has been in right place at right time several times over. Go ASM.

  7. Zlatan F.C
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Pick 3. I have Mendy in goal

    1) TAA
    2) Coufal
    3) Rudiger
    4) Digne
    5) Godfrey

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

      TAA, Rudi and Digne

  8. No Professionals
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    worrying about Bale.

    Martinez
    TAA Digne Shaw Dallas
    Salah Bale Lingard JWP
    Kane Watkins

    Areola Iheanacho Dunk Jota
    1FT 0.2m

    A) Bale and Jota to Bruno and Willock (-4)
    B) Jota to Raphinha
    C) Watkins to Antonio

    1. Tired and weary
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why are you worried?

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Mason said he's not sure he can start another game in 3 days.

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

      A. Think Bale we see limited mins

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

      A

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

    Hi all, pls help?
    Looking at these moves for a -4.
    Jota & DCL > Raphinha & (K)ane

    Or get Willock instead of Raphina so I can afford a Bruno to Mané swap in 38?

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

      Id prefer Raph over Willock personally but if you must get Mane for 38, fair enough. Would ASM instead of Raph allow that 38 move?

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

        Only have exact cash so no. Maybe I just go with Raph...

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

    Bruno (c) or Kane (c) ?

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

      (K) for me

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

      (k)

    3. Kudo Warrior
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Kane

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

    Good to bang?

    G2G?

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

    Forster, Benteke, Targett, Maguire

    TIA

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

      It must only be a flick of a coin between Benteke and JWP but yes, hopefully correct starting order.

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

        It is, but if I start Benteke do I start Holding? Which means Targett comes in. Such a tricky one! Should of gone Maguire to Shaw (instead of Jota to Raphina) and benched holding.

  12. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Here we go. Benching Nacho to go four at the back I think...

    Martinez
    Trent - Shaw - Dallas - Coufal
    Salah (c) - Bruno - Son - Greenwood - Lingard
    Kane (vc)

    Bench: Nacho, Mitchell, Vydra

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

      Do you still trust on Lingard?

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Not really, but I don’t think anyone is worth a hit given his fixtures.

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

    Quick differential captain vote:

    1. Bruno
    2. Greenwood

    Bought Greenwood in for a -4 for what it's worth.

    1. Kudo Warrior
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      2

  14. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any more news on Bale? Was all set to bring him in for Jota

    1. Kudo Warrior
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Wouldn't risk it. He may come off the bench.

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

      Possibly a bit of a risk now. What about Alli for super punts?

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I am honestly thinking about this now...

  15. Kudo Warrior
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any Alioski news?

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

    Who to play (the other two will be benched)?
    A) Lingard (wba)
    B) Coleman (WOL)
    C) Nacho (che)

    1. Kudo Warrior
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A all day.

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

      A

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

    a) Jota to Greenwood
    b) Jota and Bale to Salah and Willock (-4)
    Better option?

    1. Kudo Warrior
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      A

    3. FPL Alaska
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

    Hope there's no Henderson owners out there.

  19. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    DDG apparently starting for MU tonight.

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

      Potentially his last ever home game for the club. It makes sense.

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

      Oh no. Was looking fwd to a Shaw haul

  20. Nemanja Vidic
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    1FT 0.2 ITB

    Mendy
    TAA Regulion Rudiger Holding
    Salah Son Greenwood Raph
    Kane DCL

    Forster Watkins Ward Jota

    A) Waktins -> Antonio ( pick 1 up for bench )
    B) Jota - > Lingard ( pick 1 up for bench )
    C) Save free transfer

  21. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    bench digne or lingard

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

      Folks here will say Lingard but I'm not so sure

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

      If I have to choose, Digne

  22. Lacikasz01
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Raphinha, Willock, Harrison or Watkins?

    1. dwain100
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raphinha

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

    playing Lingard over Bamford is the right thing?

    Yes or No?

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

      Play both

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

        Cant play both, has to be one or the other.

  24. Tubayyeb
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Help!

    Choose 2 to start out of these 5...

    A) Watkins
    B) Iheanacho
    C) Gundogan
    D) Keane
    E) Holding

  25. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who to start:
    A) Jota
    B) Lingard

    1. Kudo Warrior
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B.

      Jota is injured....

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Apparently he might not be....see Klopp's announcement

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

          He's got a tiny chance for the weekend, not tonight.

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

      B

  26. mkgrzybek
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Only one to strat: Saka, Mitchell, Watkins or El Ghazi?

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

    Sounds like Mason doesn't want Bale to steal Kane's thunder in front of the fans............I was so hoping Bale would hog all the scoring opportunities as a Kane non-owner.......need a bigger sofa now

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

      Evens anytime goalscorer works for me

  28. FPL Alaska
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Currently sitting about 3k (my best ranking ever), 27 points back from top 1k so not likely, but would like to get as close as possible. Which replacement for Jota? 7.0 max

    A) Raphinha
    B) Harrison
    C) Torres
    D) Foden
    E) Do Zaha > Greenwood instead and just bench Jota (currently planning to bench Zaha likely this week and next).

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

    Jota > Torres + Dias to Robertson (worth -4?)

  30. snouty375
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play one of these bench other two

    A Rudiger

    B Digne

    C ward prowse

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

      B