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. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best Lingard replacement?

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

      Keep

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

      Raphinha, Harrison, Mount, Havertz, Greenwood, Pereira, ASM or Willock.

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

      Raph/Harrison

      Punts: Foden, ASM

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

      Keep. Unless you have absolutely no other moves to make? He seems a low priority transfer with their fixtures.

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

        1 FT, 0.1 ITB | FH next week

        Areola | Sanchez
        TAA Digne Shaw
        Salah Son Mahrez Lingard Saka
        Kane DC-L
        ¦ Iheanacho Vestergaard Phillips

        Where to use the FT..

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

          I see, too bad you don't have enough to do Nacho to Antonio. Another option could be Saka > ASM.

          If you would rather do Lingard out, I would probably go Raphinha. Harrison if you prefer.

  2. Gazwaz80
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Have all clubs playing at home got crowds this week?

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

      Yep

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

      Yes i am sure they do.

  3. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Captain?

    A Kane

    B Bruno

    C Salah

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

      I'm on C

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

      C my fave choice but I’m going B as expect the rivals in chasing to go with Salah

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

      Definitely A with possible Pope return

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

    Still can't decide between Martinez and Guaita... which one would you start?

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

      Guaita

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

        Cheers.

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

    Sorry bottomed...

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

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

    Martinez - > Meslier for final 2 games?

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

    Raphinha or ASM in for jota?

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

      Raph

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

    1FT, 0.5ITB / NO CHIPS LEFT

    Martinez/McCarthy
    TTA Digne Holding
    Salah Son Mahrez Lingard
    Kane Bamford DCL

    Gundo ElMo Veltman

    1) Gundo > Raphina (Bench Jlingz)
    2) Mahrez > Greenwood (Bench Jlingz)
    3) G2G , Roll the FT

  9. fpork
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Wood or Lingard?

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

      Wood

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

    G2G on my BB or use -4 somewhere? 3.6m ITB. Cheers

    Martinez
    Digne - Phillips - Shaw
    Bale - Salah - Raph - Greenwood
    Kane - DCL - Antonio

    (Meslier) - Alioski - Coufal - Willock

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

      Looks gtg although bale might come off the bench

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

        Shame i know - think even if he comes off he can get something. Not worth a -4 to get him out

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

    This is a stupid move right?

    Siggy + DCL + Jota --> Raph/Harrison + Antonio + Mane (-8)

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

      Yes Siggy > Raph is enough

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

    Help Please!

    Choose 2 to start out of these 5...

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

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

      That's tough. I'm low-key tempted about Keane since Wolves were poor in the air vs. BHA and he's a threat. Probably A too, looked good in the first half vs. CRY.

      I have Chelsea bias against Ihenacho & Gundogan isn't the threat we once was, and BHA at home are decent.

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

      A and B for me

  13. Oggle22
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Guaita
    TAA Coady Holding
    Salah Bruno Jlingz Mahrez
    DCL Antonio Ings

    Forster Jota Ward Amartey

    Roll free transfer or Jota to Greenwood and bench Lingard?

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

      Roll and have some GW38 fun

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

      Im taking the view, I can possibly maximise 2 weeks of points if i do a transfer this week and then get lucky again next week. You cant get points off Jota, so why not turn him into a certain starter who is in form. Thats my take on it anyway.

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

    Does this look okay, benching Bale, due to Mason's comments? Or a bit risky?

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

    Sanchez // Bale / Holding / Jota*

    Tempted to take a hit for a better keeper for the last two, but no stand-outs.

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

      I'd start Bale - Bench Lingard

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

        This is what I was on before the Bale presser comments. I still might, would prefer a starter if I'm being honest though!

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

          Even if bale makes 20 mins he could still get something. I cannot see Lingard getting much

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

          Gun to my head I'd actually go Bale.

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

      Looks good to me. Back 4 looks really strong. Decided on your captain yet?

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

        I've had it on Salah all week. There's temptation to move it onto Kane, but I'm not really chasing anything at this point so ma keep it on ol' faithful Mo.

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

          I'm leading my MLs so just going to stick it on Salah I think.

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

    Who is in nets this week for Saints? McCarthy or Forster?

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

      I’d guess mcarthy

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

        Cheers. Ill see if i can comment yours below.

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

    G2G? Bench correct? Suggestions welcome

    Dubravka
    Trent Dallas Shaw
    SalahC Bruno Son Raphina
    Bamford DCL Antonio

    Forster Eze Phillips Saiss

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

      I was thinking of signing Eze this week. Any way to start him? DCL maybe?

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

    Play Lingard or JWP this week?

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

    My 10 cents worth on City/Pep

    I think that they’ve all had their rest now and there’s 11 days until CL final

    Pretty sure that first choice team will play both games now to get match/formation fit (maybe a rest for Gundogan today?)

    Some will come off early this GW and other early at the weekend

    Obviously Pep is going to Pep, but if he doesn’t do this I honestly think they will lose the final

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

    Pick one midfielder transfer for 7mil

    a) Saint-Maximin
    b) Willock
    c) Harrison
    d) Raphinha

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

      Raph

    2. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      If chasing A)
      otherwise D)

      I have same decision to make

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

        thanks to you both, I'm trying to maintain my position, so I guess it will be the Brazilian!

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

    Are Sons prospects better with no Bale?

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

      Think so

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

      I reckon so. He was scoring more before Bale

      How about Kane?

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

        Can only get one of bruno or Kane this gw. Trying to decide between one of these options. What do you reckon mate?

        A. Siggy zaha > Bruno raphina -4
        B. Son nacho > Kane Greenwood -4
        C. Son zaha dcl > Kane bruno Willock -8!

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

          I'd prefer A from those, but only because I don't like taking out Son with Bale possibly benched.

          I like the B option, but not for Son. Greenwood may be a rotation risk over the next 2

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

      I did a comparison of Son with and without Bale over the season. Pretty similar stats. Slightly more goal threat without him but slightly more creative with him.

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

        Cheers bud

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

        How does Harry rack up with/without Bale?

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

    With Bale 'possibly' benched or reduced mins; does this make Kane a more attractive Cap pick?

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

      Makes Son a better pick imo

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

        Fully agree with Son. What do you reckon on Kane?

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

          Kane as well, yes imo

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

    30 points behind leader.

    Captain choice:

    a) Kane - at home with fans and just scored played well so should be confident. Any concerns about him wanting away?
    b) Salah - Away to Burnley. My league leader will almost certain pick him!
    c) Greenwood - Home against lowly Fulham. Will he be rested tho?
    d) TAA - Different pick but could haul after recent performaces

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

      Captain Sensible article and Captain Poll surely give you a better view than say 3 random replies saying A or B etc.

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

      Id captain Harry if you think he'll captain Salah

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

    Thoughts on Guaita's chances of playing? Save the FT for 2FT's next week or use one on a GK replacement (Meslier)?

  24. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Guys, ML at the wire. Currently leading with only 5 and 7 pts respectively to those in 2nd and 3rd. They've got Raphinha, so Jota to:
    A. Raphinha
    B. Harrison

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

      A

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

      A

  25. Johan Queef
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A) play Iheanacho
    B) Jota -> Greenwood (-4)
    C) Jota -> Willock (-4)

    Thanks!

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

      B

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

      C.) greenwood not guranteed to start and the Toon are on fire

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

    Is Torres a good differential? Is he nailed?

  27. DARE TO BISCAN
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play 2 of:
    a) Dallas
    b) Shaw
    c) Zaha
    d) Coufal

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

      dallas and shaw

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

    Hi all, please help:

    A>) Should I swap ZAHA to Harrison or Saint Max

    OR

    B.) Hold and carry free transfer to have two for next week?

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

      B

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

        thanks mate. What's your thinking?
        p.s. I LOVE BAPS too...

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

    A C

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

    11 off 3rd and 24 off 2nd in ML so how's this look?

    Lingard➡️ASM

    Vydra➡️Rodrigo

    It is just a bit of fun after all?

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

      nice. I would be wary of Rorigo's minutes?