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. Luton_Fan
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bruno or greenwood? Money no object.

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

      bruno

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

      Bruno if you can afford another transfer next GW

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

      Bruno

  2. 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

    Lingard to Foden?

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

    Jota > Torres
    Dias > Robertson

    Is this a -4 worth?

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

    Repost: Pick 3. I have Mendy in goal

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

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

      TAA Coufal and Digne

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

        Agree with this.

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

    Ugh Bale was going to be such a good punt this week, that's my plans ruined...

    Jota to Alli is surely not worth it right? Straight to Raph or Harrison the much better pick?

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

      He hasnt said he wont play just that he is unsure - if he asks bale and bale says im good then he'll play him - simple

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

    Reckon I'm good to save here?

    Pickford
    Digne, Trent, Dallas
    Salah, Son, Bale, Mahrez
    DCL, Antonio, Bamford

    Meslier, Coufal, ESR, Mitchell
    Bank 1.1m

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

      Similar team. Thinking of getting Kane instead of Bale & DCL but

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

        Similar team.. How comfortable are you not having Bruno?

  7. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Apparently, Jota is fine.

    Wow. Just wow. Keep him as a differential next week against Palace or get Greenwood this week?

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

      Not confirmed, klopp says just and even though he is fit will Oly come off the bench I guess.

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

      Is Jota fine?

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

      he's not fine, Klopp says "tiny, little, little chance for the weekend"

      That doesnt sound like fine

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

      Are you kidding me? FFS. Just sold him 20 mins ago.

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

      Just seen this in the scout tweets

    6. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Fine is pushing it? Tiny chance for the weekend is what he said is it not?

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I would probably still get Greenwood

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

          Martial and James coming back for ManU

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

    Willock, ASM, Harrison or Raphinha?

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

    Guys sitting in 8.7k rank livefpl shows -5 from 10k so a hit is risky?

    Planning to do this

    A) siggy nacho to Antonio greenwood -4.
    B) siggy nacho to Antonio raph -4

    Is it OK? Suggestions needed guys.

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

    Bottomed

    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. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raph and try to nail your captain and hope they dont.

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

        Million dollar top action that! Kane or Salah ... that's it. Will not know what they are going to do ...

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

      Yeah.

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

    Will this lot smash it? Coleman/Coady correct?

    Mendy
    Coleman Shaw Alexander-Arnold Struijk
    Son Salah Fernandes Greenwood Saint-Maximin
    Kane

    BENCH: Forster Iheanacho Coady Davis

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

    this GW or next GW to triple captain ? and who ?
    I forgot to click my triple captain on the last double gameweek

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

      I'd probably go Salah GW38, otherwise Bruno this GW

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

      This. I dont like end of season games. Too unpredictable. Bruno/Kane/Salah - pick one and hope for the best.

    3. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      salah next week

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

      Exactly same boat. Have triple chip to play this week and bench boost next week.
      Don't have Fernandez, so Salah or Kane for triple C.

      Thoughts on Bale captain as a differential?

      I'm fighting on two mini league fronts too

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

    Klopp playing mind games with tweets Jota?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mind games for Crystal Palace?

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

    Pick one for the last two games:

    A) Lingard (wba, SOU)
    B) Pereira (WHU, lee)
    C) Willock (SHU, ful)

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

      C of that lot.

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

    Play one from each:

    A) Lingard
    B) DCL

    1) Reguilion
    2) Holding

  16. DaftKing
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start which one?

    Rudiger (LEI)
    Holding (cry)
    Coleman (WOL)

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

    Start Areola or Sanchez?

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

      Sanchez. No CS's there, but at least Brighton will put up a fight.

  18. oi no professionals
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Watkins or Llorente?

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

      Watkins

  19. PatrickDawson1976
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench TWO out of these five defenders:

    [a] Reguilón
    [b] Tierney
    [c] Williams [Rhys]
    [d] Azpilicueta
    [e] Dummett

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

    Bale & DCL to Kane (c) & ASM for a hit worth it ?

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

      yep

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      That could backfire so badly

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

    Leading ML by 51pts.

    Closest rival has; Kane, Salah, Son, Lingard

    Me is have; Bruno, Kane, Salah, Lingard and Son

    who would you captain?

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

      Salah seems the safest bet

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Salah

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

      cheers

  22. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    So fplbhuna is now reporting Bruno not starting ??

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

      Who is that?

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

      source/link?

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      That means he starts doesn’t it

      1. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        https://twitter.com/fplbhuna/status/1394648830226878467?s=21

        The guy who broke Carson starting and foden mahrez benched

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

          Damn man, read your sources.

          - The link in his tweet has Bruno in the predicted XI
          - FPLBhuna changed he name on his profile to "utdreport" when he tweeted stuff like this
          - His name on twitter is currently "King of Nibs" with a fishing hook emoji...

          1. Tango74
            • 3 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            He did leak Man City news last fri

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

              He wasn't on the wind-up then. He did also tag the source of that news then.

              1. Tango74
                • 3 Years
                2 years, 10 months ago

                Thanks for heads up. I still trying to work out to keep mahrez and Gundogan ?

    4. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He is not currying favour with me with that sort of tweet.

  23. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Could this be Kane’s last ever Spurs home game? Is it overthinking with Salah’s form?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Kane was very unlucky not to get a hatrick at the weekend, looks to be in decent form to me

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

      I'm confused by this comment, are you saying Salah's form is good? He has been in steady decline for some time, has not hauled very often this season either.

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

    Mahrez(c) worth it ?

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

    Zaha and Tekkers out for ASM and Antonio has to be good for -4 don't it?

    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Tekkers in a form of his life 😛

  26. Fergiesarmy
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Choose one
    A) DCL to Cavani
    B) Mahrez to Greenwood
    C) Save the FT for GW 38

    Help needed!

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

      Unless you have a strategy for 2 transfers for GW38, I'd go with B - Greenwood.

      Cavani will not start GW38, almost definitely saved for final 3 days later. Also meaning Greenwood likely to start.

      Mahrez might play 180 minutes and score 6 goals, or he night come on for last minute of each game. I've steered away from City players as I find it almost impossible to win at Pep roulette.

  27. nalas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Chasing, 35 points behind.

    Me:
    Martinez / McCarthy
    TAA / Dallas / Struijk / Holding / Mitchell
    Salah / Son / Greenwood / Willock / Lingard
    Kane / Antonio / Bamford

    ML leader:
    Martinez / McCarthy
    Holgate / Coufal / Ward / Shaw / Castagne
    Salah / Jota / Ward-Prowse / Lingard / Greenwood
    Kane / Benteke / Watkins

    Question 1: Who would you captain and who would you bench? I'm pretty confident that the ML leader will captain Salah.

    Question 2: I have enough funds for Son -> Fernandes. Should I do it?

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

      Definitely not for Son to Bruno. Villa have been quite leaky & Bruno won’t play 38

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

        Agree.

  28. real ale madrid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hi All

    Playing BB this week so thinking:
    Jota > Raph & Foden > Torres for -4
    Still 2.2 after those moves

    Martinez
    Coleman - Dallas - Robbo
    Son - Salah - Raph - Lingard
    Kane - DCL - Bamford

    (Meslier) - Stones - Coufal - Torres

    Good moves or is there better?

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

      Why not playing Torres?

      1. real ale madrid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I would be doing Foden > Torres and playing him

  29. TheYogaDaddy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play:

    A. Lingard vs. WBA
    B. Zaha vs. ARS

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

      A

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

    Torres is an interesting differential?