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. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Does Bamford start tonight?

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

      Hope so as Rodrigo is still a late fitness test or something I read earlier in this thread?

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

      Yes unfortunately

    3. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, think he starts and gets changed around the hour mark again is my guess. How many damage can he do in the 60 or so minutes is the question.

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

    Bench one:
    a) Nacho
    b) DCL
    c) JWP
    d) Saka
    e) Lingard

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

      D

  3. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which keeper to start?

    A: Sanchez
    B: Martinez

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Anyone?

    2. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm going with B and I have the same two keepers.

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

      M

    4. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

    Who to add for the last gameweeks?

    Bale
    Alli
    Greenwood
    Raphinha

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

      Raph

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

      Raph

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Raphinha

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

        why raphinha over the others? easy fixtures?

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

    Help me out lads! This is my team and I'm on BB:

    Guaita Meslier
    Robbo TAA Dallas Digne Lindelof
    Zaha Bruno Salah ASM Lingard
    Watkins Adams DCL

    Option 1: Replace Watkins for Antonio. If Grealish is back Watkins might be worth holding.
    Option 2: Replace Guaita to make sure I field a 15 man squad for certain.
    Option 3: No changes and bank a transfer for the final GW.

    Chasing my ML by 23 points. Cheers!

    1. BaltimoreCity
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not 2. Don’t need back up keeper with meslier.

      I vote 1

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

    Martinez
    TAA Dallas Coady
    Salah Jota** Bale* Son Lingard
    Kane Bamford

    Jota, Bale -> Raph, Bruno (-4)?

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

      Like it

  7. Alcapaul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Son/Jota to Raphinha/Bruno -4 or Jota to Greenwood?

    Top of my ML, 2nd has Bruno. Would do Bruno to Mane next week

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

      Considering very similar moves, albeit with Bale instead of Son, for the -4, and then Mane.

      I'm tempted.

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

    Callum Robinson > Antonio for a hit?

    1. Booked4Dissent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have Antonio and I don’t think he will score :/

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

      need 2 goals from him for it to be worth it. He scores 1, you've made your 4 points back.

      At least Antonio has something to play for though

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

    Play Rudiger or Dallas?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dallas

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

      Dallas 100%

    3. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dallas

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

        Cheers lads

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

    Right Guys help me out.....

    Start Leno or Meslier?

    Start JWP or Smith Rowe?

    Captain Kane or Salah?

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

    Which move to do?
    a) Son > Bruno
    b) Nacho >Antonio
    c) Jota > ASM

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

    Bale & DCL to Kane (c) & ASM for a hit worth it ? Chasing and rival has the first two

    1. GoonSquad
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes if captaining

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

    Meslier or Fabianski for final 2 weeks?

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

      Tempted by Dubrovka - but from those options Meslier

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

    Crazy to move Castagne out - basically is a -4 ( not rolling ft will mean i have to shift Jota to get in Mane for 38 for the hit)

    Am considering a punt on Tierney.

    A) Castagne in 37 (chelsea) / Lowton in 38(shu) +4 points
    vs
    B) Tierney 37 (palace) 38 (BRIGHTON)

    Tierney can really be anyone up to 5.8mill
    Current Backline
    TAA - Dallas - Castagne - (Lowton - Veltman)

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

      Think A but outside chance jota is back for weekend

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

        Its probably right - feels like last chance saloon, and not being as high as I'd like, its a bit of a punt.

        Bizarre last GW really, I dont think Bruno will feature much in 38, so can get any mf in for him, but there are no standout options! (Other than Salah who I own)

        Auba, risky, Man City/Chealsea champs league.

        Leaves Mane, who hasnt really been setting the world alight!

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

    Save transfer look best here? Quite like the option to take 2 punts on last day

    Martinez
    Regullion shaw Phillips
    Salah Greenwood son lingard
    Antonio Kane (c) dcl

    Areola jota azpi targett

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

      Yep i'd save that and have 2 FT for final GW - always carnage

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

        Cheers Bobby

  16. The Wogmeister
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Can someone suggest a decent keeper for the last two weeks to replace Guaita? Henderson maybe?

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Dubravka

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

      I have Henderson, apparently he will be benched for at least one of the games. Dubravka seems popular

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

        Sounds logical to play DDG this week, letting him say goodbye to the home audience

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

          Bringing Hendo in for the triple and rest of the season has been a complete nightmare

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

            Had him for the triple, luckily only on FH

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

      Guaita should play right

    4. The Wogmeister
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I'm sure he will play yes but his two fixtures aren't looking great

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

        Meslier? Alisson?

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

    1) Nacho --> Antonio for free and bench JWP
    2) Save FT & play JWP

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

    I think Kane and Salah will score a goal each but based on the last few performances and the season in general Kane has a far higher chance of scoring 2 or 3.

  19. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Dead heat in the Cap poll - Bruno and Salah on 1400 each

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

      Yup so Son will be top scorer this week then.

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

    Any chance of early line-ups tonight? Need to know about Greenwood and Bamford 😀

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

      Apparently we might get something at around 4.20

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

        Really! Will have to make up several plans then as time will be tight!

    2. The Wogmeister
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      probably 4.30pm more like lol

  21. FPL Pillars
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any suggestions?

    A bit stuck.

    Marty
    Shaw Dallas TAA
    Bruno Son Salah Lings Ralph
    Kane Wood

    Areola Nacho Coufal Mitchell
    0.6ITB 1FT

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

      Wood to Antonio maybe. Rolling a transfer wouldn't be a bad idea either.

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

        Wood has Sheff Utd in 38, may be wise to hold.

        1. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          D/W I want to hold Wood 😀

      2. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I want to perhaps do Bruno to Mane for GW38 potentially so need a make a bit of cash otherwise that move makes sense (even him in for nacho). I might just roll.

    2. mad_beer ✅
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I would roll the FT and enjoy the last GW with 2FTs.

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks

  22. Ten Season Wonder
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What are people's thoughts on Sonny?

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

      Keeping, especially if Bale is out this week should help his chances.

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

      Looks great option this week

    3. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Play him. Up against Elmo most likely right?

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

      Don't buy-don't sell for me. Don't expect him to explode, but some attacking return highly probable.

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

      He’s awesome?

  23. El Copo
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Would you play Lingard, Watkins or Nacho?

    1. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Lingard

  24. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Cavani (c) a bit to ballsy?

    Am chasing in my ML and can’t decide between him or Bruno. Bruno will be a popular captaincy pick but I have a feeling Cavani might do well (if he starts!)

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Too risky imo

      1. Danstoke82
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe Bruno then

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

      Cavani minutes are a big risk . Not worth it

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

    It's gonna be a deadline special today. I want team news for Leeds or United...

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

      You're probably in luck given they're the least "important" for actual league positions

  26. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Willock (c)

    1. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Willyoulock that in?

  27. LeSof
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Please bench one, currently on Digne:
    1) Digne
    2) Dallas (playing Messier)
    3) Shaw
    3) Lingz
    4) Bamford

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bamford

  28. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Can Antonio match Kane in the next 2?

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

      0.0001% chance.

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

      Yes. This week Kane outscores him, but in 38 Antonio will catch up.

  29. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    G2G?

    Mendy
    TAA. Digne. Rudiger
    Salah. Son. Greenwood. ASM
    Kane. DCL. Antonio
    (Forster, Jota*. Holding. Ward)

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

      is DCL getting many chances last GW ?

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

      Don't fancy double chelsea defence, who you captaining?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        I expect a bounce back

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

    Chasing 60 points
    Mahrez(c) or Kane (c) the better punt. Rival doesn’t have both

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

      Kane

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Kane

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

      Kane.

    4. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Kane