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. Lacikasz01
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench one!

    a) Watkins
    b) Saka
    c) Dias
    d) Holding

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

      Holding

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

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

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

      c

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

      C for this week only

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

      Who would you be playing instead of Jota?

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

        Nacho

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

          C

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

      C

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

    Play
    1) coufal
    2) digne
    3) holding

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

      2

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

    Start which one?

    A) Areola (mun)
    B) Sanchez (MCI)

    Have Shaw, Foden & Mahrez.

    1. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

      Hmm. Sanchez might save a penalty and few save points over Areola?

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

    Just for confirmation. Getting Greenwood more of a priority than Antonio with this team?

    Martinez
    Dallas - Trent - Shaw
    Son - Lingard - Salah (c) - Jota* - Raphinha
    Kane - DCL

    (Areola) (Coufal - Iheanacho - Rudiger)

  6. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Dallas vs Raphinha?

    I'm seeing lots of love for Raphinha despite the fact that Dallas has both defensive and offensive points potential + scored more points this season + Raphinha no longer on set pieces. Am I missing something?

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

      You are absolutely right

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

        I guess Jota injury plays a part + many have Dallas already

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

      Both are good options. Dallas more explosive for sure. Raphinha could be back on set pieces.

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

      I'm going Dallas, he was taking corners last game too

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

      Both good picks. Depends who you have already & transfer priorities.

  7. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Have Antonio. Play:

    A) Lingard
    B) El Ghazi

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

      Lingard

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

      A

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

    gundo to willock for a hit? Yay or nay

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

    Hey fam! DCL & Jota to Kane(C) & ESR for -4?

    1. Guru Mediation
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Makes a lot of sense with Everton home form, but obviously hits are tricky at this stage. Actually I'd want to cover Kane, so yeah go for it

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

    Current line up:

    Ederson
    Dallas, TAA, Shaw
    Salah, Harrison, Mané, Son, Raphinha
    Kane, Antonio

    Subs: Carson, Wood, Coufal, Mitchell

    GTG? Correct starting XI and subs order?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes. Captain?

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

        Salad for sure.

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

      Very strong, Burnley 1-0

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

        That would hurt a touch 😆

  11. BusbySwede
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who to bench?
    A) Harrison
    B) Lingard
    C) Bamford
    D) DCL

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

    Any reason not to do Zaha + Nacho >> Raph + Antonio (-4). Dont like hits but cant see too many other moves. Have 1FT and 0.3m

    Mendy
    Taa Digne Shaw -- Holding Rudi
    Salah Bruno Lingard Greenwood Zaha
    Kane Nacho

    Provisional gw38 plan: Digne + Bruno >> Dallas + Mane (-4)

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

      Like those moves

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

    Save? And have 2 FT next week?

    Lloris
    TAA Stones Dallas
    Salah Bruno Greenwood Lingard
    DCL Bamford Cavani

    Johnstone, Jota, Konsa, Veltman

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

    Guaita
    TAA Coady Holding
    Salah Bruno Jlingz Mahrez
    DCL Antonio Ings

    Forster Jota Amartey Ward

    Jota to Greenwood bench Jlingz
    Jota to Torres bench Jlingz

    Summat else

    Cheers

  15. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Afternoon all need some advice please on what move to make this week. 1FT 0.5 ITB

    Pickford
    AWB Keane Coufal
    Salah Son Raphina Siggy Lingard
    Watkins Kane

    Guaita Iheanacho Fofana Ward

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

      Watkins to Antonio

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks was looking at either Antonio or Willock.

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

    Bench two!

    a) Watkins
    b) Saka
    c) Dias
    d) Holding

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

      Yikes.. Prolly the ars boys

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

    Man city owner is the best..paying for ucl final travel expenses of fans. Wont make much of a difference to him but would for the fans

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

      That's pretty decent - nice one! That kind of PR goes a long way

  18. tinear
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play 1 of

    A. Zaha
    B. Lingard
    C. Watkins

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

    A) Play Vestegaard
    or
    B) Bale > Lingard/Raphinha -4

  20. bazhef
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Worth - 4 to sell Son and bring in a Salah to captain him?

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

      yes

  21. GoonerSteve
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Boils down to this.

    Play front 7 of:

    Lingard, Salah (c). JWP, Feenandes
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

    Jota benched and roll the ft.

    Or sell Jota for Raphina and bench JWP or a n other?

    Any advice?

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

      I'd play JWP

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

        Leaning that way also.

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

    Do you think Greenwood will get a start in the Europa League final? If so, then I guess he will probably not get 2 starts in the next 2 games?

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

      Probably supersub in the final

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

        What do you think are the chances he starts both games? I would guess the most important players will be rested in the GW38 vs Wolves. Rashford maybe too, so Greenwood should start, no?

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

      I am COMPLETELY guessing but I think Ole will be cautious in the final thus benching G so i'm hoping he starts the two prem gamesbt also doubt that

  23. JenkoJunko
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Pick two:

    A. Greenwood
    B. Grealish
    C. Raph
    D. ASM

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

      raphia and Greenwood

    2. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      AD

  24. Better Call Raul
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Worth a gamble on Foden if have Lingard on the bench?

    Safe option could just bring in Raph

  25. TSN
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    bottomed.

    Start one.
    1. Gundo
    2. Holding

    thanks guys

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

    Start Coufal or Lingard?

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

      JLingz!

  27. as33
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any chance Mahrez to start?

    1. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      45%

  28. Froes
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Captain :

    a) Foden
    b)Cavani

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

      Punty as lad - Foden if i had to choose.

  29. Your Man With The Hair
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Zaha - >

    a) Greenwood
    b) Another (who)?
    c) Keep

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

      C - CPL will give ARS a go i think!

  30. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Kane captain over Bruno & Salah too risky? Slim chance of top 10k so I need to really go for it

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

      Go for it!