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. Jones Kusi
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What would you do here?
    A. Mendy > Meslier and play Holding/Coady
    B. Jota > Greenwood/Raphinha, Mendy in goal and bench both Holding/Coady

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

      B

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

    First to three

    A) play Rüdiger
    B) play Wood
    C) bench both, Jota -> Willock

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

      c

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

      c

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

      C, A, B even tho Jota might be back for GW38

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

      c

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

      Cheers lads, most fun option it is

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

    Greenwood or Harrison for this week?

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

      G

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

      Going Harrison here.

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

      Greenwood

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

      Have both starting both unless news leaks either is benched. If choosing Greenwood in front of a crowd....ManU run wild.

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

    Start with Dias or Shaw?

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

      Shaw

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

      Shaw

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

      Dias. He'll either play 90 or 0.

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

      Dias, Shaw first sub...Dias 90 or 0

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

      With Villa’s defense could easily score a hatty.... although probably true for Salah too. Not sure Bruno’s ceiling is as high with Cavani, Greenwood, Radhford etc competing for goals

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

      My idea as well

    3. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why do you think Kane is risky? I'm deep inside 10k and probably going with him

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

      Kane could have had 4 last week. I think he could come good this time round. In saying that, I've gone for Salah as more likely to get something.

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

        How is he more likely to get something? They are both as likely as the other to get something

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

          Just my opinion, but I think Salah will get a very least an assist. whereas I think Kane could get 4 or nothing.

          It's pure speculation and only my opinion.

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

      Kane and Salah are 50/50 this week, Kane home, Salah away, Villa better than Burnley though, both have goalkeepers and defenders missing etc

      I'm going off who has looked most likely to score a brace recently and who has scored the most braces this season.

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

    Any leaked Leicester team news for tonight, I've got a feeling Iheanacho might be benched!!

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

      Why tho? Isn't it a super important game for them?

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

        A draw would be a good result for them, so I could see it happening. Not really the Roger's way though.

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

    Schmeichel
    Cancelo - AWB - Dallas
    Fernandes (C) - Salah - Bale - Jota*
    DCL - Bamford - Antonio

    Forster- ESR - Konsa - Phillips

    1 FT | 2,3 ITB

    Thinking of doing this:

    GW37 - Jota -> Raphina
    GW38 - Bale/Fernandes -> Mane

    Since Bale may be a doubt and Schmeichel as bad fixtures, should i change my priorities? -4 to get Mane?

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

    can ASM pull it off really?

    was thinking about Willock or one of Raph / Harrison... but now swinging towards ASM..

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

      Hope so!

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

      Willock has the form

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

      ASM has no goals in last 5, Willock has 4....

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

    For the last two games, who would you rather:

    A) Dallas
    B) Chilwell

    Rival is 9 points ahead and has Dallas.

    Any help massively appreciated.

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

    Bale (C) if chasing?

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

      No. Mason said he may not start.

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

      Ballsy...

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

    Zaha - >

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

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

    Why so little Torres love on here? Surely a better Jota replacement than Raphina?

    1. Jimbo-Jones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Minutes

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

      Pep roulette

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

      Great differential if you have decent bench cover

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

      lack of time machine

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

    is it worth to sell gundo to newcastle/leeds midfield for a hit?

    thanks

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

    Play one..
    a. JLingz
    b. Bamford
    c. Raphinha

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

      C

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

      Bench one i meant. It's late here in Aus

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

      a

  15. winchester
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Hey lads, what to do here?.. Bring in a defender or midfielder? What do i lack for the upcoming two? Leading my ML with 50points. 1ft and 2,1m itb. Cheers lads.

    mendy
    rudiger coufal taa mitchell
    salah bruno lingard zaha
    kane bamford

    forster jota lowton davis

    1. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Koop said Jota may play so move Mitchell or zaha on. Good few mid priced midfielders. Jwp, raphina, willock

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

        Cheers. Jota may play?

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

      Potentially Jota - Raph / ASM and bench Bamford.

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

        Cheers, that is what i have in mind as well

  16. Pulp Minion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench 1 of

    1: Godfrey
    2: Lingard
    3: Bamford
    4: Wood

    Or get Greenwood and bench 2 of above?

    1. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      4 or 2

  17. Dreaming of glory
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bale may not play so

    A) bale > pereira/willock/pulisic/Torres
    B) play lingard & roll ft for 38

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

      B

  18. Reggie Nainggolan
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Captain

    A) Bruno
    B) Salah

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

      B

    2. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

      B

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

    Play one:

    A. Coleman vs. WOL
    B. Zaha vs. ARS

    1. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

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

    Please Henderson start 🙁 Otherwise my Triple GW punt was terrible 🙁

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

      Haha same here, deary me that was a bad transfer, took out Leno too lol

  21. Laurel and Vardy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start Siggy or Watkins? Thanks

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

      Watkins

  22. Mainevent
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I need help please.

    im 13 points ahead in my money league and dont have Kane in my squad.

    Can do DCL to Kane for -4. Will captain if I do that.

    current squad:

    Martinez
    Dallas, Coufal, Trent,
    Willock, Son, Greenwood, Salah(c), Lingard
    DCL, Bamford

    Bench:
    Azpil, Iheanacho, Targett

    thanks!

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

      Think you need Kane imo lad

    2. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Is he a better c than salah -4

    3. Mainevent
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      another thing to mention is 2nd place has Kane (no salah) and will captain him.

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

    Play 1 out of

    A. Zaha
    B. Lingard
    C. Watkins

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

      Lingard, Watkins, Zaha is the order for me

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

    Start Saka or Watkins?

  25. McPollolocco
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    My team:

    Martinez, Guaita
    Coufal, Digne, TAA, Reguilon, Rüdiger
    Greenwood, Salah, Zaha, Pereira, Mahrez
    Kane, Bamford, Antonio.

    Would play 3-4-3. Who should i bench?

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

    Jota to?

    a) Alli
    b) Greenwood
    c) ASM
    d) Harrison
    Time for a punt

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

    Jota > Greenwood for FT

    Or
    Son > Bruno
    Jota > Foden/Torres/ASM
    For -4

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

    Is there a clear captain choice for this week?

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

      Haha Nope, Kane, Salah Bruno, throw in Sonny too!

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      No, it's a 3 way tussle between, Salah, Kane and Bruno

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

    Are people confident Greenwood starts today ?

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

      Are you?

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

    Right bench?

    Martinez
    TAA Robbo Digne Dallas Shaw
    Raphinha Salah Mahrez Lingard
    Kane
    Forster Iheanacho Bamford El Ghazi

    I could also do El Ghazi to Greenwood for free and bench one of Lingard/Dallas/Digne?

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

      I'd be all over Greenwood and benching Lingard