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. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Saka -> Raphinha for free? Yes or No?

    Thank you!

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

      I'd say yes.

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

      Yes

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

      Yes

  2. jg7u
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Havertz will probably play both games right? They have to win.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not sure he's nailed. Depends how he gets on in a start tonight.

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

    Start with Dallas or Dias?

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

      Dias.

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

      Dias. He'll either play 90 minutes, or none.

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

    Play Bowen or Holding?

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

      Probably Holding. Antonio or Benrahma to score and Lingz with assists.

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

    Chasing rival in ML. Hes 28 pts in front of me. Captain:

    A) Salah
    B) Greenwood
    C) Kane
    D) Bruno

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

      He's got Salah, Kane & Bruno

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

      Greenwood

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

        Cheers!

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

    I try again:

    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?

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bale is a doubt ?

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

        Something about his match fitness?

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

        Yea mason said he is a question mark and it’s up to bale to decide if he’s ready.

        Useless fec, only need him this round then.p he could get ditched

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

    take a -4 for TAA (get rid of injured Maguie & Jota) or just do Coufal for free (for Maguire)?

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

      Coufal 4 free

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

    Last decision I have to make is, pick one to captain from these lot?

    1. Salah
    2. Kane
    3. Bruno

    Currently on Mo..

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

      1.

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

      3,2,1 for me

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

      Mo safest.

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

      Mo for me too

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

      2

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

      1

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

    Bale may not play so

    A) bale > pereira
    B) bale > willock
    C) bale > Torres
    D) play lingard & roll ft for 38

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

      C

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

      D

    3. balint84
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      D

  10. 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

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

      Dallas all day long

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

        This

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

      Dallas. Alonso may get a start

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

    Is playing Lingard over Bamford is the right thing?

    Have Raphina as well.

    Yes or No?

    Cheers

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

      I think it’s the right thing. Being subbed off and Rodrigo on fire.

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

        Think Bamford will start then?

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

          Would go Bam over Lingard this round

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

        West Ham form says Bamford....he can score a couple in his 65 minutes with Raphina back firing in crosses.

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

      Thanks lads. GL

  12. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is this good to go?

    Guaita (Martinez)
    Alexander-Arnold, Dallas, Coleman (Konsa) (Ward)
    Salah, Son, Lingard, Greenwood, Raphinha
    Kane, Watkins (Iheanacho)

    Thank you!

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

    Greenwood or Raphinha?
    I'm in lead in my ML and 2nd place got 10 less points and got Harrison and Greenwood if that changes anything.

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

      I would go Greenwood then to protect yourself. For me, better chance of a haul even in limited minutes.

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

      Raphinha then.

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

    Bam and jota to Rodrigo and Greenwood -4.

    Would mean benching Jlinz (have antonio)

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

      Just Jota to Greenwood if you can.

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

        Yeah. Bam to Rodrigo was the enabler

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

      Not for -4

  15. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    On bench boost...

    A - Start Guaita and hope he plays
    B - Make a -4 to bring another keeper in

    1. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why should Guaita not play?

  16. lets talk about 6
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Best Jota replacement?
    Raphina
    Harrison
    ASM

    1. Corona is not good 4 U
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I think Raphinha.

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

    Pick 2 to play over the final 2 games

    A. Greenwood
    B. Lingard
    C. Zaha

    1. balint84
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Ac

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

    Start which one?

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

    Have Shaw, Foden & Mahrez!

  19. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    To bring in for free

    a. Rashford
    b. Willock

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

      A

  20. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Vydra likely to be benched this week reading those Dyche comments? If he's going to start I wanna play him over Watkins.

  21. Pigeon
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Coufal or Willock?

  22. McSauce
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Watkins to Antonio for -4?

    1. balint84
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not for -4

  23. The Reptile
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A ) Jota to Torres + Watkins to Rodrigo

    B) Elghazi to Willock and Watkins to Antonio (bench Jota)

    Will Torres start does anyone think?

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

      Kin supposed to be out so think Torres will start. Always a gamble with pep tho

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

    Anyone else put off by the fact that Salah only has 1 goal in 6 league appearances against Burnley! Maybe Kane is indeed a better captaincy option this week..

  25. Corona is not good 4 U
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    If I had chosen Gündogan instead of Foden at the time, I would be in the top 5,000. So I am only in the top 50,000. This was my biggest mistake of the season. What was your biggest mistake?

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

      Picking Rashford over Fernandes in GW6. Cost me minimum 50 points and team value.

    2. balint84
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not captaining Stones at that weekend.

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

      Before GW1 I had 2 drafts one around Salah & Bamford and one with Auba and Mitro.

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

      Sticking with Mitrovic until GW10 instead of getting DCL in. Disaster.

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

      Sticking with Werner too long
      Starting with too many new players to the Premiership.

  26. Sal8
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any United lineup leaks yet?

  27. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Chance foden starting..?

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

      high

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

    Take - 4 on Son to Bruno? Already done Jota to Raphinha

    A yes
    B no

  29. My heart goes Salalalalah
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Good luck to all whose mini leagues are still in the balance! Like mine...

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

      Cheers! Good luck to you too! Still debating Lingard > Greenwood

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        For free I'd probably do it. Can't predict, but Greenwood upside is much higher as of late

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

          It's for free. How about Greenwood for Zaha - preferable?

          1. My heart goes Salalalalah
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Nah

  30. balint84
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Still
    Kane - last home, golden boot, 90mins
    Salah - top4, golden boot, 90mins?

    Which?

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

      Salah here