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. Babelcopter
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is it big advantage to save ft and use 2 or 3 transfers GW38 if chasing? I'm currently 8 pts behind in ml. I'm quite sure that ML leader uses his ft.

    1. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on your team

      1. Babelcopter
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Martinez
        Shaw TAA Rudiger
        Bruno Salah Raphinha Greenwood
        DCL Kane Iheanacho

        Button; Castagne, Burn, Jota

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

      That is what I am doing...25 points behind with a very similar team to my ML leader, but want to attack the last gameweek when I know how many points I need to make up. A captaincy swing this week could reduce it, or it could be a lot more. Just hoping we pick different captains...

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

    Start one:
    Bamford
    Watkins
    Creswell ?

    1. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bamford

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

      Bam

  3. 272MK
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I wonder if I should captain Bale over Salah. Salah will prolly captain Salah and no way he'll buy Bale

  4. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Given he's a rotation risk is it worth starting Bale over Saka?

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

      I think bale plays. Looked grand at the weekend and wasn’t subbed early. Still not an idea comment from mason saying he will leave it up to bale to decide

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

    Coufal, Ayling or Alioski as 3rd defender (alongside TAA and Dallas) please. Selling Veltman or Holgate on a FT. Thanks.

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

      Coufal

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

    Lads, pick 2 to start from these:

    A) Ayling (SOU-A) (CS odds: 21%)
    B) Holding (CRY- A) (CS odds: 42%)
    C) Coady (EVE- A) (CA odds: 23%)

    Cheers and good luck!

    1. Bathman315
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A & B

  7. Bathman315
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Flapping here lads:

    Chasing a 40pt lead. 1ft - £2.6m ITB

    Johnstone
    Shaw, Cancelo, Coleman
    Jota, Salah (c), Foden, Lingard
    DCL, Kane, Cavani

    Areola, Siggy, Struijk, Rudiger

    rival has: Salah, Kane, Lingard and Shaw

    A) Keep Jota in starting lineup and roll FT for next week (given fitness tweet from klopp)
    B) Jota -> Greenwood
    C) Jota -> Raphinha
    D) Any other suggestions welcome lol

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

      I think the Klopp tweet was for GW38. I think he's def out this week.

      Raphina will start, but Greenwood also has great potential for next week as well.

      1. Bathman315
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Good shout, might do Siggy -> Greenwood

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

      Jota to Mahrez, captain Cavani, Cancelo, or Mahrez....you can't likely make up 40 next week playing sideways.

      1. Bathman315
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Is Mahrez nailed? Sick of Pep roulette, brought in Foden for a hit last week

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

    Start which one?

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

    Have Shaw, Foden & Mahrez..

  9. MESSINHO
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench 1:

    A) Dallas
    B) Godfrey
    C) Zaha

    1. Jimmer887766
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

    Chasing 50 points.
    I have Kane Salah Greenwood Fernandes. Rival has no Greenwood. Cap Greenwood?

    1. 272MK
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I have similar dilemma. Might have too since the gap is big.

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

      First game and if he blanks, it’s gonna be an awful gw

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

      Think so, yes.

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

      U need to cap someone ur rival doesn’t have and ditch players he does have. If he has Kane, salah, Bruno u really need to move the one u think scores the least on for a punt. 50 is a lot over 2 weeks with similar teams

    5. Jimmer887766
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Captain the one you think will score most points.

  11. Erez Avni
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    play one:

    A. Gundo
    B. Watkins

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

      b

  12. Jimmer887766
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Are Mahrez and Foden starting?

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

    Captain Lacazette hoping he'll try to proof against not being selected by France squad?

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

    Really tempted to give the armband to Kane but everyone is going Salah so I am worried. Even Planet FPL who is a Spurs fans goes Salah?

    Pro and negative for Kane captain?

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

      I can't see why Salah is so far ahead? Kane has looked much better lately

  15. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play Siggy (WOL) or bring Raphina in on a FT?

    1. Bathman315
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      This is my dilemma, Siggy has underwhelmed massively since i brought jim in. So it's only right he bangs in a few freekicks and pens

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

      Raphinha

    3. DB_00
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Get Siggy out 100%. He's unlikely to do anything and you will probs just take him out anyway gw38. End of the season, get those pts in now imo

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

      I’d go Raf in. Soggy has been poor and more than likely playing deeper with James back

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

        Siggy* but should call him that because of his form!

  16. mr messi
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    So Bale is a doubt. Jota to Raphinha then?

  17. FPL Tikka
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    A ​Jota to Raphinha or
    B Hold and start Lingard?

  18. bamfordtillidie
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    siggy and targett > trent and smithe rowe for -4 (smith rowe would be bench and trent would replace holding

    also captain salah or greenwood if chasing

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

      anyone????

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

      Probably works out. Need to do something different anyway

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

    I’ve potentially 1 transfer to use, with -4. Any advice on tidying my defence?

    Martinez out for Meslier

    Saiss/Fofana out for Godfrey/Ayling/Bailly/Lindelof

    Other defenders are Mitchell, Phillips and Regullon

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

    Mahrez, Foden or Torres?

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

      torres

    2. DB_00
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Think all 3 may start tonight. Mahrez might be the play as he won't come off the bench imo

    3. Jimmer887766
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez if he plays

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

    Which two should play out of these?

    A Dallas
    B Coufal
    C Coleman
    D Holding

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

      AC

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

      AC

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

      All

  22. Etern007
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Tough decisions.

    Martinez
    TAA / Dallas / Cancelo
    Greenwood / Pereira / Son / Salah (c)
    Antonio / DCL / Watkins

    I have Lingard, Wan Bissaka and Targett on the bench.

    Thoughts on most likely starters? Is Cancelo a risk. etc?

  23. DB_00
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Ok think I've finally worked out what I'm doing, just want to gather some perspective!

    A) Nacho > Antonio
    B) Jota > Greenwood
    C) Jota > Raphinha

    Thanks!

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

      c

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

      B depending on Utd leaked team

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

    How important is it to bring Raphina in for Jota (Lingard on bench)? Don't want to fall behind in ML but will need at least 2 transfers next week.
    Mendy, Godfrey, TAA, Shaw
    Greenwood, Lingard, Son, Salah-C
    DCL, Kane, Antonio
    bench: Forster, Holding, Rudiger, Jota
    Thanks!

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

    Martinez McCarthy
    Coleman Shaw Dallas Dier Burn
    Salah Son Fernandes Lingard Jota*
    Kelechi Kane Watkins

    A) Jota --> Greenwood
    B) Dier & Jota ==> TAA & Willock (-4)

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

      a

    2. Mufc202020
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      A

  26. popcoin
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Assuming Bale might not start (I’m also chasing a Bale owner):

    A) Bale & Jota -> Bruno & Smith-Rowe (-4)

    B) Bale & Jota -> Greenwood & Raphinha

    C) Bale & Vydra -> Greenwood & Antonio (-4)

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

      B

    2. popcoin
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      -4 for all

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

      B if leak says gw starts, a otherwise

    4. Mufc202020
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      B

    5. DB_00
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Why not Raphinha + Antonio ?

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

        Yep, C could be Raph instead of Greenwood I just see Greenwood more explosive

    6. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I like c

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

    Best Man City punt?
    Torres or Foden?

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

      Torres

  28. Mufc202020
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Start 1

    A) Watkins
    B) Zaha

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

      Zaha

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

      Zaha

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

    rate my WC team

    Meslier
    TAA - Dallas - Shaw
    Salah(c) - Bruno - Greenwood - Sonny - Raphinha
    Kane(vc) - Antonio
    -----
    subs: BPF; Mitchell, Jebbison, Kilman.

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

      Very good.

  30. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Play zaha or siggy?