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

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

1,935 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Ihenacho (CHE a)
    B) Pereira (WHU h)
    C) Lingard (WBA a)

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

      Nacho

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

      Thanks. That's what I thought. Good luck mate!

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

      Nacho

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

    So, after Mason comment, play Bale or Watkins?
    Chasing 30 points ML leader

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

      Headmelt. Coin flip. Does Bale come off the bench for a 30 min cameo or not at all meaning you get Watkins anyway. Bale could still outscore Watkins with decent mins from the bench. I think start Bale and keep everything crossed

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

        Cheers

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

      If you have Bale, play him. And Good luck.

  3. G00LI0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bench two:

    A) Benteke
    B) Zaha
    C) Coufal

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

      B & C

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

    What is the reasoning behind people not playing Iheanacho or transferring him out, is it just because he's playing Chelsea or another reason?
    Feel like I need to transfer him out now.

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

      Chelsea defense

      And urge to get Antonio

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

      Many already sold him last week.

      1. GoonerGirl
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Is it worth taking him out -4 or play Rudiger instead?

    3. G00LI0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bad fixtures

  5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    England soon to be entering their 20th major tournament finals since 1966 - it’s probably about that time again (like the other 19) where the “it really could be England’s year this time” chatter starts to heat up!

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

      I feel like I've gone from tears at Gareth Southgate's penalty miss in '96 as a kid to being somewhat thankful once England do get knocked out so I can get on and enjoy the spectacle of football!

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        They’ve got a chance by virtue of being there - a ticket in the lottery so to speak

        Wouldn’t really hold much hope for them beyond that though

        What they always have had is an astounding ability to put reasonable/good/sometimes genuinely great players together and have the whole be so much less than the sum of its parts

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

          It really is astounding how we've managed that

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

      Well it is coming home this year... if Grealish starts our important matches.

  6. 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)

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

    Lads, who to start?

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

    Cheers and good luck!

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

    Take a hit for Jota to Raphinha or just play Nacho vs Chelsea?

    Thanks!

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

      Stay with Nacho

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

    Best Jota replacements? ASM / Arsenal mid?

    Or better to get rid of Gundo and hope Jota can play this/next week?

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

      I think Raphinha.

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

    Start Smith Rowe (vs Palace) or Sigurdsson (vs Wolves) ?

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

      ESR for me.

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

    Play?
    A Coufal
    B Coleman

    1. Art Vandelay
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I am playing both as i am on Bench Boost but would play Coleman out of the two.

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

    Martinez
    Dier Shaw Dallas
    Salah (c) Son Fernandes Lingard Greenwood
    Kane Watkins

    McCarthy Coleman Kelechi Burn

    Bench order correct? Struggling between Dier or Coleman
    Captain option correct? Between Salah Bruno & Kane

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

      I’d go Coleman over Dier. Everton defense kinda good. Tottenham not at all.

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

        Thanks was thinking the same. More with Wolves blunt attack too

  13. 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??

  14. RogDog_jimmy
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    bBench one of -

    Lingard (wba)
    J Rodriguez (WOL)
    Rudiger (LEI)

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

      J-Rod has been a passenger for quite a while

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

        j rod just came back ?

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

          Only 3 GWs, which given the turnaround isn't very long.

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

    triple captain this GW or next GW ?
    thinking of cap Salah now.. who for next GW ?

  16. Eastman
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Help please
    Bench one
    A. Pereira (WH)
    B. Lingard (wb)
    C. Bamford (sou)
    D. Wood (LIV)

  17. Evasivo
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Gundo>Raphina for free?

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

    Seen a rumour on twitter that Bruno is out for tonight, can someone confirm if this is true ?

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

      A reliable source in addition to jokester FPL Bhuena would be nice!

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

      Nobody can confirm yet. FPLBhuna posted a fake line-up. Predictions have him starting & Bruno barely ever misses out matches.

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

        Cheers bud

  19. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Any United lineup leaks?

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

      Only the DDG starts so far.

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

    Martinez
    TAA / Shaw / Digne / Dallas
    Salah / Greenwood / Lingard
    Kane / DCL / Antonio

    Sanzhez // Bale* / Holding / Jota**

    Anything you would change?

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

    Need to catch up 50 points:

    Aguero & Son --> Mane (C) and Lacazette
    or --> Auba and Firmino

    Son must go due to rival having him

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

      Auba and Firmino

  22. 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???

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

    Start Bale or Saka?

    1. Eastman
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bale surely

  24. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Have 0 FTs, 0.6 ITB, anything worth a hit?

    Martinez

    Holding TAA Dallas Shaw

    Lingard Salah (c) Greenwood Son

    Kane DCL

    Forster El Ghazi Ward Nacho

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

    Start Wood or Pereira?

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

    15 pts lost for Rudiger 🙁

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

    Zouma is coming in. I am officially scared

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

      Noooo