Spot the Differential
6 November 2025 259 comments
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Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United assets are on our differentials radar in Gameweek 11 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

All three of these players have an ownership of 5% or lower.


MIKEL MERINO

  • FPL ownership: 0.6%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW11-15 fixtures: sun | TOT | che | BRE | avl

In the wake of Mikel Merino’s (£5.9m) impressive performance against Slavia Prague, the Spaniard’s differential appeal in Gameweek 11 cannot be ignored.

After a quiet first half, Merino burst into life by scoring two goals on Tuesday, one of which was a superb backwards header.

“It’s a joy to have him, I always say the same thing. It’s his versatility on the pitch, the things that he can do, it’s his mindset, it’s his leadership, it’s the way he is as a person. Today we are missing a lot of attacking players and we have to find different solutions, he comes in the Champions League and scores two goals.” – Mikel Arteta on Mikel Merino

Owing to that superb UEFA Champions League display and the likelihood that Viktor Gyokeres (£9.0m) will once again miss out through injury, Merino furnishes Fantasy managers with a unique route into an Arsenal side that is currently in excellent form, having secured 10 consecutive wins in all competitions.

During his temporary stint as a stand-in striker in 2024/25, Merino posted some very decent numbers, scoring four goals in six league matches from mid-February to April. In that period, he was either top or joint-top among Arsenal teammates for shots in the box, penalty box touches and expected goals (xG).

“My view was always that he had really good timing and the capacity to finish in the box, especially one-touch. And then talking to him and making sure that he plays closer to the box, and he identifies the opportunities, the timing, the way he needs to attack the spaces in relation to how they defend the box, which today was a bit different as well, the way they set up. And then it’s obviously his quality, his willingness to learn and practice every day.” – Mikel Arteta on Mikel Merino

Next on Arsenal’s itinerary is a trip to newly-promoted Sunderland, who have recorded two clean sheets in five home matches this season, whilst conceding only three goals.

That being said, they have only faced West Ham United, Brentford, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at the Stadium of Light, who are mostly bottom-half material for xG thus far.

For those with the Wildcard already booked in for the international break, Merino therefore looks the perfect gamble.

MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE

  • FPL ownership: 3.0%
  • Price: £7.3m
  • GW11-15 fixtures: LEE | liv | BHA | wol | eve

A favourable home fixture against Leeds United leads us to believe that Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.3m) can deliver in Gameweek 11.

The attacking midfielder was on the scoresheet in last week’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, having previously converted a penalty against FC Porto in Europe.

Over the season, Gibbs-White is top among Nottingham Forest teammates for shots and penalty box touches, with 22 and 33 respectively.

In fact, when combining shots with key passes, Gibbs-White is ranked seventh among all Fantasy players:

Certainly, Leeds don’t appear to have the defensive resolve to deal with the Forest threat, particularly at the City Ground, where the Tricky Trees have scored four goals in two home matches in all competitions since the appointment of Sean Dyche.

Furthermore, Daniel Farke’s side arrive without a clean sheet on the road in 2025/26, having conceded 12 goals across five away matches, the most of any top-flight team except Burnley.

Upcoming encounters against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers over the next four Gameweeks mean Gibbs-White also has the platform to maintain form beyond Sunday’s clash.

So, with his confidence levels up and perhaps extra motivation gained to impress Thomas Tuchel (provided he’s named in the squad!), this may be a good time to take a punt on the England international.

LUCAS PAQUETA

­­­FPL Gameweek 4 differentials: Elliott, Truffert + Paqueta 4

  • FPL ownership: 2.6%
  • Price: £5.9m
  • GW11-15 fixtures: BUR | bou | LIV | mun | bha

Handed the No 10 role for West Ham United’s 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Sunday, Lucas Paqueta (£5.9m) now looks a much more enticing option for Fantasy managers.

In a performance full of attacking intent, the Brazilian international scored and created a big chance.

“I’ve spoken to him about many things. We need Lucas. I told him personally and the squad that being a No 10 is more than a number, it’s a symbol. That’s what we need from Lucas. We need him to help his teammates because they trust him. We know there is more to come from him, and we need him as a No 10.” – Nuno Espirito Santo on Lucas Paqueta

He wasn’t far away from gaining defensive contribution (DefCon) points, too, with one clearance, one block, one interception, four recoveries and three tackles in Gameweek 10.

Paqueta, who took and scored West Ham’s last penalty against Nottingham Forest in August, now hosts a Burnley side that have conceded 15 goals in five away matches, the most of any top-flight club.

Furthermore, the Clarets are bottom for shots conceded, shots in the box conceded and big chances concede.

They also rank 18th for key passes conceded from the centre zone, which should interest Paqueta, who leads the way at West Ham for chances created this season with 14.

The Hammers’ upcoming fixtures beyond Gameweek 11 may put off any would-be suitors, but with guaranteed minutes, open play attacking threat, penalties, corners/free-kicks and DefCon potential, Paqueta could be a very decent set-and-forget option for the busy upcoming period.  


259 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    How important is it to have a Chelsea player this week?

    Would you bench it player with a reasonable fixture to play one?

    1. Qaiss
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Chelsea seem to do well when not expected to and vice versa

    2. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      none here

    3. Mother Farke
      • 2 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Wolves look as good as gone, but can Enzo finish his dinner or can JP become reliable? Chelsea will win, but not in a peak Chelsea manner imo.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Neale spotted that Pedro struggles against a low block. Spurs played into his hands last weekend.

        1. The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Reece James could prosper here. I’m debating Munoz to James.

  2. TafOnTour1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    3 months, 23 days ago

    A or B?!

    A) Woltemade, Saka, Caicedo

    B) Rice, Szoboszlai, Mateta.

    1. tbos83
      • 5 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      A

  3. Meechum
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Have Grealish. Would you trade to bring in Cherki?

    1. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Would rather Szoboslai for safety of mins

    2. Haa-lala-land
      • 5 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      If this is draft, id definitely do that

      1. Meechum
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Yup, draft.
        Thinking Cherki is the move.

  4. TafOnTour1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    3 months, 23 days ago

    To add, avfc82 this is a great article, very well written! Seriously tempted by Merino after reading this.

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Gabriel Jesus back in full training.

  5. F4L
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    sarr already hit the woodwork and won pen

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Mateta

      Steps up

      Saved

  6. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Palace penalty

    Sarr wins it

    He's hit the post already

  7. Nightcrawler
    • 6 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Only 1ft, .2itb

    Midfield

    Saka Mbuemo Foden Semenyo king

    A) Foden to Enzo

    B) Semenyo to Enzo

    C) save ft

    Currently on A. Don't have any other Chelsea

  8. F4L
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    mateta taken out the moment like bruno at fulham

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      Dodgy whistle?

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        not sure, mateta just looked so focused he blocked all noise out or something

  9. F4L
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    this palace game 😀

  10. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 23 days ago

    Palace with 3 or 4 chances since the penalty save

    Sarr with a couple

    Header well saved

    Munoz to Hughes bar

    Sarr heads over!!

    1. F4L
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 23 days ago

      great entertainment

      sarr owners lucky this isnt a pl game given the missed chances, would be pulling their hair out!

  11. Jimjams
      3 months, 23 days ago

      If buying now, who would you go for?

      A) Guehi
      B) Lacroix

      Going for (A) would block people in my mini-league but (B) is only 3% owned now (and I've seen chat about Guehi overperforming, that long-term Lacroix is the pick).

      1. F4L
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        i do think lacroix's goal threat will come to the fore and now would go him given they're the same price. more reliable for dcs as well

        just scored in european match as well

        1. Jimjams
            3 months, 23 days ago

            Cheers.

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Goal stands

        Cracker by accounts

        Lacroix half volley

        1. Bleh
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Wish he’d saved it for the league

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          hmmm

          sarr doesnt strike me as the type of player who would take the ball off mateta like eze though. maybe another miss or 2

      3. antpro26
        • 14 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Would you bench boost this team this week?

        Pope (Dubravka whu)
        Gabriel Timber Munoz (Mukiele ARS, Rodon nfo)
        Enzo Sarr Saka Semenyo (Minteh cry)
        Haaland Mateta Woltemade

        Plan after this gw is:
        Pope, Minteh, Enzo, Wolt > Petrovic, King, Gakpo, Ekitike to load up on Liverpool fpr their fixtures run, so future bench boost likely to be King and 4m def.

        Thanks!

        1. Bleh
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Nice team. Not sure about BB though, think there will be better gameweeks.

        2. F4L
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          would wait on BB. they might just be 2 4mil defenders but they're both capable of getting cs, goals and dc points and not the most ideal fixtures for them. King should stay being a starter, i know attacking returns have eluded him so far but he has been threatening.

          i guess it just comes down to how confident you are in minteh getting something at palace, on paper seems a tough fixture

      4. Bleh
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Is this GTG? 1 FT, 0.5 ITB.

        Raya
        Gabriel, Timber, Lacroix, Senesi
        Bruno, Semenyo, Gakpo
        Haaland, Mateta, Woltemade

        (Dubravka, Grealish, Mukiele, King)

        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          gtg, would be tempted to start grealish over gakpo

      5. have you seen cyan
        • 6 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Pin the tail on the donkey season this is. Only reliable players are Haaland and Gabriel.

      6. Mother Farke
        • 2 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Mateta (C) still on the menu?

      7. F4L
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Raya
        Gabriel Lacroix Senesi Keane
        Fernandes Mbeumo Foden Cunha Gakpo
        (H)aaland

        1FT 2.3itb

        A - Save FT
        B - Gakpo ➡ Sarr/Szobo

        Leaning heavily towards B. Was set on Szobo but this Sarr performance so far got me reconsidering 🙂 Even if would have to sell him in only 5-6 GWs time

      8. Hughes Your Daddy
        • 13 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        Sarr 🙂 2-0

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 13 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Death, Taxes, Sarr hauling in non-FPL games.

      9. F4L
        • 11 Years
        3 months, 23 days ago

        ugh lacroix save it for the league 😥

        1. Hughes Your Daddy
          • 13 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          His was a strikers finish, you have him then? 🙂

          1. F4L
            • 11 Years
            3 months, 23 days ago

            great finish, yeah since gw2. got the assist as well there i think

        2. Punned It
            3 months, 23 days ago

            Yeah, agree! Need those differential points this weekend, please.

          • Captain Mal
            • 1 Year
            3 months, 23 days ago

            7 defcons as well, on his way to a 20-pointer.

        3. KeanosMagic
          • 4 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Would you do this for a -8?

          Pedro Woltemade Saka out
          Haaland Guiu Rice in

          Have 2 playing subs, so Guiu would be 3rd on the bench

          1. Mr. O'Connell
            • 13 Years
            3 months, 23 days ago

            Szob over Rice. Trust me bro.

        4. Qaiss
          • 10 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Who are Liverpool fans captaining this week?

          1. FourLokoLeipzig
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 months, 23 days ago

            Mateta for me

        5. gooberman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Sarr only scores in cup games.

          1. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 12 Years
            3 months, 23 days ago

            Agreed

        6. JabbaWookiee
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Of course Lacroix gets a goal and assist in the conference league!!

        7. FPLamateur
          • 1 Year
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Start 1 of these
          Trips vs Brentford
          Garner vs Fulham
          Foster vs West Ham

        8. Nightcrawler
          • 6 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Foden to Enzo for free

          Yes or no?

          Other kids are Saka Mbuemo Semenyo king

        9. Nightcrawler
          • 6 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Glasner running Munoz to the ground. Might lose the attacking threat going forward

        10. Bigbars
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Anyone tempted to take a punt on Merino, I have 5 transfers and thinking of swapping KDH for him, could work, could not. If it doesnt, can switch back

        11. MetallicaJack93
          • 2 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Play Reijnders or Gakpo this week?

          1. Radulfo28773
            • 4 Years
            3 months, 23 days ago

            I have both and playing none but Gakpo if I have to choose

        12. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 23 days ago

          Mateta and Sarr combo too early