Spot the Differential
2 January 2026 652 comments
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Our Gameweek 20 differentials column brings a trio of low-owned Fantasy Premier League (FPL) assets for your consideration.


MARTIN ODEGAARD

  • FPL ownership: 2.1%
  • Price: £7.8m
  • GW20-24 fixtures: bou | LIV | nfo | MUN | lee

After scoring and providing an assist over the last two Gameweeks, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard (£7.8m) looks like a great option for the Gunners’ trip to the Vitality Stadium.

The playmaker should certainly be full of confidence coming up against strugglers Bournemouth, having won possession to brilliantly set up Martin Zubimendi (£5.2m) against Aston Villa on Tuesday.

“He needed some consistency and some games. Obviously, he had two times the shoulder injury, then he had a big knee injury, and that takes a little bit of time.

“Now you can see that it’s flowing, that his energy level is back to where it is. He’s taking risks, he’s affecting the game in a great way and I think he was really, really good today again.” – Mikel Arteta on Martin Odegaard in Gameweek 19

Odegaard impressively ranks first among all players for chances created over the last six Gameweeks, with 20.

He is also joint-ninth in his position for goal attempts during the same timeframe (13).

Those underlying stats suggest Odegaard can continue his recent production against Bournemouth, as he comes up against a side that has failed to win since Gameweek 9, conceding 11 goals in their last four matches.

Andoni Iraola’s defence has admittedly performed better at home, but given Arsenal’s attacking output, Odegaard looks like an interesting differential prospect, particularly with Bournemouth conceding so many key passes from the left half-space.

Above: Bournemouth’s chances created conceded heatmap in 2025/26


FERDI KADIOGLU

  • FPL ownership: 0.3%
  • Price: £4.4m
  • GW20-24 fixtures: BUR | mci | BOU | ful | EVE

For those Fantasy managers who aren’t afraid to roll the dice, Ferdi Kadioglu (£4.4m) could be a player to back this week as Brighton and Hove Albion entertain Burnley.

The £4.4m full-back provided his first assist of the 2025/26 campaign against West Ham United on Tuesday.

Furthermore, Kadioglu ranks joint-third among all FPL defenders for chances created and joint-10th for shots over the past four Gameweeks.

Set-pieces could prove crucial on Saturday, as Burnley, who have allowed nine goals in their last five matches, have conceded 76 goal attempts from dead-ball situations this season – only Aston Villa are worse off in that respect.

So as Brighton’s main corner-taker, Kadioglu could be set to profit from that weakness.

And with Brighton’s upcoming schedule pretty decent (they sit fifth on our Season Ticker for fixture difficulty in Gameweeks 20-28), and considering Kadioglu has the potential to deliver points at both ends of the pitch, he could be a nice differential pickup with just 0.3% ownership.

Defensively, Fabian Hurzeler’s troops have kept four clean sheets in their last 10 matches, offering further optimism ahead of Gameweek 20.


MATEUS FERNANDES

  • FPL ownership: 0.2%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW20-24 fixtures: wol | NFO | tot | SUN | che

West Ham have endured a difficult season thus far, picking up just 14 points from 19 matches.

However, the 2-2 draw against Brighton on Tuesday may provide the perfect springboard as they prepare for a favourable upcoming schedule.

In their next six matches, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest and Burnley, all of whom are currently ranked 17th or below in the table.

“What I want is to perform, compete and make this point [against Brighton] really valuable. If we achieve a good win there [at Molineux], a good performance, this is what we’re going to prepare.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Budget midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who costs just £5.5m, has been a key creator for West Ham this season.

He’s created 14 chances since the start of November, the most of any Hammers player.

Furthermore, Fernandes has produced defensive contribution (DefCon) points in five of his last eight starts.

West Ham visit Wolves on Saturday.

Rob Edwards’ side have failed to keep a clean sheet so far this season and have looked particularly vulnerable at Molineux, conceding nine goals across their new manager’s four home games in charge.

Fernandes could act as a decent enabler, then, given West Ham’s favourable upcoming schedule.


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Introducing The Eye Test 2
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  1. I have no Wirtz
      2 hours, 22 mins ago

      Start 1 please:

      A) Dorgu
      B) Guehi
      C) Chalobah

      1. TBL
        • 4 Years
        1 hour, 55 mins ago

        a

      2. antis0cial
        • 9 Years
        1 hour, 54 mins ago

        A

      3. gemmalmr92
        • 10 Years
        1 hour, 53 mins ago

        Dorgu

    • Jafooli
      • 13 Years
      2 hours, 21 mins ago

      Insane darts, GVV back to 5-3 lead, Anderson fighting for survival....

      1. boombaba
        • 13 Years
        1 hour, 20 mins ago

        Start GVV

        1. Jafooli
          • 13 Years
          1 hour, 19 mins ago

          In this form, worth a TC chip...

    • antis0cial
      • 9 Years
      2 hours, 20 mins ago

      VVD to Gabriel for free? Exact money.

      1. boombaba
        • 13 Years
        1 hour, 54 mins ago

        After Burnley

        1. antis0cial
          • 9 Years
          1 hour, 52 mins ago

          Would take multiple moves then, Gabriel to rise

      2. TBL
        • 4 Years
        1 hour, 53 mins ago

        yes

      3. teddy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        1 hour, 49 mins ago

        Easy

      4. I have no Wirtz
          1 hour, 49 mins ago

          Sure

      5. TBL
        • 4 Years
        2 hours, 20 mins ago

        on WC, would you prefer Saka or Palmer

        1. boombaba
          • 13 Years
          1 hour, 55 mins ago

          Palmer

        2. Gooner97
          • 12 Years
          1 hour, 51 mins ago

          Saka

        3. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          1 hour, 49 mins ago

          Palmer with Rice and Gabriel

        4. antis0cial
          • 9 Years
          1 hour, 34 mins ago

          Palmer

        5. Make FPL Casual Again
          • 7 Years
          1 hour, 25 mins ago

          Im tempted by Saka this gw then move to Palmer

      6. boombaba
        • 13 Years
        2 hours, 20 mins ago

        Play Andersen and have no bench (all injured) or use a FT and get into alderate for Esteve and play him ?

        1. TBL
          • 4 Years
          1 hour, 48 mins ago

          Alderate a good back up for the long term so worth it for me

        2. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          1 hour, 48 mins ago

          Play Andersen. Every chance of DCs + attacking returns vs Liverpool

        3. antis0cial
          • 9 Years
          1 hour, 33 mins ago

          I’d use ft if no bench

      7. hannesdela
        • 14 Years
        2 hours, 19 mins ago

        Is it crazy to transfer Trossard in for Saka?

        I am an Arsenal fan and Trossard's been on fire.

        1. boombaba
          • 13 Years
          1 hour, 54 mins ago

          Yep

        2. TBL
          • 4 Years
          1 hour, 51 mins ago

          very tempting.. I just fear Martinelli rotation every now and then

        3. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 hour, 50 mins ago

          Rotation

      8. Viper
        • 15 Years
        2 hours, 19 mins ago

        Gordon, Bruno G, Rogers or Cherki in for Semenyo?

        1. boombaba
          • 13 Years
          1 hour, 54 mins ago

          Rogers

        2. antis0cial
          • 9 Years
          1 hour, 53 mins ago

          Cherki or Rogers

        3. Gooner97
          • 12 Years
          1 hour, 51 mins ago

          Rogers

        4. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          1 hour, 48 mins ago

          Cherki

      9. TochanMama
        • 13 Years
        2 hours, 18 mins ago

        Lads, the team looks really weak, what should be done here?

        0.1 ITB, 1FT
        Raya
        Timber - Andersen - Guehi - Alderete - Gudmundson
        Saka - Semenyo - Foden - Anderson - Potts
        Haaland - Raul - Ekitike

        A) Timber to Gabriel as he will rise.
        B) Andersen to Tarkovski (0.1 ITB) but great fixtures.
        C) Andersen to VDV (more ITB but Tottenham's unreliability)
        D) Something else (Please suggest)

        1. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          1 hour, 41 mins ago

          B of those options.

          Maybe Raya to Verbruggen to enable Guehi to Gabriel?

        2. antis0cial
          • 9 Years
          1 hour, 32 mins ago

          B if you can get Gabriel soon. Else A.

      10. TBL
        • 4 Years
        2 hours, 17 mins ago

        getting Reece James on WC, can you talk me out of it?

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 9 Years
          1 hour, 50 mins ago

          He's a good option, go for it

        2. Mother Farke
          • 1 Year
          1 hour, 47 mins ago

          Well, if the obvious "will the new manager pick him?" doesn't work then nothing will" 😀

          1. TBL
            • 4 Years
            1 hour, 44 mins ago

            I thought he would just pick himself, just like Palmer - I guess where is the question but his upside is so high and nice fixtures after City for Chelsea

        3. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 hour, 46 mins ago

          New manager may decide to not play him in midfield and go with Enzo and Caicedo. Could be fighting with Gusto for RB again

          1. TBL
            • 4 Years
            1 hour, 42 mins ago

            ok so rotation risk then

        4. Craigsimpson
          • 1 Year
          1 hour, 41 mins ago

          I've had RJ since about GW5 but I'm taking him out on my WC. Too much rotation in Chelsea and with the CL coming back I can't see it getting any better. For the price you want a set and forget defender really. Plus the added variable of manager change. I'd probably go chalobah if given the choice.

          1. TBL
            • 4 Years
            1 hour, 37 mins ago

            ok thanks

      11. Craigsimpson
        • 1 Year
        2 hours, 16 mins ago

        Genuine Q - why are people jumping on the Newcastle defender train? I haven't seen much of them but don't they have half their defenders out and terrible away form? Is it just those two fixtures?

        1. Gooner97
          • 12 Years
          1 hour, 49 mins ago

          Probably for attacking threat (Thiaw)

        2. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          1 hour, 45 mins ago

          Talked myself out of it this evening

        3. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          1 hour, 40 mins ago

          Underlying defensive stats pretty strong, good fixtures ahead. Thiaw and Hall are both quality players.

      12. TBL
        • 4 Years
        2 hours, 11 mins ago

        Thiago or DCL on WC?

        1. BR510
            1 hour, 45 mins ago

            DCL

          • Gooner97
            • 12 Years
            1 hour, 45 mins ago

            DCL

        2. BR510
            2 hours, 10 mins ago

            Long term:
            1. Tark and Rice
            2. Timber and Rogers

            To be paired with Gab and Saka

            1. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              1 hour, 39 mins ago

              1.

          • Jafooli
            • 13 Years
            2 hours, 8 mins ago

            Well played GVV, very impressive and an outstanding SF, 6-4 win...

            1. Jafooli
              • 13 Years
              1 hour, 42 mins ago

              Will be a crazy final tomorrow, wowzer!!

            2. FPL Blow-In
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              1 hour, 42 mins ago

              6-3

              Luke needs to watch out

              1. Jafooli
                • 13 Years
                1 hour, 5 mins ago

                *6-3, yep, hoped Anderson got one back

            3. bitm2007
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              1 hour, 39 mins ago

              6-3 but it did feel closer than that.

              1. Jafooli
                • 13 Years
                1 hour, 1 min ago

                Yep, never thought I'd be exhausted watching darts lol...

          • RalphieFPL
            • 3 Years
            2 hours, 7 mins ago

            Calafiori, Foden to Rogers, Gabriel?

            1. TBL
              • 4 Years
              1 hour, 40 mins ago

              yes

            2. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              1 hour, 37 mins ago

              Not for me. Calafiori seems likely to be back soon, could then match Gabriel. Foden better than Rogers. Sunderland excepted, City seem ro have got their groove back and been scoring for fun.

          • dansmith1985
            • 3 Years
            2 hours, 7 mins ago

            Choose one to sell for Gabriel
            A)VVD
            B)OReilly
            C)Hincapie
            D)Guehi

            1. Gooner97
              • 12 Years
              1 hour, 39 mins ago

              C

            2. abaalan
              • 9 Years
              1 hour, 39 mins ago

              Got to be C hasnt it ? Only really getting another week or 2 out of him maybe

          • JayJay96
            • 10 Years
            2 hours, 7 mins ago

            Thoughts on this? Any changes?

            Pickford / Kelleher

            Timber || Gabriel || M.Nunes || Thiaw || Mukiele

            Saka || Rogers || Cherki || Bruno G || Mitoma

            Haaland || Bowen ||| Barnes (won’t play)

            1. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              1 hour, 35 mins ago

              Strong.

              Personally I think Rice and Foden are pretty essential.

              And I think the DC monster defence is the way to go.

          • Jstap94
            • 2 Years
            2 hours, 6 mins ago

            Is having Foden and Cherki too much? Feel like there are just no MIDs this year offering value

            1. TBL
              • 4 Years
              1 hour, 38 mins ago

              too much city for me

              1. Jstap94
                • 2 Years
                1 hour, 37 mins ago

                Problem is its the only sensible move i have to get Gabriel (O'Reilly and Wirtz -> Cherki and Gabriel). Any other mid you would suggest?

            2. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              1 hour, 34 mins ago

              I'm on it. Good shout.

          • abaalan
            • 9 Years
            2 hours, 6 mins ago

            A. Saka + Andersen -> Odegaard + Gabriel
            B. Foden + VVD -> Rogers + Gabriel
            B. Minteh + Thiago + Keane/VVD -> Rogers + Barnes(4.2) + Gabriel -4

            Any of them look appealing? - not massively convinced on any.... (obviously could do Saka in B too)

            1. TBL
              • 4 Years
              1 hour, 39 mins ago

              b1

          • TochanMama
            • 13 Years
            2 hours, 5 mins ago

            Andersen and Foden OUT
            Thiaw and Gordon IN

            YAY / NAY?

            1. FPL Blow-In
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              1 hour, 38 mins ago

              Nay for me

            2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 9 Years
              1 hour, 33 mins ago

              Nay

            3. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              1 hour, 32 mins ago

              Andersen and Foden both got plenty of potential this GW...

              I like Thiaw but not sure about Gordon.

          • FPL Blow-In
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 hours, 3 mins ago

            Thoughts on this lot folks? I don’t want to have to waste a transfer bringing in KDH in a few weeks having blown the WC early. Thank you.

            Verbruggen
            Gabriel, Timber, Gvardiol, Cash
            Saka, Foden, Rogers, Gordon
            Haaland, Watkins

            John, Keane, KDH, Guiu 0itb

            1. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              1 hour, 31 mins ago

              Gvardiol is getting rotated.

              Good-looking team.

              1. FPL Blow-In
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                1 hour, 30 mins ago

                More like O’Reilly and Gvardiol to LB. What makes you say that?

                1. FPL Blow-In
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  1 hour, 30 mins ago

                  He just had his rest too

          • Nightf0x
            • 10 Years
            2 hours, 3 mins ago

            alison (dub)
            cala oriley mukiele clyne (richards)
            gordon foden saka (rice king)
            tiago eki haland

            3fts, which ??

            a) alison cala oriley king tiago -8 to john gabriel alderete rogers dcl.
            b) cala oriley to gabriel obrien.
            c) alison cala oriley king -4 to pickford gabriel alderete garner.
            d) alison oriley saka king -4 to pickford gabriel rogers garner.

            1. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              1 hour, 30 mins ago

              B

          • cigan
            • 7 Years
            2 hours, 2 mins ago

            Fellas, any advice here?

            I'm mainly between A and B, prefer Roefs as a long term keeper but A would allow me to get Rogers (unless he rises and Semenyo drops which could happen)

            A) Raya & O'Reilly to Verbruggen & Gabriel
            B) Raya, O'Reilly & Semenyo to Roefs, Gabriel & Bruno G (-4)
            C) Raya, O'Reilly & Semenyo to Verbruggen, Gabriel & Rogers (-4)

            1. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              1 hour, 29 mins ago

              A I reckon

          • Royal5
            • 14 Years
            2 hours ago

            Cunha owners keeping? A move for Rogers is tempting

            1. teddy.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              1 hour, 52 mins ago

              Rogers much better than Cunha for sure. What were you guys thinking!

              1. Royal5
                • 14 Years
                1 hour, 44 mins ago

                Big mess for sure

            2. zensum
              • 12 Years
              1 hour, 50 mins ago

              Same question. Would u swap for a -4?

              1. Royal5
                • 14 Years
                1 hour, 43 mins ago

                Probably not for the hit. Use the FT

          • ball c
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            1 hour, 58 mins ago

            Have only taken one hit all season and tempted to do the next one.
            Yes or No…

            O’Reilly & Wirtz to Gabriel & Gordon?

            Got Wirtz last gw but don’t think he starts.. made a mistake with this transfer.

            Or I could just do Virgil to Gabriel for free.

            1. BR510
                1 hour, 28 mins ago

                Do it

              • teddy.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                1 hour, 27 mins ago

                Virgil to Gabriel for free

            2. Purefection
              • 11 Years
              1 hour, 57 mins ago

              Should I start Rice or DCL? I have Saka.

              1. BR510
                  1 hour, 30 mins ago

                  DCL for sure

                • teddy.
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 16 Years
                  1 hour, 27 mins ago

                  Start Rice, but he might not play

              2. Weasel51
                • 9 Years
                1 hour, 56 mins ago

                Is VVD > Gabriel worth a hit?

                Debating it especially as he rises tonight.

                1. BR510
                    1 hour, 30 mins ago

                    No

                  • FPL Blow-In
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    1 hour, 28 mins ago

                    Not for a hit unless it will cost you an extra transfer after the price rise

                2. BR510
                    1 hour, 55 mins ago

                    With 1.7 million

                    1. KDH to Cherki -4
                    2. Andersen to M.Nunes -4
                    3. Save it for Cunha to Bruno F and play Dorgu (LEE) this week

                    1. FPL Blow-In
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      1 hour, 28 mins ago

                      Play Dorgu and don’t take the hit

                  • Sun God Nika
                    • 5 Years
                    1 hour, 55 mins ago

                    Not sure who out of senesi o Reilly and guehi to rid of for Gabriel ?

                    1. teddy.
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 16 Years
                      1 hour, 18 mins ago

                      I think Palace have lost their way

                  • Manani
                    • 14 Years
                    1 hour, 54 mins ago

                    who is more 'essential'?

                    DCL or Bowen?

                    1. Yozzer
                      • 8 Years
                      1 hour, 28 mins ago

                      None are even close to essential. I'm thinking of going with 1 striker.

                      1. FPL Blow-In
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        1 hour, 27 mins ago

                        Agree. Both will tick along nicely however

                    2. boombaba
                      • 13 Years
                      1 hour, 27 mins ago

                      Neither

                    3. teddy.
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 16 Years
                      1 hour, 26 mins ago

                      Not essential but I prefer Bowen in a straight choice

                  • Yozzer
                    • 8 Years
                    1 hour, 54 mins ago

                    Opinions very much appreciated folks

                    A Virgil --> Gabriel
                    B O'Reilly, Semenyo --> Gab , Cherki -4
                    C Virgil , O'Reilly --> Tark, Gab -4

                    Don't like taking hits at about 700k but selling VVD before Burnley is insane?

                    Pope (Dúbravka)
                    J.Timber, Dorgu, Virgil (O'Reilly, Lacroix)
                    Semenyo, Rice, Foden, Cunha (VC), Szoboszlai
                    Ekitiké, Haaland (C) (Marc Guiu)

                    1. FPL Blow-In
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      1 hour, 27 mins ago

                      That’s not until gw22.!

                      A

                      1. Yozzer
                        • 8 Years
                        1 hour, 23 mins ago

                        Thanks. Yeah I know mate . Only 3 gws away though and it's a standout fixture. It soon comes around 🙂

                    2. boombaba
                      • 13 Years
                      1 hour, 26 mins ago

                      Roll ?

                      1. Yozzer
                        • 8 Years
                        1 hour, 21 mins ago

                        I have this strange thing where almost every time I don't have Gabriel in my starting 11 he hauls. It's been happening for over 2 seasons now lol. Rolling would be be sensible though for sure

                    3. teddy.
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 16 Years
                      1 hour, 25 mins ago

                      A