Spot the Differential
23 January 2026 214 comments
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It’s time to look at some more differentials as Gameweek 23 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) comes swiftly into view.

We’re only concentrating on FPL picks with an ownership of 5% or less at the time of writing.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned players at Brentford, Everton and Sunderland who we think could have an impact.


KEVIN SCHADE

FPL Gameweek 18: Saturday’s goals, assists, bonus + ‘DefCon’ points

  • FPL ownership: 2.8%
  • Price: £7.1m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: NFO | avl | new | ARS | BHA

Found in just 2.8% of Fantasy squads, Brentford’s Kevin Schade (£7.1m) is an in-form differential.

Since Gameweek 18, the German winger has produced as many attacking returns as starts (five). The tally could have been higher, too, having spurned the best two opportunities for Keith Andrews’ side at Stamford Bridge last week.

Schade has racked up 13 shots and four chances created over the same five-match spell.

He is also top of all FPL midfielders for expected goals (xG) in 2025/26:

Schade has been particularly prolific at the Gtech Community Stadium this season, with six goals and two assists in 10 matches.

Brentford entertain Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest on Sunday, colliding with a Forest rearguard that has conceded eight times in their last four away games.  

And the Bees will be looking to build on a very decent home goal tally, which is only bettered by Manchester City and Arsenal.

Above: Teams sorted by goals (home matches only) in 2025/26

With tricky fixtures against Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Arsenal to follow, Gameweek 27 may serve as the ideal entry point for Schade; however, he has already found the net against Newcastle this term. He also returned against Forest and Villa in the 2024/25 campaign.

As a result, Schade looks a very tempting option given his recent form, long-term fixture outlook and his tiny ownership.


ILIMAN NDIAYE

FPL notes: Many routes to points for van de Ven 1

  • FPL ownership: 3.3%
  • Price: £6.2m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: LEE | bha | ful | BOU | MUN

A home match against a Leeds United team that has managed only one away clean sheet all season prompts us to consider Iliman Ndiaye (£6.2m).

Having recently triumphed in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Senegal, the 25-year-old looks poised to start for Everton in Gameweek 23.

Before leaving for AFCON, Ndiaye had recorded four goals and two assists in 16 matches, mostly playing as a right winger in David Moyes’ 4-2-3-1 formation.

However, with Jack Grealish (£6.4m) potentially out for “months” with a foot stress fracture, Ndiaye should pick up more minutes off the left, where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot, which should theoretically enhance his goal threat.

Ndiaye is third only to Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£4.9m) for expected assists (xA) among Everton players, with 2.7.

Combined with penalty duties, as well as defensive contribution (DefCon) potential, Ndiaye could be a real difference maker.

Everton entertain Leeds on Monday, who could be without Jaka Bijol (£3.9m) and Gabriel Gudmundsson (£3.8m) due to injury.

And with the fixture list kind for some time to come (they also host Burnley in Gameweek 29), the 3.3% owned midfielder looks worthy of consideration.


BRIAN BROBBEY

FPL notes: Sunderland’s home form + Brobbey “getting better game after game”

  • FPL ownership: 0.7%
  • Price: £5.5m
  • GW23-27 fixtures: whu | BUR | ars | LIV | FUL

Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey (£5.5m) has emerged as a fresh budget forward option after some fine recent displays.

The Dutchman has found the net in two of his last three Premier League matches, claiming the maximum bonus on each occasion.

Benefitting from a sustained run in the starting XI, Brobbey now faces West Ham United and Burnley.

“Brian is getting better game after game; you can feel it. His teammates are really comfortable playing through him when he is in the box. When he is in the box, he is a massive threat, and he has built some strong understanding with them. Now we are seeing the best version of Brian.” – Regis Le Bris on Brian Brobbey

Notably, all 16 of Brobbey’s shots this season have arrived inside the penalty box:

Given that upcoming opponents, West Ham and Burnley, have combined for only four clean sheets this season, and are ranked 19th and 20th respectively for shots in the box conceded, Brobbey will surely get opportunities to add to his goal tally.

Priced kindly, and owned by only 0.7% of Fantasy managers, Brobbey can provide a nice solution for those in need of a forward enabler.


214 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    #1

    1. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Schade!

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Tinchy Stryder?

  2. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Margot Brobbey!

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      That's daylight Brobbery!

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

        If she won an Oscar she could be Oscar Brobb!

    2. Punned It
      • 1 Year
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Brobbey 'ell.

    3. MJF
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Mr Brobbey.

  3. #1 Salah Hater
    • 1 Year
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Risk starting VDV even though he's highly likely to be dropped or start Chalobah instead?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Obviously you start Chalobah

      1. #1 Salah Hater
        • 1 Year
        2 months, 12 days ago

        Bookmarked and coming back to this for a lost points refund if VDV starts and randomly pops up with 2x bullet headers again

    2. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      In the Chalo the Chalalalobah

      1. #1 Salah Hater
        • 1 Year
        2 months, 12 days ago

        there's only one Parrot and his name is Saint Troy

  4. Bunk Moreland
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Surely the time to get Schade was during afcon? With Dango back, his minutes will be reduced.

    1. Conners
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Been playing full games 95% of the season, including pre-AFCON.

  5. Tibbs
    • 14 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Who is the priority to transfer out;

    Watkins or Gordon?

    Any of these options;

    Gordon >> Semenyo
    Gordon >> Wirtz
    Watkins >> Ekitike
    Other??

    1. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      I have Gordon and cautiously fancy him to repay the faith. Villa's recent defensive numbers aren't pretty.

      Of those moves I'd do Wat > Eki, but you could just roll and have an extra transfer for fixture swing and dgw/bgw info

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Semenyo if must

    3. Toby Lerone
      • 10 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      I've sold him for Enzo to fund foden to Bruno tomorrow, hopefully Bruno doesn't rise tonight. Gordon has been frustrating to own, especially when I chose him over Bruno G

    4. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Watkins???

  6. claretparrot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Foden > Bruno for free... wait until next week or just get it done now?

    I also have Gordon and Saka on the chopping block but happy to give them a bit more time.

    1. NZREDS
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Fruno looks good

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Did it earlier this week, maybe too early but the price swing is not tolerable for my future plan

  7. Essem
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Anyone considering Ndiaye? Wait for pressers?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Yes but midfield look good this week, GW24 he is in for Stach

  8. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Raya
    Gabriel Thiaw Virgil
    Rice Enzo Wilson Fruno
    Haaland Ekitike Thiago

    Dubravka Dorgu Stach Keane*

    Play Dubravka? Save FT? 1.8 ITB

    1. Ausman
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 11 days ago

      Hold.

  9. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Foden to schade or ndiaye or wirtz?
    Already got garner

    1. _Greg
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Wirtz

    2. Conners
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Prefer Ndiaye from those taking minutes, pens and defcons into account.

  10. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Play Gakpo or Wilson?
    Play Timber or Frimpong?

    Currently team is set like this:

    Sanchez
    Gabriel Timber Chalobah
    B.Fernandes Rice Gakpo Enzo
    Haaland Watkins Thiago

    Dubravka Wilson Frimpong Alderete

    1. #1 Salah Hater
      • 1 Year
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Gakpo likely to touch the ball twice per game now sergeant drama queen is back in town

  11. BusbySwede
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Sell O'Reilly or Foden or give them both a last chance at Wolves?
    Sell Bruno G?
    Buy Enzo, or just get Bruno F now instead of next gw?
    Any other suggestions with 1FT and 1.9m itb?

    Verbruggen, Dubravka
    Gabriel, Hall, Chalobah, Van Hecke, O'Reilly
    Foden, Wirtz, Rice
    Haaland, Ekitike

    Dubravka, Bruno G, Anderson, Guiu

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Last change saloon

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        *chance

  12. Heavy Cream
    • 10 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    G2G? No Haaland league.

    Roefs
    Guehi Chalobah Ballard
    Semenyo Saka Rice Wilson Ndiaye
    Thiago Ekitike

    Verbruggen Bowen Dalot Diouf

    1. tbos83
      • 5 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Like it. Who you capping?

      1. Heavy Cream
        • 10 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        Thank you. Who do you suggest? Currently on Thiago

    2. Conners
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Why no Arsenal defence out of interest?

      1. Heavy Cream
        • 10 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        No more FT’s. Bringing in Gab next GW.

  13. Bobby Crush
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Rogers is like Watkins, a bit of a troll.

  14. Sho-kun
    • 8 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Can someone help me with my team? Think I have to get rid of Foden, Gruno, VDV, Raya sooner or later.

    3 FT, 0.0 ITB

    Raya
    Gabriel/VDV/Alderete
    Saka/Foden/Bruno G/Rogers
    Haaland/Ekitike/Raul

    Dub/Anderson/Richards/Gudmunsson

    1. Conners
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      This week I'd consider moving Bruno G to Enzo or Ndiaye and VDV to Chalobah.

      Next week Saka / Foden to Rice / Bruno F.

  15. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Currently have the Anderson/sen’s on the bench. Would you start one of them, both or leave benched?

    Raya

    Timber Gabriel Guehi O’Reilly

    Foden Bruno Rogers

    DCL Haaland Thiago

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      I'd play Anderson over DCL.

    2. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      I'd play DCL but purely because Everton are better away and you could just see him going back to his old club and scoring.

    3. Dee Lixon
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Doing the same (playing Anderson over DCL). Low risk move

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

        Cheers guys, definitely a low risk move, Anderson minimum 4 pointer and DCL likely a 2 or 6 pointer.

    4. Jstap94
      • 2 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      As requested! I'd love to see the stats on who scores DEFCON against Everton but strikes me that what Anderson is good at (breaking play up in midfield), isnt where Everton concentrate their play? All of which is to say he isnt necessarily a minimum 4 points.

      And if DCL scores he is probably more like 9 than 6?

    5. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 11 days ago

      I'd leave them benched

  16. gunnersxgooners
    • 1 Year
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Is DewsburyHall back in training? Any chance of him starting the game?

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

      Just returned to training yesterday, highly doubtful he is involved this weekend. Can you answer my question above?

    2. MJF
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Doubt it.

  17. Jstap94
    • 2 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Currently have Foden, Cherki, Gordon who i think are sells.

    Are they a hold this week and sell next when fixtures turn?

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      you can hold them this gw imo

    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      One more week for them then start shipping out all three. Help above appreciated.

    3. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Hold this week

  18. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    0.1 short of doing B.Guimares to Semenyo.

    B.Guimares to Rice?

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Yes

    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Yeah Rice is a staple in your team and a transfer you won’t need to make for the remainder of the season. City current form is awful so no rush to buy Semenyo. Help above please

  19. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Any chance Diouf gets back in the starting 11 for west ham this gw?

  20. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    Foden > Schade. I'm super close to doing it. Let's see what Pep says today.

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

      Schade a very nice differential

    2. JBG
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      You really think Bauldiola will say anything useful?

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        For me, Nunes fitness. I still have him as well. If he's out I'll have to fix that first because my bench is non-existent.

        1. JBG
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 12 days ago

          Ah fair

    3. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Like him for one week but not long term.

    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      Really like this move, would you be tempted to captain Scahde?

  21. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    2FT and 0.8 ITB. Main concern is a weak bench (Dorgu 1st sub) if BrunoG is out. If he's out should I do:

    A - Cunha to Enzo
    B - Cunha to Ndiaye
    C - Roll and play Dorgu off the bench

    Pickford
    Gabriel - Timber - Andersen
    Foden - BrunoG - Rice - Szob
    Haaland - Ekitike - DCL

    Dubravka - Dorgu - Cunha - Guddy

  22. supercolso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    2 months, 12 days ago

    What happened to the AI chip that was meant to be added in Jamuary ?

    1. MJF
      • 7 Years
      2 months, 12 days ago

      I think it must've been a hallucination.

    2. I have no Wirtz
        2 months, 12 days ago

        That’s Nvidia

      • I have no Wirtz
          2 months, 12 days ago

          *Ndiaye

      • The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        Bench Garner or O'Reilly?

      • Steve McCroskey
        • 12 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        Been out of action this week, what are people doing with O'Reilly? Want to shift him on but feels like I should start him Vs Wolves? Although expect there's a good chance he won't play?

        1. Pompel
          • 12 Years
          2 months, 12 days ago

          Want to shift him to Chaloba, but want check press conferences and the update predicted line-ups first to get an idea whether he will play. I assume cs odds are similar for City and Chelsea this gw.

          1. Steve McCroskey
            • 12 Years
            2 months, 12 days ago

            Palace away is not an easy fixture though

            1. Pompel
              • 12 Years
              2 months, 12 days ago

              Palace in a bit of turmoil it seems , but return of Sarr could make a difference

              1. Crystal Alice
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                2 months, 12 days ago

                don't forget Munoz is back

        2. Crystal Alice
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 months, 12 days ago

          easy switch to Guehi

      • Friday's Press Conference Times
        Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        Morning all! Here are today's press conference times (in GMT, via Sky):

        9am - Hurzeler (BHA)
        9.30am - Howe (NEW)
        10am - Slot (LIV)
        12pm - Dyche (NFO)
        12.30pm - Guardiola (MCI)
        1pm - Moyes (EVE), Edwards (WOL)
        1.30pm - Arteta (ARS), Rosenior (CHE), Glasner (CRY), Silva (FUL), Carrick (MUN)

        Still awaiting times on Emery (AVL)/Iraola (BOU)

        1. Skonto Rigga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 8 Years
          2 months, 12 days ago

          Update from the Beeb:

          12.30pm - Iraola (BOU)

      • PogChamp
        • 14 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        I think Le Fee is also worth a mention here. £4.9m and only 1.2% ownership. I got him off the bench for Nunes last week and will likely start him this GW.

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          Yeah, I like him a lot!

          Think I included him not so long ago so went Brobbey this time, but for sure a good differential.

      • MetallicaJack93
        • 2 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        Correct to bench O'Reilly?

        Pickford
        Gab Timber Guehi
        Bruno Semenyo Rice Rogers
        Haaland Watkins Thiago
        Dub O'Reilly Dorgu Miley

      • Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        First week for a new Last Man Standing, thoughts on which team should definitely win this GW?

        Brentford vs Forest
        City vs Wolves

      • Rbyrne95
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        What’re folk’s thoughts on Foden starting?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          2 months, 12 days ago

          60/40 he starts I think

      • Gudjohnsen
        • 9 Years
        2 months, 12 days ago

        Does Cherki start this gw?

        1. Miguel Sanchez
          • 9 Years
          2 months, 11 days ago

          Quite possibly, it’s two from Foden, Cherki and Doku to start with Semenyo behind Haaland this GW