Spot the Differential
10 February 2026 277 comments
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It’s time to look at some more differentials as Gameweek 26 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) comes swiftly into view.

These three players all have an ownership of 5% or less.


JORGEN STRAND LARSEN

  • FPL ownership: 1.3%
  • Price: £6.1m
  • GW26-30 fixtures: BUR | WOL | mun | tot | LEE

While Ismaila Sarr (£6.3m) was the main headline-maker in Crystal Palace’s derby win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, it’s also important to mention the role played by Jorgen Strand Larsen (£6.1m).

The Norwegian, who played as the lone striker in Oliver Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 formation (see image below), ultimately blanked, but he led the line well, racked up three shots and probably should have scored late on, when his low strike from Daniel Munoz’s (£5.8m) cutback was saved.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m) has, of course, been ruled out of Gameweek 26.

It opens the door for a Strand Larsen punt against Burnley, who are ranked 20th for actual and expected goals conceded (xGC) in 2025/26. Scott Parker’s side are also without a win in 16 league matches.

Furthermore, with upcoming fixtures against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United, three of the current bottom five are set to visit Selhurst Park over the next five Gameweeks, before a likely blank in Gameweek 31.

Strand Larsen has obviously only just arrived at Palace, but when you consider the chances Mateta has been presented with this season, it’s clear they will play to his strengths.

“The style of play here suits me. It is intense, high pressure, winning the ball high up the pitch. We had a few chances today, and the more we train together, the more we play together, they will know my qualities and my strengths. I felt like I had a good game today but there is a lot of improvement as well, but a really good start to my journey here. I got fed a lot today and I will be in the future, so I’m looking forward to it.” – Jorgen Strand Larsen

So, while it is Sarr who has understandably attracted the most transfers in this week, having scored in back-to-back Gameweeks, it could actually be Strand Larsen who represents the strongest attacking option against the deep blocks of Burnley and Wolves.


MARTIN ZUBIMENDI

  • FPL ownership: 5.0%
  • Price: £5.3m
  • GW26-30 fixtures: bre + wol | tot | CHE | bha | EVE

Martin Zubimendi (£5.3m) has quietly racked up nine attacking returns in all competitions this season.

Five goals have arrived in the Premier League, the joint-second-most of any Arsenal player:

Now admittedly, Zubimendi doesn’t shoot a lot – he’s averaging a goal attempt every 94.9 minutes in 2025/26.

He doesn’t create much either (139 minutes per chance created), but as a nailed-on, in-form £5.3m ‘doubler’, Zubimendi could be worth a look if, for example, you can’t afford Declan Rice (£7.5m).

It’s also important to mention that Zubimendi has banked defensive contribution (DefCon) points in two of his last six matches, and wasn’t far off in Gameweek 24, with three clearances, six recoveries and two tackles.

Notably, Zubimendi’s strike against Sunderland last week was his second from outside the box this season. Next up are Brentford and Wolves, who both rank in the bottom four for shots conceded from such situations.

“Zubi’s [goal] is a special one as well. He’s contributing now to the team in a way that probably we didn’t expect that much, but he really has an intuition and quality to deliver those moments in and around the box.” – Mikel Arteta on Martin Zubimendi

Beyond the ‘double’, Zubimendi can easily be benched without eating up too much of your budget, so perhaps we shouldn’t be too hasty in overlooking the Spaniard as a valid budget option this week.


TOLU AROKODARE

  • FPL ownership: 0.3%
  • Price: £5.4m
  • GW26-30 fixtures: nfo + ARS | cry | AVL | LIV | bre

Another ‘doubler’, Tolu Arokodare (£5.4m) could be gambled on in Gameweek 26.

The Nigerian centre-forward has been presented with some decent chances over the last six Gameweeks, finding the net against Chelsea on Saturday, with his StatsBomb shot map from this period included below.

Tolu’s shot-to-goal conversion rate is admittedly poor this season (6.7%), so you aren’t getting a reliable finisher.

However, his minutes look relatively secure in light of Strand Larsen’s departure.

A four-point floor in Double Gameweek 26 consequently looks possible, then.

Tolu is obviously most likely to get some joy against 17th-placed Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, rather than Arsenal. Indeed, across the Tricky Trees’ last four home matches, they rank 19th for shots conceded and 16th for xGC.

Although Wolves have lost their last three games, performances have been much better under Rob Edwards this year, with favourable results against West Ham United, Everton and Newcastle United.

So, for those needing to free up some cash, Tolu could present a handy solution, and with an ownership of only 0.3%, he also provides a bit of upside if he can build on his goal against Chelsea.


price change predictions
277 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Fred the Red
    • 14 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Worth doing Harry Wilson to Sarr this week, if it means needing to bench one of Rogers, Semenyo, or Mane?

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Nope

      1. Fred the Red
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        Cheers! Holding off on that transfer. Locked and loaded!

    2. Sgt. Schultz
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      BGW 31 might be pretty dicey for you with Semenyo, Mane and Sarr + Triple Arsenal and Haaland

      1. Fred the Red
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        For most/a lot of people I imagine? Should be able to bank 4-6 transfers before 31, plus aren't a lot of folks considering the free hit?

    3. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      noo

    4. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      No, I’d want to start all three of them

  2. SomeoneKnows
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Who should I start?

    A) Dubravka (cry)
    B) Roefs (LIV)

    1. PM
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      A

      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        Agree

  3. Pep Roulette
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Can someone tell me how have Bournemouth been while defending set pieces and corners?

  4. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Bottomed
    Isn’t option A better than option B?

    A) TC Haaland + BB in single gw
    Vs
    B) TC Gabriel + BB in dgw (where your bench would probably be single gw players anyways?)

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      A

  5. Totalfootball
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    TC rice anyone ?

    1. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      I own him but he’s been inconsistent of late. Looking to get rid soon.

      1. Obi 1 Kenobi 0
        5 months, 7 days ago

        His underlying numbers are still decent, just a matter of time before he starts returning soon……I hope 🙂

      2. Mr. O'Connell
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        Consistent is exactly what he has been tbf

    2. PM
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Thought about it, but going Gabriel. VC Rice

      1. Cold Palms
        • 2 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        Triple captain a player on pens in a Dgw is my theory who’s taking pens for Arsenal ? - I’m waiting

  6. Bobkat
    • 3 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Any Everton fans or anyone else in the know think Keane will be benched? I either play him or go with Hill or Mukiele to play it safe

    1. Sgt. Schultz
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Bench Keane

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

      Definitely Hill

    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 14 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Switched Keane to Hill myself when I read the team news. Have a track record for getting these wrong, mind.

    4. Bobkat
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Thanks all. Currently playing Hill

  7. Bleh
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Start 1:

    A. Thiago - ARS (H)
    B. Mukiele - LIV (H)
    C. Wilson - MCI (A)
    D. Senesi - EVE (A)

    1. PM
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      A

    2. theshazly
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      D

  8. PM
    • 16 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Pick 2 to start

    1. Morgan Rogers (BHA)
    2. Wirtz (@SUN)
    3. Mateus Mane (@ NFO, ARS)

    Thanks

    1. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      1 and 3.

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Ouch. I agree 1 and 3 but there must be better options to allow you to play 3

  9. Fred the Red
    • 14 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Best defender to bring in this week for a long-ish hold and for who?

    Current defense: Gabriel, Guehi, Andersen, Gudmunsen, Van Hecke, keepers are Raya and Dubravka

    1. Bleh
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Cash?

      1. Fred the Red
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        Lol do you mean Matty or ITB? 1.9 ITB but not looking to bring in a premium defender.

      2. Fred the Red
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        Lol Matty or ITB? Have 1.9 but not looking to spend more than 6.

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      I really like Munoz as an option. I am struggling to make the funds work but will get there if I can

    3. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Van Hecke to Muñoz/Lacroix/Richards if you've got BGW31 covered. Cash/Hill if you haven't

      1. Fred the Red
        • 14 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        Cheers, should be able to bank upto 6 transfers for that GW. Plus aren't folks planning to use FH in 31 given City and Arsenal are blanking?

  10. Biggsy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    I'm hitting cabin fever possibly, but stick with me. Want to generate some funds so Semenyo to:

    A. Anderson
    B. Rayan
    C. Dango
    D. Amad
    E. None

    1. PM
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      C or B
      Like the idea

  11. Cold Palms
    • 2 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Palace defender with a Z in his name

    1. theshazly
      • 3 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Zebos

  12. Flynny
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Lewis hall likely to start tonight?

    Or potentially rotated? Thanks

  13. Maeki2
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Worth to get d.Rice for any of?
    A. Mbuemo
    B. Enzo
    C. Semenyo

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      I wouldn't lose any of those 3 but you really want 3 Ars players

  14. OptimusBlack
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Get Munoz Not Sarr
    A- Yaaay Munoz till end of season
    B - Naay Sarr is better sort term

    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      A

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      A

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 13 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Cheers

  15. Viper
    • 16 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    A. Van Dijk -> Munoz

    B. Dorgu & Bowen -> Munoz & Strand Larsen (2Fts)

    C. Roll. Play Bowen & Van Dijk

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      A

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      A

      Not a fan of Bowen to SL in B but assume it's needed to generate funds, hence choosing A.

    3. PM
      • 16 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      C
      A
      Not B

    4. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      C

  16. jcr1997
    • 5 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Chasing in mini league, guessing everyone will TC Gabriel.

    Any reasons not to TC Zubimendi or Saliba?

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      The main reason would be that you don't want to fall further behind

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

      Yes: you weren't considering them as TC until you factored in what others would do

      If you found either of them to be obvious C/TC candidates, this wouldn't be the question

  17. Ha.
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Locke din

    Martinez
    Gabriel Timber Munoz
    Ri(ce) Enzo Wilson Bruno
    Haaland Thiago Bowen

    Dubrav VdV Alderete King

  18. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Which 2 to start?
    A. Mane
    B. Thiago
    C. Dalot
    D. Semenyo (bench risk?)

    1. kempc23
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      A, D, C, B

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        Thanks

  19. Junks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Timber C anyone??

    1. ryskal
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Yep. My finger is dangerously close to the TC button.

  20. kempc23
    • 11 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Would you do Wirtz to Sarr to attack the BUR and WOL fixtures? I have 4FTs. Wildcard used, so its booking in a transfer for 31 (1 City and 3 Arsenal currently).

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 7 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Nope. Wirtz could outscore him

  21. ryskal
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Play 2 of:

    A. Dalot
    B. Guehi
    C. H.Wilson
    D. Thiago

    Thank you!

    1. kempc23
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Hmm, probably in that order.

      1. ryskal
        • 7 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        That would mean playing 5 Defs, with Gabriel, Timber, Munoz. Like the olden days of TAA, Robbo and Cancelo!

  22. John Colby (C)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    I’m having an absolute stinker of a season. I’m thinking of just wildcarding so I don’t have to look at the dismal squad I have. Is it wrong to wildcard this week - we don’t know who will be doubling later on in April/May.

    1. Count Olaf
      • 1 Year
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Wait in my opinion. Unless you don't have any Arsenal, then I'd consider WC.

      1. John Colby (C)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        Thank you for replying Count Olaf. I have Gab and Rice but I’m really intrigued by the look of Palace and Rayan.

        1. Count Olaf
          • 1 Year
          5 months, 7 days ago

          How many Free transfers do you have?

  23. DandyDon
    • 7 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    a) Mbuemo to Martinelli and Taty to Strand Larsen
    b) Taty to Gykores and Mbuemo to Dewsbury-Hall

  24. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Thinking to captain Gyokeres instead of Gabriel tbh

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      I'd probably do it if I had him. Not TC mind you. But definitely worth a punt with C. Seems to score Vs ex-Championship teams so should do it against soon-to-be-Championship Wolves

  25. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    captain Gabriel or Rice?

    1. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Yes

  26. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    FPL not opening on the phone browser. All other sites working fine. Any help?

    1. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      Working fine for me. Using Nokia?

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        iPhone safari

    2. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      FPL mobile website working fine for me on Chrome

  27. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    TC Gab, all set?

    Raya
    Gab/Timber/VVD
    BrunoF/Wirtz/Enzo/Sarr
    Haaland/Ekitike/JPedro

    Dub/Potts/Heaven/Dorgu

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 9 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      I’ve gone off it but good luck to those going with it. 500% EO ARS def se is massive for you

  28. Miguel Sanchez
    • 9 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Hypothetically what scores more:

    A) Gabriel (bre, wol)
    B) Haaland (ARS, CPA)

    1. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      5 months, 7 days ago

      B has a higher ceiling, A has a higher base

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        5 months, 7 days ago

        This

  29. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Would you do these moves regardless of gw31 blank? Will try and navigate it with FTs.

    Keane & LeFee —> Munoz & Sarr (2FTs)

    Verbruggen (Areola)
    Gabriel* Timber* Keane (VDB Andersen)
    Rice* Bruno Mbuemo Enzo (LeFee)
    Haaland* Thiago Kroupi
    (2FTs & 3.7itb)
    * = blank in gw31 (already have 4 and possible 5 if VDB is dropped)

  30. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 months, 7 days ago

    Anyone else thinking Haaland (c)?