Spot the Differential
2 May 2025 327 comments
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Gameweek 35 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is on the way, which allows us to have a look at some more differential options.

This time, we’ve selected low-owned picks at Leicester City, West Ham United and Everton, who we think have the potential to make an impact.

To qualify, the player should have an ownership of 5% or less.

JAMIE VARDY

  • FPL ownership: 4.6%
  • Price: £5.3m
  • GW35-38 fixtures: SOU | nfo | IPS | bou

Leicester City entertain Southampton on Saturday and we’re backing Jamie Vardy (£5.3m) to enjoy a fruitful afternoon at the King Power Stadium.

It’s the Saints defensive numbers, even under Simon Rusk, that offer real encouragement that the veteran forward can return to form.

Southampton have conceded six goals in three matches since the departure of Ivan Juric. They also rank among the worst three sides for minutes per expected goal conceded (xGC) in that same period, with 45.8.

Although Vardy has failed to register any attacking returns since Leicester’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in January, his underlying stats at the King Power Stadium suggest points are on the way.

The 38-year-old, who will bid farewell to the Foxes this summer, has racked up nine shots in the box, including three big chances, in his last four home matches.

That’s despite facing Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Brentford.

Above: Jamie Vardy’s shot map in his last four home matches

As you can see, two of those efforts were headers from decent central positions in the the box, a potentially significant factor, with Southampton bottom for headed shots conceded under Rusk.

Vardy has endured a frustrating campaign, tallying just seven goals and four assists, which is why his ownership stands at just 4.6% overall.

But with another favourable match against Ipswich Town to come, which will be Vardy’s final home game for Leicester, he looks to have the platform to flourish as a differential during the run-in, suggesting he might just be worth a roll of the dice.

“Performances like Liverpool and Brighton show the intensity, aggressiveness and willingness to play. The extra motivation is to give the best farewell to Jamie Vardy. He deserves that and the players will show that on Saturday.” – Ruud van Nistelrooy

MOHAMMED KUDUS

­­­FPL Gameweek 14 differentials: Kudus, Gomez + Delap

  • FPL ownership: 2.4%
  • Price: £6.2m
  • GW35-38 fixtures: TOT | mun | NFO | ips

Following an impressive performance at the Amex Stadium last time out, Mohammed Kudus (£6.2m) presents an intriguing differential option.

The Ghanaian found the net against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, and over the last three Gameweeks, has racked up more shots than any other West Ham United player (eight).

No other Hammers asset has registered more penalty box touches than his 18, either.

Available at just £6.2m, Kudus looks kindly-priced ahead of a favourable home match-up against Tottenham Hotspur, who will likely rotate with one eye on Thursday’s huge UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have failed to win seven of their last eight Premier League matches regardless, with the underlying stats in 2025 highlighting their defensive struggles.

Indeed, Spurs have conceded 24.79 xG and 44 big chances since the turn of the year, the most of any top-flight club except relegated trio Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

That could play into the hands of Kudus, who is likely to be deployed down West Ham’s left.

Graham Potter’s side also face Manchester United – crucially just three days after the Red Devils own UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg – Nottingham Forest and Ipswich in the final three Gameweeks, all of whom rank among the worst six sides for xG conceded per 90 in 2025.

So Kudus, who is owned by just 2.4% of FPL managers, could be worth a gamble to take advantage of that kind upcoming schedule.

JARRAD BRANTHWAITE

  • FPL ownership: 1.9%
  • Price: £4.8m
  • GW35-38 fixtures: IPS | ful | SOU | new

It’s partly the set-piece threat of Jarrad Branthwaite (£4.8m) that has seen us plump for the Everton man as our final choice.

The centre-back may have failed to score this season, but he has racked up six headed attempts since Boxing Day, a decent tally for a defender, so could finally find the net when the Toffees host Ipswich Town in Gameweek 35.  

That’s because Kieran McKenna’s side have conceded six goals from corners in their last six matches, easily the most in the division:

They are also bottom for set play shots and set play xG conceded over that same period, with 39 and 3.6 respectively, further highlighting their issues.

Given that Ipswich have failed to score in each of their last two matches, Saturday looks to present David Moyes’ side with a decent opportunity to claim a clean sheet, too.

The Toffees also face a favourable home match against Southampton in Gameweek 37, so as a cheap-ish option with plenty of upside, Branthwaite looks to tick quite a few boxes.



327 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. WVA
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Would you change anything here?

    Raya
    Gvardiol Munoz Konsa
    Salah(C) Mbeumo(VC) Sarr Rogers
    Isak Marmoush Mateta
    Sels Saka Dias Saliba

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Your captain... GL 🙂

      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Any reason?

        1. Ajax Hamsterdam
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 8 days ago

          Pool might rotate a lot and Chelsea away not a great fixture. Imo .

          1. WVA
            • 9 Years
            7 months, 8 days ago

            They won’t rotate Salah 😉 Chelsea are still rubbish!

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

              The rest of the team Slot said he would Quansah, C Jones, , Chiesa etc

    2. Admiral Benson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      I’d have Mbeumo, Isak or Marmoush before Mo (c)

      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Mbeumo maybe but Isak hasn’t scored away in a long time and Marmoush was a massive failure

    3. tobz102
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Very similar team to me except I have Wissa and Eze for Mbuemo and Mateta.

      Was contemplating Saka over Sarr, you happy to bench??

      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Any possibility Saka starts?

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

          yes i have put Arteta quote in full. page 3 i think

    4. Evasivo
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Saliba over Sarr/Mateta? I’m on Salah cap fwiw

      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Bournemouth score a lot more away so don’t fancy double Arsenal defence

  2. Ibralicious
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    What to do with this lot?

    A) Savinho/Sarr —> Mbeumo (FT)
    B) Mateta —> Wissa (FT)
    C) Good to go

    Cheers!

    Raya
    Gvardiol - Munoz - Konsa
    Salah - Bowen - Savinho - Rogers
    Isak - Marmoush - Mateta

    (Verbruggen) (Sarr - N. Williams - AWB) - 2 FT - 3.0 ITB

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      A

      1. Ibralicious
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Ta

    2. Admiral Benson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      A

      1. Ibralicious
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Cheers

  3. Tsumo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Play one:
    A. Saka
    B. Mateta

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      B. Don’t think saka starts

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

      B

    3. Admiral Benson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      B

  4. Philosopher's Stones
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    A: Saka + Rashford -> Mbeumo + Bowen -4 (bench Mateta, who becomes Wissa next GW)
    B: Saka + Mateta -> Mbeumo + Wissa -4 (bench Rashford who becomes Bowen next GW)

    1. Odikostar
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      A, spread the ridk

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

      A and same here but Benching Sarr playing Mateta

  5. Bad Kompany
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Is Dorgu likely to start next gw? Planning to bb then so if not might get in an Everton defender for him for this gw and next

    1. Odikostar
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Wouldn’t bank on it

    2. Admiral Benson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      I think Harry Amass starts

  6. Who Ate All Depays?
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Bench any 1?
    A) Semenyo
    B) Bruno
    C) Murphy

    1) Milenkovic
    2) Livra

  7. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Is marmoush 100% starting tonight. Am reluctant to use my transfer until there is a possible leak...

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      High chance he starts but add some % for Pep roulette

  8. Ibralicious
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    At thus stage of the game, who would you transfer out (not have for rest of season):

    A) Savinho
    B) Sarr

    Cheers!

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      B . A plays Southampton next (If he starts...)

      1. Ibralicious
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Cheers

  9. Bobkat
    • 3 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Really can’t decide which two to play, any help much appreciated
    A)Konsa
    B)Ruben
    C)Munoz
    D)Saliba

  10. shredder
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Afternoon, need a cheap mid to complete my wildcard.
    What we reckon
    1. Enzo
    2. Dango
    3. Doucoure
    4. Stick with Rogers and Collins

    Cheap mid is to enable Collins to Milenkovic
    Cheers

    1. Under my Cucurella
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      4

      1. shredder
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Cheers, I've actually gone for Tielmans to be different

    2. Bobkat
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      4

      1. shredder
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Cheers

  11. Under my Cucurella
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Do we think Isak is a good captain option this week? I'm on him currently with the Brighton defence being so leaky lately. However I'm reading that they have a lot of injured defenders returning to fitness so they could improve. Also read more today about Isak's bad record against Brighton and his recent struggles and away form.

    Would appreciate hearing any other thoughts on this. Team below

    Raya Areola
    Gvardiol Munoz Livra Kiwior Kona
    Salah Saka KDB Sarr Rogers
    Isak Mateta Marmoush

    1. shredder
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Isak is a great choice

  12. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Wish it was last week, was so fun picking the FH team 🙂 boring move this week...

    1. Bobkat
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Agreed, proper benching headaches this week

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      COuld you have a look at my BB teams the mate, spice it up a it, lol.

      I dont know what week to WC (Its basically defender rotations) but BB36 means no Saka or Salah

  13. Ronnies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Crazy to play Martinez home to Fulham ahead of Raya?
    I normally would not ask but Arsenal will rotate and Bournemouth are a decent side.
    Cheers.

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Not at all crazy gl

    2. El Copo
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      That’s what I’m doing. Spread the risk.

      1. Ronnies
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 months, 8 days ago

        Raya is my only Arsenal defender mate, would you still play Martinez ahead of him?!

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

          yes

        2. El Copo
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 8 days ago

          No, I'm benching Raya because I'm playing Saliba.

  14. Danstoke82
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Hi all

    Last minute knee jerk…leading my cash ML by 2 points.

    Mateta > Watkins -4?

    Yay or Nay?

  15. cutch
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Bench one:

    A) Eze
    B) Mateta

    By the way, if both on the pitch, who is on pens?

    1. Glasner Ball
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      lol - toss a coin 🙂

    2. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      probably Metata still on Pens

  16. Silecro
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Good to go or anything worth a hit?
    (Not chasing anything)

    Raya
    Gvardiol, Konsa, Mitchell
    Salah(c), Mbeumo, Murphy, Bowen, Rogers
    Isak, Marmoush

    Verbruggen, Mateta, Saliba, Neco
    0ft, 3.0itb

  17. dshv
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Play Areola over Raya ??

    1. Renegade3
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

  18. TochanMama
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Choose one please

    A) Play Saka
    B) Play Wood
    C) Sell Saka (Any suggestions for replacement?)

    Salah - Bowen - Mbuemo - Murphy - Saka
    Wood - Isak - Wissa

    1. Bobkat
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      B

  19. Fat Frank
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Any news on Haaland?

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

      Will be back before end of season, maybe for FA Cup probably wont make this GW.

      If he is on the bench, we will know a bit better I guess, or he could plop him there anyway

  20. Tripleh123
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    1FT. Looking to bring in a midfielder for Diaz. How likely is Trossard likely to start and haul? Other midfielders are Salah, Mbuemo,Bowen,Barnes.

    A) Diaz > Rogers( safe pick)
    B) Diaz > Trossard (Differential)

  21. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    West Ham pip Forest on the latest clean sheet odds

    Minority interest in Sels or Areola to start

    https://x.com/robtFPL/status/1918325448263778705?t=Gm3LQ5ss3YFVUgGNJVVhLg&s=19

  22. garbage1
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    My season has been, well, garbage…my only hope of any glory is the cup of my mini work league. I have one chip to play this week, triple captain. Two FT.

    Thoughts on:
    A) saka to mbeumo
    B) Enzo to trossard
    C) Triple c marmoush

    Pope
    Gvardiol burn lacroix
    Sarr Salah Saka malen
    Isak mateta marmoush (c)

    Raya, Enzo, malenkovic, kerkez

  23. Bonus magnet
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Any leaks, licks or leeks?

    1. WVA
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Ice cream

  24. Crunchie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Which WC look best BB36/ 37 or 38

    Will save 3 FT's for GW 38

    BB36
    Pickford (SELS)
    Munoz Gvardiol O'BRIEN (WILLIAMS Milenković)
    kdb EZE Ansensio Mbuemo Bowen
    Watkins Marmoush Wissa

    BB37
    Pickford (SANCHEZ)
    Munoz Gvardiol O'BRIEN (CUCU Milenković)
    kdb SAKA Ansensio Mbuemo Bowen
    Watkins Marmoush Wissa

    BB38
    Pickford (RAYA)
    Munoz Gvardiol KIWIOR (KERKEZ Milenković))
    kdb SAKA Ansensio Mbuemo Bowen
    Watkins Marmoush Wissa

    Munoz Pickford would become KEPA and Huijsen

  25. Pepe
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Watkins or Isak this week and forward?

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

      Watkins

  26. 50pipsDaily
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Play Mateta or Bruno F.?

    1. Tripleh123
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Mateta

    2. Glasner Ball
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 8 days ago

      Mateta

  27. Tripleh123
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Bench one:

    A. Rogers
    B. Barnes
    C.Cunha

  28. Pepe
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Gvardiol/Timber/Kiwior/Munoz - bench one and would you change someone, im on WC.

  29. Jet5605
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    What to do with Mateta? Have 2FT

    A - Keep
    B - Get Wissa
    C - Get Watkins

  30. swanseag55
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 8 days ago

    Is it worth playing the AM chip on Glasner if it will cost me 4 points next week to get Pep in? Do we think Palace will win?