Spot the Differential
23 December 2025 432 comments
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It’s time to look at some more differentials as Gameweek 18 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 Sunderland, Fulham and Newcastle United who we think could have an impact on not just the upcoming Gameweek but in the medium term, too.


ENZO LE FEE

  • FPL ownership: 0.8%
  • Price: £4.9m
  • GW18-22 fixtures: LEE | MCI | tot | bre | CRY

Enzo Le Fee (£4.9m) has emerged as a fresh budget midfield option after some fine recent displays.

The Frenchman offered real quality at the Amex Stadium in Gameweek 17.

He created five chances against Brighton and Hove Albion, the most of any player, and was very unlucky not to come away with an assist.

He went close with a header in the second-half, too.

A versatile player who can operate on either flank or centrally, Le Fee has created 12 chances over the last six Gameweeks, which is bettered by only nine other midfielders.

Above: FPL midfielders sorted by chances created (CC) over the last six Gameweeks

That creativity could consequently give Sunderland the edge against Leeds United on Sunday.

Daniel Farke’s men are unbeaten in four matches but have conceded 17 goals since the start of November, the third-most of any team.

Le Fee, meanwhile, has scored both of Sunderland’s penalties in 2025/26.

He also takes some corners/free-kicks and is averaging 8.8 defensive contributions (DefCon) per 90 minutes, highlighting his various routes to points.

So for those Fantasy managers who need to find a sub-£5.0m midfielder, Le Fee looks worthy of consideration.

One word of warning: one more booking in the next two Gameweeks and he’ll receive a one-match ban.


ANTONEE ROBINSON

  • FPL ownership: 0.6%
  • Price: £4.9m
  • GW18-22 fixtures: whu | cry | LIV | CHE | lee

After returning from injury in Gameweek 16, Antonee Robinson’s (£4.9m) Fantasy appeal is back on the rise.

The left-back has impressed in his last two matches, reaching the DefCon threshold in both instances, with 23 in total.

He also kept a clean sheet and created two chances against Nottingham Forest on Monday, as well as ranking first among teammates for crosses (four) and second for passes into the penalty box (two).

Robinson’s output in offensive areas of the pitch is undoubtedly the main attraction from a Fantasy perspective.

The US international claimed an assist against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup last week, delivering a pinpoint cross for Sasa Lukic (£4.9m) to head home, and supplied 10 assists in the Premier League last term, the most of any defender.

Robinson’s selection is also with one eye on Gameweek 18 opponents West Ham United being second-bottom for key passes conceded from their right flank since the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo.

His relationship with Kevin (£5.8m) down Fulham’s left side could potentially be key, then.

“A full-back like Robinson can help any winger at this level because the capacity for him to overlap and underlap the winger gives always the winger different type of solutions not just one-on-one moments, but a full-back that is always giving solutions going forward.” – Marco Silva

The quote below adds further optimism and suggests Robinson can be a decent differential option for the festive period, particularly with positional rival Ryan Sessegnon (£5.4m) injured.

After two, three months without playing, he can play 90 minutes against Burnley after three days playing 90 minutes against Newcastle because he’s a great athlete as we all recognise.” – Marco Silva on Antonee Robinson


ANTHONY GORDON

  • FPL ownership: 3.0%
  • Price: £7.3m
  • GW18-22 fixtures: mun | bur | CRY | LEE | wol

Two penalty goals and two assists in the last four Gameweeks mean Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) enters Gameweek 18 in decent form.

Despite the fierce competition for attacking spots at Newcastle United, Gordon has been a starter in each of the last three top-flight matches.

He’s played a key role, too, with five shots and four chances created.

“Chelsea was one of his best games this season. Finding that consistent level in every game, that’s what separates the best players from the others.” – Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon

Gordon’s minutes admittedly aren’t completely secure, with positional rival Harvey Barnes (£6.2m) the main threat. Even when he starts, substitutions around the 70-minute mark frequently occur.

However, Newcastle’s turnaround times over Christmas/New Year are favourable, boosting Gordon’s appeal.

Eddie Howe’s side travel to Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

The Red Devils are without a clean sheet since Gameweek 7 and looked particularly vulnerable down their right flank on Sunday, with Leny Yoro (£4.3m) poor.

Part of only 3.0% of squads, Gordon can also deliver value over the next five Gameweeks, with further favourable encounters against Burnley, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It means three of Gordon’s next five opponents are all ranked in the bottom six for StatsBomb expected goals conceded (xGC) per 90 minutes this season, as below.


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  1. WATERMELONS
    • 8 Years
    17 hours, 2 mins ago

    Moves for Ekitike early.

    Have been determined not to take a hit just because Bruno is out, but with Richards now out I feel my hand might be forced.

    a) Richards < Keane (-4)
    b) Bruno < Cunha (-4)
    c) Play Van Hecke (vs ARS)

    1. HODGE
      • 11 Years
      16 hours, 59 mins ago

      B

    2. g40steve
      • 7 Years
      16 hours, 56 mins ago

      B, think Mount might be the one

      1. WATERMELONS
        • 8 Years
        16 hours, 54 mins ago

        Cheers guys. Do we really think Man U bang vs Newcastle?

        1. WATERMELONS
          • 8 Years
          16 hours, 54 mins ago

          Cuhna much higher ceiling but keane surely has a floor of 4pts vs Burnley.

  2. g40steve
    • 7 Years
    16 hours, 58 mins ago

    Play Dubravka instead of Petrovic?

    Bruno to Rogers, Wirtz or Cunha?

    Is a keeper transfer a waste?

    Petrovic
    Timber O’Reilly Chalobah
    Foden HWilson Semenyo Rice
    C Haaland Ekitike DCL

    Dubravka Guehi Senesi #Fernandes

    3.1

  3. TAnderson
      16 hours, 55 mins ago

      Wat is the status of the injury of Chris Richards? https://www.knocksandbans.com/3912-chris-richards

    • adstomko
      • 9 Years
      16 hours, 54 mins ago

      Choose one:

      A) Ballard
      B) Keane

      1. Pep's Money Laundry
        • 10 Years
        16 hours, 49 mins ago

        B

      2. Punned It
          16 hours, 47 mins ago

          Both.

        • Stranger Mings
          • 5 Years
          16 hours, 10 mins ago

          B

      3. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        16 hours, 53 mins ago

        All set to finally play the damn bench boost chip, and now I got Esteve, Wilson and Van Vecker flagged

      4. Flynny
        • 10 Years
        16 hours, 52 mins ago

        Just a cut for richards

        https://x.com/i/status/2003599151259615665

      5. BigKeith
        • 5 Years
        16 hours, 52 mins ago

        Would you go with head or heart?

        Head) Bruno and Richards to Cunha and Tarkowski

        Heart) Thiago, Bruno, Richards to Ekitike, Cunha, Gudmundsson (-4)

        1. Tony Moon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          13 hours, 55 mins ago

          I'd go Head, but with Keane, given that Tarkowski is on 4 YCs

      6. 1justlookin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        16 hours, 45 mins ago

        Mateta to Ekiteke?

        Next 2 games -

        Mateta - TOT, FUL
        Ekitike - WOL, LEE

        1. Kingy109
          • 4 Years
          16 hours, 22 mins ago

          Ekitike has better fixtures and is likely to get 45 to 60 minutes more across those 2 games than Mateta

          1. 1justlookin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            16 hours, 16 mins ago

            I hear ya but aren't Palace short on players so Mateta might play 90?!

        2. Stranger Mings
          • 5 Years
          16 hours, 12 mins ago

          Defo

      7. BlzE_94
        • 11 Years
        16 hours, 44 mins ago

        Would you start Alderete over any of the defenders? Team gtg?

        Raya
        Chalobah O’Reilly Guehi
        Saka Foden Cunha Gordon Rogers
        Haaland Ekitike

        Dubravka Alderete Guiu De Cuyper

        1. 1justlookin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          16 hours, 41 mins ago

          Alderete over Chalobah for me but not much in it

      8. 1justlookin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        16 hours, 43 mins ago

        Is Bruno Fernandes actually confirmed to be missing the NEW game on Friday?

        1. Sheffield Wednesday
          • 5 Years
          16 hours, 32 mins ago

          Until we get a pre-match presser there's this

          "I think it's soft tissue, so it's going to be a while," Amorim told reporters. "We'll see. We have to cope. We will find solutions."

          1. tutankamun
            • 16 Years
            16 hours, 29 mins ago

            Press conference tomorrow

        2. Tonyawesome69
          • 7 Years
          16 hours, 22 mins ago

          Fernandes was asked whether he would be fit for the Boxing Day clash against Newcastle, to which he replied: “No”.

          https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/27470265

      9. Winnerr
        • 2 Years
        16 hours, 31 mins ago

        Best option?

        A) Lewis-potter and Casemiro

        or

        B) Konate and Wharton

        1. Kingy109
          • 4 Years
          16 hours, 17 mins ago

          I'm not a fan of either really. Nelson back so Lewis Potter minutes at risk. Konate has 2 good games but is on 4 yellows.
          The 2 mids are a bit uninspiring.

          For that money I'd go Virgil and Potts/Miley.

      10. Jstap94
        • 2 Years
        16 hours, 20 mins ago

        Thoughts on this WC team, with view to BB in 19.

        Raya,
        Keane, Lewis-Potter, Konate
        Wirtz, Cunha, Gordon Foden
        Ekiteke, Thiago, Haaland

        Verbruggen, Wharton, Thiaw, Dorgu

        This will give a likely BB in 19 of: Verbruggen (WHA), Keane (NFO), Dorgu (WOL), Wharton (FUL).

        Any thoughts and advice appreciated.

        1. BR510
            15 hours, 53 mins ago

            Very good

          • Royal5
            • 14 Years
            15 hours, 45 mins ago

            Wirtz

          • Jebiga
            • 13 Years
            15 hours, 30 mins ago

            Very nice

        2. BR510
            15 hours, 53 mins ago

            Rogers or Gordon for the next couple? Cunha can become the other in 21 if necessary

            1. hawkeyes
              • 11 Years
              15 hours, 52 mins ago

              Gordon

            2. Kingy109
              • 4 Years
              15 hours, 46 mins ago

              Gordon has the fixtures earlier whereas Rogers has Chelsea away and Arsenal away. Are you worried about Gordon's minutes?

              1. BR510
                  15 hours, 45 mins ago

                  Im a bit worried about minutes tbh. If I go for rogers I will only buy after Chelsea and arsenal anyway

                  1. Kingy109
                    • 4 Years
                    15 hours, 1 min ago

                    I'd roll and assess Rogers in a few weeks then. If he avoids yellow Bruno G should have better minutes than Gordon, but lower threat too

            3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 15 Years
              15 hours, 46 mins ago

              if I make my transfers now and decide to play free hit, will my point hit be removed?

              If someone has wc and free hit in what order are they playing it?

              1. Tony Moon
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                13 hours, 54 mins ago

                Yes to the first Q

            4. Jebiga
              • 13 Years
              15 hours, 32 mins ago

              Is de cuyper decent pick after arsenal game?

              1. BR510
                  15 hours, 29 mins ago

                  Yes. Is he on 4 yellows or is that Wieffer?

                • Kingy109
                  • 4 Years
                  15 hours ago

                  He's not guaranteed minutes - Mitoma is back right?

              2. OffsidePenalty
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                15 hours, 30 mins ago

                FH19 and plan to bring in Cunha.
                Need to get rid of Bruno

                A) Bruno to Wirtz
                B) Bruno to Cunha this round

                1. Freshy
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 15 Years
                  15 hours, 17 mins ago

                  B

              3. tuturututu
                • 4 Years
                15 hours, 12 mins ago

                FH team

                Alisson
                Timber, VVD, Hincapie
                Foden, Cherki, Saka, Semenyo, Wilson
                Haaland, Ekitike(c)

                Should I go with Senesi and Rice over Timber and Wilson?

                1. BR510
                    15 hours ago

                    Why semenyo over wirtz

                  • Kingy109
                    • 4 Years
                    14 hours, 52 mins ago

                    Everton defence worth considering
                    Calafiori is a more exciting pick than Hincapie
                    Frimpong or Wirtz even more exciting (depending on risk appetite) - and non FH players less likely to have
                    Brentford good at home, Bournemouth not great away I'd not bother with Senesi or Semenyo on FH.

                2. Lucas8406
                  • 6 Years
                  14 hours, 58 mins ago

                  Rogers to Cunha for free? FH19 so gains focused on this gameweek

                  1. Tony Moon
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 16 Years
                    13 hours, 52 mins ago

                    Take out one of the most in form players? Nope.

                3. SpaceCadet
                  • 12 Years
                  14 hours, 58 mins ago

                  No fts left and still have Bruno, Hincapie, konate and diouf in the team. Just praying hincapie and konate are fit to play.

                4. nanxun
                  • 4 Years
                  14 hours, 57 mins ago

                  Chris Richards reportedly will miss Sun. 12/28 match with TOT, but Glasner is "hopeful" that he'll be available when they host FUL on New Year's Day.

                  https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-injury-update-chris-richards-glasner-b1263825.html

                  So, should I hold Richards for the future, or replace him (instead of Andersen) with Keane?

                  ----------------------------------------------------------------

                  Bringing in Keane, but for whom?
                  A) Richards, who'd start only start GW19 (home FUL) and GW21 (away AVL)
                  B) Andersen, who'd only start GW21 (away CHE)

                  Looking only at fixtures, no-brainer = keep Richards and do Andersen > Keane.

                  On the other hand, will CRY be totally gassed due to extra mid-week fixture?
                  Tue 12/23 (8 pm tonight; 2 day rest since GW18) at ARS
                  Sun 12/28 (4:30 pm; 4 days) home TOT--RICHARDS OUT DUE TO INJURY
                  Thu 1/1 (5:30 pm; 3 days) home FUL
                  Sun 1/4 (3:00 pm; 2 days) away NEW
                  Wed 1/7 (7:30 pm; 2 days) away AVL

                  Andersen has:
                  Sat 12/27 (3:00 pm; 4 days since GW18) away WHU
                  Thu 1/1 (5:30 pm; 4 days) at CRY
                  Sun 1/4 (3:00 pm; 2 days) away LIV
                  Wed 1/7 (7:30 pm; 2 days) home CHE

                  Any thoughts?

                  I'm leaning towards keeping Andersen.

                  TIA

                  1. BR510
                      14 hours, 52 mins ago

                      Im keeping for now

                    • Kingy109
                      • 4 Years
                      14 hours, 50 mins ago

                      Keep and play Andersen vs West Ham this week and roll transfer to see what next week brings?

                      1. nanxun
                        • 4 Years
                        14 hours, 45 mins ago

                        That makes perfect sense, but BUR v EVE fixture this week is making me want to bring in Keane.

                    • nanxun
                      • 4 Years
                      14 hours, 47 mins ago

                      Looking farther ahead, if MCI make it to the EFL (Carabao) Cup final, then CRY may have a double in GW27.

                      So, maybe I should hold on to Richards (instead of Andersen), since I only need him (Richards) for GW19 and GW21 in the short term?

                  2. Bradleyfarrell
                    • 3 Years
                    14 hours, 35 mins ago

                    Trying to afford ekitike this week and cunha next week. Do or don’t.

                    Areola
                    Andersen - chalobah - van den berg
                    Palmer - saka - cherki - semenyo -
                    Woltemade - Ekitike - Haaland

                    (Petrovic, reinildo, Gudmundsson, Kin)

                    Gw18-Thiago & foden & Petrovic> Ekitike & Cherki & Areola
                    Gw19- Semenyo > Cunha

                    1. BR510
                        14 hours, 28 mins ago

                        yes nice

                    2. BR510
                        14 hours, 31 mins ago

                        Would you just roll these 3FT? Or any other suggestions?

                        Dub
                        Timber Andersen Thiaw
                        Saka Foden Rice Cunha
                        Haaland Ekitike Thiago

                        Verb Rodon Richards KDH

                        0.0ITB Thanks all!