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
    • 15 Years
    2 days, 11 hours ago

    #1

    1. Mom, Butters just gave me a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 days, 10 hours ago

      Schade!

    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 7 hours ago

      Tinchy Stryder?

  2. The Knights Template
    • 12 Years
    2 days, 11 hours ago

    Margot Brobbey!

    1. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 days, 10 hours ago

      That's daylight Brobbery!

      1. The Knights Template
        • 12 Years
        2 days, 10 hours ago

        If she won an Oscar she could be Oscar Brobb!

    2. Punned It
        2 days, 9 hours ago

        Brobbey 'ell.

      • MJF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

        Mr Brobbey.

    3. #1 Salah Hater
      • 1 Year
      2 days, 11 hours 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 days, 10 hours ago

        Obviously you start Chalobah

        1. #1 Salah Hater
          • 1 Year
          2 days, 10 hours 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 days, 10 hours ago

        In the Chalo the Chalalalobah

        1. #1 Salah Hater
          • 1 Year
          2 days, 9 hours ago

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

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

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

      1. Conners
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 9 hours ago

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

    5. Tibbs
      • 14 Years
      2 days, 10 hours 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 days, 10 hours 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 days, 10 hours ago

        Semenyo if must

      3. Toby Lerone
        • 10 Years
        2 days, 9 hours 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 days, 8 hours ago

        Watkins???

    6. claretparrot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 days, 10 hours 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 days, 9 hours ago

        Fruno looks good

      2. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 9 hours 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 days, 10 hours ago

      Anyone considering Ndiaye? Wait for pressers?

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 9 hours ago

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

    8. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 days, 10 hours 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 days, 7 hours ago

        Hold.

    9. Letsgo!
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 10 hours ago

      Foden to schade or ndiaye or wirtz?
      Already got garner

      1. _Greg
        • 15 Years
        2 days, 9 hours ago

        Wirtz

      2. Conners
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 9 hours ago

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

    10. BlzE_94
      • 11 Years
      2 days, 10 hours 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 days, 9 hours ago

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

    11. BusbySwede
      • 8 Years
      2 days, 9 hours 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
        • 15 Years
        2 days, 9 hours ago

        Last change saloon

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 days, 9 hours ago

          *chance

    12. Heavy Cream
      • 10 Years
      2 days, 9 hours 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 days, 9 hours ago

        Like it. Who you capping?

        1. Heavy Cream
          • 10 Years
          2 days, 9 hours ago

          Thank you. Who do you suggest? Currently on Thiago

      2. Conners
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 9 hours ago

        Why no Arsenal defence out of interest?

        1. Heavy Cream
          • 10 Years
          2 days, 9 hours ago

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

    13. Bobby Crush
      • 11 Years
      2 days, 9 hours ago

      Rogers is like Watkins, a bit of a troll.

    14. Sho-kun
      • 8 Years
      2 days, 9 hours 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 days, 9 hours 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 days, 9 hours 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
        • 15 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

        I'd play Anderson over DCL.

      2. Jet5605
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 8 hours 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 days, 8 hours ago

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

        1. Count of Monte Hristo
          • 12 Years
          2 days, 8 hours 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 days, 8 hours 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 days, 8 hours ago

        I'd leave them benched

    16. gunnersxgooners
      • 1 Year
      2 days, 9 hours ago

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

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

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

      2. MJF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

        Doubt it.

    17. Jstap94
      • 2 Years
      2 days, 8 hours 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 days, 8 hours ago

        you can hold them this gw imo

      2. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

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

      3. Jet5605
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

        Hold this week

    18. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      2 days, 8 hours ago

      0.1 short of doing B.Guimares to Semenyo.

      B.Guimares to Rice?

      1. The FPL Units
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

        Yes

      2. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        2 days, 8 hours 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 days, 8 hours ago

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

    20. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 days, 8 hours 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 days, 8 hours ago

        Schade a very nice differential

      2. JBG
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

        You really think Bauldiola will say anything useful?

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 days, 8 hours 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 days, 8 hours ago

            Ah fair

      3. Jet5605
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

        Like him for one week but not long term.

      4. Miguel Sanchez
        • 9 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

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

    21. Jet5605
      • 11 Years
      2 days, 8 hours 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
      • 15 Years
      2 days, 8 hours ago

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

      1. MJF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 days, 8 hours ago

        I think it must've been a hallucination.

      2. I have no Wirtz
          2 days, 8 hours ago

          That’s Nvidia

        • I have no Wirtz
            2 days, 7 hours ago

            *Ndiaye

        • The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          2 days, 8 hours ago

          Bench Garner or O'Reilly?

        • Steve McCroskey
          • 12 Years
          2 days, 8 hours 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
            • 11 Years
            2 days, 8 hours 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 days, 7 hours ago

              Palace away is not an easy fixture though

              1. Pompel
                • 11 Years
                2 days, 7 hours ago

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

                1. Crystal Alice
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 6 Years
                  2 days, 7 hours ago

                  don't forget Munoz is back

          2. Crystal Alice
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 days, 8 hours ago

            easy switch to Guehi

        • Friday's Press Conference Times
          Skonto Rigga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 8 Years
          2 days, 8 hours 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 days, 7 hours ago

            Update from the Beeb:

            12.30pm - Iraola (BOU)

        • PogChamp
          • 14 Years
          2 days, 8 hours 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 days, 6 hours 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 days, 8 hours 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 days, 8 hours 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 days, 8 hours ago

          What’re folk’s thoughts on Foden starting?

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • 9 Years
            2 days, 7 hours ago

            60/40 he starts I think

        • Gudjohnsen
          • 9 Years
          2 days, 8 hours ago

          Does Cherki start this gw?

          1. Miguel Sanchez
            • 9 Years
            2 days, 7 hours ago

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