There are few better feelings in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) than when an under-the-radar differential pick hauls for you.
To enhance your enjoyment of the game, we have selected three assets with low ownership that can help propel you up the FPL rankings.
Michael Keane: The Differential Defcon Dangerman
Ownership in FPL: 0.9% Price: £4.5m Position: Defender
Not even 1% of FPL managers own Everton centre back Michael Keane. Until now, this may have been for good reason, given the impending return of Jarrad Branthwaite from injury. This week, however, Branthwaite has suffered a setback in his recovery and had surgery.
With his starts now no longer a doubt, Keane emerges as one of the better £4.5m defender picks in the game.
Keane has been averaging almost exactly 10 defensive contributions (defcon) per 90 so far this season. This is only 1.5 behind his partner Tarkowski, who is priced at £5.5m.
The healthy floor of defcon should come with more clean sheets as well as Everton embark on a healthy fixture run up to gameweek 15.
Combined with the defensive possibilities, Keane also possesses a strong goal threat. He has scored once already and has recorded 8 shots so far this campaign.
His next opponents, Spurs, have already conceded 35 shots from set pieces this season. This is the 6th worst in the league and presents Keane with an opportunity to instantly repay any trust placed in him as a differential.
Due to the increase this season in defensive contributions across the league, a lot of managers are shifting to four or five defender set-ups. A £4.5m gem such as Keane becomes a great enabler for anyone looking at this structure.
Matheus Cunha: The Forgotten Hidden Gem
Ownership in FPL: 3.7% Price: £7.9m Position: Midfielder
Think back to the beginning of gameweek 3. Manchester United hosted Burnley, and Cunha was in over 1.6 million FPL teams. Fast forward 30 minutes into the match, and he was off injured.
FPL is a fickle game, and this represents a chance to own Cunha for an incredible run when only 3.7% of other managers have him in. Other than Spurs in gameweek 11, Man United do not then face another top 6 team until gameweek 21.
He has posted an impressive 3.46 shots per 90 so far this season, albeit in a smaller sample size than most. This is enough to put him third in the league. He has also put up around 4 shot-creating actions per 90.
Despite these great numbers, he is yet to score or assist this season. This is something he will certainly be looking to put right in this next run of fixtures.
Another positive for Cunha is Man United’s impressive attacking data. Despite having played City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal already, they sit 4th in the league for non-penalty expected goals.
Man United also have the benefit of not being in Europe this season. Not only will they be fresher than many of their opponents, but they also have more time to prepare and plan for each match.
In comparison to last season, Cunha also benefits from being listed as a midfielder. The added points for a goal and clean sheets are welcome, especially when coupled with the fact that he has played some minutes as Man United’s striker.
Coming in cheaper than Fernandes and now Mbeumo as well, this could be a great time to refamiliarize yourself with a differential named Matheus Cunha.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: The Budget-Friendly Forward Punt
Ownership in FPL: 1.7% Price: 5.5m Position: Forward
For those in the market for a budget forward with low ownership, look no further than a shot-hungry Calvert-Lewin this week.
He is currently taking around 2.6 shots per 90, which puts him 8th among the forward options.
He is also 10th among forwards for expected goal involvement per 90 so far this season.
Leeds themselves have been much more impressive going forward than some promoted sides of recent years. They sit around mid-table for expected goals and should be considered very unlucky not to have scored a couple in their loss to Burnley last gameweek.
It has been well documented how many late goals we are seeing this season in the Premier League. This makes it even more encouraging to see Calvert-Lewin put in four 90-minute performances in a row since getting up to speed with Leeds.
In terms of his next opponents, West Ham find themselves sitting third bottom in the league for expected goals conceded this season. Visits to Brighton and Nottingham Forest, followed by Aston Villa at home, make this a nice window for you to take advantage of the low ownership.
Many forwards have struggled to deliver so far this season. Dropping down in price to someone under the radar like Calvert Lewin, can help you climb the ranks while helping your budget at the same time.
FPL Gameweek 9 Differentials: Final Thoughts
Choosing the right differentials can significantly boost your rank. These three options each offer something unique while maintaining ownerships of under 5%.
Michael Keane £4.5m has secured the starting spot, providing a healthy floor of almost 10 defensive contributions per 90 and a serious goal threat. 0.9% Ownership.
Matheus Cunha £7.9m may have gone under the radar after his injury, but he offers 3.46 shots per 90 in one of the league’s better attacks so far this season. 3.7% Ownership.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin £5.5m is a budget-friendly gem ranking 10th among forwards for expected goal involvements per 90. 1.7% Ownership.
Whether you choose the comfort of the template or take a punt on a differential, we hope you enjoy a healthy green arrow in FPL this weekend.
