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Gameweek 8: Top 5 FPL Differentials

Fantasy Football Fix 16 Oct. 2024

FPL Gameweek 8: Top 5 Differentials to Boost Your FPL Team

As Gameweek 8 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) approaches, many managers are preparing for potential headaches, with flagged players often emerging after international breaks. But for those looking to gain an edge in their mini-leagues, selecting the right low-owned players can be a game-changer.

In this article, we'll highlight five exciting differentials, each owned by less than 10% of FPL managers, who could help turn your team's fortunes around this week.

Selection Rules

Before we dive into our top picks, let's review the selection criteria:

  • 3 attackers (midfielders or forwards)
  • 2 defensive players (goalkeeper or defenders)
  • All players are currently under 10% ownership

Now, let's examine our chosen differentials for Gameweek 8.


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Brennan Johnson - Spurs' Suprise Star

  • Position: Midfielder
  • Cost: £6.6m
  • Projected Points: 4.4

Brennan Johnson has been catching FPL managers' attention at Tottenham Hotspur this season. The young midfielder has already racked up 3 goals and 2 assists in just 517 minutes across 7 matches, earning 36 FPL points.

Remarkably, he's scored in 7 consecutive games for both club and country. His expected goals (xG) of 2.78 show his form is no accident, and with a projected 4.4 points for Gameweek 8, he’s poised to keep delivering.

Brennan Johnson shot map for the 2024/25 season

All 21 of Johnson’s shots this season have been inside the box, according to Opta Heatmaps. Only Haaland (31) and Havertz (22) have more in the Premier League.

Tottenham’s next match is at home against West Ham United, a fixture that could see Johnson stand out. With just 5.4% ownership, he’s a differential that could give your FPL team the edge.

James Maddison - Tottenham's Creative Maestro

  • Position: Midfielder
  • Cost: £7.5m
  • Projected Points: 4.4

James Maddison has been in outstanding form for Tottenham this season. With 2 goals, 3 assists, and 39 FPL points, he’s proving to be a great value at £7.5m. His expected assists (xA) of 1.89 and 3 big chances created highlight his creative flair.

Johnson and Maddison projected points in FPL Plus

Like Brennan Johnson, Maddison is projected to score 4.4 points in the upcoming match against West Ham. According to FPL Plus, both players are expected to perform well over the next four fixtures: West Ham (H), Crystal Palace (A), Aston Villa (H), and Ipswich (H).

While he’s more expensive than Johnson, his role on corners and free kicks makes him a tempting option for big returns. With just 5.3% ownership, Maddison offers strong differential potential.

Leandro Trossard - Arsenal's Versatile Attacker

  • Position: Midfielder
  • Cost: £6.9m
  • Projected Points: 3.9

Leandro Trossard is an exciting differential option in Arsenal’s potent attack, though there's a note of caution after he didn’t start the last game against Southampton. He came on in the 60th minute when Arsenal needed a winner, having started the previous four matches.

Despite limited game time (338 minutes over 7 games), Trossard has delivered 2 goals and 1 assist, earning 23 FPL points. His expected goals (xG) of 1.78 and expected assists (xA) of 1.08 show he's performing as expected.

Bournemouth versus Arsenal head to head stats

Arsenal’s upcoming fixture is against Bournemouth away, a team they’ve beaten in 4 of their last 5 visits to the Vitality Stadium as shown in the Match Centre feature. Trossard, with a projected 3.9 points and just 2.8% ownership, could be the differential that helps your team climb the ranks.

Leif Davis - Ipswich's Attacking Defender

  • Position: Defender
  • Cost: £4.5m
  • Projected Points: 3.3

Leif Davis of Ipswich Town is an intriguing budget defensive option. Despite Ipswich conceding 14 goals, Davis has still managed to accumulate 18 FPL points, including an assist and a clean sheet.

Defender creativity stats

No defender has created more big chances this season, as shown by Opta Stats Sandbox, and his expected assists (xA) of 1.48 highlight his attacking potential from defence.

With Ipswich facing Everton in Gameweek 8, Davis is projected to score 3.3 points. Owned by only 2.3% of managers, he could be a clever differential pick for your FPL team.

Ola Aina - Forest's Defensive Asset

  • Position: Defender
  • Cost: £4.5m
  • Projected Points: 3.8

Rounding off our list is Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, who has impressed with 24 FPL points, including 2 clean sheets. His expected assists (xA) of 0.73 and 2 big chances created suggest an attacking return could be on the horizon.

Forest defenders' stats comparison

For those considering a Forest defender, Milenković is another option. As shown in the Opta Heatmaps, Milenković has demonstrated more goal threat per 90 minutes, while Aina has posted stronger creative stats.

Forest face Crystal Palace in Gameweek 8, with Aina projected to score 3.8 points. At just 6% ownership, he’s another solid differential choice for FPL managers.

Conclusion

These five differentials offer exciting opportunities to boost your FPL team in Gameweek 8. From Tottenham's attacking duo of Johnson and Maddison to Arsenal's Trossard and the defensive potential of Davis and Aina, there's a range of options to consider.

Remember, in FPL, sometimes it's the less obvious choices that can make the biggest difference. Good luck, managers!


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