Gameweek 1 is nearly here, and Fantasy Premier League managers are finalising their squads.
Finding low-ownership players with high upside—FPL differentials—can be the key to climbing the early mini-league tables. So, we’ve identified five standout picks currently owned by under 10% of managers that could deliver the edge you need.
Our strategy balances attacking potential with defensive coverage:
⚽ 3 attackers – midfielders or forwards with goal threat
🛡️ 2 defensive players – defenders or goalkeepers with clean sheet upside
This ensures coverage across the pitch while prioritising attacking points, essential for Gameweek 1 success.
A high-value midfielder with attacking returns and elite defensive contributions (DEFCON) under the new scoring system.
Anderson is a hidden gem at £5.5m. Top managers recognise his value—over 30% of Elite XI: Team Reveal squads feature him—but general ownership remains under 7%.
Last season, he racked up 107 FPL points in 2,747 minutes, as shown in the Opta Heatmaps feature, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists, proving he isn’t solely reliant on DEFCON for points.
The new DEFCON scoring system, however, significantly boosts midfielders like Anderson who contribute defensively. His 368 defensive actions ranked among the league’s top midfielders in 2024/25.
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford – ideal for Anderson to make a statement.
He's an experienced striker coming off the most successful Premier League season of his career.
Welbeck produced 125 FPL points last season, scoring 10 goals and providing 5 assists as shown in the Opta Comparison. Another Brighton player flying under the radar is his teammate Mitoma, who is in just 6.8% of teams and was covered in yesterday's Top 5 Key Players article.
Both scored and assisted the same last season, but Welbeck should have penalty duties, giving him an edge.
It all depends on your team setup and whether you are looking for a differential midfielder or forward to slot in for Gameweek 1.
Tactical note: Brighton may rotate forwards, with Rutter playing there in preseason, but unless team news emerges, Welbeck is expected to lead the line.
He's a Premier League-proven forward with potential to shine under new manager Thomas Frank.
Solanke scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists for Spurs last season, totalling 108 FPL points, which was likely below his expectations compared to previous seasons.
He has had limited pre-season minutes and only came off the bench for Spurs' 2-2 draw against PSG in the Super Cup. Hopefully, Thomas Frank will provide more clarity on his availability for the very tempting fixture against Burnley in Gameweek 1.
One manager who currently has him in his team is James Cooper, who has seven top 10k finishes to his name.
His midfield includes a player with less than 1% ownership, and he has opted for Liverpool's new signing Ekitiké up front, with the Isak transfer still unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. You can check out his full team on the Elite XI: Team Reveal tool now.
He has elite clean sheet potential with Forest's opening fixtures, offers a bonus-point threat, and will benefit significantly under DEFCON scoring.
Murillo is surprisingly underowned despite his quality and features in over 50% of Elite XI: Team Reveal managers’ squads. Last season, he produced 130 FPL points, including 12 clean sheets and 2 goals, along with 365 defensive contributions—the most of any defender.
He isn’t just a strong pick for Gameweek 1; he also ranks top for predicted points in the Predicted Points & Stats tool for defenders over the first six gameweeks. That his ownership is only 5.8% is a mystery.
Low-ownership wing-back with upside in both attack and defense, perfect for adventurous FPL managers.
Spurs played with three centre-backs and two wing-backs against PSG—Pedro Porro and Spence. If they continue with this formation in the Premier League, Spence could become the ultimate differential. However, against a less challenging Burnley side, they could revert to a back four.
He only played 1,790 minutes in 2024/25 but scored a goal and provided two assists in that time.
Spence is the ultimate budget differential. At £4.5m, he offers flexibility while delivering both attacking potential and defensive points.
These five picks offer a mix of low-risk and high-reward profiles:
✅ Safer picks: Anderson & Murillo – proven FPL performers
⚡ Experience & finishing: Welbeck – clinical striker with good fixture
🎲 High-risk, high-reward: Solanke & Spence – tactical punts needing confirmed starts
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