With the second Wildcard now available and with many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers looking to differentiate in the second half of the season, FPL Gameweek 22 presents a prime opportunity to target low-owned differentials with real upside.
Our strategy balances attacking potential with defensive coverage:
⚽ 3 attacking player – midfielders or forwards
🛡️ 2 defensive players – defenders or goalkeepers
This ensures coverage across the pitch while prioritising FPL points, essential for Gameweek success.
The 34-year-old Mexico international has been enjoying a quiet revival of late. Since Gameweek 15, Fulham have found momentum, winning four matches and drawing twice, with Jiménez central to that upturn in form.
Over that period, he has registered three goals and two assists, while also collecting three bonus points. That run equates to an impressive 4.7 FPL points per game, as shown in the Opta Heatmaps tool — bettered only by Harry Wilson (6.8) among Fulham players, who has been in sensational form recently.
Season-long numbers underline why his output appears sustainable. Across 20 appearances, Jiménez has attempted 43 shots, 35 of which have come from inside the box. His eight 'big chances' and expected goals (xG) total of 5.80 suggest he may even have underperformed slightly, having scored five goals so far this season. He has also contributed creatively, registering four FPL assists, while his all-round involvement has helped him accumulate five bonus points.
Looking ahead to fixtures against Leeds United (A), Brighton & Hove Albion (H), Manchester United (A) and Everton (H), Raúl is projected to score 15.9 points according to the Predicted Points & Stats tool — the fifth-highest total among forwards. Notably, he is the cheapest and lowest-owned player in that bracket.
The 26-year-old Netherlands international may be flying under the radar, but the numbers point to a player close to delivering again. Since returning from injury, Gakpo has completed back-to-back 90-minute appearances — a key indicator that his minutes are now relatively secure.
In terms of end product, he remains Liverpool’s second-highest goalscorer this season with five goals, as shown in the Opta Stats Sandbox, while also ranking second for assists with three.
His underlying metrics suggest a steady attacking profile rather than streaky output. Gakpo has accumulated 5.97 xG and been presented with seven 'big chances', while attempting 44 shots in total — 31 of which have come from inside the box — both the highest tallies among Liverpool players.
Creatively, his involvement is equally encouraging. With 4.48 expected assists (xA) and seven 'big chances' created, he has arguably been a little unfortunate to register just three assists so far.
Fixtures against Burnley — who have conceded the joint second-most goals (41) in the league — followed by Bournemouth, who have conceded the fourth most (40), provide a favourable platform. So much so, in fact, that the Predicted Points & Stats tool projects Liverpool top for goals across the next two Gameweeks.
At just 5.6% ownership, Gakpo offers upside without widespread exposure.
The 27-year-old Belgium international has quietly become one of Aston Villa’s most dependable FPL performers, particularly from a bonus point perspective.
Although he is yet to score this season, Tielemans has taken 15 shots, been presented with two 'big chances' and accumulated an xG figure of 1.37 — suggesting he has been somewhat unfortunate not to find the net.
✅ 3 assists & 3 bonus points in his last 6 GWs
— Fantasy Football Fix (@FantasyFootyFix) January 12, 2026
✅ Top for baseline BPS per game at Villa
✅ EVE (H) • NEW (A) • BRE (H)
✅ On set pieces
✅ Still just £5.9m
✅ And only 1.1% owned
Are you considering Tielemans as a budget-friendly differential? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/cinBJ9DVzb
Creatively, he has been more productive. Tielemans has registered four assists, three of which have come in the last six Gameweeks, underlining his growing influence in the final third.
What truly sets him apart, however, is his impact within the Bonus Points System (BPS). Tielemans leads all Aston Villa players for baseline BPS per game, driven by his involvement in build-up play, ball recoveries and chance creation. That consistency has translated into three bonus points across his last six appearances.
While any discussion around penalty duties remains speculative, added spot-kick responsibility would significantly enhance his FPL appeal. Even without it, he can be viewed as a reliable ‘set-and-forget’ option who steadily ticks over.
As shown in the Fixture Planner tool, Aston Villa rank fifth for attacking fixture difficulty over the next seven Gameweeks and do not face any team currently in the top four during that run.
At just 1.1% ownership, Tielemans is a classic differential for managers prioritising consistency and bonus-point potential.
At just £4.1m, the 29-year-old Paraguay international stands out as one of the best-value defenders ahead of Gameweek 22.
Sunderland rank top of the Fixture Planner for defensive fixture ease over the next three Gameweeks, facing Crystal Palace (H), West Ham United (A) and Burnley (H). The Predicted Points & Stats tool ranks them joint-second with Manchester City for projected clean sheets over this spell, underlining the appeal of their defence.
Alderete’s underlying defensive data shows why he offers more than just budget appeal. He has already recorded six clean sheets this season and is averaging 9.59 defensive contributions (DEFCON) per match — just shy of the 10-point threshold that rewards defenders with two additional FPL points. For context, that figure ranks tenth among defenders who have played 900 minutes or more this campaign.
That defensive workload also feeds into his bonus-point potential, with Alderete having already accumulated five bonus points.
While his attacking involvement remains limited, he has still managed 15 shots — largely from set-piece situations — posting a modest xG figure of 1.34 and returning one goal. He has also provided one assist, albeit somewhat fortunate given his low xA of 0.16.
For managers restructuring their defence or looking to free up funds elsewhere, Alderete offers a rare combination of favourable fixtures, secure minutes and tangible FPL output at a basement price. He also features in our AI-driven Wildcard draft for Gameweek 22.
Rotation risk is always part of the conversation when investing in Manchester City assets, but the 26-year-old Portugal international offers a different route into Pep Guardiola’s side.
While many City options rely primarily on attacking returns, Nunes delivers value through consistency and bonus-point accumulation. Across 19 appearances, he has recorded an exceptional baseline BPS total of 160, comfortably ahead of alternative City options in the same price bracket. This is reflected in tangible returns: Nunes has collected 11 bonus points, as shown in the Opta Stats Sandbox — more than any Manchester City player other than Erling Haaland and newly signed Semenyo.
From an attacking perspective, his output has been modest, with one goal and four assists. However, with Aït-Nouri back from AFCON and O’Reilly appearing more likely to be rotated, Nunes’ bonus-friendly profile gives him a reliable points floor at low ownership and positions him as a potential go-to Manchester City defender.
That said, keep an eye on Alleyne (£4.5m). Recently recalled from loan at Watford, he started against Brighton last Gameweek and picked up DEFCON points, before starting and scoring against Exeter in the FA Cup, as well as playing the full 90 minutes against Newcastle in the League Cup. If Manchester City do not sign a centre-back in the January transfer window, he could emerge as unbelievable value.
Targeting the right differential can define a season. These five FPL differentials for Gameweek 22 combine favourable fixtures, encouraging underlying data and genuinely low ownership.
Whether you’re chasing rank or looking to gain an edge with your second Wildcard, each offers a calculated route to upside in the second half of the 2025/26 season. If you are activating your Wildcard, don’t forget to check out our Gameweek 22 Perfect Wildcard Team blog for a data-driven blueprint.
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