Differentials are the key to climbing mini-leagues in Fantasy Premier League and even more so with some managers getting of to a stuttering start in 2025/26.
With template squads forming quickly, spotting the under-the-radar picks can give you a big advantage. Here are five FPL differentials for GW3 — all owned by less than 10% of managers.
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 2 success.
Newcastle’s £55m summer signing is still waiting for his first big FPL return (just 4 points so far), but last season’s numbers — 6 goals, 11 assists, and 13 big chances created — show exactly why the Magpies invested heavily in him.
With Alexander Isak’s situation unresolved, no new striker through the door, and Anthony Gordon suspended, Elanga could be Newcastle’s most dangerous attacking outlet over the next couple of fixtures.
Leeds (A) and Wolves (H) provide favourable opportunities, and his pace and direct running make him one of the most exciting FPL differentials for Gameweek 3 and 4.
According to the Predicted Points & Stats tool, he is projected to score 8.8 points in the next two Gameweeks — the third-highest among all midfielders.
Gibbs-White looks like the standout FPL differential for Gameweek 3, coming up against a West Ham side that have conceded 11 goals in their last three matches across league and cup.
The Forest talisman has already produced this season, registering an assist and 7 FPL points. Central to everything Forest create, his upcoming fixtures — West Ham, Burnley, and Sunderland in three of the next four — rank Forest top of the Fixture Planner, making him an excellent medium-term option.
The Arsenal clash in Gameweek 4 is less appealing, but if you have solid bench cover he’s a great pick. And given his output last season (7 goals, 11 assists), even a return against the Gunners isn’t out of the question.
With Bryan Mbeumo sold to Manchester United and Yoane Wissa pushing for a move to Newcastle, Thiago suddenly looks like Brentford’s main man up front — and he’s already on penalty duties, scoring from the spot against Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 1. He also found the net in Brentford’s 2-0 League Cup win over Bournemouth, a confidence boost after an injury-hit spell with the Bees since joining.
Who’s your cheeky under-10% owned punt to smash it in Gameweek 3? 👀 pic.twitter.com/BmvIxYyMnb
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At just 1.2% ownership, Thiago is the ultimate differential forward for FPL managers. An away fixture against newly promoted Sunderland in Gameweek 3 offers another strong chance to return, making him excellent value at £6.0m.
The main caveat is the transfer window — if Wissa leaves, Thiago’s minutes look secure, but a new forward signing could put his place at risk. For now, though, he’s a high-upside gamble worth considering.
Milenković heads into Gameweek 3 against a struggling West Ham side, giving Nottingham Forest strong clean sheet potential. According to the Predicted Points & Stats tool, Forest have the second-highest chance of a shutout this week.
Their fixtures remain appealing too, with three of the next four (aside from Arsenal in Gameweek 4) looking favourable for defensive returns. Even in tougher matches, Milenković offers upside through DEFCON points and his aerial threat from set pieces.
He’s also caught the eye of Elite XI manager Tarek Balbaa — a 10× Top 10k finisher — who has doubled up on the Forest defence ahead of this run. Balbaa has already made three transfers this week, all of which you can view on the Elite XI: Team Reveal tool.
At just under 10% ownership, Milenković is a smart FPL differential for managers looking to break away from the template while still targeting fixtures with strong clean sheet potential.
De Ligt may look like an ambitious — or even puzzling — FPL differential pick after Manchester United’s shock midweek defeat to Grimsby in the League Cup, but there is logic behind the recommendation.
The Dutch defender has already shown multiple routes to points: he’s taken three shots in the box (second only to Ballard among defenders), collected the maximum 3 bonus points against Fulham despite no clean sheet or attacking return, and recorded 21 defensive contributions — the 9th highest of all defenders. These underlying stats highlight his potential for both defensive and attacking points.
According to the Predicted Points & Stats tool, Manchester United have the highest clean sheet probability in Gameweek 3, making de Ligt a very intriguing low-owned option for FPL managers willing to take a calculated gamble.
If you’re chasing green arrows, these five FPL differentials for Gameweek 3 are worth considering.
Gibbs-White is the standout pick for form, Elanga has strong fixtures, and Thiago’s penalty duties make him excellent value. At the back, Milenković and de Ligt offer defensive routes with upside potential.
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