GW20: Differential Focus

If you are the sort of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) manager who enjoys going against the grain – or takes satisfaction from finding hidden gems before the crowd – then lowly selected players (differentials) can often provide value and offer a source of points which won’t be shared by many other managers. As long as the player picks are justifiable, differentials can give you an edge over your mini-league rivals.

In this article we look ahead to Gameweek 20 and find players from each position who are currently selected by less than 10% of managers, but could reward their owners in the upcoming gameweeks.

Caveats: This article was written on 6th January, with the Fulham vs Chelsea fixture still to play and prior to the domestic cup competitions, which will have an impact on the immediate schedule. Hence these recommendations have been made with a limited view of upcoming double and blank Gameweeks.

GK: David Raya

• Cost: £4.5m
• Selected by: 7.2%
• Next Fixture: BOU (h)

Brentford is ranked 5th (amongst teams with no double Gameweeks) for defensive difficulty - click here for Fixture Planner

As it stands, the confirmed teams with double Gameweek fixtures face difficult opposition, which lessens the appeal of any goalkeeper who is playing twice in a Gameweek. In any case, with limited transfers available, managers will probably not be looking to change their goalkeeper regardless.

If you are looking for a new keeper, then David Raya (£4.5m) could be a smart differential option. At just £4.5m, Raya is a value pick and Brentford are about to embark on a good run of fixtures.

Brentford have looked sharp at both ends of the pitch and are ranked 7th best for Expected Clean Sheets (1.07) since the Gameweek 17 restart.