Discovering FPL Hidden Gems: Udogie, Paquetá, and D.D. Fofana

In the ever-competitive world of Fantasy Premier League (FPL), finding that perfect differential can be the key to climbing the ranks and outsmarting your rivals. With the majority of managers flocking towards using the Free Hit chip in Gameweek 29, it could be those who dare to venture off the beaten path that find FPL success. This week, we turn our attention to three players, each owned by less than 10% of FPL managers: Destiny Udogie, Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima (Paquetá), and David Datro Fofana. Let's delve into what makes these players potential game-changers for your FPL squad.

Destiny Udogie (Defender)

• FPL Cost: £4.9m
• Overall Ownership: 8.9%
• Top 100k Ownership: 9.2%
• Predicted Points for Next Gameweek: 3.0
• Next Fixture: Fulham (A)

Udogie has been a consistent performer for Spurs this season, featuring in 23 matches (1,948 minutes) and amassing a total of 72 FPL points. With 2 goals and 3 assists to his name, as well as having a hand in 5 clean sheets, he's shown he can contribute both defensively and offensively. The defender's team, Spurs, has a clean sheet projection of 20% (joint 2nd highest for the Gameweek) in their upcoming fixture against Fulham. The Italian defender averages 12.87 successful final 1/3 passes per game, more than any other Spurs' defender. Udogie's recent form, characterised by forays forward, makes him an intriguing differential pick. His ability to balance defensive duties with attacking contributions could be vital in Spurs' pursuit of a clean sheet and his FPL potential in the upcoming Gameweek.

Udogie's heatmap (left) and touchmap (right) - taken from the Opta Player Heatmaps tool - demonstrates the advanced positions the Spurs' defender gets into.

Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima (Paquetá) (Midfielder)

• FPL Cost: £6.0m
• Overall Ownership: 1.6%
• Top 100k Ownership: 0.0%
• Predicted Points for Next Gameweek: 3.7
• Next Fixture: Aston Villa (H)

Paquetá has been a creative force for West Ham, playing in 21 matches (1,765 minutes) and scoring a total of 73 FPL points this season. With 3 goals and 5 assists, he's demonstrated his ability to influence games. The Brazilian midfielder has created the joint most Big Chances (9) with Ward-Prowse for West Ham this season, however, has done so in 570 less minutes. He was on penalty duties for West Ham when the last one was awarded and he was fit, but his team mate Ward-Prowse has taken the last two successfully in his absence. His recent form has been a mix of creativity and determination, scoring a goal against Burnley and achieving one Big Chance Created, making him a potential game-changer for managers looking for a midfielder who can provide both goals and assists. Paquetá's upcoming home fixture against Aston Villa presents a promising opportunity for him to add to his tally.

Per 90 minutes, Paquetá has created the most Big Chances (0.46) of West Ham midfielders this season. As shown in the Opta Stats Sandbox tool.

David Datro Fofana (Forward)

• FPL Cost: £5.0m
• Overall Ownership: 0.3%
• Top 100k Ownership: 0.0%
• Predicted Points for Next Gameweek: 3.9
• Next Fixture: Brentford (H)

It isn't often a Burnley player is recommended in FPL. But despite his limited games (7), Fofana has made a noticeable impact for Burnley, scoring 3 goals from an xG of 2.35 and providing 1 assist. His ability to find himself in goal-scoring positions is further highlighted by his involvement in big chances, having 0.71 per 90 minutes. With 32 FPL points to his name - in just 506 minutes of Premier League football - Fofana's recent form, characterised by sharp movements and clinical finishing, makes him an enticing pick for the upcoming gameweek against Brentford. The Bees have conceded 13 goals in their last 5 games, and have conceded the fourth most in the league for the season. The Ivory coast international, with his low ownership and potential for goals, could make him a valuable differential for FPL managers looking to gain an edge.

The Burnley forward is projected to be the fourth highest scoring forward in Blank Gameweek 29, as shown in the Predicted Points & Stats tool. However, he is just 0.1 behind Morris, and with a significantly lower ownership, demonstrates the opportunity for his differential potential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Udogie, Paquetá, and D.D. Fofana offer FPL managers the chance to differentiate their squads with low-ownership options that have the potential to score big in the coming blank Gameweek. Whether it's through defensive solidity, midfield creativity, or attacking prowess, each player brings something unique to the table.