Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 17: Top 5 Differentials

We've identified five exciting differentials for Gameweek 17, all currently owned by less than 10% of managers. These hidden gems could be the key to climbing up the ranks.

Before we dive in, here are the selection rules we followed:

• 3 attackers (midfielders or forwards)
• 2 defensive players (goalkeeper or defenders)
• All players have less than 10% ownership

Let's explore these potential game-changers for your FPL team.

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Alex Iwobi

• Position: Midfielder
• Cost: £5.7m
• Projected Points: 5.0

Alex Iwobi has been a standout performer for Fulham this season, delivering five goals and three assists. He’s Fulham’s top FPL points scorer with 78 points and boasts an impressive home average of 5.8 points per game as shown in the Opta Heatmaps tool.

With a favourable Gameweek 17 fixture against Southampton, Iwobi is well-placed to extend his tally. For FPL managers looking for a budget-friendly differential midfielder, he’s a top choice.

Raúl Jiménez

• Position: Forward
• Cost: £5.5m
• Projected Points: 4.0

Raúl Jiménez has shown flashes of his former brilliance, and while his ownership remains low, his knack for scoring crucial goals is undeniable.

With uncertainty surrounding Matheus Cunha’s availability this gameweek, the Mexican international could attract significant interest as a replacement.

According to the Transfer Analytics tool, Isak is the most popular choice to replace the Wolves forward, with 74.9% of managers opting for him. However, for those unable to afford Isak’s £8.7m price tag, Raúl has emerged as the next-best option, with 8.8% of managers selecting him.

A matchup against Southampton offers a prime opportunity to exploit a defence that has conceded an average of 2.25 goals per game and kept just one clean sheet all season.

Jamie Vardy

• Position: Forward
• Cost: £5.6m
• Projected Points: 4.5

Jamie Vardy continues to defy age, delivering six goals and three assists this season. His xG of 4.23, along with 10 big chances and 18 shots in the box (as shown in his Opta shot map), highlights his goal-scoring potential.

With a fixture against Wolves—who have conceded 40 goals, the most in the Premier League—Vardy has a prime opportunity to capitalise on defensive errors. His experience and poaching instincts make him an excellent choice for FPL managers aiming to outscore their rivals.

Lewis Hall

• Position: Defender
• Cost: £4.6m
• Projected Points: 3.7

We recommended Lewis Hall as a top differential in Gameweek 16, and he rewarded his owners with a massive 15-point haul. However, it’s not too late for potential new owners to jump on board.

Newcastle rank third for defensive difficulty in the Fixture Analyser tool over the next seven gameweeks. While there are some tough fixtures during this period, Hall’s budget-friendly price makes him easy to rotate with another low-cost defender.

With 3.7 projected points against Ipswich, this could still be an ideal time to invest in the Magpies defender. Hall’s ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch makes him a solid differential pick.

Malo Gusto

• Position: Defender
• Cost: £4.9m
• Projected Points: 3.5

Malo Gusto provides a fairly budget-friendly option in Chelsea’s defence. While he has managed just one assist so far, he leads all Chelsea defenders in xG (0.81), total shots (15), and attempted assists (9), as highlighted in his Opta map.

With 3.5 projected points against Everton, Gusto offers potential for clean sheet points. However, for FPL managers seeking a cheaper alternative, Levi Colwill is available at £4.6m—£0.3m less than Gusto—though he lacks Gusto’s modest attacking threat.

Conclusion: Differentials to Watch

These five players offer exciting differential options for Gameweek 17 and beyond. While they all come with some level of risk due to their low ownership, they also present opportunities to gain an edge over your FPL rivals.

Remember, successful FPL management often involves calculated risks. These differentials could be the key to unlocking your team's potential and climbing up the rankings. Consider their fixtures, form, and underlying statistics when making your decisions, and may your arrows be green

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