We've identified five exciting differentials for Gameweek 18, 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:
Let's explore these potential game-changers for your FPL team.
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Jarrod Bowen has been a standout performer for West Ham this season, despite the team's struggles. With 4 goals, 6 assists, and 81 FPL points, Bowen is an excellent differential pick for Gameweek 18.
His underlying stats back up his performances, boasting an expected goals (xG) of 4.29 and expected assists (xA) of 4.31, which suggests his output is sustainable.
The Match Centre feature highlights his talismanic role for the Hammers. Over the last five matches, Bowen has been joint top for goals with one, top for expected goals with 1.8, and top for shots on target with eight. He also leads in FPL assists, with two, and attempted assists, with nine. These numbers underline his influence and attacking potential.
With a favourable fixture against Southampton ahead, Bowen looks poised for another strong performance. At just 7.1% ownership, he provides a fantastic opportunity to gain ground on your mini-league rivals.
Arsenal’s midfield maestro, Martin Ødegaard, has flown under the radar this season, with ownership sitting at just 6%. Despite limited game time (820 minutes), he has showcased his quality, contributing 1 goal, 2 assists, and creating 5 big chances.
Ødegaard’s underlying stats highlight his potential, with an expected goals (xG) of 2.61 and expected assists (xA) of 2.55, suggesting he has been unfortunate not to deliver more returns. With Bukayo Saka sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Norwegian international is likely to take over penalty duties, increasing his appeal.
Arsenal’s upcoming fixture against Ipswich provides an excellent opportunity for Ødegaard to shine. His projected score of 5.6 points places him among the top midfielders for Gameweek 18, trailing only Salah (10.3) and Palmer (7.6), as highlighted by the Predicted Points & Stats tool. This makes Ødegaard a highly enticing differential pick.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min has gone somewhat unnoticed this season, with ownership at just 5.4%. Yet, his underlying stats tell a compelling story. He has delivered 5 goals, 6 assists, and created 11 big chances – a tally bettered only by Bukayo Saka (20) and Cole Palmer (12), both of whom have played significantly more minutes, as highlighted by the Opta Stats Sandbox.
Son’s expected goals (xG) of 3.98 and expected assists (xA) of 6.22 underscore his consistent attacking threat. With a home fixture against Nottingham Forest up next, followed by an enticing clash with Wolves in Gameweek 19, Son has the potential to be the differential that sets your team apart.
Liverpool’s Alisson Becker is a premium defensive option with excellent differential potential, owned by just 5.9% of managers. Despite playing only 8 games due to injury, he has already kept 4 clean sheets and conceded just 7 goals.
Liverpool’s defensive solidity is clear, with no team conceding fewer goals (16) or recording more clean sheets (7) this season.
With favourable fixtures ahead, including a home match against Leicester, Alisson is well-positioned for further returns. According to the Fixture Planner tool, Liverpool ranks second for defensive fixtures over the next six gameweeks, making Alisson a standout choice for those seeking a reliable goalkeeper.
Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz is a hidden gem, owned by just 2.6% of managers. Despite his low ownership, Muñoz has been a reliable performer, amassing 51 points this season.
With 2 goals and 2 assists, Muñoz brings attacking potential from defence. His expected goals (xG) of 2.58 indicate his goal-scoring is no fluke.
According to his Opta shot map, he has taken 16 shots in the box – a tally bettered only by Gvardiol (19) among defenders.
Palace’s upcoming fixture against Bournemouth presents an excellent opportunity for Muñoz to deliver both attacking and defensive returns, making him a strong differential pick for Gameweek 18.
These five differentials offer a mix of attacking threat and defensive stability, all while being owned by less than 10% of FPL managers. By incorporating one or more of these players into your team, you could gain a significant advantage in Gameweek 18 and beyond.
Remember, in FPL, sometimes it's the under-the-radar picks that make the biggest difference. So, be bold, trust your instincts, and may your arrows be green!
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