FPL Gameweek 5 Differentials: Under-the-Radar Picks to Boost Your Rank

As Gameweek 5 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) approaches, many managers are seeking one-week punts ahead of their Wildcard in Gameweek 6, which is shaping up to be an optimal time for the strategy.

In this article, we spotlight three intriguing differentials that could give you the upper hand over your rivals: Lucas Digne, Jarrod Bowen, and Jamie Vardy. Let’s explore their potential and how they could deliver big returns.

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Lucas Digne: Aston Villa's Defensive Asset

• Position: Defender
• Cost: £4.6m
• Fixture: Wolves (H)
• Projected Points: 4.1

Lucas Digne has been quietly impressive for Aston Villa this season. With a home fixture against Wolves, Digne presents an enticing option for FPL managers. So far this season, Digne has showcased his attacking potential, providing 2 FPL assists and creating 4 big chances. His expected assists (xA) of 1.72 is particularly eye-catching, suggesting there's more to come from the French full-back.

Only Tielemans (7) and Rogers (6) have attempted more assists than the French defender (5), as shown in the Opta Heatmaps tool. No Aston Villa player has attempted more crosses (20) or delivered more successful ones (7).

Villa's defensive solidity will be crucial against Wolves, and Digne's ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch makes him a tempting differential. With a selection percentage of just 7.1%, he could be the secret weapon your team needs.

Jarrod Bowen: West Ham's Midfield Maestro

• Position: Midfielder
• Cost: £7.5m
• Fixture: Chelsea (H)
• Projected Points: 4.7

Jarrod Bowen has been in fine form for West Ham, and a home fixture against Chelsea could be the perfect stage for him to shine. Bowen has already notched up 1 goal and 2 FPL assists this season, accumulating 20 points in the process. His expected goals (xG) of 0.51 and expected assists (xA) of 1.12 suggest he's been consistently threatening.

The English international has registered the most shots on target (3), provided the most FPL assists (2), and attempted the most assists (10) among all West Ham players in their last five games, as highlighted in the Match Centre feature.

With a selection percentage of just 6.1%, he offers a genuine differential opportunity for bold managers.

Jamie Vardy: Leicester's Evergreen Striker

• Position: Forward
• Cost: £5.7m
• Fixture: Everton (H)
• Projected Points: 4.0

With a home fixture against Everton, Vardy could be the perfect differential for managers looking to take a calculated risk.

FPL managers will be hoping Vardy and Calvert-Lewin can continue their past form, as both are popular one-week punts.

Vardy has already scored 2 goals this season, earning 19 points in just 330 minutes of play. With an expected goals (xG) of 0.74, he’s still getting into dangerous positions, though overperforming. However, against an Everton side struggling defensively, he could be primed for a big haul.

The Leicester talisman is currently the fourth most transferred-in player, with over 200k managers bringing him in. He's become a popular replacement for Muniz, who lost his starting spot last Gameweek, João Pedro, who is flagged with an injury, Isak, who went off at halftime with an eye injury last weekend, and Wissa, who is ruled out until November, as highlighted in the Transfer Analytics tool.

With a selection percentage of 8.8%, Vardy is the most popular of our differentials, but still offers significant potential for rank improvement.

Conclusion: Calculated Risks for Potential Rewards

While these players may not be on every manager's radar, their potential for significant returns makes them exciting differentials for Gameweek 5, especially for those planning to use their Wildcard in Gameweek 6. Digne's attacking threat from defence, Bowen's consistent involvement in West Ham's attack, and Vardy's proven goal-scoring ability all provide unique opportunities for FPL success.

Remember, the key to climbing the ranks often lies in these calculated risks. By incorporating one or more of these differentials into your squad, you could set yourself apart from the crowd and make significant gains in your mini-leagues and overall rank.

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