Do the best post-World Cup FPL differentials have longevity?

The blitz of Gameweeks 17 to 19 is about to die down for FA Cup weekend. It’s time to pick out the best FPL differentials names of recent times.

For managers, it’s just as important to have lesser-owned gems as it is to stick with the crowd for the most popular assets.

Therefore, these are the outstanding topical players with under five per cent ownership.

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)

Considering he only started two Seagulls league games before the World Cup, there was hype surrounding this Japanese midfielder upon his return. Since then, he has begun all three and is already on a trio of goals from the most recent four.

Can it continue?

He could be a bargain at £4.9m, as Brighton enter a strong run of fixtures from Gameweek 21.

Evan Ferguson (Brighton)

18-year-old team-mate Ferguson is a cheap £4.5m FPL forward and has two goals and one assist from the recent 107 minutes of football.

Can it continue?

Danny Welbeck is out with a minor issue but hasn’t netted all season. Roberto De Zerbi seems to have faith in Ferguson and it might now be his place to lose.

Emiliano Buendia (Aston Villa)

Seven consecutive starts for the attacking midfielder, scoring the opener in a 2-0 win at Spurs.

Can it continue?

He’s struggled since arriving from Norwich but regular game time makes him one of the more intriguing FPL differentials at £5.7m.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

After failing to deliver an attacking return between Gameweeks 4 and 12, Watkins is back in the points at £7.1m.

Can it continue?

He’s a great alternative option up front, considering Leeds (H), Southampton (a) and Leicester (H) are up next.

Sven Botman (Newcastle)

An incredible seven clean sheets from the Magpies’ last nine league matches has made Botman a bargain at £4.4m. Most active managers have already got Kieran Trippier, so Botman is a cheaper way than Nick Pope to get a second defensive name.

Can it continue?

Something great is happening on Tyneside right now and their upcoming fixtures are good. It certainly can continue.

Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal)

Trusted by Mikel Arteta to ably cover Gabriel Jesus’ injury, Nketiah has scored twice since the restart. Playing up front for the league leaders at just £6.5m, there is at least one Double Gameweek on the horizon alongside tasty fixtures.

Can it continue?

Yes, totally. Competition in the FPL midfield is intense, so Nketiah is a good way to cover Arsenal.

Tim Ream (Fulham)

Perhaps not a serious FPL differentials suggestion but the centre-back has a goal, two clean sheets and 25 points over these last three matches.

Can it continue?

It would be a huge surprise. The 35-year-old has only scored five times over 469 career club appearances.

Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

He’s a cheaper route into a strong run of Brentford fixtures, although is usually overshadowed by Ivan Toney’s talismanic status and penalty duties. In the latter’s absence against Liverpool, this potential £5.8m bargain both scored and assisted.

Can it continue?

He offers good value and has started every league match this campaign.

Demarai Gray (Everton)

After the ten goal involvements of last season, Gray was again handed an initial price of £5.5m. This is now down to £5.3m, with goals in the latest two outings.

Can it continue?

Hard to say, should Everton decide to part ways with Frank Lampard. Fixtures aren’t too encouraging either.

Che Adams (Southampton)

Based purely on upcoming opponents, where the Saints will next face Everton (a), Aston Villa (H), Brentford (a) and Wolves (H).

Can it continue?

On four goals so far, Adams is very much a differential option but the £6.3m price could offer short-term value.