FPL differential XI: Gameweek 4

Will from Fantasy Football 92 is back with his FPL differential XI for Gameweek 4. Differentials are players who are owned by under 10% of FPL managers.

We’ve all seen the “template XI” and will, no doubt, have figured out which elite assets we’re going to jump on this season.

Whether you’re on the Salah train or the Haaland bus (or both), you’re going to be needing some handy differentials in your side to ensure you’re always one step ahead of your mini-league rivals and can climb up those world rankings!

In this weekly series, we explore those low ownership options that could be the hidden gems to help you to creap up that table. Here are the options we like the look of for Gameweek 4.

ILLAN MESLIER (£4.5m) 2.3% TSB

Illan Meslier kept his first clean sheet of the season as Leeds United tore Chelsea apart in Gameweek 3. He watched on from afar in relative comfort as his opposite number toiled in the Elland Road sun. Leeds are at the start of a friendly run of fixtures. Although Brighton represent another tough test, a clean sheet is highly possible if the defence continues its early season form. 

TYRELL MALACIA (£4.4m) 1.9% TSB

New left back Tyrell Malacia was the best of a very bad bunch for United two weeks ago at Brentford. Fast forward a week and Malacia was rewarded with a start against Mo Salah at Old Trafford. The Dutch full-back has all but made the left back position his after a solid display. He has a share of corner duties and is expected to get forward and join the attack. Therefore in easier fixtures this could ensure Malacia is a bargain at his current price of £4.4m. 

JOE GOMEZ (£4.5m) 0.4% TSB

In contrast, Joe Gomez’s Old Trafford experience on Monday was pretty horrendous. He was pulled around from pillar to post by United’s mobile front three. He will still be in the lineup that welcomes Bournemouth to Anfield in what SHOULD be a much quieter afternoon.

Joel Matip and Ibou Konate set to be out for a few more weeks. This means that the centre back position will belong to Gomez for the short term at least. This makes him a very cheap way into that Liverpool defence. 

EMERSON ROYAL (£5.0m) 3.6% TSB

Against all the odds, it appears Emerson Royal is Tottenham’s first choice right wing-back. Matt Doherty was the pre-season favourite for the spot. However, the Brazilian has silenced his doubters with a series of solid displays.

More attacking returns are surely to come following his two assists on the opening day vs Southampton. This week’s fixture against Nottingham Forest represents a very good chance of a decent haul. 

MARCUS RASHFORD (£6.3m) 4.8% TSB

Is Marcus Rashford back (again)? United’s return to form coincided with Rashford’s first goal since January. His driving forward runs were a large part of his side’s success against their arch rivals on Monday. You get the feeling that it may only take one goal to kickstart a run for the struggling England star. With Southampton next up you wouldn’t bet against him making it two in two. 

BERNARDO SILVA(£6.8m) 4.8% TSB

Who knows where Bernardo Silva’s future lies?

The Barcelona links have seen the Portuguese star warming the City bench in recent weeks. However, his inclusion in the starting XI against Newcastle United at the weekend saw a goal and an assist. Pep Guardiola is desperate for Bernardo to stay and it’s easy to see why. A start in Gameweek 4 against Crystal Palace is surely nailed on after such a commanding performance last week. This is providing he is still at the club, of course.

BRENDEN AARONSON (£5.5m) 1.3% TSB

Brenden Aaronson helped himself (literally) to his first Premier League goal last week against Chelsea. He will be hoping for more of the same against Brighton in Gameweek 4. Granted, he won’t ever get another goal gift wrapped like he did thanks to Edouard Mendy. But the American is central to everything this new look Leeds side does and may be the £5.5m option we have all been missing!

DEMARAI GRAY (£5.5m) 1.0% TSB

Demarai Gray opened his account for the season against Nottingham Forest at the weeken. Despite a predictably stale start for his Everton side he has looked very lively so far. A trip to Brentford this week represents a tough task but if Everton are to spring a surprise it’s likely that Gray will be a big part of it. 

MIGUEL ALMIRON (£5.0m) 1.4% TSB

It will have surprised many to see Miguel Almiron get on to the scoresheet against Manchester City last Sunday. But his stats suggest otherwise. He’s already managed five shots in the box over the first three weeks. Therefore there could be many more goals to come ahead of a decent run of fixtures. He’s also had 19 touches in the penalty box so far, the same as Rodrigo from Leeds. I told you the stats back him up!

DANNY WELBECK (£6.5m) 1.6% TSB

Danny Welbeck’s hot form continues and he remains criminally underowned at just 1.6%. The £6.5m pricepoint is putting many off but with good fixtures to come and a constant involvement in Brighton’s forward play, Welbeck could be the value forward pick that frees up funds for a premium midfielder or two. 

ANTHONY MARTIAL (£6.9m) 0.8% TSB

Rounding off our FPL differential XI this week is returning United forward Anthony Martial. The Frenchman made an instant impact coming off the bench at half time against Liverpool and all signs suggest that he will be Erik Ten Hag’s chosen man to lead the line this season rather than Cristiano Ronaldo. If the controversial decision is made, Martial should be an absolute bargain at £6.9m.