Best XI of differential picks in FPL 2024/25
As the Premier League begins within a week from now, differential picks in FPL are a must have for any team. These are the risky picks, the one that make or break. Any option that is owned by a lesser number of the managers in the game is seen as a differential.
Here at Sportsdunia today, we have highlighted some differential options that are owned by less than 5% of the managers at the time of writing. These could help you gain a decent head-start in your league if they work out in your favour.
Goalkeeper
Bart Verbruggen
At the moment of writing, only 2.5% players have chosen Bart Verbruggen. He is quite cheap at £4.5m too. It is important to caveat this by stating that he is injured for the next few weeks. But, overall the Dutchman represents great value. Brighton have a new manager and defensive improvements are to be expected. Even then, expect Verbruggen to notch up a lot of save points.
Defenders
Ian Maatsen
Although he is a little expensive at £5.0m, Ian Maatsen feels like he’ll be worth it. He is definitely going to start for Aston Villa, which is why they paid the big bucks for him. We have seen Unai Emery’s left backs be it Lucas Digne or Alex Moreno do well in attacking terms. He has an ownership of 4.9%. Expect a big season from the former Chelsea man, who went to the Champions League final with Dortmund last season.
Leif Davis
One of the most interesting options for this year’s FPL, Leif Davis is a £4.5m defender. He had 20 goal contributions for Ipswich Town in the Championship and has had this form for a few seasons now. He’s basically on all of the club’s corners and freekicks. He’s probably the standout defensive option from the promoted sides. That being said, there are two issues. Firstly, Galatasaray are said to be interested. Secondly, Ipswich’s first two fixtures are Liverpool and Manchester City. His ownership is 2.7%.
Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento has emerged as a potential FPL gem at £4.5m. The young defender’s attacking flair and energy have caught the eye since his breakthrough at Southampton. With Kieran Trippier’s form showing signs of decline, Livramento’s opportunities could increase. His versatility to play on either flank adds further appeal, making him a tempting budget option for managers seeking defensive returns and potential attacking contributions. He is owned by only 1.9% of managers.
Milos Kerkez
Bournemouth’s flying left-back Milos Kerkez is also an interesting option. He is available for £4.5m and owned by a mere 0.6% of the people. The young left-back’s attacking prowess is evident, with his overlapping runs and crosses posing a constant threat. Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, show signs of improvement, creating more attacking opportunities. While consistency is key, Kerkez’s potential for attacking returns, combined with Bournemouth’s upward trajectory, makes him a tempting differential pick for managers seeking high-reward, high-risk options.
Midfielders
Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai is a promising FPL asset at the price point of £6.5m and ownership of 2.5%. The Hungarian midfielder possesses excellent technique and creativity, capable of producing moments of magic. His set-piece ability is an added bonus. Under new manager Arne Slot, who favors an attacking style, Szoboszlai could be given more freedom to roam forward. While his first season in England wasn’t spectacular, his talent and Liverpool’s attacking potential make him a tempting differential pick.
Daichi Kamada
Daichi Kamada is a new entrant in the league, coming in at £5.5m and with 0.6% ownership. With a proven goalscoring record across different leagues, he has a high chance of attacking returns at Crystal Palace. Under manager Oliver Glasner, who also managed him at Frankfurt, Kamada could thrive. His potential link-up play with creative midfielder Eberechi Eze and striker Jean Mateya is particularly exciting. While the could take some time to fit in, Kamada’s goal threat and Palace’s attacking potential make him a tempting differential pick for managers seeking midfield returns.
Koaru Mitoma
Koaru Mitoma has somehow been selected by only 1.8% people, with his price point being at £6.5m. The winger was a popular FPL pick the last two season due to his consistent attacking returns. However, his absence due to an injury setback, leading to him being overlooked by many managers. Mitoma has bounced back strongly with an impressive pre-season, showcasing his dribbling ability and goal-scoring threat. Brighton’s attacking style looks like it’s going to continue under new manager Fabian Hurzeler and Mitoma could be a big beneficiary.
Leon Bailey
Leon Bailey finished last season strongly, showcasing his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. His partnership with Ollie Watkins has the potential to be devastating for opposition defenses. Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, have been brilliant and Bailey has fitted in really well. While injuries are a concern, if fit Bailey’s potential for the price of £6.5 is really high. He is somehow owned by just 4.6% managers.
Forwards
Nicholas Jackson
Nicholas Jackson is an exciting FPL prospect too. He enjoyed a promising debut season for Chelsea, giving a good account of his abilities. His partnership with Cole Palmer has been exciting to watch. The return of Christopher Nkunku from injury and Chelsea’s new signings add further attacking firepower to the Chelsea squad. With bolstering the team, Jackson could benefit from increased creativity and goal-scoring opportunities. He can be signed for £7.5m and is owned by just 2.9% of the managers.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a focal point of Everton’s attack, possessing a strong aerial presence and clinical finishing ability. When fit, he has proven to be a reliable FPL asset, delivering consistent returns. However, his injury record is a significant concern, which is why only 1.5% owners have him in their side. Everton’s attacking potential is heavily reliant on his availability. For £6.0, he could be really good differential pick.