The Best GW1 Differentials For Your FPL Team
Gameweek one in Fantasy Premier League is a clean slate. Every player starts their FPL campaign on zero points – so bold picks can set you apart from the crowd right from the start.
While most managers flock to the same popular assets, the real edge often comes from spotting gems who can deliver big early returns. In this guide, we’ll highlight the five best GW1 differentials that could give your team a head start and leave your rivals playing catch-up!
What is an FPL Differential?
In Fantasy Premier League, a differential is a player with a low ownership percentage (under 10% of managers) who has the potential to score high points.
The idea is that, because so few people have them, any haul they get gives you a much bigger jump in rank compared to picking the highly owned “template” players.
They are your secret weapons, and we want to help you find them.
Ready? Let’s win you your mini league with some differential picks!
Igor Thiago – £6.0m
With Yoane Wissa set to miss the first game of the season after trying to leave Brentford this summer, Thiago’s xMins are high, being Brentford’s record signing and next striker in the pecking order. Brentford’s recruitment team knows what they are doing – they wouldn’t spend £30m on somebody just to flop, right?
Owned at just 0.9% – Thiago is the ULTIMATE differential. As a Wissa replacement for cheaper, the Brazilian is a no-brainer; let’s just hope Keith Andrews continues Thomas Frank’s good work!
READ MORE: Aston Villa vs Newcastle Preview – Premier League 2025-26 | Form, Injuries, Lineups & Prediction
El Hadji Malick Diouf – £4.5m
West Ham’s new left back had 10 G/A playing for Slavia Prague last season as an extremely advanced left wing-back. His disciplinary record is also good, picking up just 4 yellow cards over the course of last season. He will provide a great source down West Ham’s flank, whipping in crosses for German international Niclas Füllkrug and/or Callum Wilson.
The only downside is that Diouf is unlikely to offer consistent clean sheet points, as West Ham isn’t often solid defensively. At just £4.5m, Diouf is a steal if you want an assist threat!
Neco Williams – £5.0m
Nottingham Forest’s defence needs no justification – they are solid. And Neco Williams is great going forward – he picked up 109 points last season, with 4 G/A. His xMins will be high, unless Forest brings in a new right back (Leif Davis has been linked).
At 9.5% owned, he sneaks into our differentials list as an excellent option. The only worry is that he loses his place to a new signing!
Cody Gakpo – £7.5m
You’ve heard of picking Salah, Ekitike and Wirtz, but Liverpool’s only current natural left winger is being slept on completely! The Dutch star picked up 15 G/A in Liverpool’s team last season, despite only starting 23 games. With Liverpool’s loss of attacking reinforcements this summer, Gakpo looks nailed on to start more games. With Milos Kerkez bombing on, he could get so many more opportunities in the box in 2025/26.
Only 6.8% of FPL managers currently own Gakpo, but this could just rise if he has a good GW1. Invest in him early!
READ MORE: Week 2 Championship Predictions: Journalist Alan Nixon takes on Alex and Christian
Jørgen Strand Larsen – £6.5m
In the 2024/25 season, Strand Larsen faced competition from Matheus Cunha, yet still picked up 18 G/A in the Premier League – in just 30 starts. Now that this competition has gone, he will be free to lead the line at Wolverhampton Wanderers, with high xMins.
Don’t sleep on an amazing option – he is just 5.1% owned!
With not long until the FPL deadline, making those final picks is crucial.
How many of these players will you pick for your FPL side? Good luck!
About The Author
