Are you tired of blending in with the crowd in your Fantasy Premier League (FPL) squad? It's time to think outside the box and discover some hidden gems for Gameweek 12! With the international break wrapping up, we're back with an early edition of our 'Spot the Differential' series, where we uncover low-owned players who could make a big impact.
But here's where it gets interesting... We've identified three players with ownership levels of 5.0% or less, who might just be the secret weapons you need to climb the rankings. Before we dive in, check out our related reads for more FPL insights: Jump on, jump off: Best FPL fixture runs for all 20 teams and Which FPL players and teams top the xG tables?.
Matheus Cunha might not be the first name that comes to mind when considering Manchester United coverage, especially with Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo dominating the conversation. However, at just 4.4% ownership and priced at £7.9m, Cunha offers a unique alternative. While his recent form may not be stellar, his goal against Brighton and Hove Albion in his last home game is a promising sign, especially with Everton visiting Old Trafford in Gameweek 12. And this is the part most people miss... Cunha's underlying stats reveal that he's been heavily involved in creating chances, ranking second among his teammates for chance involvement over the last six Gameweeks. With Everton struggling defensively, particularly away from home, Cunha's creativity could be a game-changer.
Controversial take alert: While many managers are focusing on more popular picks, could Cunha's low ownership and favorable fixtures make him a smarter choice? His upcoming matches against West Ham, Wolves, and Bournemouth further sweeten the deal, especially considering Mbeumo's impending absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations. For more tips, read How to get the most out of the FPL Gameweek 16 transfer top-up.
Next up is Kevin Schade, Brentford’s unsung hero with a mere 0.8% ownership. At £7.0m, Schade has been quietly racking up points, with three goals and two assists in just 11 Gameweeks. His recent form is particularly impressive, having contributed to three attacking returns in the last four Gameweeks. But here's the kicker... Schade’s ability to generate chances, especially from headed shots, could be a goldmine against teams like Burnley, who have conceded the second-most headed attempts this season. His upcoming fixtures, including Brighton and Leeds United, further bolster his case as a mid-price midfielder worth considering.
Finally, let’s talk about Ibrahima Konate, a defender with only 2.7% ownership. While Liverpool’s recent defensive record leaves much to be desired, their upcoming fixtures present a golden opportunity for clean sheets. Konate’s defensive stats, including clearances, blocks, and tackles, are among the best in his team. Here’s the controversial question: Could Konate be the budget defender who turns things around for Liverpool and your FPL squad? With opponents like Nottingham Forest and West Ham, who struggle with set-piece defense, Konate’s headed attempts could prove crucial. Despite Liverpool’s shaky start, his low ownership makes him a high-reward differential pick.
What do you think? Are these low-owned players worth the gamble, or will you stick with the crowd favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
