As the festive period fixtures are in full swing, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are gearing up for another exciting Gameweek. With the deadline approaching, it’s essential to consider the top differentials with low ownership percentages that can potentially give your team an edge. In this article, we’ll explore the best under-the-radar picks for Gameweek 19, analyzing their recent performance, upcoming fixtures, and potential for FPL returns.
Pascal Gross: The Creative Force
One player who has been consistently delivering for Brighton is Pascal Gross. Despite Brighton’s defensive struggles, Gross has been instrumental in their attacking play this season. The team has managed to score in 17 out of 18 league games, and Gross has been at the heart of their creativity.
Gross has created the highest number of chances in Gameweek 18, showcasing his ability to unlock opposition defenses. With five assists and one goal in his last six matches, Gross has been a reliable source of FPL points. His underlying statistics further support his impact, ranking first for chances created and second for expected assists among midfielders since Gameweek 13.
Brighton’s upcoming fixtures from Gameweek 19 to Gameweek 27 provide an excellent opportunity for Gross to continue his impressive form. Their opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, have struggled defensively, conceding the most big chances in the league since Gameweek 12. With Gross pulling the strings in midfield, he could be a valuable differential for FPL managers.
Neal Maupay: Brentford’s Goal Threat
Brentford’s Neal Maupay presents an enticing option for FPL managers looking for a budget-friendly differential. With a price tag of £4.9m and a low ownership percentage, Maupay offers excellent value for money. Furthermore, Brentford’s recent ten-day break during the busy festive period could minimize rotation, making Maupay a more reliable starter.
Maupay has started four of Brentford’s last seven matches, playing the full 90 minutes in each of those games. Notably, he tends to start against teams with a favorable fixture difficulty rating (FDR) of 2. This pattern is set to continue, as Brentford’s next three fixtures fall into this category.
The stats reflect Maupay’s goal threat, with his shots in the box and big chances ranking second among Brentford players since Gameweek 9. Additionally, their upcoming opponents, Wolves, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace, have all conceded goals to opposition strikers in the previous Gameweek. This trend bodes well for Maupay’s potential to find the back of the net.
Christopher Nkunku: Chelsea’s Rising Star
Christopher Nkunku’s return to full fitness has injected fresh energy into the Chelsea attack. After recovering from a pre-season injury, Nkunku made an impressive Premier League debut against Wolves, scoring a late goal. This performance caught the attention of manager Mauricio Pochettino, who praised Nkunku’s potential to be a key player for the team.
Nkunku’s attacking prowess was on full display in his debut match, with four shots, three shots on target, and one big chance created. These statistics highlight his ability to make an immediate impact, raising expectations for future performances. With Palmer and Sterling serving suspensions, Nkunku could be in line for his first Premier League start, further boosting his FPL potential.
While Chelsea’s upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace may pose a challenge, Nkunku’s inclusion in the starting lineup and his growing confidence could prove vital. As he continues to regain match fitness, FPL managers should keep a close eye on Nkunku as a potential differential pick.
Jack Grealish: A Central Role
Jack Grealish has been a standout performer for Manchester City in recent weeks. Playing in a slightly more central role, Grealish has found the back of the net three times in his last three Premier League games. Despite limited minutes, his underlying numbers indicate a strong attacking threat, with significant expected goal involvement and big chance involvements.
With injuries to Doku and Haaland, Grealish’s playing time should not be a concern for FPL managers in the upcoming weeks. Manchester City also has a favorable run of fixtures from Gameweek 19, with a potential double Gameweek announcement on the horizon. This further enhances Grealish’s appeal as a differential option.
Alfie Doughty: Luton Town’s Rising Star
Alfie Doughty has been a standout player for Luton Town this season, impressing with his performances. As one of the team’s key contributors, Doughty has registered 42 FPL points so far, making him second only to Morris among the Hatters.
Luton Town has demonstrated their potential against top teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal, and their recent victory against Newcastle showcased their ability to turn performances into results. Doughty played a crucial role in their win, providing the assist for the winning goal from a corner.
With three of Luton’s next six fixtures having a favorable FDR rating of 2, Doughty’s attacking contributions and set-piece involvement make him an intriguing differential option. For FPL managers seeking a low-cost player with the potential for attacking returns, Doughty could be the perfect fit.
Michael Olise: Palace’s Rising Star
Michael Olise’s return from injury has injected creativity and goal threat into the Crystal Palace team. Since Gameweek 13, Olise has notched two goals and one assist, showcasing his ability to contribute consistently. With Eze also returning from injury, Palace’s attacking options have been further strengthened.
Olise’s underlying statistics highlight his impact, ranking fifth for expected goal involvement among midfielders in the last six games. Additionally, Chelsea’s vulnerability on their right flank presents an opportunity for Olise to exploit their defensive weaknesses.
As Palace embarks on a favorable run of fixtures, with potentially more points on offer due to a potential double Gameweek, Olise’s contributions could prove invaluable for FPL managers. With a low ownership percentage and a reasonable price tag, he represents an enticing differential option.
As FPL managers search for the perfect differentials to boost their teams, Pascal Gross, Neal Maupay, Christopher Nkunku, Jack Grealish, Alfie Doughty, and Michael Olise emerge as top contenders for Gameweek 19. Each player brings unique qualities and potential for FPL returns, making them valuable assets for managers seeking an edge.
Remember, these differentials offer a combination of form, upcoming fixtures, and low ownership percentages, allowing FPL managers to gain an advantage over their rivals. So, make sure to consider these players when making your team selections for Gameweek 19 and beyond.