The festive season in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is a whirlwind of matches and strategic decision-making. As the busy schedule approaches, players who are under-owned can offer a vital edge to climb the rankings. Here are the top five fantasy differentials to monitor this festive period.
1. Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United) – £7.5m
Jarrod Bowen has emerged as a standout option this season. Despite boasting a solid record of 29 goals and 17 assists over the past two seasons, he is owned by less than six percent of FPL managers. Bowen has delivered a goal and an assist in his last two appearances, marking him as a potential differential.
His consistency is noteworthy; he regularly plays the full 90 minutes when fit. In the upcoming matches, West Ham faces favorable opponents, including Aston Villa, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest. Bowen’s ability to secure double-digit returns during the hectic December schedule makes him a key asset for FPL managers.
2. Raul Jimenez (Fulham) – £6.2m
Raul Jimenez is another low-owned option, currently represented by just one percent of FPL teams. After overcoming previous injuries, he finished the last season with 12 goals and has contributed a goal and three assists since Gameweek 8. Jimenez is set to lead the Fulham attack, especially with injuries affecting his competition for minutes.
Fulham’s fixtures, against teams like Burnley and Nottingham Forest, present an ideal opportunity for Jimenez to make an impact. His status as the designated penalty taker adds to his appeal for managers seeking to diversify their frontline.
3. Kevin Schade (Brentford) – £7.0m
Kevin Schade has been a reliable performer for Brentford, starting every match since Gameweek 2. While he is suspended for the upcoming match due to accumulated yellow cards, he offers exciting potential for future rounds. His form includes three goals and two assists, alongside a promising expected goal involvement of 4.3.
As Dango Ouattara will join the Africa Cup of Nations, Schade’s playing time should increase. Brentford’s upcoming schedule includes matches against teams likely to concede, making Schade an attractive differential for proactive FPL managers.
4. Piero Hincapie (Arsenal) – £5.4m
Piero Hincapie represents a compelling choice in the defense department. With injuries affecting key defenders at Arsenal, he has become a regular starter. His price point provides the cheapest access to a top-performing defense that has conceded only nine goals this season.
In addition to clean sheet potential, Hincapie has shown he can contribute offensively. Arsenal faces opponents with varying levels of attacking threat, including Wolves and Everton, enhancing Hincapie’s appeal as a consistent scorer of points for FPL managers.
5. Harry Wilson (Fulham) – £5.3m
Harry Wilson is a versatile and budget-friendly choice for FPL. He has been instrumental for Fulham, showcasing his capability to deliver goals and assists. After scoring in a recent match against Crystal Palace, Wilson has proven his team value and is expected to maintain a starting position, especially with player departures for AFCON.
With matches against less resilient defenses ahead, Wilson’s momentum could make him a reliable fifth midfielder option for those looking to capitalize during the festive fixtures. His contributions make him a low-risk investment heading into the new gameweeks.
In conclusion, each of these five players has the potential to provide significant returns as FPL managers navigate the festive season. By leveraging differentials like Bowen, Jimenez, Schade, Hincapie, and Wilson, you can optimize your points and elevate your position in the league.
