FPL GW13 Differentials: Best Low-Owned Gems to Consider
Looking for the best FPL differentials for Gameweek 13?
After a low-scoring GW12 where most popular captain options blanked, this is the perfect week to target low-ownership players who can meaningfully swing rank. Below are the standout GW13 differentials under five-percent ownership, backed by strong fixtures, improving form and increasing minutes.
If you're chasing mini-leagues or protecting a lead, these are the players who can deliver high-impact returns.
Check out RotoWire's updated FPL GW13 rankings and full FPL strategy tips for this week.
For the latest updates on player availability, check our FPL GW13 Injury News and Updates page, including detailed reports on Cole Palmer, Antoine Semenyo and other key Premier League players.
Best FPL Differentials for Gameweek 13
Nathan Collins - 1.1% (Brentford)
A Brentford defender wouldn't typically be on the radar as a good defensive option, as they've only kept two clean sheets this season. However, Nathan Collins is one that I would be looking at for Gameweek 13.
Firstly, he has hit the defensive contribution threshold six times this season, a 50-percent hit rate.
Secondly, Brentford have some great fixtures in the short term, starting with Burnley at home in GW13.
They also play Leeds and Wolves in their next five, so Collins could be worth looking at if you need to bring in a defender this week.
Use our FPL cheat sheets for predicted lineups, team odds, goalscorer odds, set-piece stats and player projections.
Nico O'Reilly - 4.0% (Manchester City)
Man City are another team with some fantastic fixtures over the Christmas period, starting with Leeds at home in Gameweek 13. They also have home fixtures against Sunderland and West Ham in their next five, so their defenders are well worth considering.
In particular, Nico O'Reilly has been fantastic recently, picking up a goal and two assists in his last five Premier League games.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, O'Reilly's main competition at left-back, jets off to the African Cup of Nations in a few weeks, making O'Reilly's minutes a bit more secure, too. Ait-Nouri also started Tuesday's Champions League match and was pulled after 45 minutes.
Check out upcoming fixtures in RotoWire's Fixture Difficulty Ranker.
Kevin Schade - 1.1% (Brentford)
Brentford's fixtures over the next five Gameweeks are brilliant (outside of trips to Arsenal and Tottenham), so we should be considering their players across the pitch.
The obvious attacker to look at is Igor Thiago, who has been incredibly impressive this season. But, if you want a more differential Brentford attacker, Kevin Schade is the one to go for.
He has three goals and two assists this season and should benefit from an easier fixture schedule over the coming weeks. While his numbers have dipped a bit in a bigger role this season (.27 goals per 90), he averaged .43 goals per 90 minutes last season and there's a chance an improved fixture run helps his numbers return to 2024/25 form.
Visit our Predicted Lineups for GW13 page, updated throughout the week before confirmed team news 75 minutes before kickoff.
Donyell Malen - 0.8% (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa started the season on the back foot as they picked up just three points from their first five games, scoring just one goal in that period. Since, they've won six of their last seven games and find themselves fourth in the Premier League table.
Over the next few weeks, they face Wolves at home and West Ham away, two of the easier fixtures in the league.
Donyell Malen has performed exceptionally in the limited minutes he's played in the Premier League, and Aston Villa typically look stronger when he's on the pitch. The hope is that he should be in line for a start in the coming weeks and could be a great differential at just £5.1m.
It'd be nice if he became an every-match starter, but with midweek matches ahead, his playing time will be a bit dodgy.
Callum Wilson - 0.5% (West Ham)
West Ham's recent resurgence has been in no small part due to the performances of Callum Wilson. The former Newcastle and Bournemouth striker has three goals in his last two games and looks back to his old, somewhat healthy self.
Meanwhile, West Ham's Gameweek 13 opponents, Liverpool, have had a very tough time in recent weeks. They've lost six of their last seven Premier League games, conceding 15 goals, most recently allowing three at home to Nottingham Forest.
With West Ham at home and a bit revived, Wilson could be a sneaky spot to find some goals again.
Alexander Isak - 4.5% (Liverpool)
In the same fixture, I'd also expect Liverpool to have more joy in front of goal against West Ham.
Bournemouth's second-half display in Gameweek 12 showed that the West Ham defence is far from resolute, no matter how many defenders they put on the pitch. Heroics from Alphonse Areola saved the Hammers from conceding plenty more goals.
This could be the week that Liverpool and Alexander Isak click into gear and finally start to look threatening in front of goal. Once an elite FPL option, Isak hasn't scored across Premier League or Champions League. Maybe this is the week he breaks that trend.
FPL GW13 Differential FAQ
Who are the best FPL differentials for Gameweek 13?
Collins, O'Reilly, Schade, Malen, Wilson and Isak offer strong low-ownership upside.
Which differential defender should I buy for GW13?
Nico O'Reilly is the standout, with Collins a strong cheaper alternative.
Which is the best differential midfielder or forward for GW13?
Kevin Schade and Donyell Malen offer great fixtures, while Callum Wilson has form.
Should I take hits for differentials?
Generally, no, unless it's to replace injuries or blocked players with elite fixture swings.
How many differentials should I play in GW13?
One to three depending on your risk profile and mini-league situation.
