FPL Gameweek 21 Differentials: Low-Owned Players to Consider
Gameweek 20 was an interesting one in FPL, with many popular players underperforming and some differential gems scoring big. Whether you are behind in your mini-league or want to preserve your lead, you will need to identify the right differentials to target.
This article highlights the best FPL differentials for Gameweek 21, focusing on players owned by fewer than five percent of managers who offer genuine upside based on fixture quality, form, and tactical role.
Check out RotoWire's updated FPL GW21 rankings and full FPL strategy tips for this week.
For the latest updates on player availability, check our FPL GW21 Injury News and Updates page, including detailed reports, AFCON absences and other key Premier League injuries.
Best FPL Differentials for Gameweek 21
Diogo Dalot - 4.7% (Manchester United)
The Man United defence hasn't been great recently, failing to keep a clean sheet against Wolves and Leeds in recent weeks, but I'm willing to give them one last chance.
It's Burnley away for the Red Devils on Wednesday, which is another enticing spot, as the 19th-placed team has failed to score in two of their last three Premier League games.
Patrick Dorgu is great if you think he keeps starting on the wing, but Diogo Dalot is the safer option, even if he's a bit more expensive.
Malick Thiaw - 4.7% (Newcastle)
Malick Thiaw keeps his place in this article from last week after a goal, clean sheet, defensive contribution points and three bonus points for a total of 17 points in Gameweek 20. If you captained him home against Crystal Palace, props to you.
For a differential haul, it doesn't get much better than Thiaw, and his next two fixtures are Leeds and Wolves. Still on less than five percent of times and with a strong chance to remain in the XI despite Newcastle defenders returning from injury, it's hard to overlook him.
He won't be a differential for much longer, so make sure you bring him into your teams this week to take advantage of upcoming fixtures.
Morgan Gibbs-White - 2.9% (Nottingham Forest)
Morgan Gibbs-White scored his fourth goal of the season at the weekend against Aston Villa in Nottingham Forest's 3-1 defeat. The Garibaldis have lost all of their last four Premier League games, scoring just twice in this time.
In that stretch, since the 3-0 win against Spurs, Gibbs-White has eight shots, four of them hitting the target, and six chances created.
In Gameweek 21, Forest face West Ham, who are currently the worst team in the league after their hammering against Wolves. Locked in for 90 almost every game, Gibbs-White could be due for another goal.
Kevin Schade - 2.3% (Brentford)
Despite a 20-point haul from his hat trick a couple weeks ago, Kevin Schade remains a differential in less than three percent of teams.
Brentford have a couple of nice fixtures in the next few weeks, with Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, both at home.
The German forward is a bit pricey at £7.1m, but as seen recently, he can be worth that in good matchups.
Benjamin Sesko - 3.3% (Manchester United)
Benjamin Sesko often finds himself in these articles when Manchester United have a favourable fixture, and unfortunately, he usually disappoints. However, he's getting one more chance for me as United face 19th-place Burnley this week.
Given the lack of attacking options lately, Sesko has gone a full 90 in each of the last two games, totaling nine shots in two disappointing 1-1 draws.
Similarl to Schade, at £7.2m, he's quite expensive given his goal record this season, but I expect a much better performance now that Ruben Amorim has been sacked.
Thierno Barry - 0.6% (Everton)
Thierno Barry has found his goalscoring boots recently, netting in both of Everton's last two Premier League games. The goals have, unsurprisingly, coincided with the summer signing playing more minutes.
He played over 80 minutes against both Nottingham Forest and Brentford, so he's likely to be trusted with another start this week. Also for one of the first times, both Barry and Beto were on the pitch at the same time against Brentford, something that furthers Barry's chances of playing more than 80 minutes.
It's Wolves at home for Everton in GW21, and although Wolves got their first win at the weekend, I'm still expecting Everton to be too strong for them on a bounce-back spot.
Final Thoughts: FPL Gameweek 21 Differentials
Differentials can be the difference-maker in tight mini-leagues, and Gameweek 21 offers several low-owned options with favourable fixtures and improving roles. Players like Malick Thiaw and Diogo Dalot provide budget defensive upside, while attackers such as Gibbs-White and Thierno Barry offer value in strong short-term matchups.
As always, monitor team news and predicted lineups before the deadline to maximise returns.
