The best FPL Differentials to start the season with, according to AI
The early-season template for FPL 2024/25 is clear.
Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer are among the most-popular players, all in over half of Gameweek 1 drafts.
So, to gain an early edge on your rivals, who are the top 10 FPL differential picks by predicted points going into the opening four gameweeks of the season?
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10. Ben White
- Ownership: 12.0%
- Predicted points: 19.1
Arsenal defender Ben White finished last campaign as the highest scoring defender in the game. The benefit of some early substitutions allowed him to register 18 clean sheets, along with nine attacking returns.
A pre-season knock for Takehiro Tomiyasu should see White a sure starter for the beginning of this campaign. And with a full pre-season under his belt, he’s a great pick with two home games in three.
9. Gabriel
- Ownership: 11.7%
- Predicted points: 19.2
White’s Arsenal team-mate Gabriel just pips the Englishman by 0.1 points, with this pair having similar ownership and significantly lower than William Saliba, who sits in over 40% of sides.
Gabriel has been part of some pre-season games and has a clear goal threat, with seven big chances on goal last season ranking second among defenders. Owners need to hope that transfer speculation doesn’t impact his early season again.
8. Cody Gakpo
- Ownership: 7.2%
- Predicted points: 19.5
Liverpool’s Coady Gakpo returned to training this week and is expected to challenge as the No.9 in a new-look front three under Arne Slot. There’s plenty of competition for places, with Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez also vying for contention and so potential owners should proceed with caution.
Gakpo managed 13 goal involvements in 17 starts last season, with a high ceiling if he can stay fit all season.
7. Leon Bailey
- Ownership: 4.6%
- Predicted points: 19.5
Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey looks assured of regular starts this season on the wing given that Moussa Diaby has now departed the club. Bailey posted impressive numbers from his 22 starts, amassing double digits for both goals and assists.
Villa have a great run of opening fixtures, other than hosting Arsenal in Gameweek 2, with Bailey a worthy consideration in a stacked £6.5 million midfield price bracket.
6. Ben Brereton Diaz
- Ownership: 0.3%
- Predicted points: 19.7
Ben Brereton Diaz was a rare shining light in a Sheffield United shirt last season and he’s now back in the Premier League in the red and white stripes of Southampton. The £5.5 million midfielder managed seven goal involvements in 14 starts last season.
It’s a tricky start for the Championship play-off winners with a trip to Newcastle United, before facing Nottingham Forest and Brentford in the following two gameweeks.
5. Ivan Toney
- Ownership: 11.8%
- Predicted points: 20.2
Speculation continues to follow Ivan Toney around, with a potential move away from Brentford in the summer transfer window not yet secured. Toney scored 20 goals in the 2022/23 season, but then missed most of last campaign through suspension.
Brentford themselves have some tricky opening fixtures, but host Crystal Palace in Gameweek 1 and Southampton in Gameweek 3.
4. Kai Havertz
- Ownership: 14.1%
- Predicted points: 21.1
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz has been reclassified as a forward in FPL this year, having finished last season in the false nine role as the Gunners switched to a 4-3-3 formation. Pre-season performances suggest Gabriel Jesus could play his way back into the side though.
However, Havertz carries so much potential still, with 23 goal involvements last season and home games against Wolves & Brighton in August.
3. Bruno Fernandes
- Ownership: 14.0%
- Predicted points: 21.2
Bruno Fernandes has been overlooked once again this pre-season, with Manchester United seemingly a team on the up and strengthening in the summer transfer window. It’s a period of change for the club, but Fernandes could be playing high, given Rasmus Højlund is injured.
It’s been a tough few seasons for Fernandes, but we need to remind ourselves of the 32 goal involvements he produced four seasons ago.
2. Kevin De Bruyne
- Ownership: 6.9%
- Predicted points: 24.2
Given Phil Foden’s late arrival back at Manchester City following a busy summer for England, Kevin De Bruyne looks set to play an important role as their key creator in the early weeks of the season.
His last campaign was hampered by injury, but he carries the potential to be the best creator in the league once more this season if he can stay fit. The opening four fixtures are attractive for Manchester City.
1. Son Heung-min
- Ownership: 11.7%
- Predicted points: 24.8
When it comes to the premium players priced at over £10m in FPL, Son Heung-min has the lowest ownership, despite having a full pre-season compared to Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka at similar price tags.
He has three goals and one assist during pre-season, with Tottenham Hotspur opening game of the season coming against one of his favourite opponents, promoted Leicester City.
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