This article is part of our Fantasy Premier League Tips series.
FPL Gameweek 18 Differentials: Low-Owned Players to Consider
Gameweek 17 was a thrilling one in FPL, with many popular players performing and some differential gems shining. Whether you're struggling in your mini-league or want to preserve your lead, you will need to identify the right differentials to target.
In this article, I highlight the best FPL differentials for Gameweek 18 who could provide the points that you're looking for. These low-owned FPL picks are selected based on fixtures, form, minutes security and potential upside heading into Gameweek 18.
Check out RotoWire's updated FPL GW18 rankings and full FPL strategy tips for this week.
For the latest updates on player availability, check our FPL GW18 Injury News and Updates page, including detailed reports, AFCON absences and other key Premier League injuries.
Best FPL Differentials for Gameweek 18
Michael Keane - 4.0% (Everton)
Nobody would have thought to buy an Everton defender, outside of James Tarkowski, at the beginning of the season. However, David Moyes has really solidified the back line, and Michael Keane has been a huge part of that.
Everton have a nice run of fixtures starting with Burnley in Gameweek 18 and Nottingham Forest in GW19. Although Jarrad Branthwaite is due back from injury soon, he's still weeks away at best given his already lengthy layoff from a bad hamstring.
Michael Keane could retain his place for at least the next five gameweeks, so at just £4.7m, he looks like a bargain.
Daniel Ballard - 3.9% (Sunderland)
Sunderland have been impressive from the very start of the season when they shocked everyone by beating West Ham 3-0 on the opening weekend, a game in which Dan Ballard scored.
Since then, they've gone on to keep clean sheets against Crystal Palace, Wolves, Newcastle and Brighton. The majority of their strong defensive displays have unsurprisingly come at home, and in GW18 they have another home fixture against fellow promoted side, Leeds.
Although Leeds and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been scoring plenty recently, this is still a game that Sunderland will feel like they can win, so Ballard could be a nice differential option at just £4.6m.
Leandro Trossard - 0.9% (Arsenal)
Despite their slight scoring drop off in recent games, Arsenal have been impressive throughout the campaign.
Despite that, Leandro Trossard's performances have gone under the radar due to high scores of defenders like Gabriel and Jurrien Timber.
The left-wing position for Arsenal was considered a weak spot going into the season, but Trossard has made it his own. He has four goals and three assists this season, and at just £6.9m, could be a nice differential against Brighton this weekend.
Arsenal rank among the teams with stronger attacking fixtures in Gameweek 18, which increases Trossard's upside despite his low ownership.
Lucas Paqueta - 1.4% (West Ham)
West Ham find themselves in the relegation zone and five points from safety after Gameweek 17.
Their poor form has been partly due to a tough fixture schedule, as they recently played Aston Villa and Man City. In the coming weeks, they face Fulham, Brighton and Wolves, and will need to get a result or two to turn things around.
As one of the more senior players in the team, Lucas Paqueta will be at the heart of this.
I expect improvement from West Ham, and the Brazilian has the fixtures to shine, so at just £5.9m, he could prove to be a bargain.
Raul Jimenez - 2.6% (Fulham)
It's been two attacking returns in the last three Premier League games for Raul Jimenez as he keeps his place in this article from last week.
Fulham have been in fine goalscoring form, mainly due to Harry Wilson's individual excellence in recent weeks. However, the Mexican striker has now started to step up in Rodrigo Muniz's absence.
West Ham and Crystal Palace are up next for Fulham, and if they keep up their recent form, there could be plenty more goals in those games.
Thierno Barry - 0.4% (Everton)
David Moyes appears to prefer Thierno Barry to Beto now, as the Frenchman has started the last eight Premier League games. Admittedly, he hasn't impressed as he has only managed one goal in this time while remaining an early substitute candidate.
However, Everton now embark on a fantastic run of fixtures which includes Burnley, Brentford and Wolves in their next five.
They say that fixtures create form, and the Everton striker will be looking to prove that against Burnley in Gameweek 18.
Therefore, he could be a nice differential at just £5.7m.
Final Thoughts: FPL Gameweek 18 Differentials
Differentials can be the difference-maker in tight mini-leagues, and Gameweek 18 offers several low-owned options with favourable fixtures and secure roles. Players like Michael Keane and Daniel Ballard provide budget defensive upside, while attackers such as Paqueta and Jimenez offer value in improving matchups.
As always, monitor team news and predicted lineups before the deadline to maximise returns.
