Gameweek 4 Differentials: Hidden Gems to Climb the Ranks

With Gameweek 4 swiftly upon us, we’re diving into the best differentials that could give your rank a huge boost. Some big news this week is that Nuno Santos has parted ways with Nottingham – check out our blog on how that affects Nottingham players.

We view differentials as players with less than 10% ownership. If they perform, you’ll be one of the few managers to benefit – and that’s how you soar up the ranks. Here are our top differential picks for Gameweek 4.

1. Jean-Phillipe Mateta – Crystal Palace

• Price: 7.5m
• Ownership: 9.3%
• Fixtures: Sunderland, West Ham, Liverpool, Everton, Bournemouth

Mateta got off the mark last week with his first goal of the 2025/26 campaign and looks set to build on it. Palace’s fixtures are appealing, with Liverpool the only “tough” match – and even they have looked shaky defensively. His 1.57 xGI with just 1 goal from 3 games suggests more is to come, and at 9.3% ownership, he’s still a strong differential with real upside.

2. Evanilson – Bournemouth

It’s surprising to see Evanilson at just 2.2% ownership. He’s already scored once in three games (0.87 xGI) and looks like he’ll grow into the league as Bournemouth’s talisman. Kluivert’s return may take him off penalties, but Evanilson remains their focal point in attack. With a solid run of fixtures ahead, he’s a punt worth considering if you’re looking for a low-owned striker.

3. Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa

• Price: 7.0m
• Ownership: 8.3%
• Fixtures: Everton, Sunderland, Fulham, Burnley, Spurs

Villa’s start has been poor, but Rogers continues to get consistent minutes and looks nailed on. He hasn’t yet hit last season’s heights, but with fixtures softening, he’s one to keep the faith with at just 8.3% ownership. If you also hold Watkins, stick with him – he’s been threatening, and his breakthrough could turn Rogers’ creative efforts into real FPL points.

4. Dango Ouattara – Brentford

• Price: 6.0m
• Ownership: 1%
• Fixtures: Chelsea, Fulham, Man Utd, Man City, West Ham

Brentford looked written off after losing Mbuemo, Wissa and key defenders – but they’ve surprised many. Dango’s debut was explosive, delivering 13 points (goal, clean sheet point, 2 DEFCON, and bonus). He even had another goal ruled out vs Sunderland. At just 1% ownership, he’s a serious budget enabler with attacking upside. Fixtures aren’t the kindest, but if Brentford score, chances are Dango’s involved.

5. Tino Livramento – Newcastle (or Dan Burn)

• Price: 5.1m
• Ownership: 8.4%
• Fixtures: Wolves, Bournemouth, Arsenal (likely bench), Nottingham Forest, Brighton

We don’t fully know what Newcastle are this season, but we do know they’re still reliable defensively. Livramento offers more attacking upside than his defensive counterpart Dan Burn (5.0m, 5.4% owned), who is the safer bet for DEFCON points. Livramento has already chipped in with 1 assist and 2 clean sheets (0.26 xGI).

If you believe Newcastle keep clean sheets, Burn is the smarter pick. If you’re betting on attacking involvement, Livramento is your man. With Wolves up next, followed by Bournemouth and a Nottingham side in transition, now looks a good time to buy in.

Final Thoughts

Our favourite picks this week are:

Mateta – perfect for short-term gains with Palace’s upcoming fixtures.

Evanilson – a brilliant punt at just 2.2% if you’re biding time before moving for Isak.

Dango – tremendous value in midfield; a great upgrade if you’re stuck with the likes of Reijnders or Anderson (who still remain great options). This is our spicy pick at just 1% owned.

Livramento (or Burn) – both great defensive picks depending on whether you want attacking upside (Livramento) or safer clean-sheet points (Burn).

Gameweek 4 is all about seizing opportunities before the template shifts after the international break. Back a differential, and you could find yourself flying up the ranks.