Gameweek 12 is fast approaching, and while most managers are rushing toward the same popular transfers — Mbeumo (322k), Thiago (258k), Mateta (178k), Doku (139k), Rice (129k), O’Reilly (93k), and Gabriel
(88k) — the real advantage in FPL often comes from choosing smart, low-owned differentials.
These are the players who help you outperform your rivals, climb mini-leagues, and make meaningful rank gains.
If you’re looking for high-upside, low-ownership assets for both the short and long term, here are the differentials worth targeting in gameweek 12.
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
Only about 26,000 managers have brought in Henderson, making him a strong differential compared to template picks like Raya, Roef, and Martínez.
Palace have kept five clean sheets in 11 gameweeks, and Henderson benefits massively from their tight defensive structure.
Next fixtures: Wolves (A), Manchester United (H), Burnley (A)
All these give Henderson clean-sheet and save-point potential with very low ownership.
Malo Gusto (Chelsea) — £4.9m
In incredible form, Gusto has not lost a single Premier League match he has started this season.
A clean sheet vs Spurs, a goal + assist vs Wolves, and two assists for France during the international break highlight his growing influence.
Under $5.0m and highly attacking, Gusto looks like one of the strongest differential defenders for the coming weeks.
Estevão (Chelsea) — £6.5m
Owned by just 19.5k managers, Estevão is one of the league’s most explosive young attackers.
While rotation with Pedro Neto and recent Brazil duty may limit minutes, he consistently delivers impact whenever he’s on the pitch.
For managers seeking high-upside gambles, Estevão is an excellent differential.
Danny Welbeck (Brighton) — £6.5m
With many managers focusing on Mateta, Thiago, and João Pedro, Welbeck presents a clever alternative. He has scored in three of his last four matches, including goals against Newcastle and Manchester United.
His next three fixtures are all rated FDR 3, meaning all are winnable—and all hold potential for attacking returns.
Are you backing any of these picks, or do you have a hidden gem of your own lined up? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
