Early differentials to consider for Fantasy Premier League 2023/24

There will always be a template - at least a handful of dependable players that managers will select - which keeps their ownership percentage high and makes going without them a big risk.

But there are also some lesser-owned names that could also rake in the points and help managers stand out from a uniform crowd.

While it takes some courage to stray away from the template, Flashscore looks at some low-owned players that could help make a difference to your side at the start of FPL 2023/24.

All ownership percentages correct at the time of writing.

Goalkeepers

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) — £5.0m - 8.4%

Villa have some tough opening fixtures but that could be a sign that saves could be on the way - a decent sign considering their starter Martinez in goal.

The Argentine was excellent in the final stretch of last season, recording seven clean sheets in the final 15 games and was a bonus points magnet.

If Villa can take some of that form into the start of the new term, Martinez should become a popular target for managers and especially when their fixtures become kinder.

Mark Flekken (Brentford) — £4.5m - 3.9%

With rumours swirling that David Raya could be heading towards the exit at Brentford, their new signing in Flekken has appeal.

The Bees concede a decent amount of shots per game while their opening fixtures look favourable, so straight away there is potential for save and bonus points.

With more information to come throughout pre-season, he could prove to be excellent value if he does nail that starting spot.

Defenders

Rico Henry (Brentford) — £4.5m - 6.7%

Another Brentford asset to consider is left-back Henry, who was one of the Bees' key men in their first Premier League season.

He was a very steady producer of points and racked up 11 clean sheets, which were his main production source over his three assists going forward.

Like Flekken, Brentford's opening fixtures look pretty kind and Henry could be - depending on formation - a very handy fourth or fifth defender to have in a squad. 

Ben Chilwell (Chelsea) — £5.5m - 5.1%

Observers will expect Chelsea to make big strides after their disastrous campaign last time out, particularly with some new players and Mauricio Pochettino at the helm.

Pochettino has often relied heavily on his full-backs and as such, that makes Chilwell a decent prospect.

The 26-year-old has always been keen to get in the box at every opportunity and with a nice starting run of games, that is exactly what FPL managers are looking for in defenders.

There should be some caution, though, given he and equally-priced right-back Reece James haven't exactly got the cleanest bills of health.

Pedro Porro (Tottenham) — £5.0m - 4.2%

Tottenham are also a side in transition with a new attack-minded manager in Ange Postecoglou in charge who like Pochettino, relies heavily on his full-backs in the attacking phase.

Porro joined Spurs in the second half of last season and while he came into an unsettled environment, he still displayed plenty of attacking play and often found himself in shooting positions.

With a more suitable system and a full season ahead of him, the Spaniard could very much be an underrated source of points.

Midfielders

Solly March (Brighton) — £6.5m - 3.2%

Brighton players were all the rage last season and that has continued into this term with full-back Pervis Estupinan and winger Kaoru Mitoma the popular assets.

March seems to have flown under the radar given he is at the same price point as Mitoma, but he should not be ignored given his step-up in performance.

The 28-year-old has improved in front of goal while he boasted excellent creative numbers last season, so he could be a productive but low-key choice.

Luis Diaz (Liverpool) — £7.5m - 6.1%

Liverpool wingers and strikers are usually popular assets that people target due to the Reds' attacking play and Diaz could be a cheaper route into the side. 

An injury-hit campaign last time out hindered his opportunities, but the explosive winger has plenty of upside providing he has a better season fitness-wise.

There is plenty of competition for spots which could be a drawback, but pre-season should be an indicator as to where the Colombian stands in terms of performance.

Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) — £7.0m - 3.9%

It's yet another Chelsea asset in Sterling, but he looks to be the most intriguing of the lot.

Granted he had a poor debut season and rightly deserved a price drop to £7.0m, but that makes him very appealing considering he was a £12.0m player in 2019/20.

For more cautious managers, this could be a 'wait and see' type of asset but the winger could be a superb option if Pochettino can get him firing again.

Son Heung-min (Tottenham) — £9.0m

Son may have had a down year and a considerable price drop, but that could make him very appealing as he targets a bounce-back campaign.

It was discovered that the South Korean had been playing with a sports hernia for long parts of the season which could explain his patchy form and after undergoing surgery, he could be back in the frame if he builds his fitness well over pre-season.

His role in a more forward-thinking side under Postecoglou is also an interesting proposition to consider.

Forwards

Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) — £7.5m - 7.5%

Nunez is one of those players that teases points hauls on a regular basis and we saw that last season due to some of his frustratingly poor displays in front of goal.

His nine goals from 12.15 Expected Goals tell that story, but a more open-minded outlook sees a striker waiting to explode.

Nunez will continue to receive high-quality chances thanks to the quality of Liverpool's other wide players and midfielders and a fresh campaign could see him become a problem.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton) — £6.0m - 3.5%

It was yet another injury-hit season for Calvert-Lewin which contributed to a hefty £2.0m drop to £6.0m, making him an intriguing price point this term.

When the striker was actually playing, he was pretty useful for Everton and a particular goal threat when Sean Dyche was installed as manager.

Calvert-Lewin has previous in FPL too - scoring well in 2019/20 and 2020/21 - and coupled with Everton's relatively kind start to the season, there is potential for points.

Of course, his blotchy injury history is something to be wary about but if he does stay fit, he could be a very big snip.