Best FPL differentials: Get on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez now with favourable fixtures around the corner
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Published 06/01/2026 at 17:22 GMT
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Gameweek 21 is only a matter of hours away, but there is still time to make significant gains through these Fantasy Premier League differential picks. Do not get caught out by the Tuesday deadline with the cut-off point to make changes to your teams at 18:30 ahead of West Ham v Nottingham Forest at 20:00. Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez could be popular in a few weeks, but Fulham offers an entry point.
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The ink on the controversially-recalibrated DEFCON points has barely dried, but Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are already having to put the finishing touches to their teams ahead of Gameweek 21.
Whether you benched Brentford striker Igor Thiago or took Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's update on Declan Rice to read he would not feature at Bournemouth, there appeared to be decisive swings of luck and misfortune across the FPL community in GW20.
Both Thiago and Rice enjoyed 17-point hauls, propelling their ownership once again and punishing those who sold them last time around on the grounds of form and fitness.
The absence of Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike during his side's 2-2 draw at Fulham meant that many managers enjoyed a hefty auto-sub boost, with many enjoying Thiago's hat-trick at Everton as a result, but could Ekitike's injury pave the way for a returning FPL favourite?
Managers be warned, you only have until the 18:30 UK time deadline on Tuesday, January 6 to make changes to your side ahead of a full round of midweek fixtures.
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The most transferred in player ahead of GW21 is Arsenal defender Gabriel, with managers jumping back on the Brazilian after his goalscoring return at Bournemouth following his recent spell on the sidelines.
But while he appears to be a non-negotiable, which players could provide you with an upperhand to reel in a mini-league opponent?
As ever, here are three players that could be a huge help in obtaining that much-coveted green arrow.
The categories are:
- Player 1: Max 10% ownership
- Player 2: Max 5% ownership
- Player 3: Max 2% ownership
1. Enzo Fernandez, £6.4m (Midfielder, Chelsea, 9.8%)
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins is very much on people's radar after his recent goals against Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. The England striker appears to have rediscovered his groove after a slow start to the campaign saw him notch just once in his opening 13 Premier League games. A straight swap with Ekitike is proving very popular.
Watkins' purple patch has seen him gain 376,921 new managers this week - taking his ownership above the 10% threshold - but another player who does fit the criteria is ripe for inclusion.
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Enzo Fernandez levelled in stoppage-time for Chelsea at Man City
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Chelsea were meandering towards what looked a routine defeat at Manchester City last time around before a tactical switch at half-time completely changed the complexion of proceedings. Enzo Fernandez was pushed further forward by interim boss Calum McFarlane - and the 24-year-old had a major impact in his more advanced role, scoring the stoppage-time equaliser.
Chelsea are set to gain plenty of FPL investment over the coming weeks with their fixtures easing just in time for the arrival of new head coach Liam Rosenior. Fernandez can ensure his new boss watches over the perfect start from the stands at Fulham on Wednesday, with another impressive haul.
Among central midfielders, only Bruno Guimaraes (seven) has scored more league goals this term than Fernandez (six), who could score in three successive Premier League appearances for the first time.
2. Danny Welbeck, £6.3m (Forward, Brighton, 4.4%)
It is perhaps the most fiendish of challenges picking a Brighton asset. Fabian Hurzeler loves to rotate his squad, and last time out at home to Burnley was no exception.
Welbeck was taken out of the starting line-up, and his replacement Charalampos Kostoulas got an assist on his very first Premier League start. This column is all about taking a punt, and the chances of Kostoulas retaining his place as the focal point away to Manchester City would appear slim.
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Danny Welbeck misses a penalty against West Ham
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Having been left out from the start, Welbeck is most likely to return to spearhead the attack at the Etihad Stadium, with the 35-year-old understandably having had his minutes managed. The former Manchester United forward will be relishing the opportunity to put a further dent in Pep Guardiola's chances of reducing the gap to leaders Arsenal.
Welbeck had mixed fortunes on his last Premier League start, both scoring and missing a penalty during the chaotic 2-2 draw at West Ham, but City's well-documented defensive problems could at least lead to a high-scoring game.
With all eight of his league goals this season coming in his last 14 appearances, a fresh Welbeck is primed to pen the latest twist in the title race.
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3. Harvey Barnes, £6.1m (Midfielder, Newcastle, 1.0%)
With plenty of attention on them given their favourable run of form, having a Newcastle asset feels an astute move, but which one will give you an advantage?
Guimaraes (19.0%) has attracted 278,312 new owners following his seventh goal of the season during the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, while Malick Thiaw (5.7%) has proven he has multiple routes to points as a defender option.
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Harvey Barnes has already scored important goals for Newcastle this season
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But a player better-equipped to provide attacking returns on a more regular basis is perhaps being overlooked. After being rested against Palace on Sunday, Barnes is set to return to Newcastle's starting XI for the trip to Leeds.
Over the past four gameweeks, the winger has been a key attacking threat for The Magpies, registering six shots in the box and creating three big chances - figures that put him joint-top in both categories for the club.
There may be a slight risk over Barnes' minutes at Elland Road, but the player has shown he does not need many to have a significant impact that is worthy of consideration.
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