Top FPL GW4 Differential Picks to Target Ahead of Deadline

The best part of every Fantasy Premier League season is hunting for those sneaky, low-owned stars, the real FPL GW4 Differential Picks ready to propel teams up the overall rank, especially for Gameweek 4. As the 2025/26 campaign settles after the international break, differentials can genuinely be game-changers. So, let me walk you through some of my top targets for this week’s crucial FPL Gameweek 4 deadline.

Why Differentials Matter This Week

Gameweek 4 arrives with squad templates already forming. Most top managers are flocking to the obvious picks, but my strategy is always to scope out players under 10% ownership, those “hidden gems” who could quietly explode for big hauls while everyone else is distracted elsewhere. Plus, fixture swings and injuries always throw up surprises.

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario (Spurs)

While most FPL managers are chasing Tottenham’s attacking talent, Guglielmo Vicario has impressed as a real differential at just 8.6% ownership. Not only does he have the highest FPL points among goalkeepers so far, but Spurs’ defence is sneakily solid, and their fixture run (Burnley, Everton, Bournemouth) gives Vicario a great shot at multiple clean sheets and bonus points.

Defenders to Consider

• Senesi (Bournemouth, £4.6m, 5.1% TSB): Senesi has both attacking threat and favourable fixtures (Brighton, Fulham, Sheffield United), so he’s that rare bargain who can bring immediate returns, the sort of transfer that makes Gameweek 4 exciting.
• Lacroix (Wolves, £5.0m, under 5% TSB): Facing three promoted sides across the next five weeks gives Wolves defenders major clean sheet upside. Lacroix is a solid, low-risk punt.

Midfield Magic

Midfielders are where I love finding differentials, and this Gameweek, a few stand out:

• Cody Gakpo (Liverpool, £7.7m): With a fixture against promoted Burnley and under 15% ownership, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is gaining momentum. He’s not just scoring, he’s producing assists, and his creative numbers are top-tier for the price. That blend of attacking reliability and low ownership makes him a classic FPL GW4 Differential Pick.
• Leeds’ Stach: A more budget option, but Stach is in the top three midfielders for chances created (10) despite Leeds struggling for goals. A differential for managers willing to gamble on underlying stats rather than form.
• Caicedo (Chelsea): If you’re feeling brave, Caicedo’s predicted output is right near the top for the next few Gameweeks, and he’s nowhere near template ownership yet.

Striking Differentials

Who doesn’t love a forward differential punt? These picks could be the difference:

• Wissa (Newcastle): Wissa’s expected goal involvement (xG) sits just behind Gyökeres, Palmer, and Haaland, but ownership remains low. Fixture run and attacking numbers look strong: a real dart throw if you want to climb ranks fast.
• Strand Larsen (Wolves): If fit, he’s leading the team for penalty box shots despite limited minutes, plus Wolves’ fixture run could help him explode (keep an eye on his status before deadline).
• Mateta (Crystal Palace): Sunderland (H) is a plum fixture, and with low ownership, Mateta is a viable one-week punt for those activating chips or playing catch-up.

Bonus Punt: Defensive Trends

Early data shows defenders are scoring big this season. Look for players like Calafiori (Arsenal), Chalobah (Chelsea), and Timber (Arsenal) if you want to diversify from the striker-heavy mentality. All have racked up significant points, yet stay off most managers’ radars.

Final Thoughts

Rolling into FPL Gameweek 4, my advice is to always back your instinct with differentials, especially if the rank chase is on early doors. This season, switching off the template and owning the FPL GW4 Differential Picks is exactly how I’ll be approaching the deadline. Whether you’re chasing, consolidating, or just having fun, mixing in two or three of these names makes FPL infinitely more exciting.
Gameweek 4 isn’t just another round; it’s a chance to outsmart and outscore with bold moves. If you’re still unsure about whether these differentials strengthen your squad, you can always run them through Sportsdunia's FPL Team Rater tool to see how they fit into your current setup.