FPL Gameweek 3 Differentials: Hidden Gems to Boost Your Rank
Five standout FPL differential picks for Gameweek 3, including Ricardo Calafiori, Guglielmo Vicario, Dan Ndoye, Igor Thiago, and Jack Grealish. Low-owned players who could make the difference in your team.
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View Campaign OfferFPL Gameweek 3 Differentials
Gameweek 3 is here, and while template players like Palmer and Salah continue to dominate ownership, the real gains often come from smart differential picks. With injuries, form swings, and favorable fixtures shaping the FPL landscape, here are five under-the-radar players who could give you that crucial rank boost.
🔴 Ricardo Calafiori – Arsenal (DEF, £5.6m, 7.4% TSB)
- Points so far: 26
- Next fixture: Liverpool (H)
Calafiori has hit the ground running at Arsenal. He scored the winner against Manchester United in GW1 and followed it up with two assists in GW2 versus Leeds.
Even with a tricky Liverpool fixture next, he’s more than just a clean sheet pick. His set-piece threat, aerial presence, and attacking license make him a standout defender who could deliver attacking returns regardless of opponent.
Verdict: Risky fixture, but his attacking potential makes him worth a punt.
⚪ Guglielmo Vicario – Tottenham (GK, £5.0m, 6.2% TSB)
- Points so far: 18
- Next fixture: Bournemouth (H)
Two games, two clean sheets. Vicario has quietly become one of the top-performing keepers, registering 9 points in each match with bonus points and multiple saves.
Spurs face Bournemouth next at home, where another clean sheet looks possible. At just £5.0m, he’s a bargain route into a strong Tottenham defense that has started the season with confidence.
Verdict: A safe and consistent differential goalkeeper pick.
🌳 Dan Ndoye – Nottingham Forest (MID, £6.0m, 2.2% TSB)
- Points so far: 16
- Next fixture: West Ham (H)
Ndoye has quietly delivered in back-to-back gameweeks with a goal in GW1 and an assist in GW2. His involvement in both goalscoring and creative phases makes him a well-rounded asset.
Forest now face West Ham, who have shipped eight goals in their opening two matches. With Ndoye’s knack for bonus points and low ownership, he could be one of the most effective differentials for GW3.
Verdict: Excellent budget enabler with upside against a leaky West Ham defense.
🐝 Igor Thiago – Brentford (FWD, £6.0m, 1.2% TSB)
- Points so far: 8
- Next fixture: Sunderland (A)
Brentford’s start has been slow, but their win over Aston Villa in GW2 suggested signs of improvement. Igor Thiago, their new forward, is also on penalty duty, which boosts his appeal.
Facing Sunderland, a promoted side still adjusting to Premier League tempo, gives Thiago a good chance to get on the scoresheet and start justifying his price tag.
Verdict: A bold differential punt, but fixtures and penalties make him attractive.
🔵 Jack Grealish – Everton (MID, £6.5m, 5.6% TSB)
- Points so far: 12
- Next fixture: Wolves (A)
After his move to Everton, Jack Grealish looks rejuvenated. He produced two assists against Brighton in GW2 and nearly hit defensive contribution (DefCon) points with 11 actions.
At £6.5m, he’s cheap for a proven creator who looks nailed to start and central to Everton’s attacking play. Wolves away isn’t the easiest fixture, but Everton’s new-look attack has potential.
Verdict: A real bargain pick if he maintains this level of involvement.
📊 Summary
- Calafiori – Attacking defender with strong returns, even against tough opposition.
- Vicario – Budget GK delivering consistency.
- Ndoye – Budget midfielder with goals + assists already.
- Thiago – Penalty taker and potential breakout forward.
- Grealish – Cheap creator in-form at Everton.
💡 Differentials like these can make the difference between a green or red arrow. Who’s your pick for GW3?