GW2 Differential Picks: Stats-Backed Hidden Gems
Detailed breakdown of GW1 performances from Dan Ballard, Richarlison, Matt O’Riley, Riccardo Calafiori, and Eliezer Mayenda. Stats, ownership, fixtures, and why they’re Gameweek 2 differential picks.
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View Campaign OfferGW2 Differential Picks 🧪⚽
Differentials win leagues. Spotting the low-owned players who deliver big early hauls can rocket you up the ranks. We’ve dug into the numbers from Gameweek 1, broken down each player’s points, ownership, price, and key stats — and highlighted why they could shine in GW2.
Dan Ballard (Sunderland, DEF) – £4.6m, 4.7% owned
- GW1 points: 17 (Goal: 6, Clean sheet: 4, 60+ mins: 2, Bonus: 3, Defensive contributions: 2)
- Price change: £4.5 → £4.6
- Key stats: Dominant aerially, scored a header, high BPS with key clearances/blocks, maximum bonus.
- Next fixture: vs Burnley (A)
Ballard was one of the GW1 price risers, and for good reason. Sunderland’s defense looked resolute, and at £4.6m, he’s budget gold with attacking threat.
Richarlison (Tottenham, FWD) – £6.5m, 5.8% owned
- GW1 points: 13 (2 Goals: 10, 60+ mins: 2, Bonus: 1)
- Key stats: Scored twice, including an overhead kick; MOTM performance.
- Next fixture: vs Manchester City (A)
Low-owned, sharp, and nailed in Spurs’ attack. Richarlison offers budget forward value — the only downside is his tough GW2 trip to the Etihad.
Matt O’Riley (Brighton, MID) – £5.5m, 1.4% owned
- GW1 points: 10 (Goal: 5, 60+ mins: 2, Bonus: 3)
- Key stats: Scored penalty, on set pieces, played in advanced role.
- Next fixture: vs Everton (A)
Brighton’s system keeps producing midfield options. O’Riley on pens and corners at just £5.5m? With 1.4% ownership, he’s one of the biggest hidden gems this week.
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal, DEF) – £5.5m, 3.0% owned
- GW1 points: 13 (Goal: 6, Clean sheet: 4, 60+ mins: 2, Bonus: 1)
- Key stats: Match-winner at Old Trafford, aerially dominant, bonus-worthy defending.
- Next fixture: vs Leeds (A)
Calafiori looks set for a strong run in Arsenal’s defense, with the added bonus of being a set-piece threat. He’s a defensive differential with upside.
Eliezer Mayenda (Sunderland, FWD) – £5.5m, 1.6% owned
- GW1 points: 8 (Goal: 5, 60+ mins: 2, Bonus: 1)
- Key stats: Opened scoring, good positioning, budget enabler.
- Next fixture: vs Burnley (A)
Mayenda offers a cheap forward slot while looking nailed in Sunderland’s attack. A 5.5m starter who already scored in GW1 is worth considering as your third striker.
Summary
- Ballard – Budget defender, aerial threat, price rising.
- Richarlison – Explosive forward, MOTM in GW1.
- O’Riley – Set-piece taker, 1.4% ownership steal.
- Calafiori – Arsenal defender with attacking bite.
- Mayenda – Low-cost striker option from Sunderland.
💡 All five are owned by less than 6% of managers, making them true differentials heading into GW2. Who are you backing? Let us know in the comments 👇