Big Man Bakar’s Best Differentials – GW3

In Fantasy Premier League, the ability to identify and back the right differentials is often what separates those who steadily climb the rankings from those who remain stuck around the template. A differential, for our purposes, is a player owned by 15% or fewer managers. These lower-owned gems provide the opportunity to make significant gains, especially early in the season when the majority of managers flock towards the same high-profile names. With Gameweek 3 approaching, here are five standout differential options worth strong consideration.

Best Differentials to Own in Your GW3 Squad

1. Matheus Cunha (Ownership: 11.1%, Price: £8.0m):

Matheus Cunha is not only a strong differential this week but also a prime replacement for the injured Bukayo Saka. With Manchester United welcoming Burnley to Old Trafford, the fixture is as good as it gets for managers seeking a way into their attack. Cunha has looked the sharpest of United’s forwards, combining pace, pressing, and a natural eye for goal. His role in transitions makes him central to United’s attacking play, and at £8.0m, he offers both value and flexibility for future squad moves.

2. Igor Thiago (Ownership: 1.2%, Price: £6.0m):

Igor Thiago’s numbers may not pop off the page yet, but context matters. The Brazilian forward has already played 90 minutes in both of Brentford’s opening fixtures and has assumed penalty-taking duties. A fixture against Sunderland provides a golden opportunity, particularly given Brentford’s history of producing prolific FPL forwards in the central striker role. With ownership at just over 1%, Thiago represents one of the purest differential punts of the week — and the upside could be significant if he delivers.

3. Jorgen Strand Larsen (Ownership: 4.3%, Price: £6.5m):

It has been a slow start for Larsen with back-to-back blanks, but patience might be rewarded. Set to become the focal point for Wolves in Cunha’s absence, Larsen offers managers a reliable striker at £6.5m. He could also be on penalties, further boosting his appeal. Wolves host Everton this week in what looks a winnable fixture, and the long-term schedule is appealing too, with matches against all three promoted sides before Gameweek 9.

For managers who can look beyond short-term disappointment, Larsen is a smart play.

4. Patrick Dorgu (Ownership: 8.3%, Price: £4.5m):

If you’re looking for defensive value, Patrick Dorgu ticks all the boxes. The £4.5m wing-back faces Burnley at home, with United rated as bookmakers’ favourites to keep a clean sheet this week.

What makes Dorgu particularly appealing is the balance between security and upside — he has the clean sheet potential of a budget defender, while his attacking role down the flank makes him capable of chipping in with attacking returns. That blend of reliability and threat is rare in his price bracket.

5. Cody Gakpo (Ownership: 10.3%, Price: £7.5m):

Cody Gakpo is quickly emerging as one of Liverpool’s most reliable attackers. Having played 90 minutes in both opening fixtures, he has already notched three attacking returns. While the Gameweek 3 clash against Arsenal looks difficult on paper, Liverpool’s attack is the most potent in the league, and minutes are gold dust in Slot’s system. As long as he remains a regular starter, Gakpo is an excellent under-owned asset at £7.5m who can deliver even in the tougher fixtures.

 

If you are a fan of Bakar’s best differentials then you will almost certainly enjoy his best GW3 Wildcard Team – essential for anyone considering using their Wildcard chip soon!

Also make sure to check out our Premier League predicted lineups every single Gameweek!