{"id":970,"date":"2025-08-01T17:46:20","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T14:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/?p=970"},"modified":"2025-08-01T17:48:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T14:48:19","slug":"fantasy-premier-league-guide-top-mid-table-assets-and-differential-picks-for-fpl-2025-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/2025\/08\/01\/fantasy-premier-league-guide-top-mid-table-assets-and-differential-picks-for-fpl-2025-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Fantasy Premier League Guide: Top Mid-Table Assets and Differential Picks for FPL 2025\/26"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The new Fantasy Premier League season is almost here, and once again, most managers will find themselves hunting for value and differential picks outside the usual big hitters. Whether you\u2019re a template follower or a risk-taker, there\u2019s a lot to unpack among the mid-table clubs this year. Let\u2019s break down the top assets from Wolves, West Ham, Bournemouth, Manchester United, Everton, and then take a quick look at the ultimate Differentials for those managers brave enough to chase those elusive green arrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wolves: Trust in Strand Larsen \u2013 But Who Else?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wolves rarely dominate FPL conversations, but there\u2019s one player who stands out for 2025\/26:&nbsp;<strong>Jorgen Strand Larsen (\u00a36.5m)<\/strong>. With 14 goals and four assists in just 30 starts last season (despite&nbsp;<em>not<\/em>&nbsp;being on penalties), Strand Larsen is poised for even bigger things this year now that Cunha has departed. The Norwegian is tipped to take spot kicks, making him the clear focal point of Wolves\u2019 attack. He\u2019s already opened his preseason account, and with winnable fixtures early on, he could offer more consistency than most in his price bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_3253-2-1024x866.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-978\" style=\"width:360px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_3253-2-1024x866.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_3253-2-300x254.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_3253-2-768x649.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_3253-2.avif 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Strand Larsen stats from <a href=\"http:\/\/apple.co\/3ObOLnA\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/apple.co\/3ObOLnA\">We Play FPL<\/a> app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Looking for a budget midfielder? Keep an eye on&nbsp;<strong>Jhon Arias (\u00a35.5m)<\/strong>. He\u2019s a new arrival with flair, set-piece potential, and a history of creating chances. Arias may not be nailed for 90 minutes just yet, but if he starts strong, the left-sided role could be his to lose. Lastly, for those who love a budget defender,&nbsp;<strong>Ki-Jana Hoever (\u00a34.0m)<\/strong>&nbsp;is worth considering as Wolves rebuild their defence. He\u2019s shown attacking promise, but is probably best used in rotation \u2013 especially with home games against Everton and Leeds in the early weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">West Ham: Bowen\u2019s New Role, Wan-Bissaka\u2019s Bonus Appeal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re after guaranteed returns,&nbsp;<strong>Jarrod Bowen (\u00a38.0m)<\/strong>&nbsp;is your man. Reclassified as a forward, Bowen scored 13 and assisted 11 last year, topping 193 FPL points and outshining every other Hammer by a distance. He\u2019s the main attacking threat, and West Ham\u2019s opening fixture against Sunderland looks a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Defensively, the introduction of bonus points for defensive actions puts&nbsp;<strong>Aaron Wan-Bissaka (\u00a34.5m)<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Max Kilman (\u00a34.5m)<\/strong>&nbsp;firmly on the FPL radar. Wan-Bissaka\u2019s move from Manchester United saw him rack up two goals and six assists, and his interceptions and tackles mean he could pick up extra points under the new rules. Keep an eye on how the signing of Kyle Walker-Peters impacts his minutes. Kilman, meanwhile, is a clearance machine, perfect for picking up those new defender bonuses \u2013 and potentially a safe pick if you want a solid, busy centre-back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bournemouth: Kluivert\u2019s Penalties and Truffert\u2019s Attacking Promise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Justin Kluivert (\u00a37.0m)<\/strong>&nbsp;offers goals, creativity, and \u2013 crucially \u2013 penalties. With 12 league goals last season (including a hat-trick of spot kicks at Wolves), Kluivert leads Bournemouth\u2019s attacking options. Manager Andoni Iraola\u2019s attacking setup means Bournemouth are expected to keep scoring, even with a tough run of fixtures to start.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"894\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-1.29.46-PM-1024x894.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-982\" style=\"width:327px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-1.29.46-PM-1024x894.avif 1024w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-1.29.46-PM-300x262.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-1.29.46-PM-768x671.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-1.29.46-PM.avif 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kluivert stats from <a href=\"http:\/\/apple.co\/3ObOLnA\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/apple.co\/3ObOLnA\">We Play FPL<\/a> app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Antoine Semenyo (\u00a37.0m)<\/strong>&nbsp;is another reliable attacking pick, leading the team for shots last year and trailing only Salah and Palmer for attempts league-wide. He\u2019s a safe, ever-present threat in the box, already scoring in pre-season. At the back,&nbsp;<strong>Adrien Truffert (\u00a34.5m)<\/strong>&nbsp;stands out. The new French left-back brings attacking upside (already bagging a brace in preseason) and could prove a budget gem, even if he starts on the bench for tough fixtures like Liverpool away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manchester United: Fernandes Still the Main Man<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite United\u2019s rocky season,&nbsp;<strong>Bruno Fernandes (\u00a39.0m)<\/strong>&nbsp;remains their best FPL asset. Eight goals and 12 assists last year tell the story, but his all-round play \u2013 set pieces, penalties, and a high number of ball recoveries \u2013 give him multiple routes to points. The new defensive contributions rule should only boost his appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Patrick Dorgu (\u00a34.5m)<\/strong>&nbsp;is the best defensive option after a lively preseason, with a goal and assist already. He looks nailed for starts and has enough attacking intent to make him worth watching.&nbsp;<strong>Amad (\u00a36.5m)<\/strong>&nbsp;is a wildcard pick \u2013 he broke out last year with eight goals and eight assists but may play a deeper role due to United\u2019s new signings. Still, his price makes him tempting if you want a mid-priced punt. As for new arrivals Cunha and Mbeumo, consider waiting to see how they settle before investing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Everton: Value Up Front and at the Back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a budget forward,&nbsp;<strong>Beto (\u00a35.5m)<\/strong>&nbsp;offers strong early-season value. Eight goals in 15 starts last season and on penalties in preseason, he\u2019s the focal point of Everton\u2019s attack.&nbsp;<strong>Iliman Ndiaye (\u00a36.5m)<\/strong>&nbsp;edged Beto for goals last season and is the usual penalty taker, but his price is a little higher and rotation risk remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Defensively,&nbsp;<strong>James Tarkowski (\u00a35.5m)<\/strong>&nbsp;could be a game-changer under the new rules. He would\u2019ve been among the top scorers for defensive actions last season, and with Everton boasting strong underlying defensive numbers, there\u2019s reason for optimism. With Pickford\u2019s price up and fullback rotation likely, Tarkowski is the safest Toffee in defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Ultimate Differentials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to really break away from the pack? The&nbsp;<strong>Ultimate Differentials<\/strong>&nbsp;is all about low ownership and high upside. A few highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bart Verbruggen (Brighton, \u00a34.5m)<\/strong> pairs well for rotation and offers clean sheet potential as Brighton improve defensively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Murillo and Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest, \u00a35.5m)<\/strong>&nbsp; both are bonus and goal magnets; early fixtures are strong for defensive returns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-9.21.10-PM-746x1024.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-973\" style=\"width:313px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-9.21.10-PM-746x1024.avif 746w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-9.21.10-PM-219x300.avif 219w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-9.21.10-PM-768x1054.avif 768w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-9.21.10-PM-1119x1536.avif 1119w, https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-9.21.10-PM.avif 1170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Murillo and Milenkovic comparison from <a href=\"http:\/\/apple.co\/3ObOLnA\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/apple.co\/3ObOLnA\">We Play FPL<\/a> app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mu\u00f1oz (Crystal Palace, \u00a35.5m)<\/strong> ultra-attacking fullback with serious goal threat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eze (Palace, \u00a37.5m), Gibbs-White (Forest, \u00a37.5m), Kluivert (Bournemouth, \u00a37.0m)<\/strong> each could deliver big points and are owned by under 10% of managers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Evanilson (Bournemouth, \u00a37.0m)<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Wissa (Brentford, \u00a37.5m)<\/strong> flying under the radar up front despite strong returns last year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Differentials like these are best used to complement a solid core. Don\u2019t go all in, but having two or three low-owned gems can supercharge your rank if they hit early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Download the &#8220;We Play FPL&#8221; App Today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to optimize your FPL squad with live predictions, transfer planning, and player comparisons? Download the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/apple.co\/3ObOLnA\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/apple.co\/3ObOLnA\">We Play FPL<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;app now. Make every transfer count and get the edge on your rivals all season long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>May your arrows be green. happy managing!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the top FPL picks and best differentials from mid-table clubs for the 2025\/26 season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":971,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[173],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-970","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fpl"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/970","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=970"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/970\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":985,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/970\/revisions\/985"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/971"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weplayfpl.com\/news-articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}