Our Gameweek 17 differentials column offers a trio of low-owned Fantasy Premier League (FPL) assets for your consideration.
RAYAN CHERKI
- FPL Ownership: 5.8%
- Price: £6.5 million
- GW17-21 fixtures: WHU | info | sun | WHAT | THERE WERE
Blooming as a differential, Rayan Cherki (£6.5m) looks like a great option for Saturday’s home game against West Ham United.
The Frenchman, who sits just above our usual 5% differential threshold, has produced seven assists in as many Gameweeks for a total of 40 points.
Since the beginning of November he has also scored against Borussia Dortmund and Brentford in the cup competitions.
Pep Guardiola discussed his strike in the Carabao Cup earlier this week, saying:
“Near the opponent’s 18-yard box he is an exceptional player. It was a fantastic goal, a blind man, a blind woman can achieve it. You don’t need to be a journalist or a manager to realize that he is a fantastic, fantastic player. I have seen it many times with Phil [Foden] these kinds of goals, with Kevin [De Bruyne] earlier, so I’m glad it opened the game.” – Pep Guardiola on Rayan Cherki
The only downside was that Cherki was substituted after an hour fatigue. However, his early withdrawal at least hints at a fresh start in Gameweek 17.
Meanwhile, Cherki’s underlying figures over the past seven Gameweeks highlight his role as Manchester City’s chief executive.
No teammate has produced more expected assists (xA) in that period, while only Nico Gonzalez (£5.9m) and Phil Foden (£8.8m) have amassed more touches in the opposition half.
Saturday’s match at the Etihad Stadium could be very profitable for the City attack. West Ham have failed to keep a clean sheet under Nuno Espirito Santo and have conceded at least two goals in seven of their eleven games.
City also benefit from a decent upcoming schedule, with clashes against Nottingham Forest and Sunderland on the horizon.
At just €6.5m, Cherki is a hugely attractive differential option and could be the ideal player, especially with positional rivals Doku, Omar Marmoush (€8.3m) and Oscar Bobb (€5.1m) unavailable.
MATHEUS NUNEN
- FPL Ownership: 1.7%
- Price: £5.3 million
- GW17-21 fixtures: WHU | info | sun | WHAT | THERE WERE
Another option for Manchester City is Matheus Nunes (£5.3m), who has now started his side’s last 11 Premier League matches.
During that run he provided one goal and four assists, with all but one of the attacking goals arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
Nunes has also created six chances in the past six gameweeks, more than any other City defender.
Furthermore, no defensive option at the club can beat him for successful crosses, final third touches or defensive contributions (DefCon) in that time frame.
“Matheus is constantly growing. He can be an incredible full-back. He adapts and the cross is really good and that is Erling’s [Haaland] power.” – Pep Guardiola on Matheus Nunes in Gameweek 16
Nunes was benched in midweek, which should see him play against West Ham in Gameweek 17.
Crucially, the Hammers will be without both first-choice full-backs on Saturday, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.2m) and El Hadji Malick Diouf (£4.1m) away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
They also have a vulnerability along their left flank that Nunes could potentially exploit. West Ham have received more key passes on that side of the pitch than any other club in the 2025/2026 season.
Above: West Ham’s chances created an awarded card (assists in green) in 2025/26
Admittedly, it is teammate Nico O’Reilly (£5.3m) who carries the superior box threat.
However, Nunes has the platform to provide assists and clean sheets, with Pep Guardiola’s side conceding just six times in their eight home games so far.
MARCUS TAVERNIER
- FPL Ownership: 2.2%
- Price: £5.5 million
- GW17-21 fixtures: BUR | bre | che | ARS | EARLY
A home game against a Burnley team that has failed to keep a clean sheet this season makes us think Marcus Tavernier (£5.5 million).
The 26-year-old has scored 46 points in his last nine games for Bournemouth, a decent return for a £5.5million midfielder.
It included a standout performance in Gameweek 16 when he scored and assisted at Old Trafford.
Tavernier has created 23 chances this season, the most of any Bournemouth player, while he is second only to Antoine Semenyo (£7.5m) among his teammates in terms of shots and Opta-defined ‘big chances’, with 31 and five respectively.
He will therefore assess his chances this weekend, especially with Burnley’s weak defense in town.
Scott Parker’s side conceded 23 goals in the 2025/26 season, the most of any team. They are also at the bottom for expected goals conceded (xGC).
That will be encouraging for a Bournemouth team who have generally performed well at the Vitality Stadium this season, winning four, drawing three and suffering just one defeat in eight home games.
So with just 2.2% ownership, Tavernier could be an effective fourth or fifth option in midfield for the festive season.
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