Differential picks have been extremely important this season, with many underrated players being amongst the top Fantasy scorers. Gameweek 7 is another week in which this became increasingly obvious, with some of the highest-scoring performers being previously overlooked. 

To help you make the most of this strategy, we've put together a list of our top differential picks for the upcoming fixtures. Our goal is to highlight players who provide great value and have the potential for significant returns, all while remaining under the radar of the broader Fantasy EFL community.

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• What do Fantasy EFL managers need to know ahead of double gameweek 8?

Goalkeeper

Gillingham’s Glenn Morris (G) is the best differential goalkeeper pick for gameweek 8, as he replaced Jake Turner (G) as the first choice goalkeeper in light of Turner’s ankle injury. He has been selected by 0.3% of managers despite his incredible form, and is certainly an overlooked option for this week. He has three clean sheets (+15) in his last four games, as the Gills defence has been almost unbreakable, with two more chances for clean sheets in gameweek 8. The 40-year-old will play Barrow (H) and Grimsby Town (H) this week, two ideal home fixtures in the double. The experienced keeper has been a key part of their fantastic defensive record, and is likely to pick up at least one more clean sheet this week. 

Defenders

Millwall’s Jake Cooper (D) is our first defender pick for gameweek 8. The Lions have standout fixtures in this double gameweek, giving Cooper a perfect opportunity for two clean sheets and a chance for bonus points. Preston North End have only scored three goals in six games this season, posing very little offensive threat and failing to score in half of their games. The Lions then play bottom-of-the-league Cardiff City, who have been underperforming so far. The Bluebirds have scored only one goal and conceded 13, picking up just one point from six matches. These two teams have hugely struggled offensively, making a Millwall defender a perfect differential option this week. Cooper has just 0.4% ownership this week and is being heavily overlooked, especially considering his fixtures. He is also an offensive threat, scoring a goal (+7) in his 16-point haul in gameweek 4. 

Stephan Negru (D) is our second defensive differential pick for gameweek 8, with the Salford City centre-back at only 0.1% ownership. The 22-year-old has been a standout defensive performer this season, particularly impressing with bonus point contributions. He has a massive 27 clearances, 14 tackles and 16 blocks in six appearances this season, and has two more chances to add to this total in gameweek 8. The Ammies have conceded six goals this season in six games, a very solid defensive record, and will face two struggling teams. Tranmere Rovers have only three goals in their six games this season, losing their last two matches 3-0. Additionally, Newport County have also been poor recently, scoring just once in their last three league fixtures. These weak offences could mean two clean sheets for Negru this week, alongside many bonus points thanks to defensive contributions. 

Midfielders

Junior Quitirna (M) has just 0.2% ownership this week despite his extremely impressive form. He is our first differential midfield selection, and for good reason. The 24-year-old has scored in each of his last two games, despite not playing 90 minutes, and will look to continue this form in his two gameweek 8 fixtures. He has been selected by just 0.2% of managers and has been the star player for Crawley Town this season, scoring three of their five league goals. He plays Bolton Wanderers (H) and Mansfield Town (H) this week. Both sides who have conceded 11 goals in six games and have just one clean sheet combined in 12 matches. This is a perfect opportunity for the youngster to produce some more magic and achieve attacking returns. He is averaging 7.4 Fantasy points this season. 

George Saville (M) is a perfect midfield pick for this gameweek, yet is at just 0.8% ownership. He has had consecutive double-digit hauls in the last two gameweeks after four interceptions (+8) and two key passes (+1) in each game. This has helped him to 50 total Fantasy points this season through six fixtures, averaging an extremely impressive 8.3 Fantasy points per game. He has been very consistent with his interceptions, meaning that with two fixtures this week, he is a surefire pick to have massive returns. 

Forwards

Bolton Wanderers forward Dion Charles (F) is our first differential pick for attackers, as the 28-year-old is selected by just 0.9% of managers. He is coming off an incredible gameweek 8 performance, where he bagged a hat-trick (+20) in 78 minutes. This 23-point haul should turn heads, as the in-form striker looks to continue his goalscoring form. He faces Crawley Town (A) and Northampton Town (A) this week. These two sides have just one clean sheet each this season, and Charles will look to make sure that those numbers do not change. He averages 6.7 Fantasy points per game and has a great opportunity for more with these two solid fixtures.

Lorent Tolaj (F) is in great form, and is our final differential pick for double gameweek 8. The Port Vale forward has a goal and four assists this season in five matches, with a 15-point haul in gameweek 5 against Newport County being his most impressive performance of the season. He plays Swindon Town (H) and Colchester United (H) this week. Both sides have conceded 10 goals this season; Tolaj will have great opportunities to secure attacking returns, either from goals or assists. He has just 0.1% ownership, being heavily overlooked this week, and is an exciting differential option for this massive double gameweek.

Insights provided by the team at Fantasy Football Scout, the leading voice in fantasy football who’ll be providing coverage on teams, player picks and strategy for the Fantasy EFL game throughout the season here and on their own dedicated EFL channel here.