{"id":67364,"date":"2025-10-22T06:34:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T06:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/?p=67364"},"modified":"2025-10-22T06:34:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T06:34:20","slug":"differential-picks-fpl-gw-9-2025-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/news\/differential-picks-fpl-gw-9-2025-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Differential Picks for FPL Gameweek 9 Under \u00a35 million"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Gameweek 9 of the 2025\/26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season kicks off on Friday night, with Leeds United hosting West Ham United.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Erling Haaland has been the standout player in FPL this season, scoring a whopping 83 points from eight matches. Understandably, this makes him the most sought-after player in the game, with 66.1% managers buying him.<\/p>\n

The Manchester City man started the season with a \u00a314.0 million price tag. He has gotten more expensive since, climbing to \u00a314.7 million after another hike in FPL price changes for Gameweek 9<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Luckily, there are some inexpensive picks still in the game. Many of whom also enjoy low ownership.<\/p>\n

Before the GW 9 action gets underway, we take a look at those players. Here are the best budget differential picks from defence, midfield, and attack:<\/p>\n

Best Budget Differential Picks for FPL Gameweek 9<\/h2>\n

Going with popular choices works well in FPL, as it can put you inside the top 20% of the world. However, if you want to crack the top 5%, it is important to add a differential player or two to the mix. A differential player in FPL typically enjoys below 10% ownership. So, when they score big points, you get a huge boost in the rankings.<\/p>\n

Ahead of Gameweek 9, we pick a differential player from defence, midfield, and attack, all without crossing the \u00a35.0 million ceiling. Of course,<\/p>\n

Best Budget Differential Pick in Defence: Daniel Ballard (\u00a34.6m)<\/h3>\n

If you are looking for a high-ceiling defender without breaking the bank, Sunderland man Daniel Ballard should be on your radar. At the time of writing, only 2.4% managers have him in their FPL team.<\/p>\n

Ballard set the league alight on Matchday 1, scoring 17 points in Sunderland’s 3-0 win over West Ham United.<\/p>\n

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The highest-scoring defender ever from a GW1 fixture \ud83c\udf1f<\/p>\n

Daniel Ballard with an all-timer of a Gameweek \ud83d\udc4f#FPL<\/a> | @SunderlandAFC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/wt2Fqew6zW<\/a><\/p>\n

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) August 18, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n