fpl gameweek 35-differentials tips: Nico O'Reilly leads
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 6 min read
The top differential for fpl gameweek 35-differentials tips is Nico O’Reilly, a defender who has already amassed 160 points with a 4.7 points‑per‑game average. O’Reilly’s 65‑point price tag makes him a bargain compared to his 14 clean sheets and 5 goals. This makes him a prime candidate for squads that need a high‑value differential.
Gameweek 35 brings a mix of high‑stakes clashes and low‑risk fixtures that can shape your squad. The draws feature a showdown at the Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth host Man United, a title‑deciding match at the Brentford Community Stadium, and a battle at the Hill Dickinson Stadium between Everton and Hull City. Meanwhile, the fixtures at the Elland Road, Etihad Stadium and City Ground add further depth to the selection process.
The fixtures table
| Home | Away | Venue | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth | Man Utd | Vitality Stadium | 14:00 |
| Brentford | Aston Villa | Brentford Community Stadium | 14:00 |
| Everton | Hull City | Hill Dickinson Stadium | 14:00 |
| Fulham | Ipswich Town | Craven Cottage | 14:00 |
| Leeds | Arsenal | Elland Road | 14:00 |
| Man City | Liverpool | Etihad Stadium | 14:00 |
| Newcastle | Coventry City | (Venue not set) | 14:00 |
| Nott'm Forest | Crystal Palace | City Ground | 14:00 |
| Spurs | Chelsea | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 14:00 |
| Brighton | Sunderland | Amex Stadium | 14:00 |
Captain picks (3 ranked)
- Erling Haaland - Man City - 155 points, 239 total points and 27 goals at a 6.8 points‑per‑game rate. His 13 clean sheets and 8 assists give him a balanced profile that keeps him in the debate for any top‑tier squad.
- Bruno Fernandes - Man Utd - 120 points, 235 total points and 24 assists at a 6.7 PPG pace. Fernandes consistently delivers a high number of contributions, and his 9 goals confirm his role as a reliable source of points.
- Bukayo Saka - Arsenal - 95 points, 157 total points and 10 assists at a 5.1 PPG rate. Saka’s 7 goals and 12 clean sheets from midfield make him a dependable pick for those seeking a balanced budget.
Players to bring in (4‑5)
- Nico O’Reilly - Man City - 65 points, 160 total points and 14 clean sheets at a 4.7 PPG rate. O’Reilly’s 5 goals and 4 assists add extra value to an already solid defensive profile.
- Jérémy Doku - Man City - 75 points, 120 total points and 8 assists at a 4.0 PPG rate. Doku’s 5 goals and 8 assists keep him well‑rounded, while his 8 clean sheets support the defensive side of the squad.
- Bryan Mbeumo - Man Utd - 80 points, 148 total points and 11 goals at a 4.5 PPG rate. Mbeumo’s 3 assists and 8 clean sheets confirm his consistent contribution to the team’s output.
- João Pedro - Chelsea - 75 points, 177 total points and 9 assists at a 5.1 PPG rate. His 15 goals and 4 assists provide a high return on investment, especially for those who prefer a forward‑heavy lineup.
- Bukayo Saka - Arsenal - 95 points, 157 total points and 10 assists at a 5.1 PPG rate. Adding Saka gives you an extra source of points from a mid‑field position that can slot into a balanced lineup.
Players to move on (2‑3)
- Richarlison - Spurs - 60 points, 119 total points and 4 assists at a 3.7 PPG rate. His 11 goals and 7 assists are underwhelming compared to his price, making him a candidate for a budget cut.
- Cody Gakpo - Liverpool - 70 points, 131 total points and 5 assists at a 3.6 PPG rate. With 7 goals and 5 assists, Gakpo’s return does not justify his price for a squad that can find similar output elsewhere.
- Nico O’Reilly - remains a differential; dropping him would compromise the defensive depth and clean‑sheet potential.
The differential
Nico O’Reilly stands out because his 160 points and 4.7 points‑per‑game rate translate into a 25.6 points‑per‑week expectation, far above the league average for a defender. His 14 clean sheets give him a 0.21 clean‑sheet probability per match, while his 5 goals add a 0.16 goal probability. At a 65‑point cost, O’Reilly offers a 2.46 points‑per‑cost‑unit ratio that outpaces many midfield and forward options. The combination of high clean‑sheet chances, goal‑scoring threat and a low price makes him a differential that can swing a squad from average to impressive.
Bench considerations
A solid bench can salvage points if your main picks miss game time. Look for players who consistently start and have a high chance of contributing. Jérémy Doku and Bryan Mbeumo offer a good mix of midfield influence and cost efficiency, while João Pedro provides a forward option that can pick up points in case of rotation.
Team form and fixture strength
Man City’s clash with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium is a high‑intensity battle that can yield plenty of points for the best performers. Arsenal’s match at Elland Road against Leeds may see a safer defensive environment for Bukayo Saka to thrive, particularly given Arsenal’s recent 3‑point form.
Final thoughts
Balancing high‑cost stars with budget‑friendly options is the key to a successful squad. By anchoring the lineup with Haaland, Fernandes and Saka, and anchoring the backline with O’Reilly, you can create a well‑rounded roster that can adapt to the unpredictable nature of Gameweek 35.
Key takeaways
- Nico O’Reilly delivers 160 points for 65 points, a 2.46 points‑per‑cost‑unit ratio.
- Erling Haaland remains the top captain due to 239 points, 27 goals and 13 clean sheets.
- Bruno Fernandes provides a balanced 235 points, 24 assists and 9 goals at 120 points.
- Bryan Mbeumo’s 148 points and 11 goals make him a budget‑friendly mid‑field option.
- Dropping Richarlison and Cody Gakpo frees up 130 points for a higher‑return investment.
FAQ
What makes Nico O’Reilly a differential? His 160 total points and 4.7 points‑per‑game average, combined with 14 clean sheets and 5 goals, give him a high return on a 65‑point price.
How do the captain picks compare in terms of points per game? Erling Haaland leads with 6.8 PPG, followed by Bruno Fernandes at 6.7 PPG and Bukayo Saka at 5.1 PPG.
Which players are worth dropping in this gameweek? Richarlison (119 points, 60 cost) and Cody Gakpo (131 points, 70 cost) both under‑perform relative to their price tags.
Is there a risk in selecting a defender as a differential? Not if the defender has a strong clean‑sheet record and a goal‑scoring contribution, as demonstrated by Nico O’Reilly’s 14 clean sheets and 5 goals.
What is the overall cost of a balanced squad using these picks? A typical squad incorporating Haaland, Fernandes, Saka, O’Reilly, Doku, Mbeumo and João Pedro would cost around 815 points, leaving room for strategic budget allocation.