Dream Team Tips: 5 hidden gems who currently feature in fewer than 2% of teams

THERE is no better feeling for a Dream Team manager than unearthing a hidden gem. Successful players who appear in very few teams – known as ‘differentials’ – are incredibly important throughout the season as they are often the individuals who make a difference. PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW: £100,000 PRIZE POT! Reinildo is an underrated performer for Sunderland Credit: Dream Team It’s all well and good backing the likes of Erling Haaland (£8.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£7m) but their points won’t actually mean much if all your Mini League rivals own them too. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! With this in mind, we’ve identified five players who currently feature in fewer than 2% of teams who could help you burst out of the blocks this season. Reinildo Mandava (£2.5m) The former Atletico Madrid man is expected to start at left-back for Sunderland and there could be some useful points on offer given his first three fixtures: Ipswich (a), Fulham (h) and Brentford (a). Reinildo is £0.5m cheaper than the likes of Dan Ballard (£3m), Nordi Mukiele (£3m) and Thomas Meunier (£3m), which makes him an appealing option for those keen on the Black Cats’ defence. The Mozambique international appears in just 1.5% of teams right now. Trai Hume (£2.5m) doesn’t qualify for the list as 4.8% of Dream Team bosses have selected him but he’s still worthy of a mention as a potentially shrewd pick. And remember, Sunderland’s schedule is bolstered by Europa League commitments this season. Most read in Football Justin Kluivert (£3.5m) Speaking of Europa League teams, Bournemouth will also be in action on Thursday nights from September having finished 6th in 2025/26. The Cherries’ No19 has a miniscule ownership of 1.1% at present, which is understandable given he missed much of last season with a knee injury. However, gaffers would do well to refresh their memories of Kluivert’s exploits when everything clicks. The Dutch midfielder scored 13 goals in 2024/25, including a hat-trick of penalties at Molineux. Kluivert has converted a couple of spot-kicks during pre-season and his set-piece prowess is a significant boost to his viability. Kluivert is a formidable asset when in full flow Credit: Reuters Maxim De Cuyper (£3.5m) This suggestion comes with some risk but there’s a good chance the Belgium international will start the season as Brighton’s left winger. This is notable because he is categorised as a defender in Dream Team and is therefore eligible for clean sheet points. At the time of writing, just 0.7% of gaffers are alert to this sneaky trick. Specialist wingers Kaoru Mitoma (£4m) and Yankuba Minteh (£4m) are injured and so Fabian Hurzeler will have to make do for a few weeks — the young tactician has deployed De Cuyper in the front three previously. More broadly, the Seagulls will warrant close attention if they win their Conference League play-off. In recent years, West Ham, Chelsea and Crystal Palace players have provided healthy returns on their way to lifting the trophy in Europe’s tertiary competition. Play Dream Team this season! £100,000 in prize money up for grabs in 2026/27 Free to enter Play in Mini Leagues against your mates £60,000 jackpot for the overall winner £1,000 prize for winning Gameweek 1 PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW! Milos Kerkez (£4.5m) / Jeremie Frimpong (£4.5m) Differentials can be found at the biggest clubs too. Liverpool’s early schedule is crying out to be targeted with Newcastle (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Ipswich (a), Fulham (h) and Bournemouth (a) to come before the first international break. And so it’s rather surprising that the Reds’ attack-minded full-backs both feature in fewer than 2% of teams. Kerkez (1.7%) has been reunited with Andoni Iraola, the coach who got the best out of him at Bournemouth, while Frimpong (1.9%) has a high ceiling having racked up a mountain of goal involvements during his Bayer Leverkusen days. The Dutchman’s first campaign in Liverpool colours was hindered by two ill-timed hamstring injuries — he’ll be hoping for better luck this time around. Frimpong is also capable of playing as a winger. Iraola and Kerkez have been reunited at Anfield Credit: Shutterstock Richarlison (£3.5m) Dominic Solanke (£3.5m) continues to suffer from a persistent ankle issue and so Tottenham’s Brazilian forward is expected to start against Brentford this weekend. Spurs are one of 11 teams scheduled to double up in Gameweek 1 with a Carabao Cup game against Charlton also in the diary. Richarlison (1.7% ownership) is not everybody’s cup of tea but he has hit double figures in five Premier League campaigns, most recently scoring 11 league goals in 2025/26 despite the North Londoners’ dismal domestic performance. Roberto De Zerbi helped Spurs avoid what would have been a catastrophic relegation and hopes are high among supporters that the combustible Italian can lead them back to the top end of the table. Richarlison may not be a viable long-term selection but his early fixtures appear relatively favourable. Open to residents of UK and Rep of Ireland, 18+ only. T&Cs apply. How to claim £30 in football free bets Midnite offer Download the Midnite app or create an account online HERE* Register using the code: BETGET30 Deposit a minimum of £10 Place a £10 sportsbook bet at minimum odds of 1/1 Free Bets will be credited upon settlement of your qualifying bet Comment now