Fantasy Football Tips Gameweek 2

Patience is a virtue…

Welcome to Fantasy Football Tips Gameweek 2

It’s fair to say that our Tips writers absolutely smashed GW1. Then again, we would all also win the lottery every week if we were able to pick all 59 numbers, which is effectively what they did. We hope you picked the good ones!

Gameweek 2 is where we begin to whittle that lot down a bit though. One gameweek is hardly a huge basis to make sweeping judgements, but we can at least begin to see who is likely to hit a bit of form, who we can expect better from and which horses we may want to get off pronto. Read their advice, take some if necessary, just don’t go ripping your team up just yet; patience is a virtue and after all you picked the original lot for a reason.

After all, little has changed in the overall running after GW1. While Man City lost their opening game of the season to Tottenham, as per SportsBettingDime The Citizens are still firm favorites 11/10 to win the league again. Followed by Chelsea 7/2, Liverpool 4/1 and Man Utd at 5/1.

Swirly – Goalkeepers and Defenders

Goalkeepers

As the most-picked goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, came away from Watford with two points following the Villains’ 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Hornets – or their legs, if you’re going to be anatomically accurate – we had the likes of Lloris, Schmeichel and Raya, with 10, nine and eight points respectively, leading the way.

Chelsea’s statistics, however, are the real draw. The Blues conceded only four shots, one shot on target and zero big chances in GW1, the least in all three aspects of any Premier League side. With four shots by the opposition in the box, Thomas Tuchel’s men were also second in that department. So, it’s little surprise that the £6.0m Edouard Mendy gets the first nod in this article. He is, admittedly, pricey compared to the last season, however you have in him a reduced risk of rotation compared to the defenders, along with a great points to fixture ratio. Of the 2745 minutes played last campaign, the equivalent of 30.5 games, the Frenchman amassed 140 points, or around 4.5 points per game. Whilst there is that pricetag, you do have a set and forget player, all being well.

The West Londoners go into Gameweek 2 with the fourth best chance of keeping a clean sheet according to an online match predicting algorithm, as they travel across the capital to Arsenal – a side who didn’t exactly have the best start to the season. Whilst choppier waters are on the horizon in the form of games against Liverpool, Spurs and Man City between now and Gameweek 7, you just need to remember that the rough does come with the smooth!

OK, I’ll be the first to admit that my own goalkeeper doesn’t cost £6.0m, as I opted for the £4.5m Robert Sanchez, who appeared in my Gameweek 1 write up, a whole seven days ago. I still feel compelled to mention the Spaniard, as his trip to Turf Moor saw him concede a dodgy goal and only collect two points. This week, however, the 24.5 per cent of managers who own him will be rooting for a clean sheet as Watford come to the Amex. Whilst Xisco’s men scored three past Villa, the Seagulls are still third favourite to keep a clean sheet out of 20 sides. Indeed, since the south coast side were promoted to the Premier League, their three meetings at home against Watford have tended to be low-scoring affairs, winning 1-0 and then drawing 0-0 and 1-1.

Defenders

It’s always important to make the most of good things while they last – whether that’s a holiday, a good night out with your friends or your side being top of the league when they most likely won’t be come the end of the season.

From an FPL perspective, there isn’t any greater example of this than Konstantinos Tsimikas, as the now £4.1m player is filling in Andy Robertson’s space whilst the left-back is out with an ankle injury. Whilst the Scot has returned to training, Jurgen Klopp said in a conference: “We got lucky and it will not be too long. Before the international break (in early September), after the international break, I don’t know”.

So, we can be sure this arrangement isn’t going to last very long, but while it does – make the most of a defender that managed 12 crosses in the game against Norwich, joint top with Mason Mount and Matt Ritchie for Gameweek 1. Admittedly, none of those immediately translated into a goal – though he did also take seven corners and had two shots on target, so it’s great to see this budget friendly option is also attacking.

It’s Burnley at home in the early kick off this week. Though Sean Dyche’s men last came away from Anfield with a 1-0 win – being the first victory there since 1974 – that was during a very weird spell for the Reds and you would think that order will be restored this time round as they look to build on their 3-0 triumph at the Canaries. With Robertson potentially waiting in the wings sooner than anticipated, I’ll just add that it’s Chelsea at home before the aforementioned international break, with a journey on the M62 to Leeds afterwards.

Kieran Tierney was second place on the crosses last gameweek, with 11, however he came first in the league with six chances and five successful crosses. Whilst that was against Brentford – who managed to concede the most shots of any side in Gameweek 1 with 22 – the signs are there for some great attacking returns over the campaign.

The £5.0m Arsenal left back signed from Celtic in 2019 and, since then, has managed two goals, six assists and 10 clean sheets in 43 appearances, so he does have some history. However, I would say to wait for another two games before you consider placing him in your side, as the Gunners face Chelsea at home this gameweek and then Man City away in Gameweek 3. They may well concede more shots than the eight Brentford managed against them, put it that way! The fixtures against Norwich and Burnley could then be a nice opportunity to bring in a player who is only owned by 7.6 per cent of FPL managers and has shown to not exactly be frightened of getting forward.

Next up is a bit of an old school shout, as Ricardo Pereira looks to be bouncing back from the injury-blighted campaign last year where he only managed 954 minutes of play and picked up 27 points. The match against Wolves saw him collect almost half of that tally alone, with a clean sheet, assist and all three bonus leading to a nice 13-point collection. Looking back to the happier two seasons prior to the last, the Portuguese amassed a total of 269 points, finding the back of the net five times and setting up 10 others.

The fixture this weekend is against a West Ham side that put four past Newcastle, as the Magpies conceded 18 shots in one game. The Hammers do look to be picking up where they left off last season, as the likes of Antonio and Benrahma rewarded their FPL managers. The clean sheet odds for the Foxes this weekend back up the consensus of it not being the best time to bring in Pereira straightaway then, however the fixture against Norwich in Gameweek 3 could reap the rewards. It’s then games against Brighton, Burnley and Crystal Palace – with the annoying interruption of Man City coming to town in Gameweek 4 – between now and mid-October.

OK, that is admittedly two defenders who don’t exactly have a great fixture this gameweek – little use if you want to bring someone in and then play them straightaway! Well, to make up for that, how about Sergio Reguilon? The guy with the number three on his back only signed last year, however he’s managed to pick up six assists and eight clean sheets in that short time. The quite budget-friendly £5.0m Spaniard goes into Gameweek 2 on the back of the 1-0 win over Man City where his efforts earned him a bonus as part of seven points.

This weekend, Spurs will hope to make it two consecutive clean sheets as they face a side who went through a fair bit of upheaval over the summer, Wolves. The Midlanders will be looking to Raul Jimenez for their fortunes and it will be the jobs of Reguilon and co. to keep him and Adama Traore at bay. At seventh on the table of clean sheet odds – and the fact it was 2010 when Wolves last beat them at Molineux – there is a chance of the North Londoners returning back to the capital with just that, however Watford and, in particular, Crystal Palace in Gameweeks 2 and 3 respectively also offer great opportunities.

Smash – Midfielders

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images,)

The obvious options in midfield are Bruno and Salah but then water is wet at the end of the day. Everyone owns them and no one is going to sell them. Bruno Fernandes has the most points in the game since joining Manchester United and Mo Salah has been the best FPL player in recent years. For more info on those two you can read the captains article which highlights their credentials. I see no reason for both not to be among the top scorers in the game again this season.

Heung Min Son (10) just keeps on delivering and with or without Kane will continue to do so. His record when playing as a central striker since joining Spurs, is incredible – 49 goals/assists in 55 starts. Son scored against City proving he can score against anyone and the next three look good for Spurs as they play Wolves (A), Watford (H) and Palace (A) in the next three. Wolves left loads of space in behind for Vardy last time out against Leicester which will certainly suit Son

What to do about Riyad Mahrez? Yes he blanked last GW but this could be the match for him as it’s Norwich at home next. In a weekend dominated by the home teams and even with the euphoria of fans being back at Carrow Road, Norwich still conceded three goals. Only Brentford conceded more shots than Norwich on the opening weekend in the Premier League. Norwich conceded twice as many chances on their left than the right this GW which should bode well for Mahrez. It’s more a case of which City player will come away with the points than if one will. As for City they were poor as they lost to Spurs however it must be noted that only Arsenal and Liverpool had more goal attempts than Manchester City. It must be remembered the Algerian scored nine goals and had eight assists last season in only 23 starts. His stats were good also, with 58 Shots, 39 Shots in the Box, 22 shots on target, and 7 Big Chances. He also created 44 Chances and 8 Big Chances. Even last game where Mahrez was quiet it was him who missed the big chance created. The problem is always will he start? He should still play as Gundogan and Foden are expected to be missing and BSilva wanting to leave. Granted it might not be Mahrez who scores the points it could be Grealish, Torres, KDB, Sterling they all could be good options. City will certainly be expecting to bounce back with a big win.’s runs on the counter.

Paul Pogba (£7.6m) bagged four assists from five chances created in Manchester United’s 5-1 win over Leeds United. He was superb the question is can he keep it up? Judge with caution though as this was more assists than he got than the whole of last season and from 0.57 xA. Just one of the Frenchman’s five attempted assists was a big chance created so In basic terms he overperformed. Southampton next who conceded three goals to Everton and had an xGC of 2.09 the second worst behind Newcastle. Mason Greenwood played up top, notched himself a goal and was impressive throughout is a better option in my opinion. With the way Greenwood (7.5) is currently playing it will be very hard for Ole to drop him. United fixtures look great from an attacking perspective Southampton (A), Wolves (A), Newcastle (H), West Ham (A) and Aston Villa (H).

Said Benrahma (6) noticeably lived up to the pre season hype with an xGI of 0.41. A goal and assist and the Algerian came away with 12 fantasy points. 3 shots on goal,6 pen area touches. He might even now be on pens following Antonio’s miss and Rice missing at the end of last season. Benrahma was West Ham’s highest man on the pitch as Antonio dropped deep to get the ball. The Hammers take on Leicester (H), Crystal Palace (H) and Southampton (a) in the next three gameweeks.

Ismaila Sarr had 1 goal 3 shots as he came away with 9 fpl points which probably should have been a lot more. He’s the main man at Watford now. Sarr created a match-high four chances, was Watford’s most advanced player and was Watford’s main attacking threat with his 10 penalty area touches. Sarr was unlucky to not have an assist on Watford’s first goal as Dennis hit the keeper with the original shot when he should have scored before making sure with the rebound. Watford have a run of fixtures of Brighton (A), Spurs (A), Wolves (H), Norwich (A) and Newcastle (H) which is pretty good on the whole.

Bryan Mbeumo (5.5) could be a great enabler for another big hitter in our teams, Classed as a midfielder on FPL, Mbeumo plays up top in a 3-5-2 system for Brentford alongside Toney. Against Arsenal, he took two shots in the box for a total xG of 0.35. With a couple of good looking fixtures on the horizon as Brentford travel to Palace and Villa next before playing Brighton at home. We love an out of position player.

Rosco – Strikers

(Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

If you’re already looking for an ‘out’ with Ivan Toney (£6.5m) then first off, I’ll implore patience. Then I’ll offer you the alternatives as let’s face it, that’s why I’m here. Like Toney, Adam Armstrong (£6.0) joins the Premier League following a high-scoring season in the Championship. Armstrong scored 28 goals for Blackburn, just 3 less than Toney. Had he made his transfer sooner its likely he would have given Toney more of a run for a place in many GW1 squads. As it is we’re all left wondering if we backed the wrong budget forward. Unlike Toney, Armstrong marked his debut with a goal in Southampton’s opening day defeat away to Everton, where he managed 3 goal attempts to Toney’s 0. With games against both Manchester clubs in Southampton’s next 4 fixtures the smart manager will be playing a patient game of ‘wait and see’.

Another alternative is Watford’s Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis (£5.0) who grabbed a goal and an assist on his Hornets debut. The Super Eagles front man is currently flagged, and it should be noted that he was hardly prolific for Club Brugge (19 goals in 85 appearances), but only Jamie Vardy registered more than his 5 goal attempts in GW1. Watford have a canny run from GW4 through to GW7 so he’s another I’d stick on the watchlist for the time being.

Everton pair Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£8.0m) and Richarlison (£7.6) both grabbed a goal in Everton’s 3-1 comeback over Southampton in GW1. Richarlison may have taken the headlines and an additional 4 points (grabbing an assist and maximum bonus points to boot) but DCL’s 5 goal attempts to Richarlison’s solitary effort indicates that the England man will still be the focal point of the Toffee’s attack under manager Rafa Benitez. My advice, don’t be a cheapskate and leave the Brazilian for all the point-chasers.

Michail Antonio’s stock is on the rise following a dominant display which I had the misfortune to witness in person at the weekend. A goal, two assists, a missed penalty and maximum bonus points. 13pts when all was said and done up at St James Park. Almost 150k have since brought in Antonio (£7.5) and if you wanted to joint them, I’d struggle to persuade you otherwise. I could call out the Hammers attractive fixtures, but Antonio is pretty much fixture-proof in my opinion, so fill your boots and if he stays fit, he’ll make you happy. And yes, I do have in my FPL side, and no, it did not make me happy (although it tempered my mood somewhat once the dust had settled).

A word on Romelu Lukaku (£11.5M). The Belgium forward will be available to play from GW2, we all know what he can do, but for most he’s not easy to fit into your team without major restructuring. Not that that has dissuaded the 160k who have already brought him in. With fixtures away to Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and a home game to Man City in 4 of Chelsea’s next 5 I’d say this is the perfect opportunity to wait and see exactly how he fits into Thomas Tuchell’s 11. The worry is of course, that by the time GW7 swings round, he could cost £12m plus.

Thanks for reading Fantasy Football Tips Gameweek 2. This article was written by Swirly, Smash and Rosco.

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