As the second gameweek of the Premier League approaches, fantasy football managers are eager to optimize their teams. Fantasy Premier League tips become crucial at this stage, with managers looking to capitalize on early season form and favorable fixtures. The opening weekend has provided valuable insights, setting the stage for strategic decisions in the coming rounds.
This article aims to guide FPL managers through Gameweek 2 with expert advice. It will cover key players to target, including potential differentials like Diogo Jota, top captaincy options such as Mohamed Salah, and essential defenders like Trent Alexander-Arnold (TAA). Additionally, it will provide team selection strategies, discuss fixtures, and share the latest injury news to help managers make informed decisions for their Fantasy Premier League teams.
Key Players to Target in Gameweek 2
In-form forwards
Erling Haaland (£15.0m) stands out as the top forward option for Gameweek 2. After scoring in the opening weekend, he has a favorable home fixture against Ipswich. Manchester City has a 67% chance to score 2.5+ goals, with Haaland having a 66% probability of scoring. He is predicted to score 8.7 points according to Hub AI.
Alexander Isak (£8.5m) is another forward to consider. He provided an assist in Gameweek 1 and has a promising fixture against Bournemouth. With Callum Wilson injured, Isak will be Newcastle’s main attacking threat and on penalty duty.
Midfield maestros
Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) remains a top midfield pick. He scored and assisted in Gameweek 1, continuing his impressive opening day record. Liverpool has a favorable home fixture against Brentford, and Salah is predicted to score 8.1 points.
Cole Palmer (£10.5m) is an intriguing option for Chelsea’s away match against Wolves. After an exceptional previous season, Palmer is integral to Chelsea’s attack and takes penalties. He is predicted to score 6.6 points.
Defensive differentials
Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) combines defensive and attacking potential. He kept a clean sheet and earned bonus points in Gameweek 1, showcasing his attacking threat with a high Expected Goal Involvement. Liverpool’s home fixture against Brentford offers potential for returns at both ends of the pitch.
Antonee Robinson (£4.5m) of Fulham could be a budget-friendly defensive option. Fulham faces Leicester at home, and Robinson offers both clean sheet potential and attacking threat, having ranked among the top defenders for assists last season.
Top Captaincy Picks
Safe options
Erling Haaland (£15.0m) emerges as the top captaincy pick for Gameweek 2. After scoring against Chelsea in the opening weekend, he has a favorable home fixture against Ipswich. Manchester City has a 67% chance to score 2.5+ goals, with Haaland having a 66% probability of scoring. He is predicted to score 9.4 points according to the Predicted Points & Stats tool.
Haaland’s impressive stats from last season support his captaincy credentials. Despite playing only 2556 minutes, he led all players in shots on target (59), ‘big chances’ (54), and ‘Expected Goals’ (xG) (29.44). Manchester City’s attacking prowess, having scored 96 goals last season, further enhances Haaland’s appeal.
Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) presents another safe captaincy option. He continued his streak of returning in every opening game with a goal and assist against Ipswich. Despite an underwhelming season by his standards last year, Salah still topped midfielders in several key metrics, including shots (114), shots in the box (92), ‘big chances’ (30), and xG (21.38). Liverpool’s home fixture against Brentford offers potential for returns, with Salah projected to score 6.9 points.
Differential captains
Heung-Min Son (£4.8m) could be an intriguing differential captain. Although he didn’t register FPL returns in Gameweek 1, Son was Spurs’ top goal scorer last season with 17 goals and their main creator with 10 assists. He led Spurs in ‘big chances’ (20) and xG (12.69). Son averaged 5.8 FPL points per game in home matches last season, making him an attractive option for Spurs’ home game against Everton.
Team Selection Strategy
Balancing premium and budget options
Managers should aim to create a balanced squad by combining premium assets with budget-friendly options. Erling Haaland (£15.0m) remains a must-have due to Manchester City’s favorable upcoming fixtures. His impressive stats from last season, including leading in shots on target and ‘big chances’, justify his high price tag. For those looking to free up funds, Kai Havertz (£8.0m) presents excellent value in Arsenal’s attack. Since Gameweek 21 last season, Havertz has been second among all players for goal involvements.
In the budget category, Chris Wood (£6.0m) and Emile Smith Rowe (£5.5m) offer potential returns. Wood scored nine points in Gameweek 1 and has a kind run of fixtures ahead. Smith Rowe could be a short-term pick with Fulham facing promoted sides in the next two gameweeks. For ultra-budget options, Taylor Harwood-Bellis (£4.0m) and Harry Winks (£4.5m) provide secure starting options in their respective price brackets.
Fixture difficulty considerations
Analyzing fixture difficulty is crucial for team selection. Liverpool and Crystal Palace have favorable schedules, with three home matches in the next four gameweeks. Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) and Diogo Jota (£7.5m) are attractive options from Liverpool, while Daniel Munoz (£5.0m) and Eberechi Eze (£7.0m) stand out for Palace.
Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures present an opportunity for Cole Palmer (£10.5m) to become a captaincy contender. With six consecutive matches scoring only two in the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), Palmer could replicate his impressive form from last season.
Managers should also consider Ipswich’s favorable run from Gameweek 3, with seven of their next eight matches scoring just two in the FDR. Leif Davis (£4.5m) could be a budget defender to watch, given his set-piece duties and attacking potential.
Injury News and Team Updates
Players returning from injury
Bryan Mbeumo has made a strong comeback after his ankle injury. He began the 2023/24 season with four goals in four matches and had impressive xGI stats early on. After a three-month layoff, Mbeumo has hit the ground running in the 2024/25 season, scoring nine points in Gameweek 1. His potential penalty duties make him an appealing option for FPL managers.
Several key players are returning from injuries across various teams. At Brighton, Evan Ferguson (ankle) and Pervis Estupinan (ankle) have recently resumed training. Tariq Lamptey is also back after a month-long absence. For Tottenham, Rodrigo Bentancur has a 50% chance of playing, while Pedro Porro has a 75% chance.
New signings to watch
FPL managers should keep an eye on recent transfers that could impact their team selections. Bournemouth has signed Evanilson from Porto for £6.0m, potentially filling the void left by Dominic Solanke’s departure to Tottenham. Ipswich Town has secured Jens Cajuste on loan from Napoli, priced at £4.5m.
Oliver Skipp, now at Leicester City, is available for selection and priced at £5.0m. Brighton has acquired Georgino Rutter from Leeds United for £5.5m, adding to their attacking options. These new signings could provide value for FPL managers looking for differential picks or budget-friendly options to bolster their squads.
Managers should monitor team news closely, as the availability of players can change rapidly. With several teams dealing with injuries and integrating new signings, staying informed will be crucial for making effective transfers and team selections in the coming gameweeks.
To wrap up, the Gameweek 2 Fantasy Premier League tips offer valuable insights to help managers make informed decisions. From key players to target and captaincy picks to team selection strategies and injury updates, this guide provides a comprehensive overview to optimize FPL teams. The focus on balancing premium and budget options, along with fixture difficulty considerations, gives managers the tools to create strong squads.
