As Fantasy Premier League (FPL) enthusiasts gear up for Gameweek 2, there's substantial anticipation surrounding player selections, particularly with the Arsenal versus Aston Villa matchup. The initial draft of our Scout Picks highlights several noteworthy selections based on recent performances and upcoming fixtures.
This early glimpse serves to inform managers of potential picks while awaiting final recommendations influenced by pre-match press conferences and any last-minute scout updates.
Keep in mind the established constraints for creating our squad:
- An overall budget of £83 million for the starting xi
- A squad cap of £100 million
- A maximum of three players from a single team
This is not just about short-term gains; our picks are curated solely for the present Gameweek.
Gameweek 2 Fixtures
According to our Members’ ticker, the difficulty ranking for matches in Gameweek 2 reveals key matchups to monitor closely.
Expected Performers
Erling Haaland (£15.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) both went scoreless in their first match of the week. Haaland's absence from the scoresheet in Gameweek 1 marks a rare occurrence, but his performance, which included five shots, should keep FPL managers optimistic as he faces a struggling Crystal Palace side. Similarly, Fernandes, a top point scorer in the previous season, underperformed despite creating several scoring opportunities in Manchester United's unexpected loss to Hull City. His next match against Ipswich Town begs the question: can he bounce back?
Then there's Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m), who managed to salvage his Gameweek with a last-minute penalty at Newcastle, raising speculation about his role as Liverpool's primary penalty taker. With 27 total shots and an expected goals figure of 2.98 against Newcastle, he proved essential despite Liverpool's struggles.
“We have multiple penalty-takers, but Dom showed his level today,” said Liverpool’s manager Andoni Iraola after the match against Newcastle.
The expectation is high, especially against Nottingham Forest, a team that has historically struggled in away fixtures.
Looking at Arsenal's potential, defender Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m) is poised for selection. After Aston Villa's dismal showing against Brighton, adding a second Arsenal player to accompany Calafiori seems prudent, with Ben White (£5.5m) also an option who made an assist on opening night.
Contenders for Selection
Arsenal's recent performances showcase the synergy among players like Christos Tzolis (£6.5m) and Bukayo Saka (£9.5m), with Tzolis assisting Saka's goal. Tzolis shone in pre-season and previously delivered exceptional performances at Brugge, creating seven goals last term. The decision between him, Saka, and Martin Ødegaard (£6.5m) when selecting Arsenal players is proving challenging.
Meanwhile, teams like the Sky Blues, facing Hull, have induced scrutiny over their defensive options. While attacking players remain lineup essentials, the appeal of Milan van Ewijk (£4.0m) as an attacking full-back this week raises considerations. Moreover, with doubts surrounding Manchester United's backline strength after dropping points against Hull, defenders like Harry Maguire (£5.0m) are less enticing.
United's upcoming fixture against Ipswich carries pressure, and while they might be favored for a clean sheet, past performances suggest volatility.
On the other hand, Ipswich’s victory over Sunderland cannot be ignored. With home advantage in their clash against Fulham, players like Brian Brobbey (£6.0m) and Enzo Le Fee (£6.0m) emerge as notable picks.
Potential Underdogs
This week features a number of challenging matchups, including low-profile teams vying against one another. Fixture tough spots include Bournemouth against Everton and Leeds against Brentford, where unpredictability reigns. Then consider players like Mamadou Sangare (£5.5m), particularly for his high potential of defensive contribution points, even against difficult fixtures.
There's intrigue for Chelsea’s attackers as well, like Joao Pedro (£7.5m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.5m), who can potentially shake off poor performances. With Brighton's prior lapses in defense, new signings will have ample chances to prove their worth ahead of crucial matches.
As for Tottenham’s recent struggles, an emerging choice could be Yoane Wissa (£6.0m), who could take advantage of a shaky Spurs defense.
Final Scout Picks for Gameweek 2
*Note: The team outlined has maximized the £83 million starting budget, resulting in limited funds for substitutes. The chosen outfield substitutes stand a good chance to contribute minutes for Gameweek 2, despite trade-offs regarding team selections.
