The Fantasy Premier League deadline for Gameweek 2 falls at 6:30pm on Friday, ahead of Manchester City's 8:00pm clash with Crystal Palace. With the first round of fixtures complete, managers are weighing up their transfer options.
Opening week successes and failures
Despite an opening day with several upsets and some big names blanking, a number of players tipped by this column delivered returns. Brentford defender Ajer (£4.5m) proved a winner, while Vuskovic and Muharemovic (£5m) also grabbed points. In midfield, Gomez (£5m), Ndiaye (£6m), Tavernier (£6m) and KDH (£6.5m) all picked up decent returns, and Sangare (£5.5m) exceeded expectations with a pair of assists.
Elliot Anderson (£6.5m) disappointed, and with the signing of Bouaddi (not yet priced), links to Enzo Fernandez (£7m), and a slight injury, his status as a 90-minute man in City's midfield could be under threat. On the expensive end, the advice to double up on Manchester United midfielders Fernandes (£12m) and Mbeumo (£8m) went poorly, with the Red Devils comfortably beaten by new boys Hull City.
Among forwards, the description of Joao Pedro (£7.5m) as "essential" proved good advice, with the Chelsea man scoring after just a minute and picking up all three bonus points.
Misfiring Man U and Haaland blank
Manchester United were handed a mauling by Hull City, with the Tigers exploiting Maguire (£5m) and Heaven (£4.5m) from set pieces. However, there were green shoots in attack, with United taking 21 shots and an Expected Goals of 1.83. The recommendation is to hold onto United players until after their home game against newly promoted Ipswich, but if they fail to score there too, it will be time to look elsewhere.
Erling Haaland (£15.5m) started the season with a rare blank. Despite the hefty price tag, the advice is to hold on, as there is no obvious one-for-one replacement and selling would risk taking -4 hits to rebalance the budget.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Brentford and Brighton shine
Arsenal strolled to a 3-0 win versus Coventry. Christos Tzolis (£6.5m) and Martin Odegaard (£6.5m) both picked up points, but the standout was Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m), who grabbed an assist for Kai Havertz (£7.5m) after scoring in the Community Shield. Ezri Konsa (£4.5m) looks a bargain way into the best defence in the league, though it may be wise to wait a week to confirm he is nailed in the backline.
Chelsea looked on fire against Fulham, with Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer (£9.5m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) all scoring. Joao Pedro is described as almost essential, and Palmer's price tag looks less and less by the day. Full-back Marco Palestra (£5.5m) is one to watch.
Brentford and Brighton both excelled, dismantling Spurs and Aston Villa respectively. Mamadou Sangare and Diego Gomez continue to represent value, though Gomez's position may come under threat when Minteh (£6m) returns from injury. Jack Hinshelwood (£6m) grabbed two goals but faces tough fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Transfer advice and chips
If you have an injured player or one likely to leave the Premier League, get rid before their price falls. Otherwise, saving the transfer for next week is recommended. For those looking to bring someone in, Leeds' Muharemovic (£5m) looks a good pickup, and James Justin (£4.5m) may be a savvy choice after reaching the threshold last week. In midfield, Bournemouth's Tavernier (£6m) is still liked, and Ipswich's Enciso (£5.5m) could be a good differential. Among forwards, nailed options like Calvert Lewin, Thiago and Joao Pedro seem better picks than those fighting for minutes.
If you have 14 players likely to start next week, GW2 is a good time to use your first Bench Boost, especially with Coventry and Hull players facing each other. Triple Captain and Wildcard should be saved for later, as there are better fixtures to target and more information will be available.
