Gameweek 2 of Fantasy Premier League promises exciting opportunities as new signings and familiar stars look to build on their opening performances.
From Arsenal’s defensive duo to in-form forwards like Haaland and Ekikite, managers have plenty of options to consider.
This week’s fixtures highlight potential clean sheets, breakout midfielders, and goal threats that could shape early-season strategies. We have now highlighted our best FPL GW2 player picks.
Goalkeeper
Robin Roefs (£4.5m, Burnley v Sunderland)
Roefs kicked off life in the Premier League
with an impressive clean sheet in Sunderland’s 3-0 opening-day win over West Ham. The Black Cats now face fellow newcomers Burnley this weekend. Backing Roefs to make it two clean sheets in two looks like a smart play.
Defenders
William Saliba (£6.0m, Arsenal v Leeds)
Arsenal reminded everyone of their defensive solidity with another disciplined performance at Old Trafford. Despite being far from their attacking best, the Gunners’ backline stood tall against United’s forwards to secure a 1-0 victory, and William Saliba was right in the thick of it, returning nine FPL points.
Gabriel Magalhães (£6.0m, Arsenal v Leeds)
With Arsenal set to host newly promoted Leeds at the Emirates, doubling up on Gunners defenders makes plenty of sense. Saliba and Gabriel offer both defensive security and attacking threats.
Marc Cucurella (£6.0m, West Ham v Chelsea)
Cucurella was his usual reliable self in Chelsea’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace. A clean sheet in the opener and a trip to out-of-sorts West Ham make him an intriguing option. Having lost 3-0 to newly promoted Sunderland, West Ham could find Chelsea an even tougher test.
Midfielders
Cole Palmer (£10.5m, West Ham v Chelsea)
Palmer struggled to get going against Palace, but a clash with West Ham might be the perfect stage for him to find his rhythm. He notched 15 goals and 8 assists last season and played a major role in Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph over the summer.
Tijani Reijnders (£5.6m, Man City v Tottenham)
Tijani announced his arrival in the Premier League with a sublime display against Wolves, scoring once and setting up another in City’s 4-0 win. At 5.6million, the midfielder offers the best value for money.
Antoine Semenyo (£7.1m, Bournemouth v Wolves)
Semenyo carried his form from last season into the new campaign, bagging a brace in Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool. His pace and strength troubled the Reds’ defence throughout the match. A clash against a Wolves side that conceded the most goals in gameweek one, makes the Cherries man an enticing pick this gameweek.
Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m, Fulham v Man United)
Mbeumo looked like Manchester United’s brightest attacking outlet in the narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. He came close on several occasions but was denied by the excellent David Raya.
Dan Ndoye (£6.0m, Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest)
Ndoye opened his account with a superb header in Forest’s 3-1 win over Brentford. Signed as Elanga’s replacement, he looked settled straight away in Forest’s system and could be a shrewd pick for FPL managers.
Mohammed Kudus (£6.5m, Man City v Tottenham)
Kudus proved a constant menace for Burnley as Spurs began the season with a 3-0 win under Thomas Frank. He provided both assists for Richarlison’s goals.
Strikers
Hugo Ekitike (£11.0m, Newcastle v Liverpool)
Ekitike made it two in two by opening the scoring in Liverpool’s win. His ability to drop deep, carry the ball, and beat defenders has stood out in his early appearances. While questions remain about his aerial presence, his finishing on the ground is undeniable.
Erling Haaland (£13.0m, Man City v Tottenham)
Haaland started the season in trademark fashion, scoring twice in City’s victory over Wolves. The Norwegian’s knack for anticipating where the ball will fall remains unmatched. Of course, Tottenham next would provide a different challenge, but you can count on the City forward to find the back of the net against anyone.
Chris Wood (£7.5m, Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest)
Chris Wood silenced doubts about his consistency with a brace on the opening weekend. Much like Haaland, his positional instincts make him a reliable long-term option for FPL managers.
Who makes your must-own list for GW2? Share your thoughts and let’s see who the FPL community is backing to shine this weekend.
