Some FPL managers opt to use their chips in the opening gameweeks in order to gain an early lead in their mini-leagues. We offer those managers a helping hand with a suggested Free Hit team for Gameweek 2.
The following team is within the £100m budget at the time of writing, with the cheapest possible substitutes used:
4-4-2
GOALKEEPER: Matt Turner – £4.0m – Nottingham Forest
Fixture: vs Sheffield Utd (H)
Looks an excellent option this week for those not wanting to spend on goalkeepers. Nottingham Forest open Gameweek 2 at home to promoted side Sheffield Utd, who were kept scoreless at home last weekend.
DEFENDER: Trent Alexander-Arnold – £8.0m – Liverpool
Fixture: vs Bournemouth (H)
Will be a contender in Free Hit squads most weeks given his attacking qualities, and is an obvious pick given his plum home fixture against Bournemouth.
DEFENDER: William Saliba – £5.0m – Arsenal
Fixture: vs Crystal Palace (a)
Appears to be Mikel Arteta’s first-choice centre-back and is capable of attacking returns, as shown by his assist against Nottingham Forest.
DEFENDER: Ben Chilwell – £5.6m – Chelsea
Fixture: vs West Ham (a)
Recorded an assist in Gameweek 1 and had a goal overruled by VAR. Those who don’t own him, fear him.
DEFENDER: Pervis Estupinan – £5.1m – Brighton
Fixture: vs Wolves (a)
Justified his huge ownership with an excellent display that included an assist against Luton last weekend, and now faces a Wolves side adapting to their new manager.
MIDFIELDER: Mo Salah – £12.5m – Liverpool
Fixture: vs Bournemouth (H)
Famously blanked in the 9-0 win over Bournemouth last season, but that was something of a freak outcome. Has previously scored a hat-trick against the Cherries, and will be highly captained in Gameweek 2.
MIDFIELDER: Luis Diaz – £7.5m – Liverpool
Fixture: vs Bournemouth (H)
Tripling up on Liverpool assets makes sense given the fixture. Scored against Chelsea last weekend and seems likely to keep his place.
MIDFIELDER: Bukayo Saka – £8.6m – Arsenal
Fixture: vs Crystal Palace (a)
Scored a wonder goal against Nottingham Forest last weekend and takes on a Palace side who look decidedly weaker than last season.
MIDFIELDER: Moussa Diaby – £6.5m – Aston Villa
Fixture: vs Everton (H)
Essentially playing as a forward alongside Ollie Watkins. Scored on his debut in Gameweek 1 and could be one of the bargains of the season in FPL.
FORWARD: Erling Haaland – £14.0m – Man City
Fixture: vs Newcastle (H)
One of Man City’s tougher fixtures, but he only needs a half a chance to find the net. Go without him at your peril.
FORWARD: Joao Pedro – £5.5m – Brighton
Fixture: vs Wolves (a)
Scored from the spot in Gameweek 1 to confirm his status as Brighton’s designated penalty taker. Looks to have slotted into the Seagulls attack well.