Following an exciting second round of action in the Premier League, Gameweek 2 has concluded and FPL managers have lots to consider moving forward. We take a look at the key developments from the weekend’s games.
WATKINS OFF PENALTIES
One of the more popular FPL assets so far this season has been Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins (£8.0m), one of the reasons being the assumption that he would be taking penalties for his side. However, his ownership were dealt an unpleasant surprise this past weekend when an Aston Villa penalty won by Watkins against Everton was taken (and converted) by defensive midfielder Douglas Luiz (£5.5m). We can only assume that this means the Brazilian is now Aston Villa’s primary penalty taker this season, which decreases the FPL appeal of Watkins, although the 27-year-old striker has recorded back-to-back assists and 5-point scores.
GABRIEL BENCHED AGAIN
Going into Gameweek 2, over a quarter of FPL managers owned Arsenal defender Gabriel (£5.0m) despite him starting from the bench in Gameweek 1, coming on as a substitute late in the game to record just a single point. Following a long-term injury to Jurrien Timber, the expectation was that the Brazilian would return to the starting line-up in Gameweek 2. However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta once again left the centre-back on the bench, bringing him on after the Gunners were reduced to ten men. Consecutive one-point cameos represent a desperate underwhelming return for such a popular pre-season pick and with speculation regarding Gabriel’s future amid transfer interest from Saudi Arabia not going away, expect him to be sold in bulk over the course of the week.
GUSTO STARTS IN JAMES’ ABSENCE
Following the news that Reece James (£5.4m) has been ruled out for the next few weeks, speculation has been as to who would replace him at right-full-back for Chelsea. As expected by many, the bargain-priced Malo Gusto (£4.0m) was given the nod. Whilst Gusto only picked up the 1 fantasy point as the Blues were beaten 3-1 away at West Ham, Chelsea do have some favourable fixtures coming up, including a home match against newly promoted Luton in Gameweek 3. A starting defender with a £4.0m price-tag in a side like Chelsea’s is bound to court serious FPL interest, particularly one such as Gusto, should would likely be afforded license to get forward at every opportunity by Mauricio Pochettino.
MAN UTD WORRYINGLY TOOTHLESS IN ATTACK
After scoring just the one goal against Wolves in Gameweek 1, albeit in a winning effort, more was expected of Man Utd from an offensive point of view against Spurs. However, Erik ten Hag’s side fired blanks, the likes of Marcus Rashford (£9.0m) and Bruno Fernandes (£8.5m) disappointing again as Spurs ran out 2-0 winners in North London. When you consider that both those two FPL assets boast a significant ownership percentage, it is a big cause for concern among fantasy managers and failure to find the net more than once against Nott’m Forest in Gameweek 3 could prove a tipping point for many.
