The second gameweek of the 2023-24 season is done, so with that in mind we highlight three fantasy related points to take note of from the round of Premier League games played, which could play a part in an FPL managers’ thoughts looking forward to Gameweek 3.
ODEGAARD PULLS RANK FOR ARSENAL PENALTY
When Arsenal won a penalty in the final fixture of Gameweek 2 on Monday night, everyone expected Bukayo Saka (£8.6m), the Gunners’ first-choice spot kick taker last season, to step up to the plate. However, captain Martin Odegaard (£8.5m) pulled rank and took the penalty himself, scoring the only goal of the game. The Norwegian claimed after the game that he asked Saka for the ball after scoring all his penalties in pre-season, but didn’t directly confirm that he is not the first-choice penalty taker for Arsenal. This is important to note due to the potential FPL ramifications if the highly-owner Saka was no longer the first-choice taker.
BRIGHTON FORWARD ROTATION
Brighton’s Joao Pedro (£5.6m) is currently among the top five highest-owned forwards within the FPL player-base and scored on his first Premier League start for the Seagulls in Gameweek 1. However, Roberto De Zerbi rotated in Gameweek 2, dropping his record signing to the bench in favour of Julio Enciso (£5.4m). This should without doubt cause concern among his ownership in regards to Joao Pedro long-term viability as a good fantasy asset. Whilst he may well come back in from the start in Gameweek 3 with Brighton at home to West Ham, it’s safe to say that he is certainly not a nailed-on starter under De Zerbi.
FODEN FOCAL POINT FOR MAN CITY
Following the hamstring injury sustained in Gameweek 1 by Kevin De Bruyne (£10.3m), it was interesting to note how Pep Guardiola would compensate for the Belgian’s absence in his Man City side. Against Newcastle in Gameweek 2, Phil Foden (£7.5m) was seemingly at the heart of everything when it came to Man City’s attacking play. He assisted Julian Alvarez (£6.5m) for the only goal of the game and could easily have had another if Erling Haaland (£14.0m) was more clinical. Accumulating 9 fantasy points overall, it would be no surprise to see Foden’s FPL value increase without De Bruyne on the pitch.
