Who Should You Pick for Your FPL Team: Saka, Palmer, or Haaland?

This article delves into the excitement and strategic planning behind Fantasy Premier League (FPL) selections for the upcoming gameweek. From choosing the right players to optimising your budget, we'll explore the best picks and strategies to maximise your points this season.

Last updated: 22 August 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways for Gameweek Two

• Arsenal players are strong picks against Leeds, especially in defence.
• Chelsea's Marc Cucurella offers both defensive stability and attacking threat.
• Bournemouth players like Antoine Semenyo are in form and should be considered.
• Erling Haaland is a must-have captain choice after a strong start to the season.
• Consider budget-friendly options like Patrick Dorgu for out-of-position play.

Setting the Scene for Fantasy Football

As the Premier League season kicks off, Fantasy Premier League enthusiasts are gearing up for another thrilling year. The game allows fans to create their squads, manage budgets, and earn points based on real-life player performances. This year, the excitement has been heightened by the return of familiar faces like Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah, who have consistently been among the top performers in the league.

Goalkeepers: Key Defensive Choices

A solid goalkeeper can make or break a Fantasy team. For this gameweek, David Raya from Arsenal is an excellent choice. Priced at £5.5m, he boasts a track record of clean sheets, having kept 13 last season, and started this season with another clean sheet against Manchester United. Facing a newly promoted Leeds team at home, Raya is well-positioned to earn more points this week.

Defensive Picks: Arsenal's Double Defence

In addition to Raya, Gabriel, also from Arsenal, presents a strong option at £6m. Leeds struggled to generate significant attacking threats in their opener, accumulating just 0.95 expected goals (xG). Given that Leeds conceded nine goals from set-pieces in the Championship last year, Gabriel's aerial capabilities make him a valuable addition to the defensive line.

Chelsea's Cucurella: The Attacking Defender

Marc Cucurella, priced at £6m, is another defender to consider. Chelsea's upcoming match against West Ham looks promising for a clean sheet, especially since West Ham suffered a heavy defeat to Sunderland in their opener. Cucurella not only contributes defensively but also poses an attacking threat. Last season, he scored five Premier League goals, showcasing his ability to influence the game going forward.

Midfield Marvels: Arsenal and Bournemouth Stars

Midfield selections can greatly influence overall points, and this week sees a trio of compelling options. Bukayo Saka, available for £10m, is a crucial part of Arsenal's attacking play. Despite being contained by Manchester United in the previous gameweek, Saka remains a key player, contributing to nearly a quarter of Arsenal's goals last season.

Bournemouth’s Rising Stars

Both Antoine Semenyo and David Brooks from Bournemouth deserve attention. Semenyo shone against Liverpool, scoring two goals, and is priced at £7.1m, making him a likely candidate for transfer in this week. Meanwhile, Brooks is a budget-friendly option at £5m, having registered an assist and multiple chances created in his last match. With Bournemouth facing Wolves, both players could be in for a productive outing.

Strikers: The Importance of Captains

Erling Haaland, at £14m, is the standout captain choice this week. After scoring twice against Wolves, he faces Tottenham, a team he has historically performed well against, with four goals and an assist in six previous encounters. His scoring prowess makes him indispensable for any Fantasy team.

Exploring Differential Picks

Evanilson from Bournemouth, priced at £7m, is a wildcard pick worth considering. With a mere 2.1% ownership, he could prove to be a valuable differential. He scored 10 goals last season and may take penalties in the absence of injured team-mate Justin Kluivert.

Final Thoughts on Team Selection

When assembling your Fantasy Premier League squad, it's crucial to strike a balance between star players and budget-friendly options. By focusing on players with high potential for points, you ensure a competitive edge. The team selected for this gameweek totals £99.6m, leaving room for manoeuvrability in future selections.

Stay Updated with FPL Insights

Don't miss the FPL special Q&A with expert Gianni Buttice, scheduled for 15:30 BST on Friday, 22 August. This session promises to provide deeper insights and strategies to enhance your Fantasy team.

FAQs

What is Fantasy Premier League?

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is a game where participants create a virtual football team using real players from the Premier League, earning points based on their performances in actual matches.

How do I choose the best captain in FPL?

To choose the best captain, consider players with a high chance of scoring or assisting in upcoming fixtures. Look at their recent form, historical performance against opponents, and any injuries that might affect their playtime.

What are differentials in Fantasy Premier League?

Differentials are players with low ownership percentages who could outperform expectations. Selecting them can give you an advantage over opponents who stick with popular picks.

How important is team balance in FPL?

Team balance is crucial in FPL. It's essential to have a mix of high-scoring players and budget-friendly options to maximise points while staying within the £100m budget cap.

Can I change my Fantasy team after the gameweek starts?

No, once the gameweek has started, you cannot make changes to your team until the next gameweek begins. However, you can use your free transfers or points hits in subsequent weeks.

As the Fantasy Premier League season unfolds, strategic planning and smart player selections are vital for success. Stay sharp and adjust your strategies as the season progresses! #FantasyFootball #FPL #PremierLeague