Fantasy Premier League tips: Gameweek 2
So, you've made it to gameweek two of Fantasy Premier League without smashing up your phone/tablet/laptop in frustration. Congratulations.
If you are one of the many FPL managers who endured a frustrating start to the campaign - one of my mates had Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes but left the captain's armband on Nick Pope - don't worry, it's a long season.
If you smashed it out of the park, well done. Remember though, the same applies - it's a long season.
Whether you are looking to reclaim some ground on your challengers or extend your lead at the top, 90min has some players you should be signing/avoiding for the upcoming gameweek.
Hot
1. Bruno Fernandes (£12.1m)
This one is pretty self explanatory. If you are one of the 43.2% of Fantasy Premier League players without Bruno Fernandes in your team, stop being a weirdo and get him in.
It was business as usual for Fernandes in Manchester United's Premier League opener against Leeds, with the midfielder bagging a hat trick. United have another kind fixture this time around as they travel down to Southampton, who they beat 9-0 last season.
It's always a good time to captain Fernandes but this week it looks particularly appealing.
2. Riyad Mahrez (£9m)
Picking any Manchester City player is always risky as Pep Guardiola has a fast and loose rotation policy.
However, with the Citizens preparing for a trip to leaky Norwich City on Saturday it is well worth the risk on this occasion. Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling could all be good shouts, but we are leaning towards Riyad Mahrez.
The Algerian should have a field day against Canaries left-back Dimitris Giannoulis and after failing to impress against Tottenham, he will be desperate to open his scoring account for the season.
3. Kostas Tsimikas (£4m)
Konstantinos 'Kostas' Tsimikas is the most joyous of FPL commodities - a £4m defender who actually starts. For now, anyway.
Although Andy Robertson has made a remarkable recovery and should be back in contention by early September, Liverpool's meeting with Southampton comes too early for the Scotsman.
Tsimikas got six points in gameweek one and has great assist potential. He got into terrific areas in the final third last time out and his recent assist in a pre-season friendly game against Osasuna reminded us just how sweet his left foot can be.
4. Son Heung-min (£10m)
Son Heung-min picked up where he left off last season in Tottenham's Premier League opener against Manchester City, bending in a terrific winner and looking like a constant threat in transition.
There won't be anywhere the same amount of space in behind when Spurs travel to Wolves on Sunday but with Harry Kane still a major doubt, his side's attack should continue to flow through him.
Tottenham should do well against Nuno Espirito Santo's former side too. You don't spend four years at a club without picking up a thing or two about their players' weaknesses.
Not
5. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£9.9m)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed Arsenal's meeting with Brentford in gameweek two with an illness, which has since been confirmed to be Covid-19.
Mikel Arteta has admitted that he is not sure whether Aubameyang will be back in time for their trip to Chelsea. Even if he is, his chances of racking up many points against one of the meanest defences in the division are slender.
There are much better ways to spend the near £10m Aubameyang costs this season.
6. Ben Chilwell (£6m)
Marcos Alonso was preferred at left wing-back in gameweek one and while Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel may favour Ben Chilwell's superior defending against Arsenal this time, Alonso seems likely to keep his place.
The Spaniard scored a terrific free kick against Palace, won 75% of his duels and also whipped in a number of terrific crosses.
Chilwell will get his chances as the season progresses. For now though, he simply does not justify his £6m price tag.
7. Kelechi Iheanacho (£7.4m)
Leicester have three terrific strikers in Jamie Vardy, Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka to call upon this season.
However, after Vardy opened his scoring account in gameweek one the latter pair will likely have to be patient this campaign.
Iheanacho has a goal in him off the bench but while Brendan Rodgers is persisting with playing a lone striker, you are best steering clear.
8. Emmanuel Dennis (£5m)
We all love a knee-jerk transfer, particularly early on in the FPL season. That's why signing £5m Emmanuel Dennis - who is on 12 points after just one game - is so appealing.
We think it's best to avoid the Watford striker, unless you are desperate to save some funds. Dennis has not registered double figures for goals since the 2017/18 season, so we should not be expecting fireworks just because he has made an electric start.