

Premier League managers won’t face too many player management difficulties, as it is just the second week of action in the top English league. Not many injuries plagued popular teams as they laced up for game two. However, things won’t be similarly easy for Fantasy Premier League managers, as the PL’s second weekend has knocked on the door. FPL managers, get ready to rub your hands for expert opinion!
Currently holding the PL’s top spot, Brighton will attract a lot of eyes, as it plays Manchester United. However, players from games such as the Manchester City-Ipswich town tie and the Tottenham-Everton will probably turn the heads of FPL managers. So, we at EssentiallySports have you covered with expert recommendations on FPL scouts for the second week of the 24/25 Premier League.
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FPL Scout for Gameweek 2
Players to buy
1. Phil Foden (£9.5m)
Foden is a buy, as per most Fantasy Premier League experts. The 24-year-old hit the pitch against Chelsea, replacing debutant Savinho, who took a knock in the PL opener. Having played 45 minutes, the Englishman will probably start against Ipswich Town. Besides, he was notably the 2nd highest-scoring player in the last FPL. So, at £9.5m, the Manchester City star is one of the cheapest yet premium buys in the FPL.

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2. Diogo Jota (£7.5m)
Having scored in Liverpool’s 2-0 opening win against Ipswich Town, Diogo Jota is certainly a worthy prospect you should consider adding to your squad. Jota’s eight-point win in the Ipswich tie was diminished by his teammate and goalscorer Mohamed Salah’s 14-point haul. However, the Portuguese star’s humble price makes him an attractive bet. Moreover, Liverpool has three home games in the next four weeks. Jota’s numbers at Anfield from last season are quite enticing. He produced 7.3 points per start last year.
3. Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m)
The Crystal Palace forward’s performance in gameweek one was far from enterprising. However, the Frenchman is a freak of nature when he plays on home turf. Notably, Jean-Philippe Mateta is gearing up for a home game at Selhurst Park when Crystal Palace faces West Ham United on Saturday. He scored all seven of his goals last season in Selhurst Park. So it won’t hurt to secure the French striker as you head to the second week of FPL.
Players to keep
1. Cole Palmer (£10.5m)
Cole Palmer misfired in Chelsea’s 2-0 opener, humbling against Manchester City. But, remember, he was the highest-scoring player last FPL. And Chelsea’s upcoming opponents over the next weekends are not as strong as City. Chelsea only plays a ‘top six’ Premier League peer (Liverpool) in gameweek 7. So. it’s wise to hold on to Palmer as Chelsea takes on the Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend.
2. Son Heung Min (£10m)
Son’s display in Tottenham’s diminishing draw against newly promoted Leicester City was rather forgetful. But still, it’s safe to hold the South Korean superstar. Why? Tottenham plays Everton in the second week. And Everton is up without Ashley Young, who’s serving a suspension. With Young’s left flank looking weak, Son could threaten Everton with back-to-back attacks and enhance his point streak in the FPL.
Players to sell
1. Jarrell Quansah (£4.4m)
Liverpool’s new boss, Arne Slot, wasn’t quite impressed with Quansah’s display in the Reds’ opener against Ipswich Town. Slot substituted the defender at halftime, citing his inability to win duels. Furthermore, he’s not a big threat in containing air-borne attacks. Liverpool’s gameweek 2 opponent Brentford is notable for its aerial attacks. Hence, it is viable for FPL managers to consider selling Jarrell Quansah.
Top Captain Picks for FPL Gameweek 2
1. Erling Haaland (£15.0m)
Erling Haaland‘s goal-scoring display in City’s win against Chelsea has urged many FPL managers to play their triple captain chip. This triples the captain’s points instead of doubling. Besides, Haaland’s numbers in the last season against recently promoted clubs far overshadowed those of his big-hitting peers. Notably, Man City plays the recently promoted Ipswich Town on the second weekend of the ongoing Premier League.

via Reuters
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester City v Everton – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain – February 10, 2024 Manchester City’s Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Carl Recine NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.
2. Mohamed Salah (£12.5m)
The Liverpool ace might be the best Plan B to pick as the FPL captain if you don’t go for Haaland. Mo Salah’s 1.60 big chances in home games last season is the closest anyone got to the Manchester City striker in home games. With Liverpool playing Brentford in Anfield, the Egyptian talisman looks a safer alternative to consider as your skipper.
Gameweek 2 differentials
1. Dominik Szobozslai (£6.5m)
The Liverpool star is currently owned by 2.6% of managers in the FPL. However, the Hungarian international could legitimately make the difference, as he could easily transition into a #10’s role in Arne Slot’s mix in Anfield. He was given that role in the Reds’ opening win against Ipswich. Szoboszlai’s feature resulted in three shots and three key passes.
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2. Jeremy Doku (£6.5m)
As Manchester City faces Ipswich Town in gameweek 2, you could expect Jeremy Doku to receive ample scoring chances. Ipswich’s defense notably slowed down in the latter half against Liverpool and was relatively weak in the left wing, where Doku plays. Besides, in gameweek 3, City plays West Ham, an opponent against which Doku scored and assisted last season.
The deadline for gameweek 2 is 11:00 BST on Saturday, August 24.
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Selling Salah now—genius move or a disaster waiting to happen?