As the Fantasy Premier League season enters its second gameweek, managers are facing key decisions regarding captain choices and player transfers. Following some unexpected results in the opening week, including disappointing performances from Manchester United and Liverpool, patience is advised.
One perspective suggests that a single blank performance does not diminish a player’s value, nor does one strong showing make them essential. The recommendation is to use each gameweek to gather more information rather than making hasty decisions.
Manchester United and Chelsea Assets
Despite a 2-0 loss at Hull, managers holding Manchester United players like Bruno Fernandes (£12m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£8m) are advised to retain them for the upcoming home fixture against Ipswich. This match is seen as an opportunity for these players to perform. If they fail to deliver again, potential transfers include moving Fernandes to Cole Palmer (£9.5m) or Antoine Semenyo (£8.5m), and Mbeumo to Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) or Phil Foden (£7m).
For Chelsea players, the optimal entry point for additions like Palmer or Rogers is suggested for gameweek four. Palmer experienced a minor issue late in a match against Fulham, and Chelsea is scheduled to play Arsenal in gameweek three. Managers are encouraged to wait unless other significant injuries necessitate immediate changes. Owning two or three players from a group including Joao Pedro, Palmer, and Rogers is considered a viable strategy eventually.
Mamadou Sangare, a midfielder for Brentford, has shown promise, including two assists against Spurs. His price has risen to £5.6m. However, it is suggested that managers do not need to acquire him immediately, as defensive midfielders often accumulate points steadily rather than in large bursts. A later transfer, possibly during a wildcard, is recommended.
Captaincy Dilemmas and Player Retention
A significant decision for gameweek two involves selecting a captain between Erling Haaland (£15.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£12m). While Haaland’s ownership is high, Fernandes is considered a strong captain choice due to Manchester United‘s home fixture against Ipswich Town and the team’s need for a strong response. Fernandes’s ability to earn points through multiple avenues, including goals, clean sheets, and defensive contributions, is noted. Manchester City, without Jeremy Doku, has appeared less sharp, which further supports the choice of Fernandes.
In the previous season, Fernandes was the top-scoring player in home matches, accumulating 124 points over 17 games. He recorded eight double-digit hauls in home matches. In contrast, Haaland achieved four such hauls in away matches. Haaland is named as vice-captain in one suggested lineup.
Regarding Alexander Isak (£9m), managers are advised to keep him despite a challenging start away to Newcastle. His performance at home against Nottingham Forest this week is considered a crucial test. Liverpool is expected to make attacking additions, such as Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain, which could benefit Isak. Subsequent fixtures against Ipswich and Fulham in gameweeks three and four are also seen as favourable.
Other players highlighted for gameweek two include Carl Rushworth (£4.5m) of Coventry City, who is considered a budget goalkeeper option for a home match against Hull City. Arsenal‘s Gabriel (£8.0m) is noted for his defensive solidity and set-piece threat, having delivered 209 points in 2025/26. Jaka Bijol (£5.0m) and Anton Stach (£6.0m) from Leeds United are also featured, with Bijol showing strong defensive contribution numbers and Stach having scored a decisive goal in the opening gameweek.
Harry Maguire (£5.0m) of Manchester United is included in a suggested lineup, having been a top threat from set-pieces and a leader in defensive contribution success last season. Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) of Liverpool is highlighted for his role in dead-ball duties, and Martin Odegaard (£6.5m) of Arsenal is noted for his advanced central role and a goal in the previous gameweek. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£6.5m) is recognised for his goal and overall display in gameweek one, with his set-piece duties posing a threat to opponents. Joao Pedro (£7.6m) of Chelsea, with a goal and an assist, is also a popular choice among managers.
The first matches for gameweek two include Leeds’ Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach hosting Brentford on Sunday afternoon, followed by Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes welcoming Ipswich Town to Old Trafford later that day.
Upcoming Fixtures and Strategic Planning
The final match of gameweek two on Monday night will see Arsenal’s Gabriel and Martin Odegaard visit an Aston Villa side that lost 4-0 in their last outing. Managers are encouraged to observe the next set of fixtures and allow the situation to become clearer before making transfer decisions that might be needed later in the season.
Dominik Szoboszlai is found in 42.9 per cent of squads for his home match against Nottingham Forest, making him the second most popular midfielder after Bruno Fernandes, who is in 48.2 per cent of squads.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s goal and overall performance against Crystal Palace in gameweek one demonstrated his increasing importance for his team. His set-piece responsibilities are expected to challenge AFC Bournemouth, who conceded twice to Everton last weekend.
Anton Stach, priced at £6.0m, scored the winning goal in his team’s 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, earning 13 points. He has three home matches in the next four gameweeks and recorded five goals, six assists, and 20 defensive contribution points in 2025/26.
Joao Pedro’s goal and assist in a win against Fulham immediately placed him at the top of the forward standings with 11 points. He had eight goals and two assists during pre-season.
The advice for managers is to remain patient and gather more information from the upcoming matches before making significant changes to their squads.
Source: bbc.com