With almost all of Gameweek 1’s bandwagons performing again in Gameweek 2, many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers have now decided to push the panic button and Wildcard. Forced by the price rises of the bandwagons from the last fortnight, whilst their teams lost value, many managers didn’t see any other option.
Last week, all three players featured in this article achieved Fantasy returns, with Mahrez and Ayew both on the scoresheet once again, whilst Joe Gomez started again for Liverpool and picked up clean sheet points once more.
This time I analyse the star performers of Gameweek 2 – the players who many managers are shoehorning into their teams. Is two weeks really enough to convince us they are season keepers, or will they just be a flash in the pan? It will certainly be interesting to see how they pan out over the coming weeks and months.
Bafetimbi Gomis (7.1)
The French target man found the net again in his home appearance against Newcastle, as Swansea continued the form they showed against title holders Chelsea. Being the lone forward in what is currently the in-form club, Gomis has rapidly made his way into many managers’ plans.
A trip to Sunderland this weekend makes Gomis ever more popular. The Black Cats have conceded seven goals in only two games so far this season, with some awful defensive displays to date. Gomis looks set to grab some Fantasy returns again this season, or so we would think. If there is anything that we have learnt in the opening weeks of this season, it’s that nothing is a given. Nevertheless, Gomis looks one of the better options this week, with many even contemplating handing him the captaincy.
His touch and position map for last week wasn’t brilliant, which left many pondering whether or not to bring him in. With his price rise imminent, and a ‘safety in numbers’ tactic looking a safe move, many jumped aboard the Gomis-wagon before the Gameweek had even run its full course.
Stats though, cannot always be relied on. Gomis is very wasteful, but his team do create chances. Montero has been making a fool of defenders lately, including Ivanovic, who has been dubbed the best right-back in the world by some. If Montero can continue the service he has currently been providing, along with Ayew’s current form, Gomis should see a decent return this week.
Verdict – Gomis looks a good pick, especially ahead of the away game against Sunderland. His fixtures look decent over the coming weeks. However, games against United, Spurs, Everton and Southampton could prove to be tough. I would certainly look to include him on a Wildcard, and is worth a free transfer if you have no other pressing issues. Not sure about a hit, though – if you’re contemplating that then you should have probably hit the Wildcard button.
Dimitri Payet (7.6)
After picking up just an assist in Gameweek 1 with a solid performance, Payet was still very much under the radar with other players outscoring him. But after returning Fantasy points once again in Gameweek 2, with a goal this time, he certainly can be now. With many managers still after a bit of extra cash for the likes of Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez, Payet looks a good buy for those looking to offload expensive midfielders who haven’t proved their worth; Eden Hazard is the first to come to mind.
West Ham face Bournemouth at home this weekend, a fixture which should see Payet return more points. However, with trips to Liverpool and Man City coming up in the next four, his returns over the coming weeks may not be up to par. Nevertheless, once West Ham striker Sakho starts scoring, Payet’s assist potential should increase even more, improving his appeal.
The Hammers have shown some good form so far this season, with a 2-0 win over Arsenal. They were beaten by Leicester, however, who are also in good form. Time will tell as to whether they can continue this. Payet the playmaker has made a positive improvement though, and many managers are hoping these performances can continue.
Verdict – another great option. Mid-priced, playing for an in-form team…. If he can continue these performances he could be one of the top-scoring midfielders this season. I’m not sure it is worth shipping Hazard out for him just yet though; I’d monitor that situation for a couple more weeks.
Vincent Kompany (6.2)
After going all of last season without scoring, Kompany has managed to net two in two so far this season. Couple that with a pair of clean sheets, and it is no wonder the Belgian has so many transfers in. As a result, he has risen to 6.2 from his initial price of 6.0.
City have started the season well, with a walk in the park against West Brom, and a performance which dwarfed Mourinho’s Chelsea. With their magnificent fixtures over the next few weeks being one of the reasons many opted to wildcard, Kompany has tempted many as an alternative to a third City attacker. Their defence has looked solid thus far, and he has shown real desire going forward. He could well see some more excellent returns over the coming weeks.
However, the arrival of Otamendi puts some doubt over Kompany’s nailed-on-ness. With the Argentine being former teammates with fellow centre back Mangala, it has left many wondering what the preferred pairing will be. It doesn’t look likely that Otamendi will take Kompany’s place right now, with the latter putting in some great performances. However, he was dropped last season during a spell of poor form, and a set of lacklustre displays could see similar circumstances arise.
Verdict – priced now at 6.2, he is certainly in the ‘premium’ defender bracket. If City can continue their defensive form, and Kompany continues to start, he will be a great option for their kind fixtures. Cheaper options however, like FFS favourite Kolarov could offer a viable, cheaper alternative, with the Serbian also putting in some strong performances. His position in the starting XI is always a worry though. As a result, Kompany looks the favourite City defender. I would certainly be looking to fit him in on a Wildcard, but if money is an issue, I would opt for Kolarov instead.
*All prices correct as of Friday August 21.
8 years, 10 months ago
Certainly hope they can continue to deliver. All three in my squad. Payet was already though.