Pro Pundits

FPL team reveal: Five-time top 1k finisher’s Gameweek 2 plans

9 August 2022 870 comments
avfc82 avfc82
Share:

With Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2022/23 underway, we’ll be welcoming back our stellar team of Pro Pundits and Hall of Famers for the new campaign.

Our writers will be providing regular articles and team reveals throughout the new season, with only Premium Members able to access every single one.

Here, five-time top 1k finisher and Deputy Editor Tom Freeman shares his thoughts and transfer plans ahead of Gameweek 2.

... 2

The new FPL season is underway and if you owned Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) and Erling Haaland (£11.6m) in Gameweek 1, chances are you probably got off to a good start.

Fortunately, I was on the right side of the Haaland/Harry Kane (£11.4m) swing, ending the round on 73 points.

However, as focus now turns to Gameweek 2, here are some observations from the opening weekend that I found interesting, plus my own team and transfer plans.

SALIBA’S IMPRESSIVE DEBUT

Arsenal recorded a clean sheet in their 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Friday night, with the impressive William Saliba (£4.5m) named man of the match on his first competitive Gunners start.

“You don’t really see that. At 21 years old, debut in the Premier League, against this opponent, against physical players – and resolve that situation the way he has done it. With that composure, with that calmness and with that presence. So big credit to the boy.” – Mikel Arteta on William Saliba

Notably, there is now more depth in Arsenal’s backline, with Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.1m) also joining last season’s main four: Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.5m), Ben White (£4.5m), Gabriel (£5.0m) and Kieran Tierney (£5.0m).

Now manager Mikel Arteta has options, I think their defensive assets will offer real value in 2022/23, especially given their fixture run between Gameweeks 2 and 8.

The full-backs inverted roles mean when the team loses possession, there is space for opposition wingers to exploit, but this new system should at least hand Arsenal more control, something they lacked towards the end of last season.

ANOTHER £4.5M MIDFIELD ENABLER?

SIGN UP HERE FOR ALL THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO WIN AT FPL!


870 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Mizzzza
    • 16 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Mount to Foden?

    For the next six or longer

    Not impressed with the Chelsea attack/chances

    Open Controls
    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Wait a week

      Open Controls
    2. Sloths
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Pondering the same thing. Not sure about Foden but am considering Gundo

      Open Controls
      1. Sloths
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Waiting is more sensible though

        Open Controls
    3. @persecuted_by_mods
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yup do it

      Open Controls
    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Which City mid will start?

      Open Controls
      1. Sloths
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Only the lord and Pep knows....

        Open Controls
        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Then I would rather have Mount plus his fixtures are not bad from GW3.

          Open Controls
    5. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not for me, Foden didn't look great against West Ham, can't guarantee when he'll play either. Mount should play the majority of games and could have scored against Everton and has Leeds in GW3

      Open Controls
    6. Its a funny old game
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No, wait. Chelsea have good fixtures, plus pep's penchant for rotation always a headache

      Open Controls
    7. The Mentaculus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm holding Mount but if I were to bring in a City mid I would be looking at Gundogan

      Open Controls
      1. DavvaMC
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Agree with this, asked a similar question yesterday regarding Gundo, hopefully he plays a more advanced role now?

        Open Controls
  2. Budweiser
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Kane to Darwin? Unfortunately the price drop stops me from going Neto to an 8.0 next week so wouldn't know what to do with the money. I have Bailey too. Could use it to upgrade Neco to James

    Open Controls
    1. Budweiser
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm not confident Kane scores at Chelsea and Darwin has a plum home fixture..

      Open Controls
      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        There are alot of what ifs.

        Like Kane could drop again.

        Like Darwin could blank.

        Brining in Darwin makes funds available.

        Go with your gut.

        Open Controls
    2. Sloths
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I would keep the Faith. Kane will come good

      Open Controls
      1. Budweiser
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        in September probably

        Open Controls
    3. European Bob
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Missed the boat there fella, need to cut down on those buds. Say you had been quicker, which 8.0 would you have got and would it have been for a hit?

      Open Controls
      1. Budweiser
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I like Saka if he's still 8, missed out on Kulu. I'm one of those managers that doesn't like rushing decisions so it is what it is. Think I'm gonna do it, upgrade Williams and play 523

        Open Controls
  3. ☈☾
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which combo is better?

    1. Sanchez + Saliba + Patterson [bench]
    2. Ward + Sess + Saliba [bench]

    Open Controls
    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      1 - wouldn't be confident in predicting the Spurs wing backs each week

      Open Controls
      1. ☈☾
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        yeah but I have Saliba as a cover on the bench for that

        Open Controls
        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Saliba is going to get clean sheets and bonus points. This is the kind of player you want to be starting and is only 4.5. Why would you want him on your bench?

          Just take that into account.

          Open Controls
          1. ☈☾
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Going to rotate with Sess. Sess has too much upside I feel for just 4.5

            Open Controls
            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Will Sess start every game?

              If you are on WC, maximise value on your starting 11 and avoid traps 🙂

              Open Controls
              1. ☈☾
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                Fair enough. What are your thoughts on Royal and Ward as players in starting XI?

                Open Controls
                1. FOO FIGHTER
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 1 month ago

                  I am not having any Spurs defence. People have already been burned by Perisic.

                  Dier if anything but there are better assets from Arsenal.

                  GK's are a hassle to own. I have Ward on my bench though.

                  Open Controls
                  1. ☈☾
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 1 month ago

                    Would you get Ward as starting GK on WC?

                    Always feel we need money up front..

                    Open Controls
                    1. FOO FIGHTER
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 1 month ago

                      If the 0.5 saving from not going a 4.5 GK gave me a chance of not having to start Bailey in midfield then yes I would go with Ward.

                      Open Controls
                      1. ☈☾
                        • 9 Years
                        4 years, 1 month ago

                        Basically I want to be able to get to one of the Spurs wing backs when they seem settled so will upgrade Saliba or Walker to one of them

                        Open Controls
        2. Miguel Sanchez
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I think the Spurs wing backs will come off the bench most weeks when not starting with the new 5 subs rule so there will be a few 1 pointers blocking Saliba

          Open Controls
    2. Jock Grealish
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      2

      Open Controls
    3. Mona Lisa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      1

      Open Controls
  4. Bishopool
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bench order?

    a) N. Williams
    b) Andreas
    c) Greenwood

    Open Controls
    1. The Mentaculus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      BCA

      Open Controls
    2. Retired
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      B
      A
      C

      Open Controls
    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I would have Neco 1st bench.

      He is at home so there is a chance he could get a clean sheet.

      Open Controls
    4. Bishopool
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      As Forest play with 5 defenders, is Neco in attacking position? Did anyone see the game with Newcastle?

      Open Controls
      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Wingback

        Open Controls
  5. Bishopool
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Trying to figure out which one will be capitano - Haaland or Salah.

    Both 100% on penalties? Or ManC can surprise with Mahrez etc.?

    Open Controls
    1. Budweiser
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Haalands til he misses surely

      Open Controls
    2. Retired
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Judging by the comments so far this week, I’ll say it’s about 60/40 % Haaland.

      Open Controls
    3. Conners
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm currently on Haaland but the heat factor has made me less confident. It could well lead to early substitutions.

      Open Controls
      1. Bishopool
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Same here. 3 misses and off he goes. Especially in simple game like the next one.

        Open Controls
  6. Retired
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Quick question guys

    If I join a Mini league in GW2, will my score from GW1 be added or start with 0 points?

    Open Controls
    1. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Former I believe

      Open Controls
      1. Retired
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers, much appreciated.

        Open Controls
  7. Miguel Sanchez
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which do you prefer?

    A) TAA and Saliba
    B) Robertson and Zinchenko

    Open Controls
    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A please

      Open Controls
  8. You Must Be Jokin Ere
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Given the EXTRA wildcard available during the World Cup, i think it's a No-Brainer to use WC1 before GW 6 or thereabouts, regardless of how well you are doing?

    Open Controls
    1. ☈☾
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yep otherwise it's a waste

      Open Controls
    2. Ninja Škrtel
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      better to do it after GW8..international break.

      Open Controls
    3. The Mentaculus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not much point holding it too late unless trying to set up a BB just before World Cup, but I think splitting this block in 2 halves & WCing around GW8/9 looks good to me

      Open Controls
    4. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Why would u change anything "regardless of how well you are doing?"

      Open Controls
    5. Andy_Social
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      "No-brainer" only makes sense to a no-thinker.
      How can you possibly determine the right time to play a WC with so little data to go on?
      If I'm doing great with my squad and never need to change more than I can with a 1FT, I'll play my WC as a FH in GW16. I mean, it's an unlikely scenario, but I wouldn't rule it out at this stage when I have no info to decide otherwise.

      Open Controls
      1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        First of all - Impressive opening line Jargon there. Hope you don't use it in "real" life!!
        My point is aimed at the 90% or so Managers who will invariably, come GW 5 or 6, see a WC opportunity to change circa between 5 - 8 players. This can even be partly based on good upcoming fixtures. There is the comforting fallback of the World Cup WC to re-set.

        Open Controls
        1. Andy_Social
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          The off-topic bit first: I certainly do use it in 'real life'. My job used to be to train students to think critically, so I loath the phrase.

          Relevant point: it was heavily discussed before GW1 and the consensus is that all things being equal, the Inty Break between GWs 8 and 9 is probably the optimal time to play the wildcard. I don't see any great need to go over well-trodden ground again, but that's the more thoughtful way to arrive at a likely scenario rather than reduce a complex situation to the phrase 'no-brainer'.

          Open Controls
          1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Well i did say "before GW6 or thereabouts". I hadn't scanned the fixtures for International breaks etc. I suppose my point was that the EXTRA WC is a bit of a ....wait for it....Game Changer (do you like that one!!). Will definitely get Managers who were loathe to use it early thinking about an early one to fix obvious flaws in their Squads.

            Open Controls
    6. FOO FIGHTER
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      We more or less know the players which will be moved to from GW2 so being proactive is not the worst case scenario.

      Open Controls
      1. Andy_Social
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        We don't know about incoming transfers though. United and Chelsea will almost certainly bring people in by GW5 - i.e. possibly after GW4. I can see TDD surprising us with an 80M defender we can get for 4.5 at Chelsea, and maybe a forward we'd lie rocking up at United. Plus other unexpected surprises. Would be madness to WC before TDD.

        Open Controls
        1. FOO FIGHTER
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I do not think Tuchel will sign another left sided defender. Cucurrela may just become a plessure to own after GW2 onwards.

          Open Controls
          1. Andy_Social
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I'm talking about Fofana.

            Open Controls
            1. FOO FIGHTER
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Azpi signed a new deal. I reckon the Fofana deal is dead in the water.

              Open Controls
      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        No you don't. The transfer window is open for close to 3 weeks after GW2's deadline. You know what players everyone wants to move to from 1 week's worth of information, and surprise surprise, they're all players that picked up points in GW1. You don't know what players are in manager's plans but didn't start in the first week due to being a little unfit or slightly rusty after preseason. You won't be able to jump on fixture swings and you can't make any wholesale changes if you're stuck with a lot of issues / unavailable players. You're leaving yourself 15 weeks to manage from the foundation of a GW2 WC.

        Open Controls
        1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Come GW 5 though, you should have ample information.

          Open Controls
          1. Andy_Social
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I'd say GW5 is the earliest point that we can analyse data with any degree of confidence. Even then there will be later data that casts doubts. But earlier than GW5, WC-ing is a cr4pshoot.

            Open Controls
            1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Unless you have 4 or 5 obvious duds in your squad. "Speed Trumps Perfection" - we are flying it with Jargon now!!

              Open Controls
      3. George Sillett
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Disagree completely . Fixture swings , injuries , transfers all have to be considered. GW2 is way too early

        Open Controls
        1. You Must Be Jokin Ere
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Who said GW 2?

          Open Controls
  9. tibollom
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    did kane to haaland before the rise.. the wise move would be to leave as is for GW2?

    Sanchez
    Taa robbo cancelo gabriel
    salah rash mount bailey
    haaland(c) Jesus

    Ward Andreas Neco Archer

    Open Controls
    1. Mona Lisa
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah no hits required, but pay attention to how Rash & Mount play this week.

      Open Controls
    2. Conners
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, save. Then figure out what to do with Rashy and Bailey in a couple of GW's perhaps.

      Open Controls
  10. Football is home
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Will Darwin's price increase until next gameweek? He is very close to price change(90%-fplstatistics.com).

    Open Controls
    1. Andy_Social
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'd expect him to rise tonight.

      Open Controls
    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Should do - he's close

      Open Controls
    3. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      He'll be 9.1 before deadline

      Open Controls
  11. The Mentaculus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    If you were to bring in a City defender now, would you prefer Walker, or Aké for a bit of set piece threat?

    Open Controls
    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Walker

      Open Controls
      1. Andy_Social
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Neither. Could be benched by Pep in a week or two. Dias or Ederson would be my choices - if you can't afford now, wait.

        Open Controls
    2. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah, Walker

      Open Controls
    3. FOO FIGHTER
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Walker. You can switch him to another 5.0 if things go tits up.

      Open Controls
    4. DavvaMC
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I went Walker, don't plan on holding him too long though.

      Open Controls
  12. mdm
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Kane to Darwin or hold? (have Halaand)

    Open Controls
    1. Retired
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      After the Chelsea game, spurs play wolves, forest & West Ham. Holding ain’t a bad option tbh.

      Open Controls
  13. ☈☾
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Salah playing wide is not good for him as a FPL asset right?

    Open Controls
    1. @persecuted_by_mods
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Unproven there imho

      Open Controls
      1. ☈☾
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah so that's a worry right? He's going to play wide in some matches

        Open Controls
        1. George Sillett
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          How do you know this - are you Klopp?

          Open Controls
        2. The Mentaculus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Irony radar needs tuning Mr King

          Open Controls
    2. Andy_Social
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Makes no difference. He never stays wide.

      Open Controls
      1. ☈☾
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Never? lol

        Open Controls
        1. Andy_Social
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Okay. No point debating with a poster that doesn't watch football.

          Open Controls
          1. ☈☾
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Tell me why he 'never' stays wide?

            Open Controls
            1. George Sillett
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Precisely this , never STAYS wide

              Open Controls
            2. Andy_Social
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              He moves. TAA goes outside, he moves inside. Hendo goes outside, Elliot goes outside. Klopp has set up the tactics thus all the years Salah has been hauling the most points in an FPL season. But sure, this season he tells his best and most highly-paid player to stay where he'll be less effective 🙄

              Open Controls
        2. George Sillett
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Correct me never STAYS wide

          Open Controls
          1. Sheffield Wednesday
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            * he (you did ask to be corrected)

            Open Controls
            1. George Sillett
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Should have been a comma after me .

              Open Controls
    3. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Don't think playing wide is the issue...more like if Nunez is on the pitch then it becomes an issue

      Open Controls
      1. ☈☾
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        They'll have a no.9 playing a lot this season

        Open Controls
    4. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not ideal.. but he was scoring points from wide in the past. There was an interesting Athletics piece the other day about how TAA will be hogging Salah's half spaces with Darwin's arrival forcing Salah wide to drill in crosses into the box for Darwin, Diaz an Robertson.

      Open Controls
    5. FOO FIGHTER
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I may go without Salah later during the season but right now he is not leaving my team.

      Open Controls
    6. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah haven't seen him playing there before. I think we should all sell him, you go first I'll be right behind you

      Open Controls
      1. ☈☾
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        It's a long term thinking tbh. He had an xG of 0.38 last game. Signs are there

        Open Controls
        1. Andy_Social
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Liverpool got off to a sluggish start. One poor game. You think they're heading for a 38-point season?

          Open Controls
        2. The Mentaculus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah to be fair, he hasn't quite looked at his most threatening yet & I'm still backing Son over him. I think its a perfectly valid strategy to try go without him, especially with Haaland looking like a potential permacap option

          Open Controls
        3. klopptimusprime
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          goal and assist vs city last week too

          Open Controls
  14. linkafu
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Play 2:

    A Cash vs everton
    B Dalot vs Brendford
    C Andreas vs Wolves
    D Rodrigo vs Saints
    E Maddison vs Arsenal

    Open Controls
    1. Bobby Crush
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Saints are poor. Rodrigo

      Open Controls
      1. Bobby Crush
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        And Madds of course.

        Open Controls
  15. Matr1xOne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Help...

    Johnson (nott f) / mount to Darwin/ 5.0 m ( Dewsbury Hall?)

    To avoid the Darwin price hike? 0 itb qnd would cost -4

    Open Controls

You need to be logged in to post a comment.