Fantasy EFL Gameweek 2 got underway on Thursday at Vale Park, as Cardiff City were held to a 0-0 draw by Port Vale. Managers get to look forward to another 35 matches, as the Championship returns to action.
We’ve combined data from pre-season friendlies, fans, fixture tickers and transfers to offer a guide for Gameweek 2. This article will focus on five key fixtures that offer the most intriguing Fantasy EFL options from the second tier.
SOUTHAMPTON VS WREXHAM
12:30, Saturday 9 August
Southampton begin their new life in the Championship at home against newly-promoted Wrexham in one of the most anticipated matches of the season. After finishing at the bottom of the Premier League, the Saints have renewed hope under manager Will Still, especially since they’ve managed to retain many of their key players.
Meanwhile, Wrexham’s fairytale story continues with their third consecutive promotion after finishing second in League One. With some strong summer signings, the Red Dragons are ready for their biggest challenge yet.
The fixture is rated as ‘green’ in favour of Southampton, facing the Red Dragons who have not played in the second tier for 43 years.
Pre-season form
It’s been a decent start for Still to life at St. Mary’s, as the team won three games in their six matches. Adam Armstrong (F) has three goals to his name, while Cameron Archer (F) also has three. Their only loss came against LaLiga outfit RCD Espanyol 2-1. Although they didn’t keep a shutout, they did score 12 goals in that period.
Meanwhile, life has been tough for the Red Dragons. After a promising 3-1 win in their opener against Melbourne Victory, they’ve gone on to lose three straight matches, with two defeats coming against fellow A-League teams. While new signings Ryan Hardie (F) and Josh Windass (F) have both opened their goalscoring accounts, the team’s overall performance has been a concern. With just five goals scored and seven conceded, the start of their season in the new division doesn’t fill managers with confidence.
Key players
The Saints scored 54 of their 87 goals at home during their promotion-winning 23/24 campaign. While the Red Dragons are known for their resolute defence, they’re likely to face a tough challenge on the South Coast. We expect the Saints to start their season with a well-fought win.
- Adam Armstrong (F)
- Cameron Archer (F)
- Shea Charles (M)
FANTASY EFL GAMEWEEK 2 FFS PREDICTION – 2-0
COVENTRY CITY VS HULL CITY
12:30, Saturday 9 August
A tale of two contrasting seasons: Frank Lampard masterminded a remarkable run to the play-off semi-finals, while the Tigers narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the season, surviving on goal difference. Now, Lampard seeks to build on that success with another promotion push, while Hull begin a new chapter under their recently appointed manager, Sergej Jakirovic.
Pre-season form
After a poor start with a 5-0 home defeat to Monaco, the Sky Blues have since tested themselves against quality opposition and shown more promise. Despite losing three of their last six matches, they have secured draws against strong sides, including La Liga’s Real Betis and the Bundesliga’s St. Pauli. On the scoresheet, goals have come from Jack Rudoni (M), Ellis Simms (F) and Brandon Thomas-Asante (M). There is also hope that key forward Haji Wright (F) will be involved for the team’s Gameweek 1 match.
Despite concerns surrounding the club’s transfer embargo, Jakirovic has defied critics with a strong run of results. The Tigers won five of seven games, losing only once, and notably secured a 2-1 victory over Premier League side Sunderland. Goalscorers include Kyle Joseph (F) and young winger Tyrell Sellars-Fleming (F). Their positive run was capped off with a resilient 0-0 draw against La Liga team Getafe.
Key players
The 12:30 kick-off always feels risky to back on opening day, but we foresee Coventry securing three points. They won nine of their last 12 home Championship games here, and we expect the run to be extended. Equally, Hull were the lowest scorers in the division last season, but we think they’ll put up more of a fight here.
- Jack Rudoni (M) – if fit
- Ephron Mason-Clark (F)
- Bobby Thomas (D)
FANTASY EFL GAMEWEEK 2 FFS PREDICTION – 2-1
CHARLTON ATHLETIC VS WATFORD
12:30, Saturday 9 August
Fresh off a League One playoff victory, Nathan Jones’ Charlton are preparing for their return to the Championship. A Macauley Gillesphey (D) free-kick secured their Wembley win, and the club has since strengthened its squad with key signings like Thomas Kaminski (G), Harvey Knibbs (F) and Charlie Kelman (F).
Their goal will be to avoid relegation in a season that kicks off with a challenging home fixture against Paulo Pezzolano’s Watford, who are also looking to make a strong start under their new manager. This match at The Valley promises to be a tense affair as both teams aim to get their seasons off to the right foot.
Pre-season form
The Addicks had a strong pre-season, winning four of their six matches. However, it’s worth noting that four of those wins were against lower division sides. The team’s only loss was to fellow division rivals Ipswich Town. The Addicks’ offence has been consistent, scoring in every game for a total of 13 goals, while their defence has conceded five. Daniel Kanu (F), Isaac Olaofe (F) and Gassan Ahadme (F) each contributed two goals to the team’s scoring efforts.
Watford, meanwhile, maintained an unbeaten pre-season record, although the majority of their fixtures were also against lower-division opposition. The team has shown a strong defensive foundation, conceding only two goals across four games. However, a potential concern continues to lie in their attack. They managed to score just four goals in that same period, including goals from Imran Louza (M) and Moussa Sissoko (M).
Key players
A home win feels inevitable, even though their pre-season wasn’t spectacular. It may not be the most exciting club pick, but they should secure three points against the newly promoted opposition. “Score more than you concede” may be the mantra at Stadium MK this weekend.
With a lack of visiting firepower and the Addicks’ remarkably strong home defensive record, conceding just 16 of their 43 goals, alongside 15 home wins, we only foresee an opening day victory for the hosts.
- Macauley Gillesphey (D)
- Lloyd Jones (D)
- Charlie Kelman (F)
FANTASY EFL GAMEWEEK 2 FFS PREDICTION – 1-0
SHEFFIELD UNITED VS BRISTOL CITY
17:30, Saturday 9 August
There have been a lot of changes at both Bramall Lane and Ashton Gate following their play-off exits.
At Bramall Lane, Chris Wilder is gone, replaced by Ruben Selles. The club finished third last season with an impressive 90 points.
Meanwhile, at Ashton Gate, Liam Manning led the team to their first playoff appearance since 2008 before departing for Norwich City. He has since been replaced by Gerhard Struber.
These two teams are set to clash again after Sheffield United’s dominating 6-0 victory in the playoff semi-final last season. Both clubs have strengthened their squads, with Louie Barry (F) and Emil Riis (F) adding firepower to their respective forward lines.
Pre-season form
The Blades showcased a new, attacking style in their pre-season, scoring 19 goals in just five matches, a significant departure from their previous approach under Chris Wilder. Although all four of their victories came against lower-league opposition, they won four consecutive games before a 3-2 defeat to OGC Nice. The goals were spread out among the squad, with Ryan One (F) leading the tally with three. Barry also chipped in with a goal.
The Robins have also had a successful pre-season, winning four of their six games despite a 6-2 loss to Bournemouth. Newcomer Riis has already scored three goals, and wing-back Ross McCrorie (D) added a brace in a 4-0 win against Real Valladolid. Manager Struber has implemented a high-pressing style while maintaining the 3-4-3 formation favoured by his predecessor.
Key players
Both teams are starting a new era under new managers, so this game is tough to call. However, given Sheffield United’s strong home record last season and past results, we’re predicting a narrow victory for the hosts.
- Gustavo Hamer (M)
- Harrison Burrows (D)
- Emil Riis (F)
FANTASY EFL GAMEWEEK 2 FFS PREDICTION – 2-1
LEICESTER CITY VS SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
16:30, Sunday 9 August
The final match of Fantasy EFL Gameweek 2 at the King Power Stadium pits two clubs with vastly different [recent] histories against each other.
Arriving in a state of turmoil, Sheffield Wednesday’s chaos stems from a turbulent period under owner Dejphon Chansiri. The club’s many problems include unpaid wages, a squad reduced to just 16 senior players, and a recent change in leadership.
In stark contrast, recently relegated from the Premier League, Leicester are focused on a fresh start and stability, under new manager Marti Cifuentes, tasked with steering them back to the top flight. We won’t mention the potential points deduction here too.
This game is a compelling clash between a team fighting to overcome internal crises and one striving to rebuild following relegation.
Pre-season form
Leicester won five of six games, losing just one against Koln 2-1. Jordan Ayew (F) was the top scorer with three goals, while Patson Daka (F) and Abdul Fatawu (F) also contributed. Based on their results, the side are heading into the new season with optimism. They scored 10 goals and only gave up five.
The Owls won all three of their behind-closed-doors matches, scoring eight goals, with Ike Ugbo (F) and Olaf Kobacki (F) getting on the scoresheet. However, the true state of the club was laid bare when a scheduled friendly against Burnley was cancelled after players refused to play. While captain Barry Bannan (M) has shown loyalty by signing a new deal, the player strike is a powerful statement and a clear sign of the deep-seated issues that are overshadowing any positives.
Key players
The Foxes enter the new season with a strong record in their opening league games, being unbeaten in their last six. This, combined with the instability of Wednesday, suggests a high chance of a positive result.
Although with what feels like lots of routes to points, Fantasy EFL managers will need to make a call. Here are our standout Fantasy EFL Gameweek 2 assets:
- Abdul Fatawu (F)
- Jordan Ayew (F)
- Bilal El Khannouss (M)
- Caleb Okoli (D)
FANTASY EFL GAMEWEEK 2 FFS PREDICTION – 4-0
