FPL Challenge returns for Gameweek 2, bringing another opportunity to tackle a different twist on the traditional Fantasy Premier League game.

Each week comes with its own rules, which can completely change the players and strategies we should target.

Here, Louis runs through his top tips and best picks for the Gameweek 2 Challenge before revealing his own team.

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE THIS WEEK?

With players from the three promoted sides earning double points this week, Coventry City, Hull City and Ipswich Town take centre stage.

Coventry look like the standout team to target. They host fellow promoted side Hull after finishing 22 points above them last season. However, Hull showed their quality by beating Manchester United 2-0 in Gameweek 1, so we shouldn’t overlook their assets.

GOALKEEPERS

Carl Rushworth is one of the leading goalkeeper options. Coventry kept 17 clean sheets and conceded only 45 goals across 46 Championship matches last season. After starting against Arsenal, this home meeting with Hull offers a much better opportunity for defensive points.

However, Konstantinos Tzolakis also deserves serious consideration. Hull kept Manchester United out in their shock 2-0 opening-day victory, giving us an early glimpse of their defensive potential. Hull then rotated their entire starting XI in the EFL Cup, leaving their league regulars fresh for Coventry.

Away from the promoted sides, David Raya could appeal after Arsenal started the season with a clean sheet. Last season’s best defence now travel to Aston Villa with the chance to make it back-to-back shutouts.

James Trafford is another option. Leeds have kept successive clean sheets across the league and cup ahead of Brentford’s visit.

DEFENDERS

Coventry provide several of the standout defensive options. Bobby Thomas offers plenty of appeal after recording three goals and four assists in the Championship last season. He also collected defensive contribution points against Arsenal in Gameweek 1.

For greater attacking potential, Milan van Ewijk is another strong pick. He supplied eight assists and created 10 big chances last season. His long throws also provide another possible route to points.

Hull’s defenders forced themselves into the conversation at Old Trafford. Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy both scored in the 2-0 victory. Several Hull defenders picked up knocks, though, so checking the team-sheet will be important. Mendy and Ryan Giles returned to the bench in midweek.

Elsewhere, Nico O’Reilly could become an excellent option if he starts for Manchester City. He offers clean-sheet and attacking potential, particularly if he lines up further forward in midfield.

Liverpool’s home meeting with Forest also brings Virgil van Dijk into contention. He posted strong defensive contribution numbers last season and remains a major threat from set plays.

There are plenty of alternatives. Maxim De Cuyper has a tougher fixture against Chelsea but started on Brighton’s wing in Gameweek 1, scoring and assisting. Arsenal trio Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhães could appeal at Aston Villa, while Leeds pair Joe Rodon and Tarik Muharemovic offer routes into a defence with successive shutouts.

MIDFIELDERS

Midfield offers several interesting routes into Coventry. Matt Grimes created 80 Championship chances last season and takes plenty of corners. That gives him plenty of creative potential ahead of the Hull fixture.

Caleb Yirenkyi is another option after starting against Arsenal. He also played 70 minutes in Coventry’s midweek cup win, with Frank Lampard making nine changes from his Gameweek 1 XI.

Hull’s Regan Slater also catches the eye. He assisted from a free-kick against Manchester United and appears to have a secure role. Hull’s heavy midweek rotation should also leave him fresh for Gameweek 2.

Beyond the promoted sides, Manchester City could provide one of the best midfield options. Crystal Palace struggled in Gameweek 1, which brings Antoine Semenyo firmly into consideration.

Liverpool also have an appealing home fixture against Forest. Dominik Szoboszlai offers several routes to points through his involvement on penalties and set pieces.

Cole Palmer was brilliant in Gameweek 1 and remains an option despite facing a tougher Brighton side this time.

Arsenal also offer two exciting routes through Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis. Both could appeal as the Gunners travel to an Aston Villa side that struggled defensively in the opening round.

FORWARDS

Coventry’s forwards could provide plenty of upside, although the starting situation needs monitoring. Ellis Simms started against Arsenal after leading his side for pre-season minutes and goals. He also averaged an impressive 4.20 shots per 90 in the Championship last season.

Competition comes from Taiwo Awoniyi, who strengthened his case in midweek. He scored and assisted in the 4-2 win over Plymouth, while also threatening on several other occasions. If he starts against Hull, the double-points rule could make him one of the most exciting forwards available.

Over on the Hull side, Oli McBurnie offers another strong option. He assisted against Manchester United and should also have penalties. Hull rested him completely in the cup, so he should return fresh for Coventry.

If you decide against a promoted forward, Erling Haaland could be the standout alternative. Manchester City face Crystal Palace after Palace’s poor Gameweek 1 showing.

Some managers may instead fancy João Pedro against former club Brighton. His relentless recent form makes him difficult to ignore, even with Chelsea facing a tougher test than they did in the opening round.

TEAM REVEAL

NOTES

• I’m going quite aggressive with Challenge this week, or at least backing a promoted side fairly heavily.
• All in on the Coventry City defence as you can see, with Thomas captain. This means I’ll effectively get four clean sheets if Coventry keep one. Even better if it’s 0-0 because I have also included the Hull City goalkeeper.
• I have opted for a bit of safety in this team though. I think both Haaland and Fernandes could do well this week, so I think going for both probably makes sense.