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Best FPL Punts in Gameweek 2

A triple blank from Gameweek 1’s Best Punts was hardly the return I was hoping for on the first attempt back. Nonetheless, picking differentials before a kick of the ball is very much a stab in the dark, so here’s hoping for a return to the punt-picking form of yesteryear.

At the back last week, Semi Ajayi did not connect with any West Brom set-pieces as hoped, and an effervescent Leicester side proved naysayers wrong about their hopes this campaign with three goals against the newly-promoted outfit. Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino was unlucky not to see any minutes in his side’s goal-fest with Leeds United, although does remain one-to-watch for the rest of this season. Finally, Aaron Connolly was also deprived of playing time having, not so unexpectedly, started on the bench. The youngster did look lively when subbed on for Adam Lallana at half time with a half-chance stopped by Kepa.

With four more sides in action this weekend, here are my picks for Gameweek 2’s Best Punts.

Jamal Lewis | £4.5m Defender | Ownership – 3.0% 

Despite all the goings-on off the pitch at Newcastle United, Steve Bruce’s recruitment this summer has been under the radar, yet greatly impressive. Ryan Fraser is a talented winger very capable at the top level, Callum Wilson has been netting in the Premier League for years and Jeff Hendrick is unglamorous but effective. This week, however, after a sterling performance away at West Ham in Gameweek 1, eyes turn to Jamal Lewis.

The defender’s rapidly increasing ownership this week is no surprise having brought home a clean sheet and a bonus point in his first appearance in the black and white stripes. Now teetering on the 3.0% threshold, Lewis and the Magpies welcome Brighton to St. James Park this weekend.

Only four clubs scored fewer than Graham Potter’s side last season and, despite netting once through Leandro Trossard against Chelsea last time out, still don’t look all that convincing in front of goal with an ever-changing front line. Despite a whopping 13 attempts, the fifth most in the opening week, the team mustered a mere three attempts on target. Newcastle themselves were one of six Premier League sides to manage a shut-out in Gameweek 1, not conceding a single big chance, which points to an increased defensive stability which harkens back to last season which finished with four clean sheets in the final four fixtures.

A Newcastle clean sheet would, therefore, be no surprise this weekend. What’s more, Lewis’ marauding runs and desire to drive his team forward had heads turning on his debut – being rated an 8 by Chronicle Live. Looking at the underlying stats, that’s no surprise either. Only Ryan Fredericks at West Ham averaged a lower minutes per chance created (18) than Lewis’ 30. What’s more, with the potent Callum Wilson and fit-again Andy Carroll in the middle, you’d fancy some of those chances being converted this weekend.

Riyad Mahrez | £8.5m Midfielder | Ownership – 2.1%

Being able to consider Riyad Mahrez a punt is a luxury that I first enjoyed back in 2015 whilst the winger was at Leicester City. You’d think those days were long gone. However, with the Citizens’ Gameweek 1 blank and more attention going towards premium options Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, the Algerian is flying well under the radar.

Little needs to be done on my half to justify the midfielder’s potential to bring home a fantasy haul. Four goals and three assists after the restart completed a total of 11 goals and 14 assists throughout the whole season in 2019-20. Game time is never guaranteed under Pep Guardiola, but he’ll be wanting to be off to a fast start this time around and you’d have to imagine Mahrez will be out in full force. A clash against Wolves is a potential bogey fixture, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men conquering the former Champions in both meetings last time out. Nonetheless, with a criminally low ownership, Riyad Mahrez is a tasty punt.

Ollie Watkins | £6.0m Forward | Ownership – 1.5%

Having shelled out £22 million for Ollie Watkins from Brentford, Aston Villa fans will be hoping for big things from the striker. The signs are all positive. It was Dean Smith who signed the striker for Brentford back in 2017 and his talismanic 25 goals in the Championship was bettered by only Fulham’s Aleksandr Mitrovic last year.

Whilst the transition to the Premier League is never an easy one, it’s looking positive for both Villa fans and interested FPL managers. Watkins has little competition for his spot, all of Keinan Davis, Indiana Vassilev and Wesley all misfiring, so looks certain for minutes. The 24-year-old also netted for Villa in the EFL Cup against Burton Albion on Tuesday night, seemingly settled already. A newly-contracted Jack Grealish will also no longer have the weight of survival on his back and should be a renewed creative force behind Watkins.

If the signs didn’t look promising enough, the Villains welcome Sheffield United to Villa Park to kickstart their season on Monday night. A side usually watertight in defence, Chris Wilder’s men were pummelled 2-0 at home against Wolves last Monday. You’d think a defensive resurgence for The Blades would happen eventually, but a rejuvenated Villa side means that might not be quite yet.

thepuntmaster Twitter - @thepuntmaster Freelance journo and FPL addict. Everton fan.

22 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 3 A
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thanks. I'll take punt on Watkins

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm looking to after the transfer window has closed. Villa supposed to be bringing in a decent inside left and inside right, joining Grealish to give some firepower behind Ollie.

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm very tempted by him. Keeping Mitro for now, but nice to know that switch can be made for sure.

  2. taha fawzy
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    imo mihrez is going to get far more minutes this season and start every week
    with david silva out of the team i can see bernardo easily replacing him leaving mihrez as the only right-winger beside foden who's very young and can wait for his turn

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden is not so young and has waited his turn. I think he'll get more minutes than Mahrez this season.

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden has waited his turn and is the often successor to David Silva

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        obvious* successor

        1. Fit of Pique
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I'm not sure Foden is the natural successor to Silva. They have different profiles.

          Silva's best quality was his ability to dictate the tempo. Foden is more direct. His profile is more akin to Bernardo, and to a lesser extent, De Bruyne.

          I'm expecting Gundogan to play a lot more as a result of Silva leaving. Foden should get more gametime, no doubt, but in City's typical 4-3-3 I reckon it's more likely in the wide forward spots.

  3. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Whats the point of selecting such obscure punts that they would only be wanted for one week anyway?

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bit of fun really mate

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        To put it another way, which editor is publishing this?

  4. Litts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    After his performance against Chelsea, I'm going to bring in Lamptey from Brighton. He was very attacking, should have scored, got an assist (he's a bit raw). Brighton did get 9 cleansheets last year and White should help that further.

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lamptey is a great shout, already owned by 3.6% and should have a great season.

  5. Fit_to_drop
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    4m defender that plays. Not Mitchell as have Guaita. Thanks

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good luck with that

      1. FPL Forward Thinker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Mitchell

        Sell Guaita

  6. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who the hell is Indiana Vasseliv?

    1. camarozz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Now I see him. Nvr knew he was part of villa team and I'm a supporter.

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Wasn't he in the Temple of Doom?

  7. SteJ
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who are goind to be the Worst FPL GW2 ****s?
    I'm on Son (and spurs in general) to make a mess of things.
    Maybe Vardy will blank after people grabbed him after his GW1 haul

  8. Team Forza
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    RMT TEAM PLEASE:
    Mcarthy steer
    Justin Robertson kwp Mitchel Lewis
    ASM salah KDB Fernandes traore
    Werner DCL Brewster

    Captain salah this week

  9. Pratik
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    If you already have McCarthy (sou) in goal, would you go with Kyle Walker-Peters (sou) or Lewis (new)?