Tips

The Complete Guide to Scout’s tips and advice for FPL Gameweek 2

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Scout Guide to Gameweek 2, don’t forget the new normal deadline of 11:00 BST – half an hour earlier than last season.

Captain set? Transfers made?

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of the best advice for the next round of matches, we received a welcome reminder this week on how to enjoy FPL.

If you find yourself clicking a little too often on transfers page, Community Member and Mindfulness trainer DomWatts23 explained why:

We get a dopamine hit released in our brain every time we look at our team and remember that we might be rewarded in the future for those players doing well this weekend.

– Dom Watts

Which is of course exactly what we want but, realistically, doesn’t always happen.

Dom’s thoughtful article is full of tips that help put FPL in perspective, and could possibly improve your decision-making process. 

And remember, even the best can have a bad Gameweek, as three-time top-200 finisher Lateriser proved with a below-average 43 points. Well, he wouldn’t be called ‘Late Riser’ if he didn’t start slowly. Reflecting on his pre-season decisions, the Pro Pundit considered:

Being stubborn will not make you a good FPL player. You have to respond to what you see on that television screen.

– Lateriser

It’s an exciting Gameweek with both Manchester clubs returning to action following their opening blank, and let’s not forget Aston Villa and Burnley too. Man United-fan Lateriser is sensing an opportunity to give Anthony Martial (£9.0m) the armband.

Although writing in Captain Sensible, Jan Sienkiewicz identified a weakness on Crystal Palace’s right flank that could be exploited by Marcus Rashford (£9.5m).

Encouragingly for Man United backers, the latest clean sheets odds provided by G-Whizz reveal that the Eagles are the team most likely to concede in Gameweek 2.

However, double-points king Jan notes that the safe captain pick is the popular Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m):

We can trust Aubameyang, who has been in fantastic goalscoring form over recent months and does have the underlying statistics, as well as penalties, to back it up.

– Jan

Arsenal entertain West Ham this weekend and, reflecting on the Hammers’ home defeat to Newcastle, David struck an ominous tone in the Best Captain video:

It’s quite rare to see a team get – I don’t want to say played off the park – but Newcastle were in full control of that game and I can’t remember the last time I really saw Newcastle be in control of a game and be on the front foot.

– David

One person who no doubt enjoyed that win was Neale. This week, our resident Geordie cast his eye over the statistics from Gameweek 1 in his latest Big Numbers offering. Among the many pearls highlighted was the frailty of the newly-promoted defences:

2.83 expected goals conceded (xGC) by West Bromwich Albion in Gameweek 1, the worst total in the division. In fact, the three newly promoted clubs had the worst xGC tallies in the first round of 2020/21 matches, with Leeds United (2.76) and Fulham (1.97) not far behind.

– Neale

That could be good news for owners of Everton players, with the Baggies visiting Goodison Park in the early kickoff.

The Toffees topped Pro Pundit Andy’s Gameweek 1 take-aways: underestimated following a series of sub-par performances during Project Restart, Andy noted how the arrival of midfield trio Allan (£5.5m), Abdoulaye Doucouré (£5.5m) and James Rodríguez (£7.5m) transformed their attack. 

Calvert-Lewin will get the plaudits for the goal (and what a header it was), but Richarlison (£8.0m) was brilliant. He managed seven shots, with five of them in the box and his non-penalty expected goals (nPxG) was 0.74, not a bad start. He’ll be a hard sell because of the extra £1m he costs over Calvert-Lewin, but he could be a shrewd pick for the next three fixtures.

– Andy on Everton

Although investing heavily in Carlo Ancelotti’s troops might be tricky without a Wildcard, especially with the Manchester clubs back on the menu. Pro Pundit Zophar weighed up the Pros and Cons of making wholesale changes to your squad this early in the season. 

Depending on the make-up of your team, you may want to act fast to take advantage of low-owned players from Manchester City as well capitalising on the appealing fixtures for Everton and Manchester United. Although, typically cautious in nature, Zophar ultimately prefers to wait until he has a little more data to go on and the transfer window is closed.

However, rumour has it that his fellow member of the FPL Wire, BigManBakar, has pushed the button ahead of Gameweek 2. Does this mean he’s sold Salah? His latest Gameweek review suggests he might have:

I would be more tempted to sell Salah however, if I was on a wildcard because that would have meant that I could have upgraded elsewhere easily. And I think that might be a smart strategy, because this is where the concept of VORP (value over replacement player) comes into play and if you are unlikely to captain Salah in the next four (che ARS avl eve) that ploy might be fruitful.

– BigManBakar

If you are looking for further encouragement to play the early Wildcard, Pro Pundit Tom Freeman was on hand with a selection of enticing differentials. Raheem Sterling led the way with nine goals during Project Restart:

Five of his nine double-digit hauls arrived following the resumption, which ensured he outscored teammate Kevin De Bruyne (£11.5m) by 86 FPL points to 73.

– Tom on Raheem Sterling

And a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers is not necessarily such a bad fixture for the Englishman, argues Tom:

Sterling also thrived on his travels – 70% of his league goals arrived during away games, while his 26 big chances in such matches was comfortably more than any other player.

– Tom on Raheem Sterling

The Aston Villa fan also ran the rule over the Villans’ new striker Ollie Watkins (£6.0m):

Amazingly, every single one of [his] 26 goals came from open play and, when you exclude penalties, Watkins scored more league goals than any other player in English football last season.

– Tom on Ollie Watkins

A partnership with Jack Grealish could bear fruit, and Tom suggests the time to invest might be Gameweek 6 when the fixture ticker turns blue for Dean Smith’s men.

This week’s Scoutcast featured former FPL winner and Pro Pundit Simon March. Despite concerns about their defence, one player who caught the eye of the Chelsea fan was Reece James (£5.0):

We saw the goal last night, I watched that back without the crowd noise and just the sound it makes when it leaves his boot – it was like a sonic boom! Just an absolute pile driver of a shot.

– Simon on Reece James

With new signings like Timo Werner (£9.5m) and Kai Havertz (£8.5m) to get on the end of his deliveries, Simon feels that £5.0m could be a steal. And, excluding his goal, Neale pointed out that the 20-year-old could benefit from the bonus points system:

20 baseline bonus points (BBPS) registered by Reece James on Monday night, the joint-highest total in Gameweek 1. Baseline BPS is simply a player’s BPS score with all the appearances, goals, assists and clean sheets stripped away.

– Neale on Reece James

Another defender who posed a goal-threat on the opening weekend was Matt Doherty (£6.0m). Spurs were rightly criticised for their defeat to Everton but the former Wolves player made a couple of encouraging “underlapping” runs into the box: the best resulting in a glorious chance from six yards out that Jordan Pickford (£5.0m) blocked with his legs.

Final Checks

Before making any final decisions ahead of Gameweek 2 be sure to check up on the latest team news and the predicted line-ups.

Pep Guardiola has revealed that Sergio Aguero and Aymeric Laporte will miss out this weekend:

Meanwhile Frank Lampard has confirmed that Timo Werner is fit to face the reigning Champions.

Community Competitions

The Head-to-Head leagues are back! The Gameweek 1 results and tables are currently showing on the main Head-to-Head page.

The fixtures for Gameweek 2 are below:

This is your last opportunity to join The Great and The Good mini-league, the entry code is jxisbl.

And Greyhead is also recruiting for a Community Team to take on the established glitterati. Put your name forward in this Hot Topic if you are interested in taking part.

For an update on all featured FFS Mini-Leagues and Community Competitions, please click here to read the latest round-up.

Finally, Pro Pundit Sam brought us the latest on the Scout Network, a new initiative this season, highlighting both new and established voices in the FPL Community.

Enjoy Gameweek 2 and may your arrows be green!

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2,956 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sid07
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alli to
    1) James
    2) Greenwood
    3) save and do three transfer next gw

    1. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James is safest

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

      1

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

      Same problem. Do we think alli will play? And do you have cover on bench?

      1. Sid07
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yes have Davies

  2. Villan
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Ryan, McCarthy and Ayling

    B) Martinez, Steer and Coleman

    1. Knallie
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      i would do B for sure

  3. Felix Navidad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    On wildcard:
    would you go
    A Justin
    B Lamptey

    1. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin

      1. Felix Navidad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        even though he is not nailed when Pereira is back?
        lamptey would be a set and forgett

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm going for A even tho he might not be nailed. Fixtures.

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lamptey for attacking potential

    5. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lamps

  4. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Greenwood + DCL

    or

    Mahrez + Mitro

    Already have Martial and KDB. Thanks

    1. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      How about Rodriguez and DCL?

      1. Differentiator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        An easy switch to make, but rather double up on Utd assets

  5. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    GTG or Havertz to HotRod for -4?

    Ryan
    TAA Justin Ayling
    Salah Havertz Soucek Auba(C)
    Werner Adams Martial

    Bench: KWP Mitchell Bissouma

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

    RMT TEAM PLEASE:
    Mcarthy steer
    Justin james kwp Mitchel Lewis
    Auba salah KDB Fernandes Hendricks
    Wilson DCL Brewster

    Captain Fernandes this week
    McCarthy Brew Mitchel Kwp bench

  7. Knallie
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    This is where I am on WC

    Ryan - Steele
    VVD - Saiss - Justin - Targett - Mitchell
    Salah - KDB - Bruno - Jorginho - Bissouma
    Vardy - Martial - Brewster

    Main questions:
    1. other goalie? (Martinez or McCarthy?)
    2. Rashford over Bruno to upgrade defense?
    3. Jorginho is a risk, but potentially better than Soucek because of pens when he does play?

    1. Villan
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Need to spread the funds more. Can't have a 5, 4.5 and 4.5 in my view

    2. Scout
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keep the team as it is. I have a poll going on previous page would appreciate the help

  8. 7shadesofsmoke
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bruno or Rashford?

    Confidence level on Foden starting?

    1. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I've gone for Rashford - but I couldn't afford Bruno 🙂

      Pretty high, not confident on him doing much this week though.

      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks Kev. good luck with Rashford, i think i might gamble too

    2. Scout
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno

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

      Bruno

  9. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I have Bertrand in my team. He could have pads of space if Doherty is caught high up the field like the Everton game.

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

      I have him too. Got him based on preseason. Hoping he gets something.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have him on my bench but not sure if I should put him ahead of Dier

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

    Bottomed

    Hello lads, do I use FT to replace Alli or save this week? Thx

    McCarthy,Nyland
    TAA,Bavies,Justin,Mitchell,Buur
    Salah,Auba,Alli,ASM,Bissouma
    Werner,Martial,Mitro

    1. Bob.
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I would get in someone for Alli.

  11. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Aubameyang or Salah to Sterling this week stupid?

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

      Auba yes, Salah maybe not.

    2. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Auba is for sure yes.

    3. Kodap
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nah, that was my plan from GW1, Ings > Martial this week, Auba > Sterling or KDB after this week.

    4. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably.

    5. TyroneGAA
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Auba is playing west ham at home and in good form .. salah scored 3 goals last week .. anyway kdb or sterling will be in my team for auba next week but certainly not this week

    6. Dannyb
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers guys, will hold till next week and ship Auba to Sterling.

  12. Pino
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    who to play?

    a) Saiss vs ManCity
    b) Charlie Taylor vs Leicester

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

      B

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  13. BrutalLogiC
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Re; Already on -4 and wonder 39 points from gw1. Shall I take another hit to ditch puli? 8.9 to spend

    1. Nightrain_
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nope, Puli should be ready to play next week I reckon and it's too deep of a hit at this early

    2. WillyP
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Also thinking to go -8 with Son, Havertz and Antonio out and Bruno, Rodriguez and Wilson in

  14. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Am I G2G?

    McCarthy
    Trent - Saliba - Justin
    Salah - Auba (c) - Son - Soucek - ASM
    Werner - Martial

    Button, CTaylor, Mitchell & Brewster

  15. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What to do?

    A. Havertz to Son now, -4 (despite of the price fall good fixtures coming up+Bale)

    B. Havertz to Rashford next GW, -4

    C. Keep Havertz, fixtures look great and Ziench+Pulisic coming to the team soon...

    Thanks.

    1. BrutalLogiC
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thinking about son also... Is it mad

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

        If he gets you a lot points with that prise, no...Son is a good player, but Spurs seems be a mess, might be worth to wait for a while to see if they start to perform or not... I remember reading from somewhere, that as a team last season, they scored about the same amount of fpl points than Burnley, slightly less than Sheffield United, and just slightly more than Newcastle...

  16. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Am I G2G? 0FT and 1M ITB

    McCarthy
    TAA Doherty Justin
    Auba(c) JRod Son ASM
    Werner Vardy Adams

    Thanks

    1. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good.

  17. pug_chops
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone on here who uses the Rate My Team/ Build My Team tool?
    I normally select my team and then refer to it make sure I haven't missed anything. Something I've not fully understood is the bench order doesn't always match the predicted points order. Eg for this week Mitchell has the highest predicted points on my bench but it is suggesting I put him 3rd. Any ideas?

  18. KINGS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy
    TAA Robbo Holding
    Auba* Salah Rashy ASM Soucek
    Werner Mitro

    One transfer made. Ready for to go

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

    Am I be too smart going Martial over Auba?

    Afterall West ham were very poor v Newcastle..

    1. Nightrain_
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      although i really favor Martial to score at least 1 goal vs Palace but last game shown that West Ham is in wreck while Palace unexpectedly solid so Auba for me has higher ceiling

    2. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      For the {C}. I'd prefer Auba.

    3. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Auba. Also on pens, and Palace can be tight.

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      United fan, still captaining Auba over Martial

  20. ArseneKnows
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi all

    Wisdom of the crowds.........who would you pick?

    A) Robertson & Ings/Jimenez

    B) Digne & Werner

    Thanks

  21. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarty
    TAA Justin Ayling
    Salah Aubameyang(C) Barnes ASM
    Ings Werner DCL

    button KWP Taylor Bissouma

    Am I all set ? Saving a FT even though some moves are tempting.

  22. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    VVD + Charlie Taylor / Webster

    or

    Bellerin (playing v advanced) + Digne

  23. WhatWouldYourZlatanSay
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    The classic last minute 2nd thoughts...currently NO utd with a view to 2FTs next week but...

    A) Vardy > Martial
    B) Son > Greenwood
    C) Vardy and Son > Bruno and Rich (-4)
    D) Vardy and Son > Martial and Rash
    E) Salah > Bruno

    Thanks guys....any help appreciated

    1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No hits is ok. A worth a punt..

  24. boroie
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Need help big time here. What should I do? Feel like I’m taking a massive risk having no United attackers but can’t work out how to get them in...

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Shaw Justin
    Auba(C) Salah Son ASM
    Werner Wilson

    Nyland; Adams KWP Bissouma

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good to me . Can give United a week to see how they play

    2. Nightrain_
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      At least you have Shaw but in a few GWs, maybe he should go too and perhaps plan a WC in GW5 ?

  25. Origal73
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Play Justin (BUR) or Mitrovic (Leeds)?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Justin

    2. Wild Card this!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitro of course

  26. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one??

    A) 4th defender 4.5 & Richarlison
    B) 5th mid 5:5 & DCL

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Somebody please?

  27. Alli
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Save FT?

    McCarthy
    TAA - Holding - Justin
    Auba (c) - Salah - Son - ASM
    Martial (vc) - Ings - Mitro

    Nyland - Stephens - KWP - Mitchell

  28. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any last minute changes or G2G?

    McCarthy
    Trent - Saliba - Justin
    Salah - Auba (c) - Son - Soucek - ASM
    Werner - Martial

    Button, CTaylor, Mitchell & Brewster

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      GTG. Can u look at my last question

  29. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Steer and Mccarthy owners who you starting?

    1. Kane Train
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Steer even gonna start?

    2. BellyKlopp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Steer but expect McCarthy will be auto subbed in

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

        starting Steer but agree with McCarthy subbed in.

  30. FPLShaqiri
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    How come Ings out for a hit is so popular? Just Martial a better pick?

    1. Nightrain_
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Because most people start with Ings-Werner and Chelsea is a better team than Saints

    2. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think many planned Ings to Martial. The hit probably comes from those who are also fighting a fire elsewhere, Vinagre or Saliba, or didn't have the 0.5 ITB.

      1. FPLShaqiri
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Fair enough. Personally don't think Ings is a bad pick and according to bookmakers odds he is 40% to score (Martial 43%). Not worth the hit for me, and hoping Man Utd stay quiet 🙂