As the Fantasy Premier League season enters its second gameweek, managers are evaluating their squads following some unexpected results, particularly those involving Manchester United and Liverpool. Patience is advised, with one expert suggesting that a single disappointing performance does not define a player’s season.
For those with Manchester United assets, despite a 2-0 loss at Hull, holding onto players like Bruno Fernandes (£12m) and Bryan Mbeumo is recommended for the home fixture against Ipswich Town. If these players do not perform in Gameweek 2, potential transfers include moving Bruno Fernandes to Cole Palmer (£9.5m) or Antoine Semenyo (£8.5m), and Bryan Mbeumo to Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) or Phil Foden (£7m).
Captaincy Choices for Gameweek 2
The choice for captaincy in Gameweek 2 presents a dilemma between Manchester City‘s Erling Haaland (£15.5m) and Manchester United‘s Bruno Fernandes. While Haaland faces Crystal Palace away, Fernandes plays at home against Ipswich Town. Despite Manchester United‘s Gameweek 1 performance, Fernandes is backed for captaincy due to the easier fixture and the team’s need for a strong response. Fernandes‘s ability to earn points through multiple routes, including goals, clean sheets, and defensive contributions, makes him a strong candidate.
Fernandes was the top-scoring player in home matches during the 2025/26 season, accumulating 124 points across 17 games at Old Trafford. He also recorded eight double-figure hauls in home matches, compared to Haaland‘s four in away matches. This record supports the decision to award Fernandes the captain’s armband, with Erling Haaland named as vice-captain.
Player Recommendations and Transfers
Brentford midfielder Mamadou Sangare, priced at £5.6m, has shown promise with two assists against Spurs. However, managers are advised against rushing to buy him immediately, as defensive midfielders tend to accumulate points steadily rather than in large bursts. A later transfer, possibly during a wildcard, is suggested.
For Chelsea assets, managers might consider Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers for additional attacking options, especially if Joao Pedro is already widely owned. The optimal entry point for these players is suggested to be Gameweek 4, as Palmer had a minor issue against Fulham and Chelsea faces Arsenal in Gameweek 3. Owning two or three players from Joao Pedro, Palmer, and Rogers is considered a viable strategy eventually.
Regarding Alexander Isak (£9m), managers are encouraged to retain the striker despite a challenging away fixture against Newcastle in Gameweek 1. His home match against Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 2 will be a more significant test. Future fixtures against Ipswich and Fulham in Gameweeks 3 and 4 are also noted as potentially beneficial.
Other players highlighted for Gameweek 2 include Coventry City‘s goalkeeper Carl Rushworth (£4.5m) for his home match against Hull City. Arsenal‘s Gabriel (£8.0m) is considered a strong defensive option due to his set-piece threat and consistent returns, having delivered 209 points in the 2025/26 season. Leeds United‘s Jaka Bijol (£5.0m) and Anton Stach (£6.0m) are also featured, with Bijol demonstrating strong defensive contribution points and Stach scoring the decisive goal in Gameweek 1 against Nottingham Forest.
Harry Maguire (£5.0m) of Manchester United is noted for his set-piece threat and potential for a clean sheet against Ipswich Town. Liverpool‘s Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) is expected to be involved in dead-ball duties and is present in 42.9 percent of squads. Arsenal‘s Martin Odegaard (£6.5m) scored and earned 11 points in Gameweek 1, and his advanced central role could be beneficial against an Aston Villa side that conceded seven chances through the middle in their last match. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (£6.5m) of Everton is highlighted for his goal and overall performance against Crystal Palace in Gameweek 1, with his set-piece duties posing a threat to AFC Bournemouth.
Joao Pedro (£7.6m) of Chelsea, with a goal and an assist in Gameweek 1, is among the top forward standings and is a popular captain choice for managers not opting for Haaland.
Source: bbc.com