FPL Gameweek 2 Transfer Tips, Strategy and Team Selection

The Premier League is back with a bang, and as FPL managers, we’re already feeling the thrill of the new season. After an eventful Gameweek 1 that saw some surprises and standout performances, it’s time to pivot our strategies and make the smartest moves for Gameweek 2. In this article, we’ll be diving into the key transfer tips, strategy adjustments, and our ideal Gameweek 2 FPL team.

1. FPL Gameweek 2 Transfer Targets

As we gear up for Gameweek 2, it’s important to keep an eye on the most transferred-in players. These individuals have captured the attention of FPL managers, making them prime candidates for potential additions to your squad. Let’s take a closer look at some of these standout performers:

1. Isak (NEWFWD) – £7.6

Newcastle’s Isak has swiftly become a hot topic in the FPL community. With an impressive form and a decent 13 points in Gameweek 1, it’s no surprise that 22.7% of managers have already brought him into their squads. His attacking prowess and ability to find the back of the net make him a promising forward option for your team.

2. Chilwell (CHEDEF) – £5.6

Chelsea’s Chilwell has earned his spot in the most transferred-in list with 17.5% ownership. Priced at just £5.6, he offers a combination of defensive stability and attacking threat. His potential for clean sheets, coupled with his ability to contribute to Chelsea’s attacking play, makes him an appealing option for FPL managers.

3. Saka (ARSMID) – £8.6

Arsenal’s Saka continues to be a favorite among FPL managers, with a staggering 64.0% ownership. With 10 points in Gameweek 1, he’s already proven his worth. His versatility, as well as his involvement in both goals and assists, makes him an enticing midfield choice for Gameweek 2.

4. Rodrigo (MCIMID) – £5.6

Manchester City’s Rodrigo is another player who caught the eye in the opening Gameweek, amassing 13 points. With just 6.8% ownership, he represents a differential pick that could pay off big. His ability to dictate play in midfield and contribute to both attacking and defensive aspects could make him a valuable asset moving forward.

5. Saliba (ARSDEF) – £5.0

Arsenal’s Saliba has already garnered a 21.3% ownership following his impressive Gameweek 1 performance. Priced at just £5.0, he offers an affordable option to bolster your defense. With clean sheet potential and the ability to gain bonus points, Saliba could provide solid returns.

6. Estupiñan (BHADEF) – £5.0

Brighton’s Estupiñan has attracted attention from over half of FPL managers (54.6% ownership). With a price of £5.0, he provides an economical way to strengthen your defense. His potential for clean sheets and attacking contributions from the full-back position make him an intriguing choice.

2. FPL Gameweek 2 Most Transferred-Out Players

These players are seeing a significant number of transfers out, indicating potential concerns about their performance or playing time heading into Gameweek 2

Man City – De Bruyne (MCIMID) – £10.4
Man City – Stones (MCIDEF) – £5.5
Aston Villa – Mings (AVLDEF) – £4.5
Spurs – Kane (TOTFWD) – £12.5
Arsenal – Gabriel (ARSDEF) – £5.0
Arsenal – J. Timber (ARSDEF) – £5.0
Liverpool – Darwin (LIVFWD) – £7.5
Crystal Palace – Eze (CRYMID) – £6.5
Arsenal – Ødegaard (ARSMID) – £8.5
Newcastle – Trippier (NEWDEF) – £6.5
Aston Villa – Watkins (AVLFWD) – £8.0
Man Utd – Rashford (MUNMID) – £9.0

The Best FPL Players to Buy for Gameweek 2

1. João Pedro (£5.5m) – Forward

One standout player for Gameweek 2 is Brighton’s João Pedro. Positioned as a shadow striker under RDZ’s tactics, Pedro’s intelligent movement capitalizes on spaces created by his teammates, especially Welbeck. His versatility is evident as he ventures wide left, adding an extra dimension to Brighton’s attacks.

Pedro’s opening match was a mix of brilliance. Despite a missed early opportunity, his determination shone when he won and confidently converted a crucial penalty. The focus should be on his positive contributions, irrespective of the penalty’s controversy.

Pedro’s 1.35 expected goals (xG) indicate his goal-scoring potential, considering both the missed big chance and the penalty. With 1 key pass and 2 shots on target, he’s poised to be a consistent threat. Supported by Welbeck and Ferguson, Pedro’s goal-scoring intent gains prominence.

Gameweek 2 Transfer Strategy:

Owning a 5.5 million forward that plays for a very attacking side like Brighton, is a no-brainer. If you’re looking to free up some funds then buying Pedro is one way to do that. He is a good buy this gameweek.

2. Eberechi Eze (£6.5m)

For those who chose Eze over other £6.5m midfield options, Gameweek 1 might have yielded frustration. Despite his standout performance, he collected just 3 points. Eze’s underlying statistics reveal his impact. With 0.51 expected goals (xG) and 0.58 expected assists (xA), totaling 1.09 expected goal involvement (xGI), Eze truly was a creative force.

Eze’s influence stretched across the field, encompassing 7 key passes, 6 blocked shots, 2 off-target attempts, and 1 big chance created. His performance leaves one questioning why his point tally didn’t mirror his contributions.

Crystal Palace (CRY) generated a cumulative 1.89 xG, prompting the query of whether this showcases an evolving CRY attack or an opening against Sheffield United (SHU). Likely a blend of both, Eze’s role within the attack is pivotal.

As Crystal Palace’s talisman, Eze boasts the ability to shine in any encounter. While Gameweek 1 didn’t fully reward his display, his potential remains unquestionable. His influence on the attack’s fluidity, coupled with his creative prowess, earmarks him as a player to monitor.

Gameweek 2 Transfer Strategy:

Eze’s aptitude to sway a match is a testament to his impact. While Gameweek 1’s results might not entirely mirror his brilliance, his performance and involvement suggest forthcoming gameweeks could yield greater returns. If you own him don’t sell, if you’re looking for a 6.5 million midfielder to add to your FPL team in gameweek 2, then Eze is worth the shout.

3. Mo Salah (£12.5m)

When considering essential FPL assets, Mo Salah stands tall. Despite some concerns, his performance and prospects merit your attention. Let’s dive into the intricacies surrounding Salah’s recent display and upcoming potential:

Substitution Incident: No Red Flags

Let’s not read too much into Salah’s substitution. Such emotional responses are common in football. An elite competitor like Salah expressing frustration is natural. Expect Klopp and Salah to reconcile quickly after the match. It’s a non-issue in the grand scheme.

Pure Quality on Display:

Salah’s assist showcased a moment of brilliance. While his key pass and big chance creation were limited, his impact remains unquestionable.

Shooting Prowess:
- 2 shots on target
- 1 shot blocked
- 1 shot off the bar
- An offside goal exploiting CHE’s high line

His heat map revealed a wider positioning than optimal for a £12.5m asset which is a little worrying, but he still made occasional runs into central spaces between Chilwell & Salah.

Some might be worried about Klopp’s decision to take off Salah. Well, we think that the substitution was likely aimed to counteract Chilwell’s threat. Liverpool’s direct approach resulted in 81 possessions lost, necessitating adjustments. Against Bournemouth, we expect things to be different.

As you evaluate Salah’s inclusion in your team, remember his prolific record and match-winning capabilities. The intricacies of his positioning and LIV’s strategy influence his effectiveness.

Gameweek 2 Transfer Strategy:

Salah is a good buy this gameweek. If you own him, there’s no need to sell.

4. Jackson (£7.0m) – Chelsea

Jackson’s promising start for Chelsea has caught the eye, despite not finding the net.
Improved upcoming fixtures could enhance his goal-scoring potential.
Notable Stats:
- 4 Shots in the Box 📦
- 1.1 xG 🧑‍💻
- 3 Big Chances 🥅

Gameweek 2 Transfer Strategy:

Nico Jackson is a great buy this gameweek. He’s cheap and his upcoming fixtures are great. Going in early is a really nice transfer strategy.

5. Chilwell (£5.6m) – Chelsea

If you haven’t already added Chilwell to your team, it’s time to consider him for GW3 and beyond.
Chilwell’s role as a left wing-back places him in an advanced position on the pitch.
Key Contributions:
- 1 Assist 🅰️
- 1 Key Pass 🔑
- 1 Big Chance Created 🥅
- 1 Disallowed Goal ❌

Gameweek 2 Transfer Strategy:

Chilwell is a really good buy this gameweek. His performance against Chelsea was really solid and it shows that he has the potential to be explosive this season given his positioning.

6. Diaby (£6.5m) – Villa

Diaby offers an affordable entry point to the Aston Villa attacking lineup.
Playing centrally, he functions as an auxiliary striker.
Noteworthy Stats:
- 3 Shots in the Box 📦
- 1 Goal ⚽️
- 1 Big Chance 🥅
Favorable upcoming fixtures make Diaby an appealing option.

Find out some of the best GW2 differential picks in our article: The Best FPL Differential Picks for Gameweek 2 (2023/24)

7. James Maddison (£7.5m) – Leicester

Maddison’s playmaking abilities could prove pivotal in upcoming matches.
Notable Contributions:
- 2 Assists 🅰️🅰️
- 6 Key Passes 🔑
- Corner and Set Piece responsibilities 💥
Despite mixed fixtures, Maddison has the potential to be a key figure in your squad.

Find out more about the best player picks for gameweek 2 in the following articles:

Best Gabriel, Timber, Mings Replacement – Gameweek 2 Transfer Tips

Best FPL Defenders to Consider with Rankings (Timber/Mings Replacement)

🤩 Premium Defenders (5.5 Mil & above)

🥇 Ben Chilwell – 5.6 M: A standout option, though his price rise makes it a bit trickier to add him now. He recorded 1 big chance, 1 big chance created, 1 assist, and an xGI of 0.34 against Liverpool.

🥈 Reece James – 5.5 M: If Chilwell’s price is a hurdle, James is a solid alternative. His xGI of 0.45 against Liverpool is promising. Consider a Chilwell + James pairing if you already have Chilwell (fixtures look great from GW3🔥).

🫡 Mid Priced Defenders (5.0 Mil)

🥇 William Saliba – 5.0 M: A guaranteed starter for Arsenal, offering good value at 5.0 Million.

💰 Budget Defenders (4.5 Mil)

🥇 Rico Henry – 4.5 M: With an xGI of 0.74 and an assist against Spurs, Henry shines. Brentford’s favorable fixtures make him a stand-out choice at 4.5 Million.

🥈 Udogie/Royal – 4.5 M: Fullbacks with strong assist potential, though note that they face Man Utd in GW2.

🥉 Joachim Andersen – 4.5 M: Decent fixtures ahead, he earned three bonus points and had a good goal-scoring chance in GW1 (xGI of 0.26). Also offers solid bonus potential. Just keep in mind that Palace plays Arsenal in GW2.

Check out this week’s Predicted Lineups and Injury News in our article: GW2 Premier League Predicted Lineups and Injury News

FPL Gameweek 2 Team Selection Based on The Most Transferred In Players

Are you looking to wildcard in gameweek 2? Then find out the best way to set up in our: FPL GW2 wildcard team: the best gameweek 2 wildcard FPL teams.

More Helpful GW2 Tips and Insights

Here are the links to the helpful articles on our website:

redeyedrae

Redeyedrae, is an FPL content writer with years of experience in playing and writing about FPL. He has written for major FPL blogs like ALLABOUTFPL, Fantasytipsters, FF Titans, and nevermanagealone. With his deep knowledge of the game, he has become a trusted source for FPL fans worldwide. His content is well-researched and always up-to-date. He’s passionate about helping FPL managers gain an edge in their leagues by sharing insights and analysis about everything fantasy football on raensports.

FPL Gameweek 2 Transfer Tips, Strategy and Team Selection

1. FPL Gameweek 2 Transfer Targets

2. FPL Gameweek 2 Most Transferred-Out Players