Following a rather peculiar opening gameweek which saw an average of 34 FPL points, only one point more than last season’s lowest average total, we predict how the fantasy premier league, gameweek 2 will unfold in the world’s best league.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Both teams come into this game off the back of a 1-0 win, but this game is likely to be one where we are given a peek into how good Manchester United can actually be, as many players will be vying with each other to nail down starting positions and impress the manager. Expect a high scoring game with United taking the larger share of the goals.
KEY MAN: Wayne Rooney
Despite assisting a Kyle Walker own-goal against Tottenham, Rooney did not look anywhere near his best. Van Gaal’s decision to buy a striker or not may depend on Rooney’s form in the next few games, and when Rooney turns it on, he is one of the most lethal center forwards in England.
Southampton vs Everton
The duo enter GW 2 having both been involved in 2-2 draws and both sides showed decent attacking impetus but weak defending. Neither team impressed particularly, but this game should have a lot of goals in it and so it is not one to overlook when selecting your players. We predict a victory for Southampton or a draw.
KEY MAN: Graziano Pelle
The striker who netted the most goals out of all Premier League players during pre-season started off his season with a great headed goal. If there are goals involved in this game, Pelle is likely to be involved in them.
Tottenham vs Stoke City
Both teams enter the coming gameweek having lost 1-0 and neither team was particularly impressive going forward. When these two lock horns on Saturday we predict that the difference between the two sides will be translated into a one goal margin for Tottenham over Stoke.
KEY MAN: Harry Kane
Kane certainly did not look at his best against Manchester United, but he will want to re-establish himself as one of the top English strikers and as a reliable captain choice on FPL, and what better way to do this than in your first home game, in front of your fans?
Sunderland vs Norwich City
These two teams conceded a total of 7 goals amongst them in GW 1, despite being known for often being defensively solid. It’s very early to talk about relegation, but it’s likely that both teams will be fighting to avoid the drop come May 2016. Expect a hardly-fought duel between the two sides which we think will end in a draw.
KEY MAN: Jermain Defoe
The experienced forward looked very good when Dick Advocaat opted to switch his formation to incorporate two strikers in the shapes of Defoe and Fletcher. If Sunderland score, it’s likely that Defoe will be involved.
Swansea vs Newcastle
The duo were both involved in 2-2 draws against teams that finished higher than them last season in the table and both showed us that they can be potent in attack. We think that a Swansea win or a draw is on the cards.
KEY MAN: Andre Ayew
The new signing has publicly stated that he feels “at home” at Swansea, and judging by his performance against Chelsea in which he netted a brilliantly executed goal, it certainly looked like he has been a Swansea player for much longer. Like Payet, Ayew is one to keep an eye on for your fantasy team.
Watford vs West Brom
Watford showed the world that they are not to be taken lightly after securing a draw at Goodison, whereas West Brom were outclassed by Manchester City. This game could really go either way, but we’re gambling on a close win for Watford.
KEY MEN: Troy Deeney and Saido Berahino
Deeney started off his Premier League adventure with an assist in GW 1 and managers who have opted to trust him will be hoping that he gets on the scoresheet against the Baggies. Meanwhile, Berahino shouldn’t be one to overlook as he looked quite dangerous against Manchester City, having a goal disallowed for being offside.
West Ham vs Leicester City
These two teams were particularly impressive in the opening gameweek of the Premier League, as they brushed aside Arsenal and Sunderland, respectively. When the two go toe-to-toe on Saturday, we predict a draw or a narrow victory for either side.
KEY MEN: Riyad Mahrez and Dimitri Payet
Mahrez started off the season in a brilliant way as part of an illustrious display which saw him score two goals and have several attempts against Sunderland. Interestingly, we also found out that he’s the penalty taker when Ulloa is not around. Payet produced an assist at the Emirates and showed his skills in a plethora of impressive moves. The player is definitely one to consider for your team if he can continue his form during West Ham’s favourable upcoming fixtures.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Palace go into this game following a great attacking showcase against Norwich while Arsenal will desperately want to forget the game that they participated in during GW 1. Even though it will be difficult, an Arsenal win is likely as Arsenal have a tendency of bouncing back after a defeat. However it is likely that Palace will score.
KEY MAN: Alexis Sanchez
It’s still anybody’s guess whether he will start against Palace, although he didn’t look that far off full fitness in his 30 minute cameo against the Hammers. If he does start, then he’s likely to get on the scoresheet and many managers will be trying to free up funds to bring him into their fantasy teams.
Manchester City vs Chelsea
In what certainly is the match up of the week, an early encounter between last season’s top two is always one packed with a lot of action. This game could really go either way, with some banking on Aguero to obliterate Chelsea’s defence while others believe that Mourinho will succeed in setting up defensively against the Citizens. Realistically, it will probably be a game decided by one or two goals and we think that City will make a statement by defeating Chelsea on Sunday.
KEY MAN: Sergio Aguero
Last season’s top scorer featured for half an hour against West Brom and looked like he was ready to start. If City do manage to defeat Chelsea, it’s probable that arguably the most lethal striker in England will play a big part in that taking place.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth
Liverpool will be hoping to overpower Bournemouth and keep another clean sheet following their important win at the Britannia. Bournemouth suffered a disappointing debut in the Premier League after not managing to score against Aston Villa and losing in that game. We believe that a thrashing is on the cards and that Liverpool will score three or four goals in their first home fixture of the campaign.
KEY MAN: Christian Benteke
Benteke will surely want to get on the scoresheet as soon as possible in order to prove that he could in fact be one of Rodgers’ greatest signings. He didn’t look at his best against Stoke, but on the other hand he wasn’t offered much service. We expect this to change vs Bournemouth, and also Benteke could be an appropriate captain option for your fantasy team this week.
By The Arsenal
