In this FPL Bandwagons series we look at the highest chosen/transferred in players from gameweek 1 in line for gameweek 2. With many managers having an early panic after a string of surprising results we look at which players are most popular to bring in and analyse point performances and potential price changes.
Jamie Vardy – 13 points, 8.6m (+0.1m)
Jamie Vardys performance in gameweek 1 brought many flashbacks to Leicester’s title winning season with his tireless work rate and precise finishing. In their 4-3 loss to Arsenal, Leicester showed glimpses of a top half team with an excellent counter attacking strategy. 137,839 managers were equally impressed and Vardy could become a key player to have on FPL if Leicester can keep up the fight and grind out some decent results. Scoring 13 points he was joint 2nd highest for points, alongside Lukaku with only defender Hegazi ahead of them with 15 points.
Facing Brighton (H) in gameweek 2 could well see Vardy increasing his goal tally and is definitely a striker to watch for fantasy Managers. Vardy’s goals and transfers in have saw him have a price increase to 8.6m.
Romelu Lukaku – 13 points, 11.6m (+0.1m)
Lukaku was the joint 2nd highest point scorer with 13 points in gameweek 1 (with Jamie Vardy), after also bagging a brace, making his 11.5m price tag worthy. His threat to West Ham’s defence was constant and I think he put on a performance capable of showing Manchester United’s threat this season. With 119,330 managers bringing him in for the gameweek 2 fixture against Swansea City (A), I can again see Lukaku being on the score sheet again. The individual golden boot competition is also motivation for Lukaku, as he looks to jump ahead of last year’s winner Harry Kane after he failed to score against Newcastle United in gameweek 1.
Steve Mounie – 12 points, 6.0m
Huddersfield Town’s very surprising 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace saw one of best forward performances of the gameweek from new signing Steve Mounie. Racking up 12 points in Fantasy Premier League sees 80,808 managers jumping at the chance of adding him as a 3rd striker for the season. At a reasonable 6.0m, it’s understandable why managers are bringing him in for gameweek 2 as they face Newcastle United (H). Newcastle not only lost 2-0 to Tottenham, but also gained 2 injuries in their defensive line. This will surely motivate Mounie to maintain his performance and he will be full of confidence, aiming to score again.
At the time of writing this, Mounie’s price looks to be staying at 6.0m for gameweek 2, but if he scores again I expect him to at least increase by 0.1m by gameweek 3 at the latest. Again, he is definitely another player to keep an eye on throughout the season.
Written by James Milburn (@jamesmilburn95)
