Fantasy Premier League Tips: Gameweek 2 Team, Line-up, Transfer Strategy & Captaincy

Gameweek 2 is fast approaching, and after an opening weekend full of surprises, Fantasy Premier League managers must quickly decide how much of their squad needs tweaking versus trusting in what they already have. Early bandwagons are gathering steam, with Antoine Semenyo, Tijjani Reijnders, Richarlison and Marc Cucurella all seeing significant transfers in, but patience and balance remain crucial.

Below, we’ll break down the key fixtures, the best options to target, the recommended transfer, and the final line-up for the week.

Gameweek 2 Fixtures to Watch

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Erling Haaland is already in motion, scoring twice in Gameweek 1 and reaffirming his status as the most reliable captaincy option. Reijnders (£5.6m) stole the headlines with a goal and assist on debut and looks superb value if his starting role persists. Spurs, however, were strong in their opener, with Richarlison scoring twice and Kudus contributing two assists. Expect goals on both sides – this is not a fixture to avoid your premium attackers in.

Newcastle United v Liverpool

This fixture is far from straightforward for Liverpool, but Hugo Ekitike’s form makes him almost undroppable. With a goal and an assist already, his pace and finishing are central to Liverpool’s attack. Salah remains a safe captaincy play, though Newcastle’s organisation at home limits the ceiling somewhat.

Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest

Chris Wood (£7.6m) punished managers who benched him in Gameweek 1, and with Forest facing Palace, there’s another opportunity for returns. Palace were solid defensively against Chelsea but can be bullied in the air – an area Wood thrives in.

West Ham United v Chelsea

West Ham looked disjointed and short of ideas against Sunderland, which makes this an excellent fixture to back Chelsea defenders. Cucurella (£6.0m) offers attacking threat as well as clean sheet potential, and he’s among the standout transfer options this week.

Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Antoine Semenyo (£7.1m) exploded at Anfield with two goals and now faces a Wolves side who conceded four in their opener. With Bournemouth enjoying a favourable run of fixtures until Gameweek 10, he’s a player to strongly consider, even if he doesn’t make the immediate transfer priority this week.

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Bargain Options & Differentials

Antoine Semenyo (£7.1m, Bournemouth): Two goals at Anfield, Wolves at home next, and an outstanding run of fixtures.

Tijjani Reijnders (£5.6m, Man City): Budget route into City’s attack if his place continues.

Richarlison (£6.5m, Spurs): Only 5.8% owned, playing centrally, and linking well with Kudus.

Patrick Dorgu (£4.5m, Man Utd): An emerging budget defender. Used as a wing-back, hit the post against Arsenal, and looks excellent value if United continue in a three-at-the-back shape.

Transfer Strategy for Gameweek 2

The main weakness lies in defence. With Branthwaite flagged and Henry/Diouf unreliable, reinforcements are needed.

Recommended Transfer:

• Out: Branthwaite (£4.5m, flagged)
• In: Patrick Dorgu (£4.5m, Man Utd)

This move will strengthen the starting XI and still giving us flexibility to target attackers such as Semenyo or Richarlison from Gameweek 3 without taking a hit.

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Final Line-up for Gameweek 2

Goalkeeper:

• Perri

Defenders:

• De Cuyper
• Diouf
• Dorgu

Midfielders:

• Salah (Captain)
• Kudus
• Cherki
• Longstaff

Forwards:

• Haaland (Vice-Captain)
• Ekitike
• Wood

Bench:

• Kelleher
• Henry
• Scott
• Kayode

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Captaincy Choices

Ekitike: A bold differential, though Newcastle away reduces the safety of the pick.s threat.

Salah (C): The most reliable option, involved in everything Liverpool do.

Haaland (VC): At home to Spurs, always capable of a hat-trick even in tougher fixtures.

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Final Thoughts

This week is about stabilising the squad rather than chasing every early bandwagon. Dorgu provides a cost-effective upgrade in defence, while the front three of Haaland, Ekitike and Wood remain well-positioned for returns. Salah is the sensible captain, Haaland the powerful vice option, and patience with transfers beyond the defensive switch keeps us flexible heading into Gameweek 3.

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