FPL Gameweek 2: Best selections and 5 players to watch

Going into gameweek 2, we take a look at the scout selections and other viable options for your squad. We also recommend who to buy sell, watch or keep.

Scout selections

The FPL scout doubled up on Liverpool (TAA and Jota), Arsenal (Raya and Kai), Crystal Palace (Eze and Munoz) and Manchester City (Gvardiol and Haaland). The remaining slots in the starting XI went to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Fulham’s Smith-Rowe and Forest’s Chris Wood.

Who to buy

The season just started, and unless you scored awfully low in Gameweek 1 (perhaps below 20pts), I wouldn’t recommend using your wildcard. You may end up buying persons who are not nailed starters.

Instead, watch and observe to know who is nailed and who is not. If you must transfer, it is best to wait for press conferences of managers to get vital information on who will play or not play.

Players to watch

1. Diogo Jota

Listed as a midfielder in FPL, but Jota started in centre forward for Arne Slot and got a goal. The only issue? It’s just one game and we don’t know if Nunez/Gakpo will rotate him. We will find out from Slot’s next selections and statements.

2. Nick Pope

The manner in which 10-man Newcastle beat Southampton buttresses why their defensive assets are worth having. Pope has a good defense to protect him and was up to the task when he the need arose, making 3 saves. He’s also a bonus points magnet.

3. Danny Welbeck

He was involved in 2 of Brighton’s 3 goals (1 goal & 1 assist). The seagulls will score many goals and if Welbeck is the starting striker, he’ll get a good chunk of them.

4. Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo looked sharp and clinical against Palace. With Toney out, he will be on penalties. Because of his tough fixtures, he’s one to watch and perhaps buy in Gameweek 5. But if you have him, keep.

5. Joel Veltman

He’s the starting Right back for Brighton. While he doesn’t give so much going forward, he’s a good differential and will give value especially against weaker opposition.

Who to sell/avoid

1. Kerian Trippier

Reports say he is on his way out of the club. An unused sub in the first game. Even if he’s staying, that’s too much uncertainty for a £6.0m defender. Strong sell.

2. Steele and Verbuggen

Unless you’re buying both goalies, avoid having either on your squad. Both rotated for each other last season regardless of form or outcome.

3. Mateo Kovacic

This one is for the newbies. You need to know the difference between a great player and a great FPL asset. Kante for example is a great player, but not a great FPL option. Other examples are Rodri and Rice. They are very important to their teams, but will hardly score or assist. Kovacic has 6 goals in 173 premier league appearances. He scored one goal each in the past 3 seasons.

Generally, it is imperative to avoid players of clubs who are struggling. Avoid defensive players from clubs who concede much, and attacking players from clubs who seldom score. Best of luck this gameweek!