Fantasy Premier League 2017-18: Players to pick for Gameweek 2

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Premier League
Managers should not underestimate Kane against a weakened Chelsea

The first gameweek provided us lots of thrills with a stunning opening match between Arsenal and Leicester City. The matches that followed were no less in terms of entertainment as Chelsea were defeated at Stamford Bridge by Burnley and Watford came from behind to draw the match against Liverpool. Manchester City struggled to open up Brighton but ultimately prevailed with a strike by Aguero followed by an own goal by Brighton defender Dunk.

As we proceed to the next gameweek, it is important to map out who the potential stars could be and to try and accommodate them in our team.

Check out Sportskeeda's playing XI for Gameweek 2 of Fantasy Premier League.


Forwards

11. Harry Kane - Long Term

A disappointing start to the season for the Englishman but that should not deter owners from keeping faith in him as he still is one of the best forwards in the game. The player did hit the post late on in the game against Newcastle but failed to find the mark.

A weakened Chelsea could be the right opportunity to play Harry Kane, who has really enjoyed his time against both London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. The Blues have been badly hit by multiple suspensions and injuries which could mean disaster for them against rivals Spurs.

10. Steve Mounie - Differential

The former Montpellier man had a stellar debut against Crystal Palace and definitely has grabbed some eyeballs. At a budget price of £6m, Mounie might be the steal of the season in FPL and it would be a mistake to go to battle without him. The forward struck a brilliant header to open his tally and then scored another to wrap up the game 3-0 in Huddersfield's favour.

Huddersfield also have a bunch of easier fixtures on the trot and this could really help Mounie's goal tally. Their next two home fixtures are definitely the ones to look out for as they could give us more insight into the Benin international's game.

9. Roberto Firmino - Long Term

Manchester City v Liverpool - Premier League
Firmino is now also the designated penalty taker for Liverpool

The cheapest and most efficient way to get into Liverpool's attack is Brazilian Roberto Firmino who delivered a goal and an assist last week against a rejuvenated Watford team. Despite the result not being in Liverpool's favour, one thing that was visible was their fluidity in attack. Firmino who plays as the centre-forward for the team is now also on penalty duty which makes him an added asset to your team.

With the attacking duo of Salah and Mane on either side, Liverpool will surely be a massive threat while attacking. Liverpool's next game is against Crystal Palace and there is a high probability that the fixture will end up with many goals.

Midfielders

8. Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Long Term

Manchester United v West Ham United - Premier League
The Armenian assisted twice against West Ham United

The enigmatic Armenian is coming on the back of a solid pre season and a superb performance in the first gameweek. The lack of coverage from United in our forward line has compelled us to go for Mkhitaryan who has been showing us his quality. It seems that the player also has the full confidence of manager Jose Mourinho, who had initially benched him last year.

The choice is ultimately between Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba, who is now in a more attacking role. However, with 2 assists in his last game and a more advanced role, the former Dortmund man does seem the better pick especially considering the kind of fixtures United have on their way.

7. Riyad Mahrez - Short Term

The player had been linked with a move to Serie A club Roma but multiple sources report that the move has fallen through. This means that there is a strong chance that the Algerian will end up staying at the club. The winger had a decent outing against Arsenal and ended with an assist, despite losing the game eventually. Priced at a moderate £8.5, Mahrez could be a pick for the short-term mainly because his form at the moment is a tad bit uncertain.

Regardless of that Leicester's next fixture against newly-promoted Brighton seems like a promising outing and the player may end up getting a decent return.

6. Mohamed Salah - Long Term

Our decision to double up on Liverpool attackers is a risky one but could pay great dividends considering the kind of form they've shown in the pre-season and their first match. Liverpool new signing Salah has been doing exceptionally well for the Reds and has tormented opponents with his blistering pace.

With 4 goals in the pre season and a goal in his first match as well, Salah is a great option to have in your midfield.

5. Roberto Pereyra - Differential

Watford v Liverpool - Premier League
Pereyra could be a solid differential for your FPL team

Our gamble of the week is Watford attacking midfielder Roberto Pereyra who showed glimpses of his quality against Liverpool with some great dribbling but unfortunately failed to score. The former Juventus player could see his true potential unleashed under new Watford manager Marcos Silva who was impressive with Hull City last season.

Let's also not forget that Watford have splashed the cash to sign Andre Gray from Burnley who might be leading the line in their next gameweek and Pereyra will surely hope to combine well with the Englishman.

The Hornets play Bournemouth away from home and both the teams will be looking to get their first win.

Defenders

4. Stephen Ward - Short Term

Nottingham Forest v Burnley - Pre Season Friendly
Ward scored an absolute belter against Chelsea

Ward shocked everyone with a brilliant goal against Chelsea last week but that is not the main reason he's on our team. Burnley as a unit have been extremely composed at the back in all their home fixtures and will look to continue their form.

Their next game is against Tony Pulis led West Brom who have always found it difficult to score goals. Burnley's defensive solidity and West Brom's inability to score a lot of goals makes Ward a good option.

3. Cedric Soares - Long Term

There were doubts about Cedric's fitness status but these were put to rest after new manager Pellegrino started the right back against Swansea City. Southampton's easy run of fixtures has compelled us to invest in the Saints backline and Cedric seems to be the obvious choice.

Managers could also go for centre-back Maya Yoshida, who has on several occasions shown his aerial strength.

2. Harry Maguire - Differential

Arsenal v Leicester City - Premier League
Maguire has been brought to improve Leicester's ailing defence

Leicester City new signing Harry Maguire has instantly settled with the squad and comes to our team mainly due to his attacking instinct. The player got an assist in his last game against Arsenal even though the team conceded a total of 4 goals.

However, a fixture against Brighton at home should not be the kinds that will trouble the Leicester backline. The newly promoted team hardly came out of their own box and have scored just 1 goal in their last 4 league games.

If all goes well, Leicester should see out this match without conceding a goal.

Goalkeeper

Manchester United v Everton - Premier League
DDG has always been a reliable goalkeeper option in FPL

1. David de Gea - Long Term

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea continues to be the most stable and reliable choice into the Red Devils' backline and gets our nod. The team looked extremely comfortable at the back and completely neutralised the West Ham attack.

Their next fixture comes against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, a team which has caused United issues in the past. But, United's performance at the back assures us of another cleansheet coming their way.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava
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