The upcoming gameweek promises a thrilling spectacle, kicking off just hours after the transfer window slams shut. As teams finalize their squads, the off-field battles will intensify before the on-field clashes commence. While the top sides, including last season's top three, have made a promising start, this week's fixtures could disrupt the status quo. Arsenal's clash with Brighton, Newcastle's duel with Tottenham, and West Ham's encounter with Manchester City are all poised to deliver fireworks. However, the highlight of the round is undoubtedly the age-old rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool. Arne Slot's Liverpool has seamlessly transitioned from Jürgen Klopp's high-intensity style to a more possession-based approach under his guidance. Conversely, Erik ten Hag faces renewed pressure after their disappointing defeat to Brighton last week. Regardless of the outcomes, this gameweek is certain to be a fantasy manager's dream, as they eagerly monitor the transfer activity and anticipate the potential impact on their teams.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 2
Manchester United's struggles against Brighton persisted, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat thanks to a late João Pedro strike. Ipswich Town, fresh from their return to the top flight, suffered a second consecutive setback, losing 4-1 to a dominant Manchester City. Arsenal and Liverpool continued their winning streaks, securing 2-0 victories over Aston Villa and Brentford, respectively. The only draw of the round came in the clash between Bournemouth and Newcastle United, which ended 1-1.
London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea enjoyed resounding victories, with Spurs routing Everton 4-0 and Chelsea dismantling Wolves 6-2. Joining the list of newly promoted sides suffering defeats were Leicester City (2-1 to Fulham) and Southampton (1-0 to Nottingham Forest). West Ham United, however, bounced back from their opening-week loss, securing their first points of the season with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 3
The upcoming transfer deadline day is sure to be an exciting event for fans, as there's always the possibility of last-minute surprises. The days leading up to it have already been filled with speculation and anticipation, as several high-profile transfer sagas near their conclusion. Here are some of the most significant transfer developments that have taken place so far:
Incoming Transfers
Federico Chiesa (Juventus to Liverpool)
Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad to Arsenal)
İlkay Gündoğan (Barcelona to Manchester City)
Outgoing Transfers
Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea to Napoli)
João Cancelo (Manchester City to Al-Hilal)
Fábio Vieira (Arsenal to FC Porto)
With a full slate of fixtures this week, fantasy managers have the challenging task of optimizing their squads for maximum points while keeping tabs on the transfer market. Before diving into potential game-changers, it's crucial to note any key absences from the teams:
Notable Absences
Mason Mount, who sustained a muscle injury during Manchester United's loss to Brighton, will be sidelined for several matches. Phil Foden is also uncertain for Manchester City's clash with West Ham United, having missed the previous game due to illness. Chelsea's midfield will be depleted without Roméo Lavia, sidelined with an injury.
Forwards
a. Mohamed Salah’s (Liverpool) name is synonymous with the Liverpool-Manchester United rivalry, thanks to his exceptional record against the Red Devils. The Egyptian maestro has netted 11 goals and provided 4 assists against United, making him a must-have for fantasy managers. His impressive start to the current season solidifies his status as a top pick.
b. Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) made a significant impact in Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, scoring their opening goal and assisting on the second after coming on as a second-half substitute. As Arsenal face Trossard's former club, Brighton, next week, they will be hoping for another stellar performance from the Belgian.
Tip: For 11.6 credits (135.4 points), Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha could be a good transfer option for managers looking for forwards. Cunha's impressive performances against Nottingham Forest last season, where he scored in both matches, combined with his strong start to the current campaign, make him a tempting choice.
Midfielders
a. Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), despite not yet making a significant impact in the Premier League, was instrumental in Crystal Palace's EFL Cup victory over Norwich City, contributing with a goal and an assist. With Palace facing Chelsea next and the departure of Michael Olise, they will be relying on Eze to stabilize their season.
b. Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham) made a positive impact in Fulham's 2-1 victory over Leicester City, scoring his first goal for the club. The newly signed midfielder from Arsenal has a lot to prove and will be expected to continue showcasing his undeniable talent, which has been hampered by injuries.
Tip: For 9.8 credits (116.4 points), Bernardo Silva of Manchester City is a consistent and dependable transfer option. While Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne often garner the spotlight, Silva quietly delivers impressive performances week in and week out.
Defenders
a. Micky Van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspurs) helped his side with an assist in their 4-0 win over Everton last week. The Dutch international was impressive last week for spurs and they hope he can perform even better this season.
b. Julián Araujo (Bournemouth), a promising right-back, has joined Bournemouth from Barcelona, though he never made an appearance for the Catalan giants. Having previously played in La Liga and the MLS, Araujo brings a fresh perspective to the English game. As Bournemouth aim to maintain their Premier League status, the defender is expected to play a crucial role in their survival campaign.
Tip: For 5.1 credits (150.8 points), Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui is good value for money with just over 5 credits. The former Ajax and Bayern defender is a versatile option with capabilities to play as both right and left back and could be useful for United as they face rivals Liverpool next.
Goalkeepers
a. Nick Pope (Newcastle United) missed a large part of the season last year but is back to being solid for Newcastle United again. Having kept a clean sheet in the first match, Pope would hope he could contribute significantly in big matches such as their next match against Spurs.
b. Mark Flekken (Brentford) was a crucial addition to their defensive line last season. His steady performances and ability to command the box have significantly improved the team's defensive solidity and will be important for their survival this season.
Tip: For 4 credits (82 points), Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen might not have the best start to his premier league career but still could be a good transfer choice. The game against Villa in the upcoming round could however prove to be the season changer for both him and Leicester.
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