The curtain has risen on a brand new season of the Premier League, and the excitement is palpable as teams lock horns both on the pitch and in the high-stakes arena of the transfer market. A standout clash between Liverpool and Chelsea showcased the competitive spirit, as the on-field battle culminated in a draw, while Chelsea managed to secure victory in the off-field struggle by signing the promising talent Moisés Caicedo. As the first week unfolded, it brought us few surprises, yet the standout performances from teams like Brighton and Newcastle United confirmed a shifting landscape where the dominance of the big 6 is giving way to the rise of 8-10 formidable contenders. Fantasy managers are now spoilt for choice, presented with an abundance of options for their squads. However, amidst this excitement, there's a tinge of disappointment as a few stalwart players such as Harry Kane, Fred, and Kepa bid their farewells last week, leaving a void in the hearts of their supporters.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 1
The reigning champions, Manchester City, made a triumphant start to the new season with a commanding 3-0 win over Vincent Kompany's Burnley. Meanwhile, Arsenal showcased their dominance in a clash against Nottingham Forest, although they faced some tense moments while defending their lead, ultimately emerging victorious with a close 2-1 scoreline. In a nail-biting encounter, Manchester United narrowly secured a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, surviving an injury-time penalty scare that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Newcastle United stole the spotlight in the opening round with a remarkable performance, clinching a resounding 5-1 victory over the highly touted Aston Villa squad. Not to be outdone, Brighton under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi showcased their prowess by defeating newly promoted Luton Town with a convincing 4-1 scoreline. The matches between Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford, were both thrilling affairs that saw end-to-end action, resulting in well-fought draws with final scores of 1-1 and 2-2, respectively.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 2
Gameweek will feature 9 games with the match between Luton Town and Burnley postponed at a later date. Fantasy managers would be looking to balance their squad to ensure they pick maximum points in the final matches of the season. Let's look into notable absences before going through players who can help you to top the leaderboard:
Notable Absences
While there would be a plethora of talent to choose from in the upcoming fixture, few of the important players would be missing from the action. Manchester City suffered a huge setback in the opening week as Midfield Maestro Kevin De Bruyne came off only after 23 minutes due to a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for a few months. Everton completed the signing of Jack Harrison from Leeds United but the winger would be missing a few weeks as he is recovering from a hip injury. Arsenal’s Debutant Jurrien Timber was substituted just after halftime in the first week of the season and is expected to be missing from the action for a large part of the season.
Forwards
a. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) kicked off the season in sensational fashion, netting two impressive goals against Aston Villa during the inaugural week of the campaign. As Newcastle United gears up for their upcoming clash with Manchester City, all eyes will be on Isak as the main driving force for his team, aiming to outshine the likes of Erling Haaland and secure another crucial victory.
b. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) showcased his brilliance for Chelsea in the encounter against Liverpool, displaying exceptional movement and skill throughout the entirety of the match. As a seasoned 28-year-old forward, Sterling's experience and leadership will be invaluable for Chelsea's relatively youthful squad as they prepare to face their next formidable opponent, West Ham United.
Tip: For 13.5 credits, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma is a smart buy as he surprisingly features in less than 3% of the fantasy squads. The forward has been great for Brighton since joining last summer and started the season well with an assist.
Midfielders
a. Rodri (Manchester City) has undeniably emerged as the linchpin of Manchester City's defense, solidifying his role as the ideal successor to Fernandinho. His tenure with the club has seen him evolve into a pivotal figure, and his contributions have been instrumental in maintaining the team's defensive prowess. With Kevin De Bruyne sidelined due to injury and Gündoğan's departure to Barcelona, the presence of the Spanish midfielder becomes even more crucial for City.
b. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) showcased his exceptional skills during the previous season with Arsenal, and the Norwegian international is determined to elevate his performance even further in the current campaign. While he hasn't contributed directly to goals in the early stages of this season, his talent and influence on the field remain undeniable. As Arsenal prepares to face Crystal Palace in their next match, Ødegaard's capabilities could very well come to the forefront, potentially leading to a breakthrough in his goal involvement.
Tip: For 11.5 credits, Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz could be a great choice for fantasy managers. Aston Villa might have lost their opening game heavily against Newcastle United but their squad remains immensely talented including their midfield mainstay Douglas Luiz.
Defenders
a. Emerson Royal (Tottenham Hotspurs) scored the equalizer for Spurs in the game against Brentford on the opening week of the season. The Brazilian fullback is immensely talented and would form a formidable partnership with Kulusevski on the right side of Spur's attack.
b. Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace) has established himself as a steadfast defensive presence for Crystal Palace, consistently delivering solid performances over the course of two seasons. As a Danish international, his experience and defensive prowess will be of paramount importance to Palace's efforts in thwarting the formidable attacking lineup of Arsenal.
Tip: For 7 credits, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a popular choice for fantasy teams with around 36% of the manager selecting him. His crossing remains his most powerful tool which Liverpool has benefitted from on numerous occasions.
Goalkeepers
a. André Onana (Manchester United) started his Manchester United greatly with an impressive clean sheet against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Goalkeeper is known for his quick feet that are likely to help United build up from the back but his shot-stopping skills are equally impressive.
b. Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers) had an impressive 11 clean sheets last season as he helped Wolves to preserve their Premier League status. He would be required to be at his best as Wolves would be hosting high-scoring Brighton in their next match.
Tip: For 5.5 credits, Sheffield United’s Wes Foderingham could be an interesting option as he features in less than 1% of the squads. The goalkeeper would be crucial for his side to earn their points this season as they face Nottingham Forest in the next game.
What Next?
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