Dominate FPL Gameweek 2: The Ultimate Team Selection Revealed

The opening gameweek of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) brought a range of results for managers across the board.

Those who invested heavily in Manchester City assets were handsomely rewarded, while Liverpool's attacking options and Arsenal's defensive picks provided reliable point returns. Managers who took calculated risks on Sunderland players also found themselves celebrating by Saturday night.

The average score across the first round of fixtures was 54 points, with many hoping to improve their tally in the coming gameweek as several exciting matchups await.

Here is Sports Illustrated's recommended FPL lineup for Gameweek 2.

Goalkeepers

Focusing solely on Gameweek 2 matchups, budget goalkeepers present excellent value opportunities. Burnley's Martin Dúbravka (£4.0m) has become an extremely popular backup goalkeeper choice in FPL, with the Slovak starting in the 3–0 loss to Tottenham last weekend. Currently owned by 34.5% of teams, he's expected to start when Burnley welcomes Sunderland on Saturday.

Djordje Petrović (£4.5m) had a challenging introduction to life at Bournemouth, making his competitive debut at Anfield where the Cherries fell 4–2 despite a brave second-half fightback. The Serbian international now faces Wolverhampton Wanderers at home this weekend and is unlikely to concede four goals again, with a clean sheet achievable against the struggling visitors.

While Petrović carries a higher price tag, Dúbravka emerges as the preferred goalkeeper selection for Gameweek 2.

Defenders

With Manchester City facing Tottenham and Liverpool traveling to Newcastle, clean sheet prospects among top defensive units appear limited. Arsenal's home fixture against Leeds United makes their defensive assets attractive targets, with Gabriel (£6.0m) standing out as the prime candidate due to his goal threat from set-piece situations.

Selecting budget defensive options could prove vital for Gameweek 2 success, which explains our choice of another Bournemouth defender in Marcos Senesi (£4.5m). While their defense looked shaky against Liverpool, they should face less pressure against Wolves.

Patrick Dorgu (£4.5m) offers another budget-friendly alternative. The Manchester United defender travels to Fulham on Sunday after delivering a solid performance in his left wing-back position against Bukayo Saka previously. United impressed despite losing to Arsenal and visit Craven Cottage with an excellent away record, having won their last eight trips there.

Newly-promoted defensive options prove useful for Gameweek 2, with Burnley's Maxime Estève (£4.0m) and Sunderland's Omar Alderete (£4.0m) occupying our bench spots. Estève is a guaranteed starter while Alderete may have earned his place in the starting eleven after providing an assist as a substitute last weekend.

Midfielders

Cole Palmer (£10.5m) represents our premium midfield selection and currently features in over half of all FPL teams. Despite a quiet performance against Crystal Palace in Chelsea's season opener, he should find more success against West Ham United on Friday night given the Hammers' poor defensive record. With penalty duties and his central role in Chelsea's attack, we anticipate a return at the London Stadium.

Our economical defensive choices have created space for Bukayo Saka (£10.0m) in Arsenal's home match against Leeds. Similar to Palmer, the Arsenal winger didn't reach his brilliant best in the opening weekend, but he remains his team's most probable source of goals. He represents an ideal captaincy option for Gameweek 2.

Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) also merits serious captaincy consideration, with the Portuguese playmaker displaying his usual creativity last time out. He created five opportunities for teammates and should benefit from playing alongside more clinical finishers this season. He's also reliable for defensive bonus points.

Tijjani Reijnders (£5.6m) made an impressive Premier League debut at Molineux, scoring and assisting in a dynamic midfield performance. Previously highlighted as one of the season's FPL bargains, he delivered on expectations with a ten-point haul. His price has since increased but he could rapidly become an essential Manchester City selection.

Another budget midfielder who earned widespread praise during Gameweek 1 is Elliot Anderson (£5.5m). He collected six points in Nottingham Forest's 3–1 victory over Brentford, contributing an excellent assist. He visits Crystal Palace this weekend and could secure another return.

Forwards

Like his new teammate Reijnders, Manchester City's Erling Haaland (£14.5m) was ruthless in his opening appearance of the campaign. He secured a brace and 13 points, rewarding those who selected him over Mohamed Salah—with managers owning both celebrating an exceptional points haul. He maintains a strong scoring record against Tottenham despite City's historical difficulties in this fixture, netting four goals in six encounters.

Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) disappointed in Gameweek 1 as Aston Villa's encounter with Newcastle finished scoreless, but a visit to his former club Brentford should produce better results. Watkins has registered eight goal contributions in eight Premier League matches against the Bees, who appeared extremely exposed at Forest last Sunday.

Marc Guiu (£4.5m) didn't feature for Sunderland against West Ham but continues as our budget forward option.

Optimal FPL Gameweek 2 Squad

FPL Gameweek 2 Deadline Information

Due to Chelsea's forthcoming match at West Ham, the Gameweek 2 FPL deadline falls on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6.30 p.m. BST (1.30 p.m. ET, 10.30 a.m. PT). All transfers and squad modifications must be completed before this time.

Once this deadline expires, managers can begin preparing changes for Gameweek 3.