My plan for gameweek 2 was always to roll a transfer – I rarely pick players for the short term and so having Haaland, for example, was about more than outscoring Salah in the first week. However, like all plans they go out the window as soon as the action starts and I have made a transfer.
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Gameweek 1 review
59 points in total which is close to the average score so nothing special but also no need to panic.
My defence did ok, with a clean sheet for 2 and probably the 2 I expected. I wasn’t expecting much from Robinson against Man United but his fixtures ahead are good and he’s attacking so hopefully he’ll start firing for me soon. He’s also been linked to United, so watch this space.
In the midfield Saka somewhat saved me, doing what you want from your premium players by bagging 12 points with a goal and assist and Szoboszlai got an assist which supports my opinion that he’ll be more involved in an attacking sense for Liverpool.
Image source: sportsillustrated
Bruno Fernandes came so close with 2 decent chances to score and so I’m not panicking and sticking with him. His underlying stats are still good and United have strengthened well in the transfer window so far so I still feel a good season still realistic. Regardless, Bruno central to all they do going forward and practically never misses a game.
Lots of Eze owners will be frustrated, he should have had a goal but it changes nothing going forward for me, he’s still a keep.
Finally, upfront Isak and Haaland returned. and both have good fixtures ahead. Solanke disappointed but on another day could have scored, I think there’s more to come from him and it was good to see he started the game which bodes well.
Gameweek 2 team and transfers
My starting line-up is unchanged from last week, with the only change being the captain’s armband moving from Isak to Haaland.
Henderson starts in goal, a tough game against West Ham but at home so hopefully he can either get a clean sheet or at least some save points.
Good fixtures for my 3 defenders means a chance for some clean sheets and maybe some attacking returns too. All 3 are quite attacking as full-backs but I’m keeping an eye on Gvardiol because it seems Man City are not playing as attacking with their full-backs as they were at the end of last season. This could limit his FPL returns and with other viable defenders to pick in his price bracket like Porro (currently has a possible injury so hold fire on that!), Gabriel, Saliba and Van Dijk, I may switch him out in the next few weeks.
I’ve used my 1 free transfer on removing Barco who is being sent out on loan. It feels a rubbish transfer to spend but if he’s out of the league I may as well get someone in, even just for my bench, who at least has a chance of playing. I’ve swapped him out for Southampton’s Harwood-Bellis – options are limited at the £4m price bracket but he looks likely to start most games and fixtures are ok so he’s as good as any at that price.
Midfield is unchanged also as I keep the faith with Fernandes. £8.5m is a lot but he’s on penalties and creates so many chances so I’m willing to give him some time. I’m keeping an eye on others who I might switch him out to if United don’t start firing, perhaps James Maddison has been a bit overlooked but Diogo Jota seems the best candidate as it stands.
I’ve also got my eye on Mitoma and Mbeumo – I’m not going to over react to 1 good gameweek each and their next few fixtures are hard but let’s see how Brighton and Brentford get on. Mitoma is undoubtedly a quality player and as I’ve said before with no European football, Brighton could have real advantage. Mbeumo is another who I have a soft spot for given his FPL scoring feats before. With Toney likely to move he’ll be on penalties and one of Brentfords primary attacking threats, Mbeumo and Toney link up well so there’s some downside for Mbeumo as an FPL pick but on the other hand he becomes a more focal point of his team’s attack.
Image source: skysports
Upfront I stick, no changes needed and nothing from gameweek 1 that concerns me. Haaland at home to Ipswich is too tempting not to give him captaincy but it could be a nervy watch given Ipswich put up a good fight against Liverpool last week.
By the way, what a tough start to topflight football for the Ipwich boys!
I keep the faith with Solanke too, he suits Spurs system and had chances last week so I’m willing to be patient on him. However, there’s news he’s missed Spurs training so a potential fitness concern but I’m confident in my first bench pick if Dom doesn’t play. Smith-Rowe is that first bench option at home to Leicester, it’s a good fixture and he’s an important attacking player for them but I can’t make room in the starting midfield for him. Who would I drop?!
Conclusion
I’m disappointed not to be able to roll the transfer, just for the added flexibility over the next few weeks but there was no keeping Barco.
A solid start to the season but hopefully even better to come!l
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