Holly Shand from Fantasy Football Community returns with captaincy corner and her three player picks in three positions for Gameweek 2.
Last weekend provided a clean sweep of returns across the player picks. The Shield pick, Salah was narrowly beaten by Sword pick, Kane, 13 to 12. It was certainly a week for the premium players, with all but Mane priced over £10.0 million, delivering the goods. Aubameyang and Van Dijk from Holly's Hopefuls both found the back of the net, with Raheem Sterling netting an impressive hat trick to take his place in the FPL Dream Team alongside our captain picks, Salah and Kane.
Prior to Gameweek 2, Liverpool and Chelsea will travel to Istanbul to contest the UEFA Super Cup � this may have an impact on their FPL performance. Wolves have the second leg of their Europa League tie, but this shouldn't be a huge issue as they are winning comfortably and it's the home leg. As always, be wary of making early transfers.
Captaincy Corner
The shield pick is likely to be the most captained player of the week, allowing you to play safe and keep pace with the pack. The sword pick will be a less popular selection: if they perform it can shoot you up the overall rankings, but the risk from failure is higher.
Shield Pick: Mo Salah vs Southampton (A)
Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 5/6
Almost 30% of managers gave Mo Salah the armband last weekend, just below his 43% ownership, and he delivered with a goal, assist and two bonus points. He could make a mockery of his £0.5 million discount on last season and it's another great fixture up next. Southampton showed their defensive frailty last weekend, conceding three goals to a Burnley side not known for their attacking talent. We could easily see another four goals from Liverpool in this one, with Mo Salah spearheading their attack once more. Salah has scored in every game he's faced the Saints, amassing six goals and one assist from four appearances. He's involved in some set pieces and with Milner playing a smaller role this season, penalties could be his too. Keep an eye on his performance and minutes in the Super Cup before locking in that armband. With his ownership rising above 45%, he's likely to be the most captained once more. Will you play safe with the Shield Pick?
Sword Pick: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Burnley (H)
Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 4/9
Aubameyang made his mark in the opening game of the season for Arsenal, despite the Gunners lining up with an odd-looking side. He had a number of good chances, taking four shots with two of them on target. Despite keeping a clean sheet last weekend, it wasn't a flawless defensive performance from Burnley: they conceded 11 shots and a big chance to Southampton. Arsenal and Aubameyang are a much bigger threat. Aumabeyang's record against Burnley is simply incredible: six goals and one assist from three games, including a brace in every single match! He will be motivated to get on the scoresheet once more for Arsenal's first home game of the season. He's set to be a captaincy differential, with ownership below 30% which is much smaller than Salah. Are you going to take a risk in selecting the Sword Pick?
Holly's Hopefuls
I share my top three players for each Gameweek, selecting one defender, one midfielder and one striker. These are players that I'm tipping for the FPL Dream Team and they could also make intriguing differential captain decisions for you to consider too.
DEF: Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Southampton (A)
Fresh off the back of an assist in Gameweek 1, Alexander-Arnold is the defensive pick for this week. He has now got an assist in five consecutive Premier League games and will be gunning for the sixth in Gameweek 2 to extend that brand-new record target. It could have been so much more for Trent against Norwich, he had two shots and three attempted assists. He got an assist in each game against Southampton last season. His contributions to set pieces provides plenty of opportunity for attacking returns and a clean sheet could be on the cards too. Southampton have yet to convert any of their chances to goals. There's hope that he can get the holy grail of an attacking return, clean sheet and bonus in this game.
MID: Raheem Sterling vs Spurs (H)
Sterling makes it into the hopefuls for a second consecutive week. It's a tricky fixture on paper, but Sterling is in great form and Manchester City are the superior side. It could be a feisty affair at the Etihad if their Champions League semi-final last year is anything to go by � to note, Sterling got a brace in that game. He could play a central role for the Champions again, leading the line and converting those opportunities provided by his teammates. He's leading the Golden Boot charts after the first round of games and won't want to relinquish that title easily.
FOR: Callum Wilson vs Aston Villa (A)
It was a disappointing opening game for Callum Wilson, with just an assist for his efforts and a poor attacking display by the Cherries in general. They'll need to bounce back in this one, but Aston Villa aren't as defensive minded as the Blades, who conceded a league high 31 shots against Spurs in Gameweek 1. Wilson did manage to provide some fantasy returns with an assist, but should have converted the chance himself for a goal.
Until next time…
Good luck!
Holly
Find even more Fantasy Premier League Tips over on Holly's website: Fantasy Football Community
