Dec 14

Gameweek 2 Captain Tips

Share post on:
FPL Holly is back this week with her selection of captain picks for Gameweek 2. It looks set to be a classic conundrum of Shield vs Sword. The Clueless Husband returns with a casual approach, which results in a defensive player getting the armband: read on for more! Gameweek 1 was eventful with plenty of our picks getting the season off to a bang. Mo Salah carried the captains armband for over 30% of FPL managers. Surprisingly, Harry Kane was the second most popular choice: managers were relieved he started last weekend but his performance was somewhat disappointing. Did you not know that it was August? The captain decision for Gameweek 2 looks to be a very tricky one, as many managers will be looking to decide between the Shield Pick and the Sword Pick. With managers in FPL community circles struggling already, the Fixture Pick could prevail through all the indecision. We've also got 4 different alternatives to consider, away from the key 3.

Shield Pick: Mohammed Salah vs Crystal Palace (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 8/11 Mo Salah got the season off to a bang, rewarding managers who invested with a goal in the opening game! His ownership is now nearing 55%, which could indicate that he will be the most popular captain contender again this week. He's guaranteed the game time and presents a late gameweek option: this fixture will be the Monday Night Football game. So, what is the downside of going with Mo? Away fixtures aren't as appealing, with Palace looking to make their mark in their first home game of the season. The defence has looked strong and resolute for a number of months under Roy Hodgson, although keeping out this potent Liverpool attack may be a stretch too far. Hennessey had a fantastic opening game against Fulham, making 8 saves: can he keep this level up? Salah will be looking to exploit full back Patrick Van Aanholt, who's attacking instinct could lead to big gaps for the Egyptian. Interestingly, Liverpool won this fixture 2-1 back in March, with Mo Salah getting on the scoresheet. The start of the season generally favours a cautious approach, so if you are keen to not lose ground on your fantasy opponents, opt for the Shield pick!

Sword Pick: Sergio Aguero vs Huddersfield (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 4/9 After a brace in the Community Shield, Sergio was firmly in my draft squads with the full intention of giving him the armband this week: a home fixture against weak opposition just looked too good to resist. So, where have the doubts crept in? Aguero's performance against Arsenal was underwhelming, Pep won't be happy that he missed a 1 on 1 against Cech, when he could have squared it to De Bruyne for an easy tap in. Manchester City players always carry a rotation risk, meaning there's an element of risk here giving Aguero the armband. However, I can't see Pep resting his star man for the opening home game of the season: Sergio was rested for just one Premier League home game last season which boosts his prospects. At the end of last season, Huddersfield managed a 0-0 result at the Etihad, with Jesus leading the line, due to Aguero's absence: Pep will have learnt from this game and will need Sergio's class to break The Terriers down this time around. Aguero got on the scoresheet in the away fixture last season and may have penalties to boost his FPL points potential. With Huddersfield conceding 3 to Chelsea at home last season, I'm expecting a strong City performance this weekend! For this reason, I'm going to be giving the riskier Sword Pick the armband, over the Shield choice. Will you be joining me?

Form Pick: Sadio Mane vs Crystal Palace (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 8/5 Mane lead the FPL Dream Team for Gameweek 1, with a brace against West Ham, a clean sheet point and maximum bonus. He outshined Mo Salah and could be a worthy contender for the armband this week. He's likely to be on penalties, plus has an excellent record against Palace: he's got 5 goals and 2 assists across 7 Premier League appearances, including goals in both fixtures last season. He will have his eye on causing young Aaron Wan-Bissaka some issues in the Monday Night Football. Are you going for the lower ownership Form Pick?

Fixture Pick: Harry Kane vs Fulham (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 11/20 There will be a lot of love for Harry Kane this weekend, with a “home” game against a promoted side: it's just a shame that it's August and Spurs are at Wembley. Do you believe in the August curse for our World Cup Golden Boot winner? Kane has the advantage of penalties, plus he scored a hat trick against Fulham in the FA Cup back in 2016/17. Fulham appear to be struggling to settle into the Premier League already, with a disappointing loss at home to Palace last weekend. Fabri was forced to make seven saves in that game, with this Spurs attack likely to me more clinical in their finishing. Do you think Kane can break the August curse this week?

Punt Pick: Richarlison vs Southampton (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 13/5 Richarlison lit up Gameweek 1, with an impressive brace against Wolves, despite Everton playing with 10 men for most of the match. Expect an even stronger attacking performance by the Toffies in their first home game of the season, with their headline transfer signing looking to get on the scoresheet. The Southampton defence have looked a little sketchy so far, they allowed Burnley to get 16 shots on goal, with McCarthy forced to make 6 saves. Richarlison will be going up against Cedric, who's struggling for fitness. The yellow flag on the FPL website appears to just be cramp, so will you be taking the punt?

Park the Bus Pick: Benjamin Mendy vs Huddersfield (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 12/1 Clean Sheet Odds: 4/11 An undervalued Mendy had a phenomenal start to the season, with his advanced positioning contributing to two assists against Arsenal. It's far easier opposition this week, with Huddersfield managing just 6 shots last weekend: they struggle to score goals away from home. A clean sheet looks certain, with the possibility of attacking returns highly likely for Mendy. He's perhaps the most certain starter for City this weekend: Danilo is currently injured and Delph wasn't even in the squad last weekend. Are you brave enough to captain a defender?

Clueless Husband Pick: Andrew Robertson vs Crystal Palace (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 14/1 Clean Sheet Odds: 11/8 It's back to the casual approach for my Clueless Husband. Robertson has the “best form” from his Gameweek 1 team, with 11 points last weekend and “I know who he is, cos he used to play for Hull City”. It looks unlikely that Liverpool will keep a clean sheet, up against an impressive Palace attack. However, further attacking returns aren't completely out of the question: Robertson has 2 assists in 5 appearances against the Eagles, including one in this fixture last season. Will you be siding with my Clueless Husband? Until Next Week… Good Luck! Holly and her Clueless Husband Follow fplbet for weekly fantasy features... [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type="1_6" layout="1_6" spacing="" center_content="no" hover_type="none" link="" mer_position="all" padding="" dimension_margin="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_offset="" last="no" element_content=""][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]