Fantasy Football Matchweek 2: Buy, Sell, Injury Report

As we approach Fantasy Football Matchweek 2 of the Premier League, scheduled from Friday, August 22, to Monday, August 25, it’s essential for FPL managers to strategise effectively to maximise their points.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in making informed decisions for your squad as we settle back into the football season.

Fantasy Football Matchweek 2 Fixtures

The Fantasy Football deadline for Gameweek 2 is Friday, August 22, 18:30 BST.

Friday, August 22

• West Ham vs Chelsea (20:00 BST)

Saturday, August 23

• Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur (12:30 BST)
• Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (15:00 BST)
• Brentford vs Aston Villa (15:00 BST)
• Burnley vs Sunderland (15:00 BST)
• Arsenal vs Leeds United (17:30 BST)

Sunday, May 19

• Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest (14:00 BST)
• Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion (14:00 BST)
• Fulham vs Manchester United (16:30 BST)

Monday, May 20

• Newcastle United vs Liverpool (20:00 BST)

Injury and Transfer Updates to Note

Alexander Isak’s future is still undecided, with the Swede pushing for a move that Newcastle are not open to. He will not be available for the Liverpool game.

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz has picked up a knee injury, ruling him out for an undisclosed amount of time.

New Liverpool signing Jeremie Frimpong has sustained a hamstring injury, and is expected back mid-September.

These absences open the door for alternative selections, especially in midfield.

Must-Have FPL Picks

Dan Ballard (£4.6m) was last weekend’s breakout star – his goal and clean sheet for Sunderland earned rave reviews and a potential price rise.

Another value pick shining early is Tijjani Reijnders (£5.6m), whose goal and assist signalled he might become one of the season’s smartest buys.

And let’s not ignore the brilliance of Antoine Semenyo (£7.1m), who delivered a brace at Anfield and now looks to capitalise on kind fixtures ahead, and Hugo Ekitike (£8.6m), who scored and assisted on his Premier League debut for Liverpool.

David Raya (£5.5m) stands tall as Arsenal host Leeds. His seven saves in the season opener against Manchester United suggest more returns to come.

In defence, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella (£6.0m) Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori (£5.5m) are dual-threats on both ends of the pitch.

Captaincy Picks

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool vs Newcastle)
• Erling Haaland (Man City vs Tottenham)
• Tijjani Reijnders (Man City vs Tottenham)
• Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth vs Wolves)

Strategic Considerations

Monitor Press Conferences: Last-minute injury updates and team news can significantly impact your decisions. Stay informed to make timely transfers.

By staying updated on the latest news and being strategic with your Fantasy Football transfers and captaincy choices, you can navigate the challenges of Matchweek 2 and boost your FPL performance.