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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Season 2024/25 – Gameweek 2

In what turned out to be a thrilling encounter at the Amex Stadium, Brighton secured a 2-1 victory over Manchester United, leaving the Red Devils with more questions than answers in their early-season campaign.

This result marks another setback for Erik ten Hag’s side, who, despite showing glimpses of improvement, failed to capitalize on key moments and were undone by a last-minute goal from João Pedro.

For Brighton, this win not only continues their strong start to the season but also reinforces their status as one of the Premier League’s most exciting and unpredictable teams.

As we delve into the match’s key moments and tactics, we’ll also explore what this result means for Fantasy Premier League managers eyeing assets from both sides.

Match Review

First Half: Brighton’s Early Dominance

Brighton started the game with a clear intent. They pressed high and looked to exploit Manchester United’s defensive vulnerabilities. It didn’t take long for their efforts to pay off. In the 32nd minute, Danny Welbeck, put the Seagulls ahead with his 100th career goal.

The goal came from a well-worked move down the right, where João Pedro’s cross caused chaos in United’s six-yard box. Harry Maguire couldn’t deal with the ball, and it found Mitoma. He drilled it across the goal, and Welbeck was there to bundle it in.

United’s defense was all over the place. There was a noticeable lack of organization and urgency. This was a theme throughout the first half, with Brighton repeatedly finding space in dangerous areas.

Marcus Rashford, who had a poor end to last season, continued to struggle. His pass was intercepted in the buildup to Brighton’s opener, and he often found himself out of position. His frustration was evident, and it’s clear that he’s still searching for form.

Second Half: United’s Brief Resurgence and Late Drama

The second half saw Manchester United come out with more purpose. They pushed forward and created a few chances. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Amad Diallo equalized with a deflected shot. The goal gave United hope, but it was short-lived.

Brighton quickly regained control. They pressed United back and created several chances. United’s defense, once again, looked vulnerable.

In the dying moments of the match, Brighton’s pressure finally broke through. Simon Adingra’s cross found João Pedro, who was completely unmarked at the far post. Pedro’s header in the 95th minute sealed the win for Brighton, leaving United stunned.

Brighton dominated for long periods, while United showed flashes of quality but were ultimately undone by their defensive frailties. For Manchester United, this was another example of their inability to see out games. For Brighton, it was a well-deserved win, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.

FPL Implications

Brighton’s Assets

Brighton continues to surprise everyone, and their players are becoming hot properties in FPL. João Pedro, who scored the winning goal, is emerging as a great budget forward option. If you’re looking for a cheap striker, he’s your guy. His late goal and constant presence in the box show he’s always a threat.

Danny Welbeck has now scored in both of Brighton’s opening matches, showing consistent form. With his 100th career goal and strong performances, he could be a solid differential pick.

Don’t overlook Mitoma either. Priced at just £6.5m, he’s an underrated gem in midfield. Mitoma’s assist for Welbeck’s goal and his constant threat on the wing make him a solid choice for managers looking to capitalize on Brighton’s attacking potential.

However, it’s worth noting that Brighton’s next fixture is a tough one away at Arsenal. But after that, they have two appealing home games in Gameweeks 4 and 5 against Ipswich and Nottingham Forest. These fixtures could be golden opportunities for Brighton’s attackers to rack up points.

Manchester United’s Concerns

On the other side, Manchester United’s players are becoming a headache for FPL managers. Marcus Rashford, is struggling. His form is off, and his body language shows a player lacking confidence. He was barely involved and even made crucial mistakes that led to Brighton’s opener. If you have Rashford in your team, it might be time to reconsider.

In a surprising move, Bruno Fernandes was subbed off before the 80th minute with another blank, despite being uninjured. This raises questions about his role in future matches. This might be concerning, and time to look elsewhere.

Joshua Zirkzee played the entire second half, getting 45 minutes of action. While he had some impact, United’s overall attacking output remains inconsistent. He is still a wait-and-see for now.

Defensively, United are a mess. They’ve conceded late goals in multiple games, making their defenders risky picks. Maybe Mazraoui is an okay pick due to his attacking potential. If you’re holding onto United defenders hoping for clean sheets, you might want to look elsewhere.

However, there’s a small silver lining with Amad Diallo. He scored United’s only goal, and if he gets more game time, he could become an interesting budget option. But for now, tread carefully with United assets.

Conclusion

Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United showcased the contrasting trajectories of these two sides. Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, continues to impress with their organized and attacking football.

On the flip side, Manchester United’s ongoing struggles raise red flags for FPL managers. With Rashford’s poor form, Bruno Fernandes being subbed off early, and their defensive frailties, it’s becoming harder to justify keeping United assets in your team.

If you want to stay ahead in your FPL leagues and make informed decisions, be sure to Download the We Play FPL app. It offers in-depth analysis, player comparisons, and predicted points to help you optimize your team.

May your arrows be green, and your captaincy choices be spot on. Until next time, happy managing!