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As we head into Gameweek 2 of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season 2024/25, the pressure to make early decisions that could define your season is mounting. Gameweek 1 offered a mix of expected outcomes and surprising performances, leaving many managers with tough choices regarding transfers, and team structure.

In this post, we’ll dive into the latest team news and injury updates before the next deadline. With insights from the latest press conferences and expert analysis, to help you navigate the uncertainties and set yourself up for success.

Key Updates and News

Injuries and unexpected team changes can throw a wrench in your FPL plans. Here’s a rundown of the most important updates you need to know ahead of Gameweek 2.

Quansah – Time to Move On?

Let’s start with Quansah. If you were hoping he’d feature against Brentford, it’s time to rethink that. Arne Slot mentioned that Quansah picked up a bit of an injury in training. It sounds like he’s unlikely to start, and we should expect Konaté to take his place.

If you still have Quansah in your team, benching him is the safest bet. He already dropped to 4.4, so there is no rush in selling him. Unless you’ve got no backup defender.

If you’re tight on cash, a 4.0 million defender like Harwood-Bellis at Southampton could be a decent option. He’s got a good fixture against Nottingham Forest at home in Gameweek 2.

Spurs – The Situation with Solanke and Others

Bad news for Solanke owners—he’s out for Gameweek 2 due to an ankle injury. Ange Postecoglou confirmed that he picked up the knock. If Solanke was a regular starter for your team, you’ll need to think about alternatives.

Depending on your budget, you might want to look at Muniz from Fulham. He’s got a decent run of fixtures coming up and is priced affordably. But if you’ve got a strong bench, you might just want to hold Solanke and reassess next week. There’s a good chance he’ll be back by then, so don’t panic sell just yet.

Bentancur also won’t be available for Gameweek 2 due to concussion protocols. While this doesn’t directly impact most FPL teams, it’s worth noting that his absence might influence Spurs’ midfield setup. However, Bissouma is back, so he might be a nice addition to the midfield.

On a brighter note, Pedro Porro is fine and ready to go. If you’ve been worried about him not starting, you can rest easy—Porro is expected to start against Everton. If he’s in your team, you can confidently keep him in your starting XI.

Newcastle – What’s Going On with Trippier?

There’s been some noise around Kieran Trippier and his future at Newcastle. Rumor has it he might be on the move, with Everton reportedly interested. Eddie Howe, however, played down the speculation, saying Trippier has trained well and is valued by the team.

But let’s be real—if you own Trippier, it’s probably best to sell him now. Even if he stays, his spot isn’t secure, and his upcoming fixtures are tough. Liveramento, at 4.5 million, could be the first choice now. But don’t rush to buy him just yet—Newcastle’s fixtures are far from easy in the coming weeks.

Chelsea – Nkunku’s Second Chance

Nkunku has been a hot topic after starting for Chelsea in the Europa Conference League playoff. He was subbed off before 60 minutes. Still, he could start against Wolves in Gameweek 2. If you already have Nkunku, holding him for one more week might be the best move.

Chelsea’s fixtures are good, so if Nkunku gets decent minutes, he could still be a valuable asset. But if you’re not confident in his starting role, consider moving him out for someone like Eze, who is more likely to get consistent minutes.

Other Notable Mentions

Lastly, for those who took a punt on Minteh, it looks like he’ll be available for Brighton against Manchester United. It’s a tricky fixture, but if you’re short on options, keeping him in your starting XI isn’t the worst idea.

As for Sepp van den Berg, he’s just joined Brentford and could become a bargain at 4.0 million. But don’t jump on him too quickly—we still need to see if he’ll get regular minutes.

Captaincy

When it comes to captaincy for Gameweek 2, let’s not overthink it—Haaland is the standout option. Facing Ipswich at home, he’s in prime position to deliver a huge haul. If you have Haaland in your team, he’s your captain. Simple as that.

Salah as a Solid Alternative

For those few managers who don’t own Haaland, or if you’re in a situation where you don’t want to captain him, Salah is the next best choice. Brentford at home isn’t as favorable as Haaland’s fixture, but Salah’s consistency and involvement keep him a reliable option. He’s almost certain to play the full 90 minutes, and we know he can score against any team.

While Haaland is the clear favorite, captaining Salah isn’t a bad move. If he’s your best option, you can trust him to deliver. Just be prepared to potentially lose ground to the majority of managers who will likely captain Haaland.

Triple Captain Opportunity?

Now, here’s something to think about: is this the week to use your Triple Captain chip on Haaland? The fixture against Ipswich at home is arguably the best single-game opportunity you’ll get all season. Haaland is fit, in form, and facing a newly promoted side. It’s tempting, right?

But there are a few things to consider. We’ve only had one Gameweek, so we don’t have a ton of data on Ipswich’s defense. They might be tougher than expected. Also, there could be better opportunities later in the season, especially during double gameweeks.

If you’re the kind of manager who likes to play it safe, holding onto your Triple Captain chip might be the way to go. But if you want to take advantage of what’s in front of you, slapping the Triple Captain on Haaland could pay off big time.

Differential Captain Picks

If you’re looking for a differential or simply don’t have the big guns, Eberechi Eze against West Ham is an interesting shout. He’s in good form and could be a sneaky pick for managers willing to take a risk.

Another option could be Kevin De Bruyne, also facing Ipswich. While Haaland will be the popular choice, De Bruyne might appeal to those looking to go against the grain.

Transfer Strategies and Final Tips

Rolling Transfers vs. Immediate Action

The idea of rolling transfers is tempting. Stacking up those free transfers can give you more flexibility and options, especially with the new season rule of saving up to 5 free transfers instead of 2. But don’t hold back if your squad needs immediate attention. If there’s an issue, like an injured player or a weak spot in your starting XI—it’s often better to address it now.

Rolling transfers only work if your squad is in a good place. If you’re happy with your team and don’t see any must-make moves, then rolling is a smart play. But remember, points on the board are better than having two transfers in the bank and regretting a missed opportunity.

Cheap Defender Replacements – Who to Pick?

If you need a reliable 4.0 million defender, your options would be Harwood-Bellis at Southampton, He’s got a decent fixture against Nottingham Forest, and he’s likely to get minutes. Or Greaves from Ipswich

If you’re willing to take a bit of a risk, consider Sepp van den Berg at Brentford. He’s just joined from liverpool, and while it’s unclear how much he’ll play, he could become a valuable budget option down the line. Just be cautious—this pick is more of a gamble.

Another solid choice is Liveramento at Newcastle. He’s slightly more expensive at 4.5 million, but he offers great value, especially if Trippier moves on. Keep in mind, though, Newcastle’s fixtures are tough in the short term, so this might be more of a long-term investment.

Cheap Forward Replacements

If you’re dealing with an injury to a forward like Solanke, who is out with an ankle injury, you’ll need a replacement. The standout option here is Muniz from Fulham. He’s got great fixtures ahead, including Leicester at home and Ipswich away, and is likely to start. Muniz is not only affordable but also offers a chance to free up some cash for future transfers​​.

Other options include João Pedro at 5.5, who is on penalties, making him a strong pick. Keep in mind that he has a tougher fixture against Manchester United​, and might be a minutes risk later due to new signings.

Final Tips: Focus on the Long Game

While it’s tempting to make multiple changes after Gameweek 1, it’s essential to stay calm and focus on the long-term plan. Don’t chase points from players who had a one-off good game; instead, focus on those who have strong fixtures and are likely to deliver consistently over the next few weeks.

If you don’t have any pressing issues in your squad, consider rolling your transfer. This will give you more flexibility and a better chance to react to any surprises that Gameweek 2 might throw your way.

Conclusion

Gameweek 2 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment early in the FPL season. With Injuries forcing you out of your way, and triple captain opportunity early in the season.

Remember, it’s a long season, and while the temptation to tinker is strong, sometimes the best move is to stay patient and stick to your plan. Keep an eye on the latest team news, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks when the opportunity arises.

As you prepare for Gameweek 2, make sure you’re equipped with the best tools to stay ahead of the competition. Download the We Play FPL app to plan your transfers, compare player stats, and optimize your team with points predictions. With We Play FPL, you’ll have everything you need to make informed decisions and climb the ranks.

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