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

Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brentford in Gameweek 2 of the Premier League was a statement win, marking the first home match under new manager Arne Slot.

This victory not only extended Liverpool’s winning streak but also showcased their attacking firepower, with goals from Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah securing the points. However, the match wasn’t without its challenges, as defensive vulnerabilities were exposed by a determined Brentford side.

For Fantasy Premier League managers, this game provided valuable insights into key player performances and potential picks for the weeks ahead. Let’s dive into the details and see what this match means for your FPL team.

Match Review

Liverpool came out strong from the start, showcasing their attacking intent. The Anfield crowd witnessed an electric performance, especially from Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah.

Díaz was the first to find the back of the net, converting a well-timed cross from Diogo Jota. This goal set the tone for Liverpool’s dominance throughout the match.

Key Moments and Attacking Brilliance

Liverpool’s front line was relentless. Mohamed Salah, who seemed quiet in the opening minutes, soon came alive. His quick passes and sharp movements kept Brentford’s defense on their toes.

Salah came close to scoring on multiple occasions before finally doubling Liverpool’s lead. His goal was a result of a beautiful chip from Díaz, which Salah calmly slotted past Brentford’s keeper, Mark Flekken.

This marked Salah’s second goal in as many games, solidifying his status as Liverpool’s main man up front.

The attack wasn’t just about goals. Liverpool’s midfield, especially with Alexis Mac Allister in the mix, played a crucial role. They kept the tempo high, linking up well with the forwards. Every pass seemed to have a purpose, and Brentford struggled to cope with the speed and precision of Liverpool’s play.

Defensive Concerns

Despite their attacking success, Liverpool showed some cracks at the back. Brentford, known for their resilience, found ways to exploit these gaps. Yoane Wissa, in particular, made life difficult for Liverpool’s defense. He often found space down the right flank, causing problems.

Liverpool’s defense had to scramble several times to keep their clean sheet intact. Ibrahima Konaté and Alisson were kept busy, particularly during Brentford’s set-pieces and counter-attacks.

Although they managed to keep Brentford from scoring, the defensive lapses were noticeable. Slot, Liverpool’s new manager, will surely need to address these issues if they want to maintain their winning momentum.

Tactical Adjustments

Arne Slot’s tactical decisions played a key role in the outcome. His substitution of Alexander-Arnold raised a few eyebrows, especially given Trent’s influence on the game. However, it was clear that Slot was managing the player’s fitness, as he is crucial for Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures.

Slot’s focus seemed to be on balancing Liverpool’s attacking flair with a more solid defensive approach. This game showed that while the attack is firing on all cylinders, the defense needs tightening up.

Overall, Liverpool’s performance was a mixed bag of attacking brilliance and defensive caution. While the win was well-deserved, there are areas that need improvement if they are to challenge for the title this season.

FPL Implications

The Liverpool vs Brentford match wasn’t just about the three points. It also gave us some clear signals for Fantasy Premier League. Let’s break down the key takeaways.

Mohamed Salah: Still Essential

If you have any doubts about Mohamed Salah’s importance in FPL, this match should put them to rest.

Salah was at the heart of everything good Liverpool did going forward. His goal in this game means he’s now scored in both of Liverpool’s opening matches. Salah is a proven FPL asset, and his consistency, especially at Anfield, makes him a must-have. If he’s not in your team, you might want to rethink that decision.

Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota: The Midfield Bonus

Luis Díaz has started the season in fine form. He scored Liverpool’s first goal against Brentford, adding to his growing reputation. What’s exciting for FPL managers is that Díaz is still a bit of a hidden gem.

While many are focused on Salah or Diogo Jota, Díaz is quietly delivering points. His ability to pop up with goals, especially at home, makes him a great differential pick.

Diogo Jota played a key role in Liverpool’s first goal, providing the assist, and had a few chances himself. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his involvement in the attack was promising.

Jota’s versatility means he can play across the front three, giving him plenty of opportunities to score or assist.

However, there’s a catch: the threat of rotation. With Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez also competing for spots in Liverpool’s front three, there’s always a lingering question of whether Díaz or Jota will start the next match.

This rotation risk can be frustrating for FPL managers, making it hard to predict when these players will deliver points. While Díaz and Jota are both excellent options when they play, their minutes on the pitch could be less predictable. If you’re willing to take a bit of a gamble, they could reward you handsomely.

Liverpool’s Defense: Proceed with Caution

Yes, Liverpool kept a clean sheets in their two opening matches. But don’t let that fool you. Their defense looked shaky at times, and against tougher opponents, this could not be the case.

This isn’t to say Liverpool defenders like Trent Alexander-Arnold or Virgil van Dijk aren’t worth having. But it does mean you should be cautious. If you’re investing heavily in Liverpool’s backline, make sure you’ve got a solid plan B.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brentford in Gameweek 2 showcased their attacking brilliance and highlighted a few defensive concerns. Mohamed Salah once again proved why he’s a must-have in any FPL squad, delivering consistent returns. Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota also showed their potential, though the rotation risk with Gakpo and Núñez is something to consider before committing to them in your team.

If you want to stay on top of your FPL game, don’t forget to Download the We Play FPL app. It’s your ultimate tool for transfer planning, player comparisons, and points predictions, everything you need to make informed decisions and optimize your team.

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