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

Manchester City showcased exactly why they are the reigning champions of the Premier League with a commanding 4-1 victory over newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

For a brief moment, Ipswich fans allowed themselves to dream when Sammie Szmodics found the back of the net, silencing the Etihad Stadium.

However, that joy was short-lived, as City quickly reminded everyone why they are the best team in the land, dismantling Ipswich’s early lead in ruthless fashion.

This match wasn’t just a lesson for Ipswich on the harsh realities of the Premier League; it also provided key insights for Fantasy Premier League managers.

From Haaland’s hat-trick heroics to De Bruyne’s masterclass, there were plenty of takeaways to consider as we move deeper into the season. Let’s dive into the match review and explore what this means for your FPL team.

Match Review

Ipswich’s Bright Start

Ipswich Town couldn’t have asked for a better start to their return to the Premier League. Just 7 minutes in, Sammie Szmodics, on his first Premier League start, stunned Manchester City by putting Ipswich ahead.

The fans erupted. For a fleeting moment, it felt like a fairy tale might be unfolding at the Etihad. Szmodics showed great composure, slipping in behind City’s defense to slot Ben Johnson’s pass beyond Ederson. It was a dream moment for Ipswich, back in the big time after 22 long years.

But in the Premier League, dreams can turn into nightmares quickly.

City’s Ruthless Response

That dream for Ipswich lasted just 193 seconds. Erling Haaland, who else, was the man to restore order. A penalty was awarded after Leif Davis fouled Savinho, and Haaland made no mistake from the spot.

Suddenly, it was 1-1, and the mood in the Etihad shifted back to business as usual.

But City wasn’t done. Kevin De Bruyne, as reliable as ever, took advantage of a mistake by Ipswich’s goalkeeper, Muric, to give City the lead. Muric, a former City player, hesitated on the ball, and Savinho pounced, setting up De Bruyne to tap into an empty net.

Before Ipswich could regroup, City struck again. A brilliant pass from De Bruyne found Haaland, who calmly headed past the advancing Muric.

In just a few minutes, Ipswich had gone from leading to being 3-1 down. The reality of facing a team like City had hit them hard.

Second Half Consolidation

The second half was all about City maintaining control. Ipswich tried to push forward, but the gap in quality was evident.

Haaland completed his hat-trick with a well-placed shot, further cementing his status as a must-have for any FPL manager.

Ipswich had some moments, with former City striker Liam Delap causing a few problems, but a comeback was never on the cards.

City managed the game with the ease of champions. They didn’t need to push for more. They were comfortable, and that was more than enough to seal the win. Ipswich, on the other hand, were left to reflect on a harsh lesson in Premier League football.

FPL Implications

Erling Haaland: A Must-Have?

If there were any doubts about the hefty price you have to pay to have Erling Haaland in your FPL team, this match should have erased them. Haaland was unstoppable, netting his 10th hat-trick for Manchester City. His ability to find the back of the net is unmatched, and with his current form, he’s almost impossible to ignore.

The Norwegian is a goal machine. His movement, positioning, and finishing are top-tier. If you don’t have him in your FPL team, you’re taking a high risk. He’s a captaincy option week in, week out, and his ownership will only keep rising.

Kevin De Bruyne: Worth the Investment?

Kevin De Bruyne was another standout in this match. His assist and goal showcased why he’s one of the best midfielders in the world.

In FPL, De Bruyne is a premium asset, and for good reason. He’s the heartbeat of City’s attack, pulling the strings and creating chances at will.

If you can fit him into your team without sacrificing balance elsewhere, absolutely. De Bruyne’s consistent involvement in goals, combined with his ability to deliver in big games, makes him a valuable addition to any squad.

Savinho: A New Differential?

Savio might be a name to keep an eye on. The young Brazilian had a solid performance. His quick feet and flair drew comparisons to Riyad Mahrez, and he played a crucial role in City’s second goal.

While it’s early days, Savinho could emerge as an exciting differential pick in FPL. He’s priced at 6.5m, a category with no standout choices. If he continues to get minutes, he could become a valuable option for those looking to break the template.

Ipswich Assets: Tread Carefully

Ipswich started brightly, but the harsh reality of the Premier League quickly set in. Sammie Szmodics showed promise with his goal, but investing in Ipswich assets might be risky right now.

Their fixtures have been brutal, facing Liverpool and City in their first two games. While there’s potential in players like Szmodics as budget enablers, it’s wise to wait and see how they perform against less formidable opposition.

The Premier League is unforgiving, and it’s better to be cautious with newly-promoted teams until they find their footing.

Conclusion

Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Ipswich was a powerful reminder of the gap between the Premier League’s elite and its newcomers. It was a tough lesson for Ipswich, but one that could help them grow as they navigate life back in the top flight.

For FPL managers, this match underscored the importance of having top performers like Haaland and De Bruyne in your squad. While Ipswich assets showed glimpses of potential, caution is advised until they face more favorable fixtures.

As we move forward in the season, remember that making informed decisions is key to staying ahead in FPL. The We Play FPL app can help you with that, offering tools for transfer planning, player comparisons, and points predictions. Whether you’re deciding on your next captain or looking for that perfect differential, the app has you covered. Download now!

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