After an eventful first gameweek, we’re into the second gameweek of the 2021-22 Premier League season. The first game ended in 10 wins and 10 losses. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool registered big wins and are on the top of the table. Leeds suffered a big defeat and sit at the last. Manchester City lost their first game of the title defense season at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. With an average score of 69, these outcomes guaranteed significant point returns for FPL managers. We congratulate you if you broke the 100-point threshold. But if you fell short, know that there are 37 more gameweeks to catch up.
Here we take a look at the top five picks for the coming gameweek:
1. Danny Ings (Forward) – Aston Villa vs Watford
Current price: £8m
Ings was on the scoresheet the last gameweek as his Villa side lost. We're all aware of Ings' abilities. Last season, he scored 12 goals for the Saints while also contributing four assists. He has also opened his account this season and people who selected him in the previous gameweek would have reaped benefits. Danny Ings was terrible against Watford, but owing to his penalties, he still achieved some attacking returns. We are expecting a lot better from him against Newcastle. The next match comes at home against a Newcastle team that has already allowed four goals at home to West Ham. If Villa gets out to a good start, they may be able to score a few goals, with Ings likely to be on the receiving end.
2. Bruno Fernandes (Midfielder) – Manchester United vs Southampton
Current price: £12.1m
You would have missed out on Fernandes' 20-point return if you didn't have him in gameweek 1. And, after his hat-trick against Leeds, he is very likely to find the scoresheet in the coming game as well. Bruno Fernandes is rather an obvious pick for the second gameweek as well. Southampton lost their first game against Everton last week. With an in-form Bruno on United’s side, it’ll be tough for the Saints in the coming game. The Portuguese midfielder started the ground running from the first matchday itself and he deserves to be your lineup.
3. Mohamed Salah (Midfielder) – Liverpool vs Burnley
Current price: £12.5m
Salah, like Fernandes, is a high-priced addition who makes putting together a balanced team tough - but can you afford to be without him against Burnley at Anfield? Mohamed Salah is expensive but he’s worth it. In fact, Salah should definitely be in your lineup for the next three games as well. In a selfless effort against Norwich, the Reds winger delivered 17 points, two assists, and a goal, and with Burnley losing at home to Brighton in their opening game of the 2021-22 season, Salah would be dissatisfied with anything less than a couple of goals.
4. Kostas Tsimikas (Midfielder) – Liverpool vs Burnley
Current price: £4.1m
Due to Andy Robertson's injury, Tsimikas is now a starter for Liverpool. And FPL managers could grab him for £4.1 million. He came close to scoring and kept a clean sheet against Norwich, so expect more of the same against Burnley, who have already looked like they may struggle this season after losing at home to Brighton. Owning Kostas Tsimikas is a gift to FPL managers until Andrew Robertson returns. Burnley's goal in Gameweek 1 was fortunate not to be called off due to a foul, so the Liverpool defensive left-back appears to be a strong choice.
5. David Raya (Goalkeeper) – Brentford vs Crystal Palace
Current price: £4.5m
In Gameweek 1, David Raya wowed the crowd. He has four saves, tied for the most in the division, and was one of just five goalkeepers to preserve a clean sheet and the only one under £5.0 million. Brentford plays Crystal Palace next in the 2nd gameweek. Palace failed to score in their first game against Chelsea. In fact, they had just one shot on target. This makes Raya one of the preferences for the goalkeeping spot. Ederson and Mendy are also good picks, but only if you want to spend more.
