When we entered GameWeek 2, the FPL landscape had changed rapidly. Whether you are targeting players of the form or differentiating to set your team apart, it is crucial to keep your watch list up to date.
In this blog, we will focus on five players who show strong potential in GW1 or have promising fixtures and basic statistics.
These are options to consider adding before GW2 to give your team a competitive edge and help you climb early in the season. Let’s dive and see who deserves your attention this week.
Elliot Anderson (5.5m)
Elliot Anderson is one of the outstanding names during the FPL community’s preseason, and his GW1 showcases exactly why he deserves the hype.
The man who returned only 6 points was a little harsh on the owners as he was very close to the defensive contribution point and further offensive returns with an XGI of 0.67.
Of the 5.5 million he looks valuable in the forest, and in the forest he looks completely nailed, providing greater security than options like Reijnders.
The deepest impression is how advanced he looks and has been involved in critical moments. On the other day, his drag could easily get bigger, and in the fixtures ahead, Anderson felt like one of the best budget midfielders to target before the GW2, freeing up funds elsewhere if needed.
Jørgen Strand
Jørgen Strand-Larsen slipped under the radar after many of his managers before GW1, largely because of his strong opener against Man City.
But those who support him earlier will feel confident after seeing what they see. He led the Wolves’ games and he played 0.38 XGI on one of the league’s most powerful defenses, which is an encouraging signal.
Now, the fixtures turn a lot, with all three promotion sides ahead of the GW9. Coupled with the possibility of fine duties, Larson suddenly looks like a striker who can provide serious value. Moving early may give you an advantage before the crowd catches up.
Bryan Mbeumo (8m)
Last season, Bryan Mbeumo was a hero for many FPL managers, but he was ignored this year due to his clumsy 800,000 price tags and a brand new frontline game at Manchester United.
However, those who watched United’s match against Arsenal will know that he looked keen and heavy to participate throughout the process. United actually showed signs of structure and attack intentions, which were away from the side of Lim to the last battle.
Although Cunha is also impressive at the same price, Mbeumo finds himself at the end of a more dangerous opportunity, which is most important in the FPL. Early performances may pay off, especially on Fulham’s fragile left next, in a promising GW3 against Burnley.
Patrick Dorgu (4.5m)
Patrick Dorgu starts to look like a real radar underside choice in the FPL and will soon get attention. United’s defense impressed many, keeping Arsenal relatively quiet, limiting them to the lowest XG total on the weekend.
For managers considering taking a free hit in GW4, Dorgu looks exciting at the back. His attraction does not necessarily come from his defensive contribution point, but his offensive contribution.
The defender scored and assisted Bournemouth in the pre-season, then beat the Post and Arsenal, while also getting the final three-pointer than any joint player, Bar Bryan Mbeumo.
If United strengthens their goals further, his potential for clean sheets will also increase – making him a bargaining draft pick, and he offers a route to multiple points.
Evannisson (7m)
Most of the attention has attracted Semenyo after the opening day braces, but considering his teammate Evanilson has a strong reason.
Semenyo’s completion was impressive, but Evan Nelson actually produced a higher XGI than he, Chris Wood and even Bruno Fernandes last season’s campaign.
This potential threat should not be ignored, especially when great fixtures advance. Most importantly, Evanilson has the potential to perform his fine duties, which will only further enhance his appeal.
He has only 2.2% ownership, representing a real difference – a manager who can be rewarded for early support rather than following the crowd
