FPL
FPL Gameweek 2: Should You be Making Transfers?
Should you transfer in FPL Gameweek 2? Patience is key, but some players may already be sells.
Gameweek 1 is always chaos. Plans get ripped up, bandwagons appear, and patience gets tested right away. So, the big question now is: should you transfer a player out in Gameweek 2?
The short answer: maybe. But it really depends on why you want to move them on. Let’s break it down.
When It Makes Sense to Sell a Player Early
I can think of three main reasons managers transfer a player out this week:
- Unexpected minutes: you thought your player was nailed, but they didn’t start or got hooked early.
- Poor performance (player or team): they looked bad, or their team did.
- A shiny alternative looks better: someone else caught your eye in Gameweek 1.
Let’s dig into each one.
1. Lower Than Expected Minutes
If your player didn’t get the minutes you expected, ask yourself: did you see this coming?
- If they were a known rotation risk before Gameweek 1, then nothing has changed. Be patient.
- If you genuinely thought they’d be nailed, but they didn’t start, that’s different. Your assumption was wrong.
For example, Omar Marmoush is a problem. He didn’t start, and when he came on, he looked poor. His system fit is questionable, and he’s competing with Erling Haaland. That’s not what you want from an 8.5m asset. In his case, moving to someone like Tijani Reijnders, Antoine Semenyo, or even Morgan Rogers makes sense.
But if your player came off early for tactical reasons, like Strand Larsen when his team was struggling, that’s explainable. Don’t be too hasty.
2. Poor Team or Player Performance
We saw some shocking results in Gameweek 1. West Ham losing 3–0 to Sunderland was the big one. Many of us owned Jarrod Bowen or Niclas Füllkrug for that exact fixture.
- Bowen: Proven FPL gold. He’s been involved in over 40% of West Ham’s goals in recent seasons. Yes, the Hammers looked poor, but I don’t think this is panic time. Label this as a possible transfer, you could do it, but there’s no rush.
- Füllkrug: Different story. He’s not proven in the Premier League, and his FPL ceiling looks low. Selling him is more justified, but I wouldn’t say it’s urgent either. If you move him, know where you’re going—maybe to Thiago(on penalties) or a punt on Mayenda, but the fixtures suggest waiting until Gameweek 3 is smarter.
Elsewhere, Iliman Ndiaye blanked for Everton, but he played 90 minutes and is on penalties. That’s not a sell for me yet, especially with decent fixtures.
And remember: not every poor Gameweek 1 is representative. Last season, people jumped on Zirkzee after a goal off the bench, but it wasn’t a sign of things to come. Don’t fall into the same trap this year.
3. An Alternative Looks Better
This is the trickiest one. You might be tempted by a new star like Reijnders or Semenyo, but ask yourself:
- Did you want them before Gameweek 1?
- Are they nailed for minutes?
- Was their performance sustainable, not just a one-off?
If all three are true, then go for it. If not, one good game shouldn’t rewrite your preseason thinking.
Take João Pedro, for example. His minutes were never going to be 90 each week, but at 7.5m he’s still value. Moving him to Evanilson could work, but Pedro isn’t a must-sell.
The 8.5 Million Assets: Wirtz vs Marmoush
- Florian Wirtz: Keep. He looked excellent in Liverpool’s 4–0 win, taking set pieces and linking play beautifully. The returns will come.
- Omar Marmoush: Sell if you want. He’s not nailed, doesn’t suit the system, and you don’t pay 8.5m for a bench risk.
Cole Palmer: On Thin Ice
Palmer is the trickiest call of the lot.
- The good: on penalties, massive ceiling, capable of explosive hauls.
- The bad: poor form carried over from last season, looked flat in Gameweek 1, and Chelsea’s fixtures toughen after West Ham in gameweek 2.
I’d give him two more weeks. But if he’s still blanking by Gameweek 4, it’s time to move on.
Pedro Porro: Start or Bench?
Porro is one of the best long-term defensive assets in the game, but away to Manchester City in Gameweek 2 is brutal. Numbers suggest that Spurs have only a 10% clean sheet chance.
If you’ve got a decent bench, I’d sit him. If not, don’t panic, he could still nick an attacking return.
Don’t Waste Chips in Gameweek 2
Some are considering Free Hit or Bench Boost this week. I’d strongly advise against it.
- Free Hit: only helps for one week, and you get your “bad” team back. If your squad really is that bad, just Wildcard later with a bit more information.
- Bench Boost: benches like Dubravka, Esteve, Guiu, and Porro are relying on low-probability outcomes. You’ll likely get 4 to 10 points. Save it for a better chance.
Final Thoughts
Gameweek 2 is not the time to panic. Transfers this week should be made for clear, justified reasons: unexpected benchings, genuinely poor assets, or moving to someone you already rated highly pre-season.
Download the We Play FPL app to take your decision-making to the next level. Compare players, plan transfers, and get accurate points predictions—all in one place.
May your arrows be green. Happy managing!
FPL
GW23 FPL: Defensive Anchors, Value Midfielders and Budget Forward Targets
GW23 FPL: defensive must-haves, cheap forwards and mid-priced midfielders with promising fixtures 23
With Gameweek 23 on the horizon managers should balance safe, high-floor options with a handful of budget differentials. For those using a two-keeper rotation, Robin Roefs (£5.0m) of Sunderland is the standout short-term pick; he is the game’s second highest-scoring stopper and faces West Ham United (A). Brentford’s Caomhín Kelleher (£4.6m) looks appealing against Nottingham Forest (H), who arrive tired after a midweek defeat to Braga. Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers slightly better value than Bernd Leno (£4.9m) for the Fulham v Brighton meeting, while David Raya (£5.9m) remains a set-and-forget despite an awkward clash with Manchester United (H). Arsenal’s defence continue to be the strongest in the division by some distance.
At the back, Gabriel (£6.9m) is essential after 38 points in the last four gameweeks, and pairs well with Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) or William Saliba (£6.0m) for those wanting an Arsenal double-up. Chelsea begin a favourable run with Crystal Palace (A), making Trevoh Chalobah (£5.6m) a compelling pick. James Tarkowski (£5.7m) has three clean sheets in his last five and could reward managers against Leeds United (H). Budget defenders Omar Alderete (£4.1m) and Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) have clean sheet potential away at London Stadium, and Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) gains appeal versus Burnley (A) after a positive Champions League result for Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City face Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) on paper but recent defeats to Man Utd and Bodø/Glimt are a concern; Rayan Cherki (£6.7m) is a cost-effective route into their attack, having scored two in his last three matches in all competitions, while Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) remains a riskier pick. Declan Rice (£7.4m) combines defensive returns with goals and is the highest-scoring midfielder. Cole Palmer (£10.4m) should be fit for Chelsea’s trip to Selhurst Park but Enzo Fernández (£6.6m) is the smarter, cheaper alternative. Harry Wilson (£5.9m) is exceptional value against Brighton.
Up front, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) stays essential for most squads. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) could threaten at the Vitality Stadium after a lively display against Marseille despite failing to score (well, an onside goal at least). Brentford’s Igor Thiago (£7.2m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and budget option Eli Junior Kroupi (£4.6m) are all listed as weekend differentials with immediate upside.
FPL
FPL Gameweek 22: goalkeepers to target, defensive doubles and midfield differentials
Budget goalkeepers, Arsenal defensive doubles and differential midfielders to target for Gameweek 22
Domestic cup action provided a brief mental break for Fantasy Premier League managers, but focus returns for Gameweek 22. The round opens with the Manchester derby at Old Trafford and finishes with a south coast battle on Monday night.
Goalkeepers on the radar include Robin Roefs (£4.9m) of Sunderland, who faces Crystal Palace (H); Palace are winless in nine matches and low on confidence after their FA Cup exit to Macclesfield Town. David Raya (£5.9m) remains a safe option given Arsenal’s knack for clean sheets as they travel to Nottingham Forest (A). Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen (£4.5m) offers a budget route between the posts after the Seagulls kept clean sheets in their last two home matches and now host Bournemouth (H).
At the back, Arsenal defenders stand out. Gabriel (6.7m) is essential for his clean sheet potential and attacking returns, having produced 30 points in the last three matches following two goals and a shutout. Jurriën Timber (£6.3m) provides a sensible double-up for extra Arsenal coverage. Matty Cash (£4.8m) is attractive for Aston Villa at home to Everton (H), offering attacking potential with three goals and two assists in the league this term. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m) is a short-term punt against Burnley (H). Cheaper defensive options include Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) versus West Ham (H) and Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele (£4.4m) and Omar Alderete (£4.1m).
Midfield looks lively. The Manchester derby is made more interesting by the return of Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m), who is described as fixture-proof and could thrive playing further forward under Michael Carrick. Rayan Cherki (£6.8m) is Manchester City’s standout midfield option, with seven goal contributions in his last 10 games across all competitions. Antoine Semenyo (£7.6m) could be worth the gamble after an excellent start to life at the Etihad. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (£10.2m) and Declan Rice (£7.3m) are both options at the City Ground, with Rice offering arguably better value. Florian Wirtz (£8.2m) has 34 points from his last five games and is the Liverpool midfielder to consider for Burnley. Enzo Fernández (£6.4m), Bruno Guimarães (£7.2m), Harry Wilson (£5.9m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.7m) are other midfield names to note.
Among forwards, Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains essential despite recent form and has a strong Manchester derby record: eight goals and three assists in nine previous meetings with Man Utd. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) returned from injury with a goal and assist in the FA Cup and has eight goals and two assists this season, making him a strong pick against 19th-place Burnley. Igor Thiago (£7.1m) has scored five goals in his last two games and is on 16 Premier League strikes this term. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and Raúl Jiménez (£6.2m) are both recommended for the potentially high-scoring meeting at Elland Road.
Arsenal
FPL Gameweek 18: Goalkeepers, Bargains and Must-Haves for the Deadline
FPL GW18 picks and deadline details: goalkeeper sleeper plays, budget forwards and premium options..
The Boxing Day sequence leaves Fantasy Premier League managers choosing carefully ahead of Gameweek 18. Several goalkeeper and outfield options stand out given the fixtures and recent form.
Alisson Becker (£5.4m) remains a contender despite Liverpool not keeping many clean sheets this season; Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored only nine times in 19 games. Caoimhín Kelleher (£4.5m) is an alternative after Bournemouth were held by Everton and Chelsea earlier this month, and Burnley conceded just once in their most recent match. Bernd Leno (£4.9m) is an attractive differential for Fulham at home against West Ham United.
Joško Gvardiol (£6.0m) is recommended as Manchester City aim to extend a run of successive clean sheets against Nottingham Forest, and his attacking output offers additional upside. James Tarkowski (£5.5m) could provide value for Everton against Burnley, who are among the lowest scorers in the division. Piero Hincapié (£5.5m) has been collecting points in Gabriel’s absence and should feature this week.
On the attacking side, Morgan Rogers (£7.2m) is under-selected by FPL managers and could offer an edge given his role in a high-performing team. Mason Mount (£5.9m) is a budget midfield option to consider while Bruno Fernandes will miss out on Boxing Day through injury, placing creative responsibility elsewhere. Anthony Gordon (£7.3m) arrives off recent double-figure hauls for Newcastle United and poses a direct threat to Manchester United.
Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains the premium forward for many squads, having scored almost half of his team’s goals and ranking behind only Phil Foden for current form; 74.1% of FPL players own him. Hugo Ekitiké (£8.9m) has been scoring regularly and benefits from Alexander Isak being out injured. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.8m) is the budget forward option after 22 points across the last two gameweeks and a favourable match-up with Sunderland.
The GW18 deadline for FPL is at 6:30 p.m. GMT (1:30 p.m. ET, 1.:30 a.m. PT) on Friday, Dec. 26.
Salah becomes first player with 152 goal contributions at one Premier League stadium
Salah sets unique Premier League record with 152 goal contributions at one ground
