FPL GW2 – Fixtures & Players to Target for Gameweek 2

The first Gameweek of the new season is always chaotic, filled with overreactions and knee-jerk transfers. While it’s tempting to rip up your squad after one bad week, remember this: your FPL team was built using months of data from last season and several pre-season friendlies. You’ve chosen players with at least a 6-week horizon in mind, not just a one-week punt.

So yes, this article highlights a few exciting picks for Gameweek 2, but my advice is simple – if you can, save your transfer. The information we have from just one Gameweek is far too small a sample size to justify wholesale changes. That said, let’s dive into the key clean sheet odds, long-term fixtures, and players worth monitoring for both the short and long term.

Link to all our FPL GW2 blogs including scout picks, players to target, buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, best forwards, and more. Completely free to access as well!

FPL GW2 Players to Target based on Stats and Fixtures

Clean Sheet Odds and Six-Week Horizon

The clean sheet odds have been calculated basis data from oddschecker while the 6 week horizon has been taken from elevenify.

According to the market odds, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bournemouth are all expected to score heavily this week, each posting 1.8+ expected goals. On the defensive side, Arsenal, City, Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Burnley are projected with 37%+ clean sheet probabilities.

Looking further ahead, the next six Gameweeks suggest some very clear trends. Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Liverpool are expected to average 1.5+ goals per match, while Arsenal, City, and Spurs also enjoy five strong attacking fixtures each. Aston Villa and Newcastle come in just behind, with four such fixtures in the same period.

For defensive returns, Arsenal (five fixtures with 30%+ clean sheet probability) and Villa (four such fixtures) look like standout teams to target. Over the six-week horizon, the top five defenses on clean sheet probability are Arsenal, City, Villa, Liverpool, and Chelsea – basis a total sum of the clean sheet probabilties.

From an FPL perspective, that means our focus should be on Bournemouth, Chelsea, Liverpool, and City assets for attacking potential, while Arsenal, Villa, Chelsea, and City stand out for defensive solidity.

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FPL GW2 Forwards to Target

Evanilson – Bournemouth (£7.0m)

Despite Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat at Anfield, there were plenty of positives in their attacking display. Evanilson may not have been directly involved in the goals, but he looked sharp, taking three shots—the joint-most for the Cherries. With Justin Kluivert still sidelined, Evanilson is also expected to be on penalties, adding another layer of appeal.

Bournemouth’s fixtures now ease considerably, with Wolves at home up next and a strong run of games in the next eight, including four home fixtures and a trip to newly-promoted Leeds. Priced at just £7.0m and owned by only 2% of managers, he’s a genuine differential who also allows flexibility to jump to any £7.5m forward later on. His underlying numbers from last season (10 goals from an xG of 12.5) suggest he could easily outperform his output this year.

Joao Pedro – Chelsea (£7.5m)

Chelsea were surprisingly wasteful in their goalless draw against Crystal Palace, but the numbers tell a different story. The Blues racked up 1.6 xG and 19 shots, suggesting rust more than real concern. Joao Pedro managed the third-highest xG (0.30) among Chelsea players in GW1, behind Santos (0.37) and Estevão (0.34), but unlike those two, Pedro is expected to get more consistent minutes.

The caveat, however, is his tendency to be subbed early – he played 73 minutes before being replaced by Liam Delap, and that pattern is likely to continue. Pedro’s flexibility to play either as a striker or in a supporting role makes him valuable to Chelsea’s system, but FPL managers should be patient. He might not explode immediately, but with West Ham’s fragile defense up next (conceded three to Sunderland), keeping faith could pay off quickly.

Further Read: FPL Gameweek 2 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold & Sell

Erling Haaland – Manchester City (£14.0m)

No surprises here – Haaland started the season exactly as expected. Two goals, three bonus points, and a total of 13 FPL points in 72 minutes. For those who captained him, it was a 26-point haul to kick things off. City face Spurs this week, a side who struggled badly against set-pieces and aerial duels last season.

While Haaland isn’t particularly known for his dominance in the air, his physical presence and ability to exploit weaknesses make him the obvious danger man again. His record against Spurs is strong, with four goals and two assists in six starts, blanking only once at home. Even with a slight dip in City’s overall form last season, Haaland remains as fixture-proof as ever. He’s definitely the best captaincy option for GW2 for those who own him.

Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa (£9m)

Villa’s talisman was unusually quiet in Gameweek 1, registering just one shot and one chance created. But looking beyond a single poor outing is crucial. Watkins finished last season with 16 goals and eight assists in 31 starts, and he also found the net five times in pre-season.

Villa’s upcoming fixtures are excellent, making Watkins one of the smartest long-term plays in attack. His potential penalty duties add even more appeal, and with ownership still under 26%, he has the ability to deliver explosive differential returns. If he hits form, his points could have a big impact on rank given that many managers are still overlooking him.

Further Read: FPL GW2 Predicted Lineups, Injuries & Press Conference Updates

FPL GW2 Midfielders to Target

Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth (£7.1m)

Semenyo produced the standout midfield display of GW1, scoring twice at Anfield and finishing with 15 points. His all-action style makes him a real threat, and last season he ranked second only to Cole Palmer for shots taken at home. Bournemouth’s fixtures now swing in their favour, starting with Wolves, and Semenyo is already the second most transferred-in player ahead of GW2 (600k transfers in already).

The Ghanaian offers not just form but also fixtures, with Bournemouth projected to score 1.5+ goals in each of their next six games. His ownership (13%) is still relatively low compared to other mid-priced midfielders, making him a strong differential pick. He could even be considered as a bold differential captaincy option for GW2.

Cole Palmer – Chelsea (£10.5m)

Palmer was the most popular Chelsea asset going into the season, and with good reason. He remains the focal point of their attack, and even though Chelsea failed to score against Palace, Palmer himself managed four shots – more than any of his teammates.

The main concern with Palmer is his form. Since January, he has just two goals and two assists in 18 Premier League appearances, with no open-play goals in that time. Despite that, he’s still a “don’t buy, don’t sell” option. Given his odd price point, he is difficult to buy or replace as well – though Saka is an attractive option for this week. However his fixtures are kind, his role is secure, and if you own him, patience is the right approach. Selling him now would be premature.

Further Read: FPL GW2 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More

Tijjani Reijnders – Manchester City (£5.6m)

City’s new signing from AC Milan made an instant impact in his Premier League debut, scoring and assisting against Wolves for a 10-point haul. His energy and versatility were on full display, and he looks to be a key piece of Pep Guardiola’s midfield plans.

Priced at just £5.6m, Reijnders offers superb value and is already the most transferred-in player of the week (890k transfers in). While there’s always a slight rotation risk with City assets, his performance against Wolves should keep him in the starting XI. His ownership will only climb if he keeps delivering, and his price is likely to rise further. Managers looking for a budget midfield enabler should strongly consider him.

Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest (£5.5m)

Another budget-friendly option is Forest’s Elliot Anderson. He returned in GW1 and was impressive both on the ball and at set-pieces, taking four of Forest’s five corners. His passing accuracy was excellent (88% completion), he racks up good defensive contribution numbers and his all-round involvement suggests he’ll be central to their attacking play this season.

At £5.5m, Anderson offers flexibility and could prove to be a reliable fourth or fifth midfielder. While not as explosive as others, his combination of fixtures, price, and role makes him a steady option for managers looking to balance their squads.

Further Read: Premier League Penalty & Set Piece Takers | 2025/26 PL Season

FPL GW2 Defenders to Target

Marc Cucurella – Chelsea (£6.0m)

Cucurella was one of Chelsea’s most impressive performers in their goalless draw with Palace, combining attacking intent with defensive solidity. He registered two shots, created a big chance, and finished with nine FPL points, thanks to three bonus points.

With West Ham struggling after a 3-0 defeat to Sunderland, Cucurella has an excellent chance of back-to-back clean sheets. His licence to get forward in Maresca’s system makes him a genuine dual-threat option. While Chelsea’s backline will need to adapt after losing Levi Colwill to a long-term injury, Cucurella remains nailed on and offers great value.

Further Read: FPL Gameweek 2 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold & Sell

Pedro Porro – Spurs (£5.5m)

Porro continues to stand out as the most appealing Spurs defender. His attacking metrics in GW1 were excellent: eight crosses, 13 long balls, and an xA of 0.26. He made 3 key passes, second only to Kudus for Spurs (5). Spurs’ fixtures are strong, and investing in their attack through Porro feels safer than their forwards given the uncertainty over rotations (Solanke vs Richarlison).

His advanced positioning means he’s more of an attacking wing-back than a traditional full-back, which makes him a high-upside pick. Spurs’ defensive record might be inconsistent, but Porro’s offensive potential more than compensates.

Rayan Ait-Nouri – Manchester City (£6.0m)

With Josko Gvardiol still sidelined, Rayan Ait-Nouri looks set for more minutes at left-back. He had an excellent GW1, registering two shots, a key pass, and 15 defensive actions, which earned him nine FPL points. His strong showing in the Club World Cup also suggests Pep trusts him – he had the 3rd highest mins for Manchester City in the CWC.

As long as Gvardiol remains unavailable, RAN offers one of the best value routes into the City defence. Even after Gvardiol’s return, his versatility could help him retain minutes. His attacking intent and City’s clean sheet potential make him a great pick.

Further Read: FPL GW2 Predicted Lineups, Injuries & Press Conference Updates

Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal (£6.0m)

Arsenal secured a gritty clean sheet against Manchester United in GW1, and Gabriel again showed why he’s the most attractive FPL pick in their defence. While William Saliba collected defensive contribution points, Gabriel offers far more attacking threat, with four goals and an assist last season.

Arsenal’s fixtures are mixed after Leeds this week, with Liverpool, City, and Newcastle all coming up. But given Arsenal’s defensive strength, they are still capable of picking up clean sheets in tough matches. Gabriel combines that defensive resilience with set-piece threat, making him a strong medium-term hold.

Conclusion

Gameweek 2 brings with it the usual urge to overhaul your squad after the chaos of the opening weekend. But the smarter play for most managers is to save a transfer and use the extra week of data to reassess. The clean sheet odds and fixture horizon suggest we should be focusing on Bournemouth, Chelsea, Liverpool, City, and Arsenal for both attacking and defensive assets.

From differentials like Evanilson and Semenyo to reliable picks like Haaland, Watkins, and Gabriel, there are plenty of players worth keeping an eye on. But remember – the season is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience in these early weeks often pays off more than chasing one-week punts.

Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW2

FPL GW2 Predicted Lineups, Injuries & Press Conference Updates
FPL GW2 – Fixtures & Players to Target for Gameweek 2
FPL GW2 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More
Premier League Penalty & Set Piece Takers | 2025/26 PL Season
FPL GW2 Stats Summary and Key Notes

Link to all our FPL GW2 blogs including buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, transfer targets, and more. Completely free to access as well!

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