As we head into Gameweek 2, the FPL landscape is already shifting fast. Whether you’re looking to target in-form players or eyeing differentials to set your team apart, keeping an updated watchlist is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll highlight five players who have shown strong potential in GW1 or come with promising fixtures and underlying stats.
These are the picks to consider adding ahead of GW2 to give your squad a competitive edge and help you climb the ranks early in the season. Let’s dive in and see who deserves your attention this week.
Elliot Anderson (5.5m)
Elliot Anderson was one of the standout names during preseason within the FPL community, and his GW1 display showed exactly why the hype was deserved.
Returning just 6 points feels a little harsh on owners, as he was extremely close to both the defensive contribution points and further attacking returns with an XGI of 0.67.
At 5.5m, he looks excellent value in a Forest side where he appears fully nailed, offering far greater security than options like Reijnders.
What impressed most was how advanced he looked, constantly involved in key moments. On another day, his haul could easily have been much bigger, and with kind fixtures ahead, Anderson feels like one of the best budget midfielders to target before GW2 if needed to free up funds elsewhere.
Jørgen Strand-Larsen (6.5m)
Jørgen Strand-Larsen slipped under the radar for many managers ahead of GW1, largely because of his tough opener against Man City.
Those who backed him early, though, will feel confident after what they saw. Leading the line for Wolves, he managed a 0.38 xGI against one of the league’s strongest defences, which is an encouraging sign.
The fixtures now take a much kinder turn, with all three promoted sides to come before GW9. Add in the possibility of penalty duties, and Larsen suddenly looks like a forward who could offer serious value. Moving early might give you an edge before the crowd catches on.
Bryan Mbeumo (8m)
Bryan Mbeumo was a hero for many FPL managers last season, but he’s been overlooked this year due to that awkward 8.0m price tag and playing in United’s brand new front line.
Those who watched the United vs Arsenal game, though, will know he looked sharp and heavily involved throughout. United actually showed signs of structure and attacking intent, far removed from the side that limped to 15th last campaign.
While Cunha, at the same price, also impressed, Mbeumo found himself on the end of more dangerous chances, which is what matters most in FPL. Acting early could pay off, especially with Fulham’s vulnerable left side up next before a promising GW3 fixture against Burnley.
Patrick Dorgu (4.5m)
Patrick Dorgu is starting to look like a real under-the-radar option in FPL and could soon gain attention. United’s defence impressed many by keeping Arsenal relatively quiet, restricting them to the third-lowest open-play xG totals over the weekend.
For managers considering a Free Hit in GW4, Dorgu looks an exciting punt at the back. His appeal isn’t necessarily from defensive contribution points, but from his attacking contribution.
The fullback scored and assisted against Bournemouth in pre-season, then struck the post versus Arsenal while also registering more final-third touches than any United player bar Bryan Mbeumo.
If United strengthen further in goal, his clean sheet potential improves too – making him a bargain pick who offers multiple routes to points as a differential.
Evanilson (7m)
While much of the attention has gone to Semenyo after his opening day brace, there’s a strong case for considering his teammate, Evanilson, instead.
Semenyo impressed with his finishing, but Evanilson actually produced a higher xGI per 90’ than him, Chris Wood and even Bruno Fernandes across last season’s campaign.
That underlying threat shouldn’t be overlooked, especially with a great fixture run ahead. On top of that, there’s every chance Evanilson could claim penalty duties, which would only boost his appeal further.
At just 2.2% ownership, he represents a real differential – one that could reward managers willing to back him early rather than follow the crowd
