FPL Gameweek 2 tips: Top Picks and Avoids for Managers

Why we like him

João Pedro is set to face Brighton at home on August 30, 2026. He has been in excellent form, scoring three goals and providing two assists in his last three matches. This makes him a prime candidate for the captaincy this week. His ability to find the net and create chances for his teammates makes him a valuable asset for any FPL manager.

Brighton has struggled defensively, conceding a high number of goals in recent matches. This presents an opportunity for João Pedro to exploit their weaknesses. With Chelsea playing at home, the atmosphere will be electric, and he will be eager to impress the fans.

His current ownership stands at 67.4%, indicating that many managers are backing him to deliver points. This high ownership means that if he performs well, he could significantly boost your rank in the overall standings. Captaining a player with such popularity can also help you keep pace with your rivals.

In addition to his goal-scoring ability, João Pedro is also involved in set-pieces, which increases his chances of scoring or assisting. With Chelsea's attacking style under their new manager, he is likely to be at the forefront of their offensive plays.

FPL impact

João Pedro's price is currently set at £7.6m, making him an affordable option for many managers. His high ownership means he is a template pick, and captaining him could be a safe choice this week.

Given his form and the favorable fixture against Brighton, many managers are expected to transfer him in. This could lead to a price rise if his popularity continues to grow. Captaining him could also provide a significant points boost, especially if he scores or assists.

With the captaincy debate often revolving around high-profile players, opting for João Pedro could differentiate your team from others. If he performs well, you could gain an edge over those who choose more popular captain options.

Why we like him

Cole Palmer is another Chelsea player to consider for your FPL team. He is set to face Brighton at home on August 30, 2026. Palmer has shown flashes of brilliance and is known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability. He is a key player in Chelsea's attacking setup, making him a valuable asset this week.

Palmer's recent performance has been impressive, with one goal and one assist in his last match, contributing to a total of 13 points this season. His involvement in the attacking play indicates that he is likely to contribute points soon.

His ownership is currently at 15%, which means he is a differential pick. If he performs well, he could provide a significant points boost for those who have him in their squad. Captaining him could be a risk worth taking, especially if you are looking to climb the ranks.

Palmer is also on penalties and free-kicks, which increases his chances of scoring. With Brighton's defensive struggles, he could find opportunities to score or assist in this match.

FPL impact

Palmer's price is set at £9.5m, which is reasonable for a player of his potential. His ownership is lower than that of João Pedro, making him a good differential option for managers looking to gain an edge.

As a vice-captain, he provides a safety net if your captain does not perform. If João Pedro fails to deliver, Palmer could step up and provide the points you need. His form suggests he is capable of doing just that.

With Chelsea's attacking prowess, Palmer could be involved in multiple goals this week. His ability to score and assist makes him a valuable asset, and he could easily return double-digit points.

Why we like him

Morgan Rogers is another Chelsea player to consider for your FPL team. He is set to face Brighton at home on August 30, 2026. Rogers has shown promise since joining Chelsea and is expected to play a crucial role in their attacking setup.

His recent performances have been encouraging, and he has already made an impact in the early stages of the season. With Chelsea looking to secure a win at home, Rogers could be involved in key attacking plays, making him a valuable asset this week.

Rogers' price is set at £7.5m, which is reasonable for a player of his potential. His ownership is currently at 25.9%, indicating that many managers are backing him to deliver points. This makes him a solid premium pick for your squad.

With Chelsea's attacking style, Rogers is likely to be involved in multiple goal-scoring opportunities. His ability to create chances and score goals makes him a player to watch this week.

FPL impact

Rogers' price of £7.5m makes him an attractive option for managers looking to strengthen their midfield. His ownership is growing, and he could be a key player in Chelsea's attack this week.

As a premium pick, he offers the potential for high returns. If he performs well, he could provide a significant points boost, especially if he scores or assists in the match against Brighton.

With Chelsea's attacking prowess, Rogers could be involved in multiple goals this week. His ability to score and assist makes him a valuable asset, and he could easily return double-digit points.

Why we like him

Maxim De Cuyper is a differential pick to consider this week. He is set to face Chelsea away on August 30, 2026. De Cuyper has shown promise since joining Brighton and could be a valuable asset in this match.

His ownership is currently at 7.2%, making him a low-risk option for those looking to differentiate their squads. If he performs well, he could provide a significant points boost for managers who take the chance on him.

Brighton will be looking to bounce back after recent performances, and De Cuyper could play a key role in their defensive setup. If he can keep a clean sheet and contribute to the attack, he could deliver valuable points.

With Chelsea's attacking threats, De Cuyper will need to be at his best. However, if he can handle the pressure, he could emerge as a surprise performer this week.

FPL impact

De Cuyper's price is set at £4.6m, making him an affordable option for managers looking to strengthen their defense. His low ownership means he is a good differential pick, which could help you gain an edge over your rivals.

If he performs well against Chelsea, he could provide a significant points boost. His ability to contribute defensively and offensively makes him a player to watch this week.

With Brighton looking to improve their form, De Cuyper could be a key player in their setup. If he can keep a clean sheet and contribute to the attack, he could deliver valuable points.

Why we are wary

Chadi Riad is a player to avoid this week as Crystal Palace faces Manchester City at home on August 28, 2026. Riad is currently dealing with a knee injury, which makes him a risky choice for your FPL team. His absence could lead to a lack of points, and with City being a strong attacking side, it is unlikely he will contribute positively even if he plays.

His ownership is currently at 0%, indicating that managers are already wary of his situation. With a form line of 1.0, he has not been performing well, and his injury status only adds to the concerns surrounding him.

Facing Manchester City is a daunting task for any defender, and Riad's current form and injury make him a poor choice for this gameweek. It is best to look for alternatives who can provide more reliable points.

If you have Riad in your squad, it may be wise to transfer him out or bench him this week. There are better options available who can deliver points against less formidable opponents.

FPL impact

Riad's price is set at £4.5m, but given his injury status, he is not worth the investment. His lack of ownership reflects the concerns surrounding his fitness and form.

With Manchester City being a strong attacking side, Riad is unlikely to keep a clean sheet or contribute positively to your team. It is best to avoid him this week and look for alternatives who can provide more reliable points.

If you have Riad in your squad, consider transferring him out or benching him this week. There are better options available who can deliver points against less formidable opponents.

Why we like him

Nobel Mendy is a defender to consider for your FPL team this week. He is set to face Coventry City away on August 29, 2026. Mendy has shown promise in his recent performances and could be a valuable asset in this match.

His ownership is currently at 3.3%, making him a low-risk option for those looking to differentiate their squads. If he performs well, he could provide a significant points boost for managers who take the chance on him.

Hull City will be looking to secure a win against Coventry, and Mendy could play a key role in their defensive setup. If he can keep a clean sheet and contribute to the attack, he could deliver valuable points.

With Coventry's attacking threats, Mendy will need to be at his best. However, if he can handle the pressure, he could emerge as a surprise performer this week.

FPL impact

Mendy's price is set at £4.0m, making him an affordable option for managers looking to strengthen their defense. His low ownership means he is a good differential pick, which could help you gain an edge over your rivals.

If he performs well against Coventry, he could provide a significant points boost. His ability to contribute defensively and offensively makes him a player to watch this week.

With Hull City looking to improve their form, Mendy could be a key player in their setup. If he can keep a clean sheet and contribute to the attack, he could deliver valuable points.

Why we like him

Semi Ajayi is a budget pick to consider this week. He is set to face Coventry City away on August 29, 2026. Ajayi has shown promise in his recent performances and could be a valuable asset in this match.

His ownership is currently at 1.6%, making him a low-risk option for those looking to differentiate their squads. If he performs well, he could provide a significant points boost for managers who take the chance on him.

Hull City will be looking to secure a win against Coventry, and Ajayi could play a key role in their defensive setup. If he can keep a clean sheet and contribute to the attack, he could deliver valuable points.

With Coventry's attacking threats, Ajayi will need to be at his best. However, if he can handle the pressure, he could emerge as a surprise performer this week.

FPL impact

Ajayi's price is set at £4.0m, making him an affordable option for managers looking to strengthen their defense. His low ownership means he is a good differential pick, which could help you gain an edge over your rivals.

If he performs well against Coventry, he could provide a significant points boost. His ability to contribute defensively and offensively makes him a player to watch this week.

With Hull City looking to improve their form, Ajayi could be a key player in their setup. If he can keep a clean sheet and contribute to the attack, he could deliver valuable points.

Why we like him

Mamadou Sangaré is a form pick to consider this week. He is set to face Leeds away on August 30, 2026. Sangaré has been in excellent form, contributing both defensively and offensively for Brentford.

His recent performances have been impressive, and he has already made an impact in the early stages of the season. With Brentford looking to secure a win, Sangaré could be involved in key plays, making him a valuable asset this week.

Sangaré's price is set at £5.6m, which is reasonable for a player of his potential. His ownership is currently at 7.8%, indicating that many managers are backing him to deliver points. This makes him a solid form pick for your squad.

With Leeds' attacking threats, Sangaré will need to be at his best. However, if he can handle the pressure, he could emerge as a surprise performer this week.

FPL impact

Sangaré's price of £5.6m makes him an attractive option for managers looking to strengthen their midfield. His ownership is growing, and he could be a key player in Brentford's attack this week.

As a form pick, he offers the potential for high returns. If he performs well, he could provide a significant points boost, especially if he scores or assists in the match against Leeds.

With Brentford looking to improve their form, Sangaré could be a key player in their setup. If he can keep a clean sheet and contribute to the attack, he could deliver valuable points.