Fantasy Football Tips for Gameweek 2 in the Premier League

The Premier League is back and already throwing up a few surprises for fantasy football fans. Hull’s shock win over Leicester didn’t sit particularly well with the WhoScored tipster, particularly as last week’s tip, Jamie Vardy, wasted several golden chances. Indeed, no player has missed more clear-cut goalscoring opportunities than Vardy (2) in the Premier League this season.

Liverpool and Arsenal enjoyed a seven-goal thriller but Roberto Firmino somehow failed to get involved in the action despite proving a constant menace, while Gerard Deulofeu could not grasp his opportunity to shine. Ben Foster, as expected, did manage to keep a clean sheet in the West Brom goal, however.

Gameweek 2 is already upon us with Manchester United due to host Southampton in this season’s first Friday night fixture and the WhoScored tipster is ready to provide you with some more tips ahead of the weekend’s action.

PHILIPPE COUTINHO - LIVERPOOL

Liverpool will be high in confidence off the back of their scintillating 4-3 win over Arsenal on the opening weekend and will be looking to take that momentum into the trip to Burnley, against whom they have a stellar recent record. Philippe Coutinho was particularly impressive against Arsenal, finishing the match with two goals and the best WhoScored rating in the Premier League (8.83) from gameweek one.

The Reds have won all four of their last encounters against Burnley, scoring 11 goals in the process without conceding a single goal. Given midfielders tend to get bonus points for keeping a clean sheet on most fantasy football platforms, Coutinho could be earning points from all angles this weekend.

VINCENT JANSSEN - TOTTENHAM

This selection represents something of a gamble but it could prove to be one of the smartest buys you make this weekend. Harry Kane's display against Everton on the opening day of the season suggests the England international could do with a rest. Vincent Janssen came off the bench and made a real impact for Tottenham in that fixture and Mauricio Pochettino could look to give the Dutchman his first start for the club following his summer move from AZ Alkmaar.

Only Luis Suarez (25) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (24) have scored more goals in Europe's top leagues in 2016 than Janssen (21) and Spurs' home match against Palace could prove the perfect foil to give the striker his first start in English football. Palace haven't won away from home in the league since December 19th (vs Stoke) and they've conceded 21 goals in the subsquent 11 away league games since, which only makes Janssen a more appealing transfer ahead of Gameweek 2

RAHEEM STERLING - MANCHESTER CITY

After last season’s disappointment, a slow start this time around was out of the question for Sterling. Nolito and Leroy Sane’s arrival over the summer only applied further pressure on the 21-year-old but Sterling has started the season in tremendous form.

The England international won the penalty from which City opened their account under Pep Guardiola in the league this season, registered two more assists in their Champions League qualifying win on Tuesday and won the first of two penalties they were awarded in the 5-0 trouncing of Steaua Bucharest. Considering Sterling only managed four assists in 41 league and European games last season, his start to the season has already been an upgrade to the form he showed last term. In previous years City's trip to Stoke would have seen Sterling kicked off the pitch, but he should now thrive under the current circumstances. For those that have the injured Sadio Mane in their team, Sterling could prove a smart replacement.

MICHEL VORM - TOTTENHAM

One of the biggest problems for fantasy football fans is trying to manoeuvre in the transfer market to free up funds for a star player while still signing players that can get you points. News that Hugo Lloris will miss the next four weeks of action with a hamstring injury was met by despair by Tottenham fans, but for fantasy football fans it could prove a blessing with the significantly cheaper Vorm now set to deputise in his absence.

Tottenham will start life with Vorm against a Crystal Palace side that have recently lost star forward Yannick Bolasie. Given Alan Pardew will still be without a goalscoring frontman, this should prove the perfect match for Vorm to get up to speed and keep a clean sheet. His record between the sticks for Tottenham isn’t a glowing one, but it has regularly been the case that he is thrust into matches halfway through the campaign. With the season still fresh, Vorm has the chance to set himself for the next month.

ONES TO AVOID

For those that made a bad start to the season the next reaction is to bring in anyone that excelled the week before. But don’t make any hasty decisions. Sadio Mane is someone that should be picked more by users over the course of the season but he isn’t expected to feature for Liverpool this weekend after suffering a shoulder injury in training. The timeline on his return remains unknown, but getting him out of your team this weekend should certainly be something to think about.

West Ham made Andre Ayew their club record signing but his debut lasted just 35 minutes before he was forced off. He has been ruled out for four months with a thigh injury so make sure he is given the boot before this weekend’s action.

No player has registered more assists in the last three Premier League campaigns than Cesc Fabregas (25) but the Chelsea midfielder doesn’t appear to feature in Antonio Conte’s immediate plans. His inclusion may prove a gamble that isn’t worth taking. Look elsewhere!

Which players are you tipping for Gameweek 2 in the Premier League? Let us know your thoughts and how your fantasy football team is getting on in the comments below