The GW1 of the Premier League certainly had us on the edge of our seats. While there were nail-biting games, the FPL managers had their task cut out to choose a team with several options available. Fast forward to Gameweek 2, the managers have their team set and will look to make a few changes to the squad within the allotted budget.
Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland, who are perhaps the most owned players in the game, stole the show and the points, much to the delight of the FPL managers. However, there were a few players who went under the radar and secured huge hauls on the opening weekend. In light of the foregoing, here are a few midfield options that can provide you with the much-needed points for the upcoming game week.
Gabriel Martinelli (£6.1M, Arsenal)
Priced at just 6.1 million, if you still have not got your hands on this young talented Brazilian, now is the time to do it. Martinelli is arguably in the form of his life and started the campaign by scoring against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend. Moreover, the rhythm and the confidence around the Arsenal camp are arguably at an all-time high.
Martinelli also took an advanced position at Selhurst Park and constantly made those runs in behind the fans typically know him for. His explosiveness combined with his pace means that he is always a target for the Gunners’ creative players to be at the end of chances. Additionally, in GW 1, his xG of 0.88 was only bettered by four players.
While Martinelli’s goal-scoring exploits were witnessed on the opening day of the season, he also assisted 5 times in 5 games during Arsenal’s pre-season campaign. So, he is undoubtedly a bargain for the FPL managers as Arsenal host Leicester City on Saturday.
Rodrigo (£6M, Leeds United)
Rodrigo was placed as a forward last year, but since he was predominantly used as an attacking midfielder, FPL managers now have the option of picking a cheap midfielder in their squad. Leeds United have started their season positively with a 2-1 win over Wolves and Rodrigo was on the scoresheet.
The 31-year-old was also in fine form during United’s pre-season campaign as he scored 5 times in 5 games including a hat trick against Italian opposition Cagliari just a week before their first Premier League game. He has not impressed the Leeds faithful since his big arrival back in 2020, but with Raphinha leaving, the onus could lie on him to lead the Leeds United front-line.
The Whites are traveling to Southampton who conceded 4 goals to Tottenham Hotspur. The Saints are arguably a work in progress and this is a great opportunity for Rodrigo to stamp his authority with the Yorkshire team.
Kevin De Bruyne (£12M, Manchester City)
It is fair to say that many FPL managers have opted to go for two premium assets in their starting 11 with Salah and Haaland. So, it is surprising to see a player of Kevin De Bruyne’s quality only being owned by 16% of the managers. Priced at 12 million, Man City’s star man was off the mark with a breathtaking assist against West Ham United.
The Belgian also has a brilliant record against Bournemouth. He has scored twice and assisted thrice since his arrival at Man City against the Cherries and with a player of Erling Haaland’s caliber in front of goal, the number could well increase.
Furthermore, Guardiola played De Bruyne in a free role during the end of last season, where he certainly grabbed headlines with outstanding performances. With a low ownership percentage and high value, Kevin De Bruyne could prove to be the differential who can deliver the goods for you this week.
Jarrod Bowen (£8.5M, West Ham United)
West Ham United accumulated the second lowest xG last week against Manchester City. However, they were completely outplayed by the Premier League champions so the data could well change in the next few games. This week, however, they face an opponent who conceded plenty of chances in the opening week.
Nottingham Forest conceded 23 shots against Newcastle United and struggled to create any chances on their own. So this game week could be tailormade for Jarrod Bowen and West Ham to pick up their form. Owned by just 6.5 percent of the FPL managers, the Englishman could explode onto the scene as seen in the past.
Following the game against Forest, West Ham also have two relatively easier fixtures against Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion. Hence, Bowen can be a relatively long-term option in your FPL squad due to his excellent goal-scoring ability.
