Fantasy football: Who to pick in GW2

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  • Fantasy tips for GW 2

    Each week, Sport360 will bring you tips for the English Premier League’s official fantasy football game. Fancy pitting your wits against us? Join the newly established “Sport360 Fans'” league using the code 118790-38575.

    It’s too early in the season to pick out regular high scoring players and it’s only natural to think about switching things around already if the opening week didn’t pan out the way you expected.

    However, it’s important to avoid a knee-jerk reaction and steer away from any panic buys. Fortunately, here are a few tips to help you out.

    But first, a shout out to these tactical geniuses who’ve topped our Sport360 Fans league in the opening week!

    Wadalzain leads the way with 87 points!

    Wadalzain leads the way with 87 points!

    DON’T JUMP ON THE COUTINHO BANDWAGON JUST YET

    After a stunning two-goal display against Arsenal (talk about a perfect free-kick!), you may be tempted to join the 25.5% of managers who have opted for Philippe Coutinho.

    The Brazilian certainly warrants inclusion especially ahead of a clash with Premier League new boys Burnley but give the Liverpool man a couple more weeks to prove his value. It’s worth noting that the Reds have some difficult fixtures to come as they play Tottenham, Leicester City and Chelsea in their following three games.

    If you are determined to sign a midfielder (possibly after Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s exclusion), you’d do well to opt for Nathan Redmond. Despite having to play United away in this gameweek, at 6 million, the Saints new signing – who scored on his debut – is bound to be among the goals as he’s being used in a two-pronged attack.

    Anthony Martial chipped in with two assists as well – admittedly, the first was a scuffed shot but they all count – and was one of United’s most threatening players.

    Ross Barkley as well could produce some of his best form under Ronald Koeman. The midfielder looks in good nick and has been since pre-season.

    JOE HART ALTERNATIVES

    Things do not look good for Joe Hart. After being dropped to the bench for the opening game against Sunderland, the English No1 didn’t feature in the side’s European outing in midweek either.

    That’s quite a resounding statement from Pep Guardiola. Hart clearly doesn’t offer the Spaniard what he’s looking for and will probably have to move elsewhere in search of regular playing time.

    Plenty of managers chose the Manchester City custodian, expecting him to keep plenty of clean sheets in a possession-oriented Guardiola team. However, there are a few great replacements available and an opportunity to free up some money to use elsewhere on the pitch as well.

    Ben Foster – who scored 10 points in the first week – is clearly a standout candidate. At only 4.5 million, the West Brom keeper would see you recover 1 million if you swap him for Hart (5.5 million). The Baggies have a decent run of fixtures coming up as well.

    A keeper who arguably has an even easier run of games to come however is Maarten Stekelenburg. The Everton custodian is valued at 5 million and despite conceding against Spurs, will certainly rack up his fair share of clean sheets under Ronald Koeman.

    Although Lukasz Fabianski would seem like an attractive option following his eight points against Burnley, I’d put more faith in Adrian (5 million) and West Ham United.

    Fancy pitting your wits against us? Join the “Sport360 Fans'” league using the code 118790-38575.

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