FIXTURES TO TARGET
LIVERPOOL VS BURNLEY
In Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Norwich, they created 13 chances, 46% of which came from Trent Alexander Arnold and Mohamed Salah on the right flank. Against Brighton, Burnley conceded six chances from their left flank, which could prove crucial and Salah could get chances to score against Burnley. Gameweek 2 should follow suit with the home crowd having a major impact on proceedings.
SOUTHAMPTON VS MANCHESTER UNITED
As always, Bruno Fernandes was the star performer as he scored three goals in Manchester United’s 5-1 thrashing of Leeds. Similarly, Paul Pogba impressed with four assists on the day, which is more than he had during the whole 2020-21 season. The last time United played Southampton, they won massively 9-0 at Old Trafford. Southampton’s disappointing performance against Everton indicates that this might be a one-sided game for the second match in a row, with Manchester United as the favourites.
MANCHESTER CITY VS NORWICH CITY
After losing to Tottenham Hotspur in their first game, Pep Guardiola’s men will be motivated to win against Norwich, who lost convincingly to Liverpool in a 3-0 defeat. Manchester City could return to their winning ways against Norwich City as Kevin de Bruyne is expected to start. This should be a straightforward game and their first win of the campaign against the canaries.
DIFFERENTIAL PICKS
RICARDO PEREIRA (5.5M)
With an impressive performance against wolves resulting in a win for the foxes and a 12-pointer for Ricardo Pereira, he could certainly be a good alternative to the heavily owned Luke Shaw and Trent Alexander Arnold. Still only owned by (5.2%) and a healthy run of fixtures on the way he could certainly be a great pick if you are looking to gain in your mini-leagues.
Ismaila Sarr (6.0M)
With a surprising win against Villa in their opening fixtures, Watford looked pretty good than what one would’ve expected. With a goal in his first game of the season, Sarr looks like he could perform much better than the last time he played in the Premier League with Watford. With Brighton next and a nice run of fixtures until GW7 Sarr could be a nice differential (5.2%) or that 4th midfielder spot in our teams.
Raheem Sterling (11.0M)
With Norwich coming up this weekend and probably nailed to start alongside Mahrez on the flanks, Sterling could be the perfect differential pick this Gameweek as they face a very vulnerable Norwich and he could also be trusted with the armband. Owned by just 2.9%, he could be a risk, but he could return in double-digits especially when Kevin De Bruyne is expected to start against Norwich.
CAPTAIN PICKS
MOHAMED SALAH (SURE SHOT)
Mohamed Salah remains the firm favourite as the reds entertain a packed house at Anfield for the first time in almost 18 months, and like many players, Salah seemed to have been affected by the fans’ absence last season. With Burnley coming off a defeat in their first game against Burnley and fans back in Anfield, it should result in no less than a win for the reds.
BRUNO FERNANDES (MODERATE)
After scoring a hattrick in Gameweek 1 against Leeds, and now facing a team who also press like Leeds and leave space behind their defence. Bruno Fernandes could manage and exploit that space, as he did against Leeds and have joy playing against Southampton. With Varane and Sancho possibly starting, against Southampton it could result in a traditional win against the Saints.
HEUNG MIN SON (GO FOR BROKE)
Nuno Espirito Santo looks like he could finally get the best out of the players he has under his management at Tottenham, following his first win against the defending champions. Son played as a striker in the absence of Harry Kane. Tottenham looked dangerous on the counter-attack. In light of all the speculation surrounding Kane’s move to Manchester City, Son could be the better option and be given the armband against Wolves this week until the situation around Kane is clearer.
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