For those who forgot to finalise their team before the first deadline of the season, or even to create their teams, don’t worry; we can pretend that the season really begins in Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 2.
With the deadline on Friday, August 28, 18:30 BST, here are some FPL Gameweek 2 tips to help you make informed decisions for your second squad of the new campaign.
FPL Gameweek 2 Fixtures
All times BST
Friday 28 August
- Crystal Palace vs Man City (20:00)
Saturday 29 August
- Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest (12:30)
- Bournemouth vs Everton (15:00)
- Coventry City vs Hull City (15:00)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle (17:30)
Saturday 30 August
- Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion (14:00)
- Leeds United vs Brentford (14:00)
- Sunderland vs Fulham (14:00)
- Manchester United vs Ipswich Town (16:30)
Monday 31 August
- Aston Villa vs Arsenal (20:00)
Injury Updates, Suspensions and Key Team News
Aston Villa’s squad continues to take shape in the final days of the window. Ollie Watkins is on the verge of a move to Al-Hilal, with Nicolas Jackson set to arrive from Chelsea as his replacement.
Chelsea have also agreed a deal for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Villa, while Joao Gomes is suspended for Villa until Gameweek 5 after his red card on debut.
Elsewhere, Manchester City are without Jeremy Doku (calf) for the trip to Crystal Palace, while Matheus Nunes is not fully fit.
Arsenal still miss William Saliba (back) and Jurrien Timber (groin), though Bruno Guimaraes is a doubt who could feature against Villa, and new signing Ezri Konsa is available for picking for FPL Gameweek 2.
Tottenham remain without Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski (all knee); Mohammed Kudus (thigh) and James Maddison (shoulder) are also still sidelined, though Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven are closer to returns. However, new Spurs signings Omar Marmoush and Savinho, or Savio, may make their Tottenham Premier League debuts.
Liverpool are without Federico Chiesa (back), while Newcastle miss Will Osula (foot). Crystal Palace will be without Ismaila Sarr (groin) and Chadi Riad (knee) against Man City.
Keep a close eye on the final press conferences for any late fitness updates before the FPL Gameweek 2 deadline.
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Must-Have FPL Picks
Following the first round of the 2026/27 Premier League fixtures, there is now a clearer picture of form and roles, making selections for FPL Gameweek 2 a bit more straightforward.
Chelsea vs Brighton will be a tough one to call.
Brighton sit top after thrashing Aston Villa 4-0 and look one of the most exciting attacking sides early on.
Maxim De Cuyper (£4.6m) was outstanding in an out-of-position left-wing role, delivering a goal, assist, clean sheet and massive bonus haul. Diego Gomez (£5.0m) also contributed, while Jack Hinshelwood (£6.0m) scored twice before his recent training knock.
Even against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Brighton’s attackers remain must-consider options if fit – though Hinshelwood’s is unlikely to feature. Their defenders carry more risk in what should be an open game.
Chelsea were strong in attack in their 3-2 win at Fulham but showed defensive frailties.
The top picks from this fixture include Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (£9.5m), Joao Pedro (£7.6m), and Morgan Rogers (£7.5m), alongside Brighton’s De Cuyper and (if fit) Hinshelwood.
Arsenal take on a Villa side still adjusting after multiple summer departures and look well-placed for returns. David Raya (£6.0m), Ben White (£5.5m), Riccardo Calafiori (£5.6m), Martin Odegaard (£6.6m) and Bukayo Saka (£9.5m) all showed well in the opener and remain attractive.
A disappointing 2-0 loss to newly promoted Hull City in the first round is followed by another game against a promoted side, Ipswich Town. However, captain Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m) offers solid value for FPL Gameweek 2.
Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m) has set-piece duties at home to Nottingham Forest, while Erling Haaland (£15.5m) remains the premium forward even after a Gameweek 1 blank.
For FPL Gameweek 2, many managers will keep the bulk of their squad intact and make only minor tweaks based on confirmed minutes, transfer business and early form. Prioritise players with high expected minutes and good underlying numbers rather than chasing pure differentials this early.
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FPL Captaincy Picks
The FPL Gameweek 2 captaincy decision centres on a few clear candidates:
- Erling Haaland – (Palace vs Man City)
- Bruno Fernandes – (Man Utd vs Ipswich)
- Joao Pedro & Cole Palmer – (Chelsea vs Brighton)
- Bukayo Saka – (Aston Villa vs Arsenal)
Strategic Considerations
Monitor the final press conferences closely – last-minute fitness updates and confirmed starting XIs can still shift decisions before the 18:30 BST deadline.
Much like the first round, FPL Gameweek 2 is about building a solid foundation rather than chasing every differential. Prioritise players with high expected minutes and favourable fixtures. Leave a little flexibility in your budget for early price rises and late transfer window business.
By staying updated on the latest news and being strategic with your opening squad and captaincy choice, you can start the 2026/27 season strongly and set yourself up for a competitive rank.
Apply these FPL tips carefully, and you’ll be well placed for FPL Gameweek 2.
Good luck!
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