Fantasy Premier League 2023-24: The best FPL team for Gameweek 2

17 Aug 2023 15:00 BST
6 min read

Ben Chilwell, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah — © ProShots

Fantasy Premier League 2023-24 has begun and the deadline for Gameweek Two is fast approaching.

As always, FPL managers have a budget of £100 million to spend on 15 players, with 11 starters being supplemented by four bench options every week.

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FPL managers must select two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and three forwards with their £100m budget, with more emphasis placed on the starting XI.

MORE: Fantasy Premier League: The 10 most expensive FPL players in 2023-24

Here is FootballTransfers’ selection for the best Gameweek Two team in FPL 2023-24.

Using the cheapest options possible for the bench - a £4m goalkeeper, a £4m defender, a £4.5m midfielder and a £4.5m forward - there is £83m left for the starting XI.

MORE: Fantasy Premier League: How do FPL bonus points work?

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Matt Turner - Nottingham Forest (£4m)

Matt Turner may have conceded two against Arsenal (his former club) on his first appearance for Nottingham Forest, but the Gunners created just 0.84 xG in the game, which was the third worst of any team in the Premier League on the opening weekend.

Furthermore, they host a Sheffield United side who created just 0.42 xG against Crystal Palace - the second worst of any side in Gameweek One. Nottingham Forest are also excellent at home and so a clean sheet and a strong performance is likely.

Defender: Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool (£8m)

Trent Alexander-Arnold is the most expensive defender in FPL, but his performance against Chelsea didn’t showcase his immense attacking potential.

However, Liverpool host Bournemouth this weekend and while a repeat of last year’s 9-0 win is unlikely, Alexander-Arnold could be in for a big haul if the Reds find their feet in the final third. After all, he is the most expensive defender for a reason.

© ProShots - Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool

Defender: Ben Chilwell - Chelsea (£5.6m)

With news that Reece James could be sidelined for a while through another hamstring injury and Lewis Hall on his way to Newcastle, Ben Chilwell is a guaranteed starter for Chelsea and his attacking input will be vital against West Ham.

The England international scored seven points in Gameweek One, which resulted in his price increasing by £0.1m, but he remains an excellent option, especially considering how dangerous Chelsea looked against Liverpool.

Defender: Pervis Estupinan - Brighton (£5.1m)

Like Chilwell, Pervis Estupinan has also seen his price rise by £0.1m after his seven-point haul against Luton Town.

The Ecuador international is owned by more than 50% of FPL managers and given Brighton travel to goal-shy Wolves this weekend, he’s a must-have. Furthermore, his attacking potential remains huge for a Seagulls team who constantly create chances for their attackers.

Defender: Ola Aina - Nottingham Forest (£4.5m)

The reasons for picking Aina are very similar to why Turner is a great choice: Nottingham Forest limited Arsenal to very little xG and Sheffield United didn't look threatening in attack against Crystal Palace.

Furthermore, Aina played as a left-wing-back at the Emirates, meaning he has licence to get forward and support the attack - something that could result in assist or goal points.

Midfielder: Mohamed Salah - Liverpool (£12m)

Mohamed Salah picked up an assist and five FPL points against Chelsea, but it could’ve been so more if his goal hadn’t been ruled out for offside by VAR.

The Egyptian may have acted angrily to being substituted in the second-half, but Jurgen Klopp played down the incident in his post-match interview and Salah will be eager to put things right at home to Bournemouth.

Last season, Salah scored 16 goals at Anfield in all competitions and he always turns up when Liverpool play in front of their home crowd.

Midfielder: Bukayo Saka - Arsenal (£8.6m)

Bukayo Saka scored 10 FPL points during the opening set of fixtures, which was the highest tally of any midfielder in the game.

His price has risen to £8.6m as a result, but he remains a worthy investment, especially as Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace on Monday night - a game that looks tasty from a Gunners FPL perspective.

The England international scored two and provided one assist in his last appearance against Palace - a 4-1 victory at The Emirates in March.

Midfielder: Bryan Mbeumo - Brentford (£6.5m)

Bryan Mbeumo scored a penalty in Brentford’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham in Gameweek One but owners of the midfielder will be rueing his glaring missed chance from a Rico Henry cross.

However, Brentford travel to local rivals Fulham for their second game of the season, hoping for a big result against Marco Silva’s side. The Cottagers may have beat Everton 1-0 on opening day, but that doesn’t tell the full story as Bernd Leno was forced to make nine saves as Everton generated 2.59 xG, the third highest of any team in Gameweek One.

Leno could have another worldie against Brentford, but Fulham were far too easy to play through at Goodison Park, making Mbeumo a great option.

Midfielder: Brennan Johnson - Nottingham Forest (£6m)

As mentioned with Turner, Nottingham Forest have a great fixture at home to Sheffield United on Friday night and Brennan Johnson could kick start his season against the Blades.

The Wales international has sensationally been linked with a move to Chelsea this window, but he remains a Nottingham Forest player and could be key in their hopes of securing three points.

Seven of Johnson’s eight Premier League goals last season came at home, meaning he is a dangerous weapon whenever Steve Cooper’s side play at the City Ground.

Forward: Erling Haaland - Man City (£14m)

This is the most obvious choice of all and despite Manchester City facing a tricky test against Newcastle, Erling Haaland is still a shoe-in.

The Norwegian bagged a brace against Burnley on opening night and will be keen to keep the ball rolling against the Magpies. Kevin de Bruyne’s injury is a massive blow given Haaland’s link-up with the Belgian, but there is still enough creativity in the City team to create chances for the forward.

Forward: Nicolas Jackson - Chelsea (£7m)

This is perhaps the biggest wildcard suggestion of the lot given Nicolas Jackson missed a big chance against Liverpool and wasn’t able to score his first competitive Chelsea goal.

However, the early signs are that he is a very promising young forward who will create chances via his movement, speed and strength.

Chelsea travel across London to face West Ham on Sunday and considering how dominant they were against Liverpool, the Blues look a good bet for three points against the Hammers. As a result, Jackson could be a smart addition to your FPL team.