Gameweek 1 was more predictable than a Jennifer Garner rom-com and less enjoyable. Gameweek 2 promises to throw some spanners in the Fantasy football works, though, with blockbuster fixtures between Man City and Liverpool and Everton and Arsenal. Here's guest writer Chris Clark's golden knowledge nuggets for you to chow down on before you do anything silly.
Buy low
Fabregas (9m) -- Leicester (H)
Cesc bomb - if you haven't already got the gargoyle-faced creative in your team, now would be a good time to pick him up before his price undoubtedly jumps. Anyone who feared his reintroduction in to the Premier League would be as successful as a Spanish waiter in a Torquay hotel has had their fears assuaged by two bonnie assists and three Bonus Points. With an easy run of games ahead, he could be a steal in terms of production against playmakers of a similar price. If you need more convincing, Mourinho is waxing lyrical about his vision, he can play as a number ten when prompted, he had a curtailed World Cup and he takes corners and the odd free kick. A few years ago he was a top-price, top-range player at Arsenal, take advantage while you still can.
Fabregas did que last week?
Andreas Weimann (5.5m) -- Newcastle (H)
Weimann? You might say in the tone of an inquisitive Geordie. Well why not at his price. Villa still appear to be struggling upfront and a lot of their output could flow toward him. With a low price tag and a game against a shaky Newcastle defence on the horizon in GW2, he could be worth a punt. Andre Schuerrle (7.5m) -- Leicester (H)
The Hugh Dennis lookalike and German World Cup super-sub had an excellent summer. After a good performance against Burnle, he could cement himself into the Chelsea squad. As always with Chelsea attacking band players he isn't guaranteed a game but with the introduction of Fabregas he could prosper and represents a cheaper, more reliable goal threat than Willian (8m).
Ryan Bertrand (5m) -- @West Brom
Taking Luke Shaw’s spot is a player who made his Champions League debut for Chelsea in the final and didn’t do too badly for himself. Southampton have a decent manager and their defence may not be as bad as first feared after the losses of Lovren and Shaw. There is still time for them to spend on more defensive reinforcements and they have some tasty holding midfielders in front for added protection. At his price and with potential for assists, he could be worth a look over the suddenly-supremely-popular Nathaniel Clyne (5m).
Bojan (5.5m) -- @Hull
Stoke's new wonderkid could still represent good value. He was wicked preseason, Stoke have added Victor Moses to supply ammunition and at that price, what have you got to lose?
Sell high
Romelu Lukaku (9m) -- Arsenal (H)
After years of stockpiling ex-United midfielders and pinching pennies, Everton finally smashed the piggy bank open on the Belgian forward, who boasts the highest number of league goals for any player by the age of 21.
Massive props to the Toffee who took the time to make this amazeballs graphic
Despite a hefty summer price tag and a lot of hype from Roberto Martinez, it's not certain he'll be able to improve upon last season, and being one of the more expensive strikers and drawing a blank against newly promoted Leicester in GW1, it may be worth looking at other options.
Raheem Sterling (8.5m) -- @Man City
A controversial one, I grant you, especially after his 13-point performance against the Saints. He is not a cheap option and his price has probably been affected by the English football press hype train. He only cost 6.4m last year, 4.6 the year before that. It is also important to consider if he will be able to sustain his performances at his age without burn out and the fantasy price drop that inevitably comes with being dropped or getting injured. This, in addition to Liverpool's tough fixture lise, is why I'd rather trust Bacary Sagna to cut my hair than have Sterling as one of the big names in my fantasy team.
Fools gold
Eric Dier (5m) -- QPR (H)
Spurs' new hero won't be starting once Michael Dawson and Jan Vertonghen come rolling back into town. They were lucky not to concede against West Ham as well (it was like a shooting gallery up in Upton Park and Noble even missed a pen) so his clean sheet points are misleading.
Branislav Ivanovic (7m) -- Leicester (H)
A solid player no doubt but his playing time will be reduced by the arrival of Felipe Luis (6m), allowing Azpilicueta (also 6m - they're an expensive lot aren't they?) to revert back to his natural position. He will still play at centre half so may not lose out on too many games and will always have a chance of popping up with a goal as he proved on Monday but at this price and with less opportunity to get assists, there are other better and more economical options in the market.
Don't Panic
Olivier Giroud (8.5m) -- @Everton
Despite being benched for a goalless first game against a team who had just fired their manager and were supposed to be rolled over by a buoyant Arsenal side, and an effete performance against Besiktas midweek, Giroud should still be able to amass a high points total this season. He’s still the main man as Sanogo and Campbell are too erratic and untried to be played regularly at this point. With Everton and Leicester games coming up, expect him to get back amongst the goal scorers soon.
