The new season has brought its new kits, new managers, new players, and a renewed optimism that this season could be a special year.
The 2021/22 Premier League season began with a 34-goals opening on Gameweek 1, as Fantasy Premier League managers also got a taste of the optimism with a game week average of 69 points.
FPL players who trusted big names to provide them with points reaped their due rewards and those who didn’t will be ruing the lack of popular choices i.e Bruno Fernandes and Mo Salah.
FootballCastle is here to provide you with the best players going forward, ahead of the Gameweek 2 deadline at 11:00 BST on Saturday 21 August.
Goalkeeper
Ederson(£6m)
An obvious pick, it would be a bit of a shock to see Ederson concede against Norwich at the Etihad, and the Brazilian could even pop up with an assist in a game like this.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m)
Liverpool kept an expected clean sheet in GW1 against Norwich and although there were no attacking returns for Alexander-Arnold, persistence will surely pay.
The fullback delivered eight crosses, created three Chances against the Canaries, and would be looking to come up against Burnley next as this could be another profitable fixture for the Englishman capable of both defensive and attacking returns at Anfield.
Luke Shaw (£5.5m)
The left-back was fairly subdued against Leeds having created a couple of chances and had one attempt. Despite the goal conceded, Man United face much easier opposition in Southampton who are losing their star striker, Danny Ings.
Shaw has been solid defensively and more of the same against his former club gives him a very good chance for points at both ends.
Kostas Tsimikas(£4.1 m)
The Greek full-back was a popular choice ahead of the season-opener at Norwich due to Andy Robertson’s injury. Tsimikas made an impressive full debut and will now start in GW 2 against Burnley despite Robertson’s return to light training.
Sean Dyche’s men struggled with low crosses from wide against Brighton and the Liverpool man will be keen to impress in front of a full Anfield during this expectedly short spell in the lineup. He will fancy claiming his first assist for the club.
Returns at both ends of the pitch will make his a fairytale bargain on FPL.
Joao Cancelo(£6.0m)
Man City endured a third consecutive game without scoring in their opener at Spurs and the Champions will be keen for a reaction against Norwich. Joao Cancelo would be a good pick at both ends of the pitch due to his importance to the side’s balance, as well as the high probability of a clean sheet against the newly-promoted side who were well beaten by Liverpool.
Midfielders
Said Benrahma(£6.0m)
Due to his pre-season form and early signs, the Algerian is set to step up after Jesse Lingard’s exit.
Benrahma dazzled against Newcastle in GW1 as he scored and assisted in West Ham’s 4-2 victory. His could prove a bargain price in the long run and a partnership with Michail Antonio is something to be excited about.
Mohamed Salah(£12.5m)
The Egyptian was a must-have for GW1 and he once again looks set to light up your captaincy role.
Salah made history against Norwich, notching one goal and two assists to make it opening-day goals in five successive seasons.
Despite only playing Brighton, GW2 opponents Burnley conceded 12 shots in their own box, which will please Salah.
He and Bruno Fernandes are the first-choice captaincy picks for the first weeks of the season.
Ismaila Sarr (£6.0m)
The Senegalese was right back on it on his return to the top flight as he created four chances and posed a constant threat with his 10 touches in the box against Aston Villa.
Sarr delivered a goal and two bonus points and his small pool of owners will be looking forward to more given he also has a fair run of upcoming fixtures.
Kevin De Bruyne(£12.1m)
The Belgian made an encouraging return on opening day with a 15-minute cameo and will be looking forward to the first game of the return of fans to the Etihad against Norwich, who are one of the 30-year-old’s favourite opponents.
He was City’s best player on the park despite playing a fraction of the game against Tottenham and a linkup with Jack Grealish is on the horizon. Against Norwich, De Bruyne is a sure-fire captaincy pick.
Bruno Fernandes(£12.1m)
The 2021/22 season has kicked off with the same Bruno Fernandes as he started the campaign in style with a hattrick in the 5-1 drubbing of Leeds.
The Portuguese looked as sharp as ever linking well with Paul Pogba who also registered a staggering four assists. With Southampton up next in GW 2, another big Fernandes haul is expected as the Saints looked very disorganized against Everton without defender Jannick Vestergaard who has moved to Leicester.
Forwards
Michail Antonio(£7.5m)
West Ham’s new number nine was unplayable against Newcastle as he helped himself to a goal and two assists. Antonio created three big chances and is right in the mood for goals.
He is one away from becoming the club’s all-time Premier League highest goalscorer and he will look to boost his tally against Leicester.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin(£8m)
Everton averaged 17 crosses into the box in their opening come-from-behind win against Southampton, which will excite the Toffees frontman. Rafa Benitez looks keen on building his team around Richarlison and the England striker who will no doubt benefit from this new aerial approach having scored the most headers in his time at the club.
Just like last season, Calvert-Lewin started the season with a goal and it could push him to another prolific campaign. He will be keen to get more in his upcoming good run of fixtures.
Romelu Lukaku (£11.5m)
Chelsea created several chances against Crystal Palace and were initially wasteful until Marcos Alonso’s freekick settled the nerves at Stamford Bridge and set them on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win.
Lukaku’s return to Chelsea will quickly solve that lack of a clinical goalscorer and his 12.7% owners are banking on an immediate haul against Arsenal for the man with 113 goals and 42 assists in his Premier League career.
Mason Greenwood(£7.5m)
Greenwood was brilliant as the top striker against Leeds and was unlucky not to record more FPL returns. With Southampton, Wolves and Newcastle all up next on the calendar, he should add to his impressive start.
His presence upfront allows more fluid movement for the side and Man United will look to harness his qualities.
