After the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Premier League season, FPL returns for Gameweek 2.
It was a disappointing start for some of the big hitters, with Erling Haaland and Bruno Fernandes both blanking. Meanwhile, members of Hull City's backline were amongst the most unexpected points scorers, with £4.0m goalscoring duo Nobel Mendy and Semi Ajayi both recording big hauls.
We've provided you with the best team, captaincy options and differentials before the FPL gameweek 2 deadline at 18:30 BST on Friday 28th August.
Captaincy options
Erling Haaland - £15.5m (MCI)
Fixture: Crystal Palace (A)
Ownership: 67.9%
Manchester City's opener against Bournemouth was proof that there may be some teething issues under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca, but that's no reason to look past Haaland in gameweek 2.
In spite of the Citizens' struggles at the Etihad, no player on the pitch had more shots (five) than the Norwegian brute, proving a threat throughout and recording a 0.74 xG.
Haaland's ownership has already dropped -- suggesting that FPL managers are willing to go without the £15.5m asset -- but you'd be naive to sell the Man City forward ahead of a trip to Selhurst Park.
The 26-year-old has scored eight goals in six appearances against Crystal Palace, and he'll be desperate to add to that tally on Friday night.
Bruno Fernandes - £12.0m (MUN)
Fixture: Ipswich Town (H)
Ownership: 48.4%
A number of managers opted to triple up on Manchester United assets ahead of their opening clash against Hull City, but they left much to be desired at the MKM Stadium when falling to a 2-0 defeat.
While it'd be easy to lose faith in Man Utd assets and part ways with £12m Fernandes, selling the Portuguese maestro ahead of a home fixture against newly-promoted Ipswich Town would be illogical.
Irrespective of the Red Devils' shock setback in gameweek 1, it's important not to lose sight of your pre-season planning, and those who intended on captaining Fernandes ahead of their Old Trafford encounter against Gary O'Neil's side should stick to the plan.
Joao Pedro - £7.6m (CHE)
Fixture: Brighton (H)
Ownership: 67.8%
While Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool and Tottenham underwhelmed in the opening round of fixtures, Chelsea gave their supporters plenty to be excited about in their first competitive contest since Xabi Alonso's arrival.
Questions were raised over Alonso's team selection ahead of their Fulham clash -- with six customary defenders present in the starting XI -- but a formidable front three of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers did the talking at Craven Cottage.
While all three are enticing captaincy options ahead of their Stamford Bridge contest against Brighton, it's written in the stars for Pedro to get one over against his former club on Sunday afternoon.
Differentials
Jorrel Hato - £4.5m (CHE)
Fixture: Brighton (H)
Ownership: 0.5%
Marc Cucurella's departure left a void at left-wing back for Chelsea, and Jorrel Hato filled it seamlessly against Fulham on Monday night.
The Dutchman -- who traditionally plies his trade at left-back or centre back -- flourished in a more advanced role on the left flank in gameweek 1, providing a constant threat and coming close to adding just his second Chelsea assist in the second half.
While, over time, Hato's place in Alonso's starting XI might not be guaranteed, it's hard to imagine a world in which the 20-year-old doesn't feature from the start against the Seagulls in gameweek 2.
Anton Stach - £6.0m (LEE)
Fixture: Brentford (H)
Ownership: 2.3%
While it's not always recommended to target a player off the back of a solitary haul, it's hard to overlook Anton Stach's numbers in Leeds United's 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.
Registering 16 defensive contributions, recording three shots and notching the winning goal, the German midfielder was the standout performer at the City Ground last weekend.
The designated direct free-kick, indirect free-kick and corner kick taker, Stach's threat from set plays makes him an enticing differential, and another haul in gameweek 2 could see his £6m price and 2.3% ownership surge.
Thierno Barry - £5.5m (EVE)
Fixture: Bournemouth (A)
Ownership: 3.2%
Is this the season that Everton reap the rewards from their centre forward?
Thierno Barry opened his 2026/27 account when doubling Everton's lead against Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last weekend, heading home Iliman Ndiaye's tempting cross.
He's since notched his first hat-trick in a Toffees shirt -- scoring three in his side's 4-0 win over Preston North End in the EFL Cup -- and a trip to the south coast to face Bournemouth presents an ideal opportunity for the Frenchman to extend his positive start.
Best FPL Gameweek 2 team
GK: Antonin Kinsky (TOT)
DEF: Riccardo Calafiori (ARS)
DEF: Harry Maguire (MUN)
DEF: Joe Rodon (LEE)
MID: Bryan Mbeumo (MUN)
MID: Bruno Fernandes (MUN)
MID: Anton Stach (LEE)
MID: Cole Palmer (CHE)
FOR: Erling Haaland (MCI)
FOR: Thierno Barry (EVE)
FOR: Joao Pedro (CHE)
SUBS: Dubravka (TOT), Diop (IPS), Thomas (COV), Slater (HUL).
