FPL experts: The best team for Gameweek 2

The Scout’s panel of experts pick their best XI for managers starting 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League in Gameweek 2 or those looking to play their first Wildcard.

David Raya (BRE) £4.5m

Utkarsh Dalmia (@zophar666): Brentford look to be a side who will concede a lot of shots, so Raya should rack up plenty of saves and bonus points. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold (LIV) £7.5m

Holly Shand (@FFCommunity_): Liverpool started the season with a clean sheet and we know that Alexander-Arnold is never far from an attacking return, while he also has great upcoming fixtures. 

Luke Shaw (MUN) £5.5m

Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily): Shaw owners were unlucky not to see returns from him in Gameweek 1. Apart from a world-class strike from Luke Ayling (£4.5m), the Manchester United clean sheet looked likely.

Shaw had the most recoveries and blocks across the Man Utd team, while in attack he registered one big chance and two penalty-area touches, more than any of his defensive team-mates.

Ricardo Pereira (LEI) £5.5m

Chuck Booth (@ChuckBoothSport): Pereira finally looked like himself again in Leicester City’s opening-day win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Hugging the touchline, he was able to get forward with ease while also maintaining his defensive duties, leading to an assist for the decisive goal scored by Jamie Vardy (£10.5m).

Considering the upcoming schedule for the Foxes, Pereira could produce another double-digit haul soon. 

Pereira's GW1 assist

Mohamed Salah (LIV) £12.6m

Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily): In Gameweek 2 he will be in front of a home crowd, something that really boosted teams in Gameweek 1, on the back of his goal and two assists at Norwich City.

The last time Liverpool had a Premier League home match at full capacity, Salah scored the opening goal in a 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth, and I expect him to find the net this time, too.   

Bruno Fernandes (MUN) £12.1m

Pranil Sheth (@Lateriser12): When Man Utd don't have Edinson Cavani (£8.5m) available, the other options drift infield or out wide, leaving space for Fernandes to run beyond, which makes him an even more dangerous asset.

We saw this in the pre-season match versus Everton, as well as against Leeds United last weekend.

Mason Greenwood (MUN) £7.5m

Utkarsh Dalmia (@zophar666): Greenwood was brilliant in the striker role against Leeds and was unlucky not to get more FPL points. With Southampton, Wolves and Newcastle United his next three opponents, he should add to his goal tally.

Said Benrahma (WHU) £6.1m

Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily): Many West Ham United fans will tell you Benrahma had a difficult, transitional season last year, but he has found his feet now. And he took his pre-season form to St James' Park at the weekend.

A tricky match-up against Leicester in Gameweek 2 shouldn't put you off. Benrahma and the Hammers will get a massive boost from playing in front of their home fans for the first time this season. 

Ismaila Sarr (WAT) £6.0m

Ben McNair (@drbenmcnair): Sarr's pace caused Aston Villa real problems in Gameweek 1. He ticks a lot of boxes. He is the talisman for his side, he has a good run of fixtures coming up from Gameweek 4, and his budget price enables more spending elsewhere.

Sarr scores v Aston Villa

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (EVE) £8.1m

Tom Cantle (@WGTA_FPL): Calvert-Lewin may only have scored one goal in Gameweek 1 but he registered five shots against Southampton, with Everton's set-up primed to get crosses in to him from the flanks. More goals beckon with four nice fixtures next.

Michail Antonio (WHU) £7.6m

Holly Shand (@FFCommunity_): Antonio is the main man in an attacking West Ham side - he will get plenty of chances.

Remember, the Gameweek 2 deadline is at 11:00 BST on Saturday 21 August.