The start of the new fantasy season has seen significant activity in the transfer market for FPL Gameweek 2, as managers look to repair any early errors made in their squad selection. 

Deciding whether to remain patient and bank a transfer or make early moves to avoid losing squad value is a tricky conundrum at the start of the season, not to mention who to target from the glut of options available. 

With that in mind, Fantasy Football Hub expert Holly Shand takes a look at the top transfer targets from a series of different categories ahead of Gameweek 2, according to AI predicted points.

Best Captain Pick: Erling Haaland

8.7 predicted points vs Ipswich Town (H)

Erling Haaland opened his account with a goal against Chelsea on Sunday as he looks to acquire a third consecutive Premier League Golden Boot. 

Look no further than Manchester City's Erling Haaland for your FPL captain in Gameweek 2

That was his 91st Manchester City goal in 100 competitive appearances for the club, and Haaland remarked after the game that he’s never felt better!

Up next for Haaland and Manchester City is promoted Ipswich Town at home, in their first home game of the new campaign. 

Haaland has a better record of goal involvements at the Etihad and has historically dominated weaker opposition, making this game in particular an attractive option.

A prediction in excess of 8.5 points does bring the Triple Captain chip into the conversation, especially since Ipswich conceded 18 shots on their goal against Liverpool last time out. 

City could be without Rodri for this game though, which may have an impact, so it's best to wait for a double gameweek later in the season.

Best Differential Pick: Kaoru Mitoma

5.0 predicted points vs Manchester United (H)

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma produced an excellent performance in the 3-0 win against Everton in Gameweek 1, with his first goal of the season. 

He’s a player going under the radar and wins differential status in less than 5 per cent of sides, with a big season ahead under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.

Brighton produced the performance of the weekend in the 3-0 win away to Everton and while there’s plenty of competition for places on the right and centre of the Seagulls attack, with Welbeck, Ferguson, Joao Pedro, Adingra and Minteh all competing for places, Mitoma should be nailed on the left in this side.

His underlying numbers showed particular promise, with four shots in the box, including three on target and two big chances. 

Brighton’s upcoming fixtures do look tough on paper, but three of the next four are at the Amex Stadium which will provide a significant advantage.

Best Defender Pick: Trent Alexander-Arnold

5.5 predicted points vs Brentford (H)

FPL Gameweek 1 was a significant one for the premium defenders, helped by clean sheets for Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. 

When it comes to picking for this weekend, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is the standout option, with Brentford visiting Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold shared inswinging corner duties with fellow full-back Andrew Robertson. 

He created three chances for his team-mates, with two of those classified as big chances created, which helped him to pick up two bonus points in the 2-0 win against Ipswich Town.

He is the most consistent attacking defender to select from in FPL, having produced a minimum of ten goal involvements in five of his last six seasons and having watched his performance under Arne Slot, those returns are sustainable for 2024-25.

Best Budget Midfielder Pick: Eberechi Eze

6.8 predicted points vs West Ham (H)

Owners of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze should feel hard done by following Gameweek 1, where an error from the officials led to his spectacular free-kick against Brentford to be ruled out. 

He looked lively in that game, with seven shots on goal, including three on target.

Eze comes in as the best budget midfielder for FPL Gameweek 2, as the highest predicted performer priced under £7.5million. 

Only Mohamed Salah is predicted to outscore Eze among midfielders, showcasing his routes to points in the game. He is involved in most set pieces and on penalty duty too.

It’s important to note that Crystal Palace are going through a period of change after an electric run-in under Oliver Glasner last season, with significant departures continuing from Selhurst Park. This could have an impact in terms of their performances on the pitch and so is one to monitor.

Best Budget Defender Pick: Antonee Robinson

3.8 predicted points vs Leicester City (H)

A number of FPL managers have been forced to make an early transfer in FPL Gameweek 2 for a budget defender, with popular pick Jarell Quansah losing his place at centre-back for Liverpool. 

Meanwhile, Joachim Andersen appears to be moving from Crystal Palace to Fulham and Valentin Barco is set to depart Brighton on loan.

There’s been significant transfer traffic for Manchester United newcomer Noussair Mazraoui and Manchester City’s Rico Lewis, but the best budget defender as picked by AI at under £5.0m is Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson.

Robinson has an attractive run of upcoming fixtures, with three home games in the next four, beginning with promoted Leicester City at home this weekend. 

Fulham have strengthened their defence in this transfer window and Robinson is regularly involved in their attacking play, registering six assists last season.

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