FPL Gameweek 2-Team-News Tips: Who to Start and Who to Drop
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 5 min read
FPL Gameweek 2-team-news tips reveal that starting Man City’s Haaland and dropping Newcastle’s key players can give you a solid advantage. The differential comes from Brentford’s Thiago, who has scored 22 goals at a modest 80 cost. These moves are backed by recent form and budget considerations.
The fixtures table
| Kickoff | Matchup | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 19:00 | Crystal Palace vs Man City | Selhurst Park |
| 11:30 | Liverpool vs Nott'm Forest | Anfield |
| 14:00 | Coventry City vs Hull City | Coventry Building Society Arena |
| 14:00 | Bournemouth vs Everton | Vitality Stadium |
| 16:30 | Spurs vs Newcastle | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| 13:00 | Leeds vs Brentford | Elland Road |
| 13:00 | Chelsea vs Brighton | Stamford Bridge |
| 13:00 | Sunderland vs Fulham | Stadium of Light |
| 15:30 | Man Utd vs Ipswich Town | Old Trafford |
| 19:00 | Aston Villa vs Arsenal | Villa Park |
The fixture lineup shows that Man City face Crystal Palace, a side that struggled last season. Liverpool will take on Nott'm Forest, who have a history of conceding goals. Bournemouth and Everton meet in a clash that could swing either way, with both sides hovering around the mid-table. The most evenly matched game is Spurs vs Newcastle, where defensive frailties could open the scene for midfielders to shine.
Captain picks
- Haaland - 155 cost, 74.80% selected, 239 points, 6.8 pp, 27 goals. His scoring rate of 0.72 goals per game and 1.13 points per game make him the most reliable source of points in a tight lineup. He has already outscored every other forward in the league this season.
- Foden - 70 cost, 7.60% selected, 131 points, 4.0 pp, 7 goals. He offers a balanced mix of goals and assists and his recent five‑match haul of 12 points has put him in the top 10 for midfielders. His cost is just over 3 million, making him an efficient option.
- Rayan Cherki - 75 cost, 9.30% selected, 135 points, 4.1 pp, 4 goals. He has a high chance of scoring on a 10‑point weekend, and his low cost gives a good return if he gets on the score sheet. He also has a 12 % chance of being a captain, which is a useful backup.
These picks reflect the blend of high reward and risk mitigation; Haaland delivers the highest return, Foden offers a safe mid‑level option, and Cherki provides the price‑to‑performance ratio that can lift a squad.
Players to bring in
- Thiago - 80 cost, 16.00% selected, 181 points, 4.8 pp, 22 goals. He has 0.45 goals per game and 1.20 points per game, making him an attractive pick for a budget‑friendly slot. His 22 goals are the highest for any player under 80 cost.
- Declan Rice - 75 cost, 22.40% selected, 184 points, 5.1 pp, 4 goals. He provides 0.13 goals per game and 1.25 points per game, and his recent clean sheets have helped him earn 3 points on 4 matches.
- Morgan Gibbs‑White - 80 cost, 11.60% selected, 188 points, 5.1 pp, 15 goals. He offers a goal every 2.2 games and 1.27 points per game, and his clean sheet record gives him an edge in defensive fixtures.
- Enzo Fernández - 70 cost, 5.50% selected, 157 points, 4.4 pp, 10 goals. He averages 0.32 goals per game and 1.10 points per game, and his creative role has seen him provide 4 assists this season.
Bringing in these players not only fills gaps left by the dropped names but also keeps the squad balanced across positions, keeping the budget in check while adding depth.
Players to move on
- James Garner - 0.70% selected, 159 points, 7 assists. He is currently injured, with a groin issue that keeps him out until mid‑August, and his return is uncertain. His cost of 60 is high for the points he has delivered.
- Elliot Anderson - 12.00% selected, 180 points, 4.7 pp. Despite a decent points tally, his involvement has dropped in the last four matches, and his cost of 65 makes him less efficient. He also has a low chance of playing next week.
- Jurriën Timber - 0.50% selected, 149 points. He misses several matches due to a groin injury, and his cost of 65 is not matched by his output. Removing him frees up budget for a more reliable option.
Removing these names clears room for more consistent performers and improves the overall return per budget.
The differential
- Gabriel - 80 cost, 26.20% selected, 209 points, 6.5 pp, 3 goals. He has 0.08 goals per game and 1.36 points per game, and his clean sheet record of 18 out of 38 matches gives him an average of 0.47 clean sheets per game. His occasional goal adds extra value.
In a game where clean sheets are hard to predict, a defender with Gabriel’s profile can offer a steady stream of points while keeping the budget in line.
FPL Gameweek 2-team-news tips show that a balanced mix of high‑scoring stars and budget savvies can push a squad to the top of the points table. By combining a proven captain, a differential defender and a handful of mid‑budget midfielders, you can comfortably outscore rivals who rely solely on expensive names.
Key takeaways
- Haaland remains the top captain pick with 27 goals and 239 points.
- Thiago offers a high goal output at 22 goals for 80 cost.
- Dropping Garner, Anderson and Timber frees up budget and points.
- Gabriel provides a differential safe pick with 209 points.
- The fixture list favours the top three teams but offers surprises like Bournemouth vs Everton.
FAQ
Q: Why is Haaland the best captain pick? A: He has 27 goals, 239 points, 6.8 pp, and is 155 cost, making him the most reliable source of points in a tight lineup.
Q: Can I use Gabriel as a differential? A: Yes, he has 209 points, 6.5 pp, and is 80 cost, giving a solid return while keeping budget in check.
Q: What are the best players to bring in for budget? A: Thiago, Declan Rice, Morgan Gibbs‑White and Enzo Fernández are all under 80 cost and have solid points per game.
Q: Which players should I drop? A: James Garner, Elliot Anderson and Jurriën Timber are either injured or underperforming relative to their cost.