By Neil Leverett
- Gameweek 2 of the 2019/20 Premier League season takes place this weekend
- Champions Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur, as Chelsea entertain Leicester City
- Arsenal host Burnley, with both Liverpool and Manchester United on the road
PREMIER LEAGUE, UK – As the footballing weekend approaches, which five players are must-haves for your Fantasy Premier League squads during Gameweek 2?
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Last season’s co-Golden Boot winner with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang began the new campaign where he left off last May, scoring the only goal of the game in last Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Again showing the same predatory instincts as last term, the Gabonese striker’s finish followed on from his hot string in pre-season, and as Burnley roll into North London on Saturday lunchtime, the Gunners hit-man could be in the goals again.
The Clarets put on an impressive showing against Southampton on opening day themselves, but their performances on the road are unlikely to be the factor that keeps Sean Dyche‘s men in the Premier League come the end of the season.
In the last five league meetings between the two sides, Arsenal have netted sixteen times against the Lancashire outfit with Aubameyang notching braces against against Burnley in the last two successive home games. It would be no surprise to see a repeat performance this weekend and is a must-have for our Fantasy Premier League squads.
Kevin De Bruyne
After a 2018/19 season of huge frustration for Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian now looks back to full fitness, and despite being rather eclipsed by both Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez‘s hat-trick and assist triple respectively against West Ham United, Manchester City’s mercurial midfielder could be front and centre for Gameweek 2.
As the Citizens welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad, City are unlikely to afforded such favour in terms of space on Saturday evening, making De Bruyne’s ability to pick a pass all the more vital this weekend against the Lilywhites.
Spurs were a little off-colour against a plucky Aston Villa last time out, and despite the presence of Tanguy Ndombele, the gaps in the Tottenham midfield were quite alarming at times.
Aside from the Belgian penchant for a killer pass, his eye for goal shows no sign of wavering, and Saturday’s clash could come down to efforts from the edge of the box, where De Bruyne will be waiting to pounce.
Lucas Digne
Everton’s big plus of the previous campaign was their defensive structure, and after gaining a clean sheet away to Crystal Palace to begin their season, the 2019/20 looks to be no different.
Once more, the Toffees full-backs were both heavily involved, and whilst Seamus Coleman is worth serious consideration for this weekend also, Lucas Digne comes into the must-have column to face Watford.
The Hornets were stung by Brighton on home turf last Saturday, and after shipping three goals to the Seagulls, a trip to Goodison Park would not have been on boss Javi Gracia‘s checklist of ‘bounce-back games’.
For Digne, raiding down the left flank as the Frenchman does with aplomb – coupled with his set-piece deliveries – an already shaken Watford back line will be put under further scrutiny, and even if the visitors breach the Everton boughs, at the opposite end, Digne will be waiting in the wings to supply the attacking threat.
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Teemu Pukki
It’s easy to see that the Norwich City philosophy in the Premier League, will be very similar to that of their one in the Championship. That being base much of their play on attack, even if the defensive side leaves much to be desired.
Teemu Pukki was the fulcrum of the Canaries’ attacking line last term in promotion, and though many doubted the Finnish international’s ability in the top flight, the man that cost Daniel Farke less than a million pounds proved if he can net at Anfield, he can succeed pretty much anywhere – on his top flight debut no less.
As the Magpies travel south to East Anglia, Norwich will again be on the front foot, and if they continue to look as ragged as against Arsenal last weekend, Pukki will be licking his lips and looking to score in successive top tier games.
John Egan
For our final pick, were going out on a limb a little with Sheffield United’s John Egan, but those brave enough may be rewarded at both ends of the field on Sunday afternoon.
With the Blades hosting a rather uncertain-looking Crystal Palace, Chris Wilder‘s men will be looking to build on last weekend impressive point at AFC Bournemouth, as Bramall Lane hosts its’ first Premier League clash in 13 years.
The Yorkshire side will be looking to keep things tight at the back and keep Wilfried Zaha – whose future in South London remains in doubt – out of the action, which Egan will play a big part of.
At the Vitality last time out, the Blades suffocated their opponents for large periods, and as their attacking threat grew in looking to find a leveler, Egan was at close quarters to Billy Sharp‘s late equaliser. But the emphasis for the Blades will be keeping a shut-out and Egan could provide the spoils here.
Premier League Gameweek 2 begins on Saturday, as Arsenal host Burnley at the Emirates Stadium, kick-off 12:30pm UK time.
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