Publish status
EARLY DRAFT — do not pretend the final 20 predicted XIs are known yet.
The purpose of this page is to preserve the correct GW1 baseline, then update it as cup matches, training news and manager press conferences arrive.
The short answer
GW1 removed many preseason guesses. We now know which players actually started, which new signings were trusted and which roles changed in competitive football.
For GW2, start from those XIs and make only evidence-based changes.
Highest-priority lineup questions
| Club | GW2 opponent | Question to solve before deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | Brighton (H) | Do Caicedo or Palestra return, and does the Palmer-Rogers-João Pedro front line stay intact? |
| Aston Villa | Arsenal (H) | Who replaces suspended/at-risk midfield minutes, and does Watkins return to the squad? |
| Man City | Crystal Palace (A) | How does Maresca use the squad after transfer movement and Doku's fitness issue? |
| Liverpool | Nott'm Forest (H) | Does the same attacking and centre-back hierarchy continue? |
| Newcastle | Spurs (A) | Which striker/attacking combination gets the competitive start? |
| Ipswich | Man Utd (A) | Does Emersonn retain the central-forward role after scoring in GW1? |
| Hull | Coventry (A) | Which budget defenders and midfielders keep their places after the 2-0 win over Man Utd? |
Chelsea early prediction logic
The João Pedro–Morgan Rogers–Cole Palmer attacking unit delivered all three Chelsea goals at Fulham. Unless training or tactical news changes, the burden of proof is now on a replacement rather than on those three.
At the back and in midfield, the possible return of Caicedo and Palestra can alter both selection and defensive quality.
Aston Villa early prediction logic
Villa's 4-0 loss at Brighton and João Gomes' red card create forced questions. Watkins was also absent amid transfer uncertainty. Do not copy a preseason Villa XI into GW2 without checking both suspension and transfer news.
Promoted-club lessons
GW1 gave useful budget evidence:
- Hull's starting defensive structure produced a clean sheet against Manchester United.
- Ipswich trusted Emersonn centrally and Julio Enciso created a goal.
- Coventry's opening trip to Arsenal was difficult, so do not discard every starter because of the scoreline.
These details matter for both standard FPL and the GW2 Welcome Back FPL Challenge.
How to finalise all 20 predicted XIs
For each club add:
- predicted formation
- predicted XI
- most uncertain position
- injury/suspension changes
- player who gained security in GW1
- player whose minutes are now at risk
Keep every uncertain call labelled 50/50 or monitor rather than writing false certainty.
OneFPL verdict
GW1 actual starts should outweigh preseason reputation. The best GW2 lineup article will be the one that changes least without new evidence and reacts quickly when manager comments provide it.
FAQ
Are these final GW2 predicted lineups?
No. This is the early tracker. Final predicted XIs should be inserted after midweek matches and press conferences.
Why create the page before press conferences?
It establishes the GW1 competitive baseline and gives one URL to update throughout the week instead of publishing duplicate team-news posts.
When is the GW2 deadline?
Friday 28 August at 18:30 BST.
Sources
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
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