Brighton FPL Gameweek 2: Pick up Pedro for a bargain buy
The opening weekend of the 2023-24 brought Brighton fans, FPL managers and the Albion’s new £30 million record signing Joao Pedro much joy.
Pedro (£5.5 million) scored on his Premier League debut and looked a lively presence throughout as the Seagulls comfortably saw off newly promoted Luton Town 4-1 at the Amex.
With his assumption of penalty taking duties from Alexis Mac Allister, Pedro was highly selected by FPL managers ahead of Brighton kicking off their campaign in such commanding style. His ownership is only likely to increase over the coming weeks.
Five other Albion players recorded an attacking return, including Pervis Estupinan (£5.0 million) and Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5 million). It does not come as a surprise that the Seagulls’ dangerous left sided duo also enjoy high ownership.
Ahead of Brighton making the trip to Wolves in Gameweek 2, here we look at some of the underlying starts from the hammering of the Hatters.
Late assist for Estupinan
Left back Estupinan began the FPL campaign as one of three players in at least 50 percent of teams. His desire to always get forward is great for managers to see and offers healthy points returns.
From Gameweek 20 last season, Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.0 million) was the only defender to accumulate more returns (15) and points (100) than Estupinan.
The Ecuadorian international created six chances against Luton, beating all other defenders. And yet as the game entered stoppage time, he was about to finish on just one point.
Luckily for all those who own Estupinan, he then popped up to assist the fourth Brighton goal scored by Evan Ferguson (£6.0 million).
Despite missing out on a clean sheet when Luton were awarded a controversial penalty, Estupinan still ended the afternoon returning seven points.
Much involvement for Joao Pedro and Mitoma
Further up the pitch, the combination of cheap price and pre-season spot kick duties thrust Pedro into high ownership following his big money move from Vicarage Road.
All those FPL managers believing the attacking football played by Brighton has the potential to result in a lot of fouls in the box were immediately rewarded when Pedro won and then despatched a penalty beyond Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski (£4.5m).
The goal topped off a bright performance where his 11 touches inside the box ranked second of all Premier League players. Mitoma was not far behind, sitting joint third with 10.
Mitoma also returned an assist when his excellent first half cross was headed home for the opening goal by Solly March.
Captain Fantastic
Meanwhile, Gameweek 2 could be one of the rare times where Erling Haaland’s (£14.0 million) captaincy domination is challenged.
Manchester City’s star forward is in over 90 percent of squads. He netted twice as the Citizens beat Burnley 3-0 on Friday night but faces a much sterner test with Newcastle United heading to the Etihad.
The Magpies thrashed Aston Villa 5-1 on Saturday night to take over from Brighton at the top of the table. They should pose more of a threat to City in 2023-24 than they did last season when conceding five times to the Champions.
Those who own Mohamed Salah (£12.5 million) might consider given the Egyptian forward the armband. Such managers probably bought the Liverpool attacker with the Reds hosting Bournemouth in Gameweek 2 specifically in mind.
Salah was unlucky to only accumulate five points during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea, when he had a goal ruled out for offside and also hit the crossbar.
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