Premier League 2025-26 Game Week Two: Team News, Injuries, and FPL Tips

Matchweek 2 of the 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off this weekend, with key injury updates, debutants, and Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points taking centre stage. The action begins on Friday night as West Ham host Chelsea at the London Stadium (20:00 BST), before a packed schedule across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday sees all 20 teams in Premier League action. Fans and FPL managers alike will be keeping a close eye on team line-ups, fitness news, and standout performers as the competition for early points continues.

Are you using your Wildcard or starting in Gameweek 2? 🤔

The Scout's squad features zero Liverpool players 👉 https://t.co/PslbKdrV1J pic.twitter.com/irMavAe7QZ

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) August 20, 2025

Friday Fixture

West Ham v Chelsea (20:00 BST)

West Ham United host Chelsea at the London Stadium on Friday night, hoping to bounce back from a 3–0 defeat to Sunderland in their opening match of the season. Manager Graham Potter will be looking for a response from his squad, with Callum Wilson potentially making his full debut after last week’s struggles. Crysencio Summerville and George Earthy are sidelined through injury, but Tomas Souček, Edson Álvarez, and Andy Irving are all available for selection.

Chelsea travel to east London seeking their first victory following a 0–0 draw with Crystal Palace. Striker Nicolas Jackson is unavailable due to ongoing transfer talks, while Christopher Nkunku is also sidelined amid speculation over his future. Both Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are both injured, and defender Levi Colwill remains out for most of the season with an ACL injury. Wesley Fofana has returned from injury and could feature. The Blues will hope to see attacking contributions from their remaining midfielders and forwards as they look to break down a West Ham side keen to respond to last week’s defeat.

From a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) perspective, Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer is expected to start and could offer attacking returns, while West Ham’s Tomas Souček presents a budget-friendly option in midfield. Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham’s key attacking threat and could be influential in unlocking Chelsea’s defence. With both teams desperate for points, this London derby promises to be a closely contested fixture, with potential FPL rewards for those who back the right players.

Saturday's Fixtures

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur (12:30 BST)

Manchester City host Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, aiming to build on their impressive 4–0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their season opener. Erling Haaland was the standout performer, netting twice, while new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also impressed. City will be without midfielder Mateo Kovačić, who is sidelined with an Achilles injury and is not expected to return until early October. Defender Josko Gvardiol is a doubt due to a knock, and Phil Foden is recovering from an ankle issue, making his participation uncertain. Goalkeeper Ederson is also unavailable, with James Trafford expected to continue in goal.

Tottenham, under new head coach Thomas Frank, will look to continue their strong start after a 3–0 win over Burnley. However, they will be without key midfielder James Maddison, who is out for the season due to an ACL injury. Dejan Kulusevski and Destiny Udogie are also sidelined, leaving gaps in both midfield and defence. In attack, Richarlison is expected to lead the line after scoring twice last weekend, supported by wingers Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland remains a top pick after his brace in the opening match. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, priced at £5.6m, offers potential for attacking returns and could be a valuable addition to FPL squads. For Tottenham, Richarlison, priced at £6.5m, could provide value, especially if he continues his scoring form from the previous match. Given the attacking capabilities of both teams, this fixture promises to be an exciting encounter with potential FPL rewards for those who back the right players.

Tijjani Reijnders is the most transferred in player for #FPL Gameweek 2 👏

Do you have him in your team? 👀

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) August 19, 2025

Bournemouth v Wolves (15:00 BST)

AFC Bournemouth welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon, looking to bounce back after a 4–2 defeat to Liverpool in their season opener. Antoine Semenyo was the standout performer for Bournemouth, scoring twice and earning 15 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) points. Manager Andoni Iraola will be hoping his side can respond positively, although he faces challenges with several key players unavailable. Enes Ünal, Justin Kluivert, and Ryan Christie are all sidelined, leaving gaps in both attack and midfield. Despite these setbacks, Bournemouth’s attacking threat, led by Semenyo, remains significant.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, under manager Vitor Pereira, will be looking to recover from a heavy 4–0 defeat to Manchester City in their opening match. The team will be without striker Leon Chiwome due to injury, while recent departures mean Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri are no longer at the club. Jørgen Strand Larsen is expected to lead Wolves’ attack, offering a focal point for their forward play and FPL potential. Despite these challenges, Wolves will aim to leverage their counter-attacking style to pose a threat to Bournemouth’s defence.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, priced at £7.1m, is a top pick after his standout performance in the opening match. His all-action style and goal-scoring ability make him a valuable asset. For Wolves, Jørgen Strand Larsen, priced at £6.5m following a promising campaign last year, could provide a budget-friendly option for FPL managers seeking attacking returns. Given the attacking capabilities of both teams, this fixture promises to be an exciting encounter with potential FPL rewards for those who back the right players.

Brentford v Aston Villa (15:00 BST)

Brentford host Aston Villa at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon, looking to recover from a 3–1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in their season opener. Igor Thiago scored Brentford’s only goal in that match, highlighting his importance as the team’s main attacking threat. Manager Keith Andrews will hope his side can build on this performance, although they are without Gustavo Nunes (hamstring), Vitaly Janelt (heel), Paris Maghoma, Ethan Pinnock (knock), and Yoane Wissa, who is unlikely to feature as he continues to be linked with a move away.

Aston Villa, under manager Unai Emery, will be aiming to build on a 0–0 draw against Newcastle United in their opening match. Villa are without Ezri Konsa, suspended after a red card in the previous fixture, while Ross Barkley and Andres Garcia are also unavailable. The team retains attacking threats in Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, with midfield dynamism provided by Youri Tielemans.

Brentford’s Igor Thiago, priced at £6.0m, is the standout attacking option after scoring in the opening match. For Villa, Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) and Morgan Rogers (£7.0m) offer strong attacking potential, making them appealing picks for managers looking for goal contributions. With both sides eager to improve on their opening results, this promises to be a competitive fixture

Burnley v Sunderland (15:00 BST)

Burnley welcome Sunderland to Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon, aiming to bounce back from a 3–0 defeat to Tottenham in their season opener. Manager Scott Parker will be looking for a more resilient performance from his side, though they are without several key players: Zeki Amdouni and Bashir Humphreys are sidelined due to injuries.

Sunderland, under manager Régis Le Bris, will be looking to build on their impressive 3–0 victory over West Ham United in their opening match. Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard, and Wilson Isidor each scored in that game, giving the team momentum heading into this fixture. Sunderland are dealing with a host of injury absences, including Aji Alese (shoulder), Luke O’Nien (shoulder), Dennis Cirkin (wrist), Leo Fuhr Hjelde (Achilles), Romaine Mundle (hamstring), and Jenson Seelt (knock).

FPL wise, Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda, priced at £5.5m, is an appealing option after his opening-week goal. Whilst Ballard is a great budget shout at £4.6M after his last showing. For Burnley, Marcus Edwards, priced at £5.0m, could be a value pick, offering potential for both goals and assists.

The highest-scoring defender ever from a GW1 fixture 🌟

Daniel Ballard with an all-timer of a Gameweek 👏#FPL | @SunderlandAFC pic.twitter.com/wt2Fqew6zW

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) August 18, 2025

Arsenal v Leeds (17:30 BST)

Leeds United welcome Arsenal to Elland Road on Saturday evening, looking to build on a 1–0 victory over Everton in their opening match. Manager Daniel Farke will be hoping his side can continue their positive start to the season. Leeds appear to have a full squad available, with no confirmed injuries reported.

Arsenal, under manager Mikel Arteta, come into the match on the back of a 1–0 win at Manchester United. Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke are set to make their home debuts, while Nørgaard and Kai Havertz remain sidelined due to injuries. Gabriel Jesus is unavailable.

Leeds’ new arrival Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.5m) remains a strong attacking option after joining as a free agent. For Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres (£9.0m) could be an appealing differential pick, while Bukayo Saka (£10.0m) offers potential for goals and assists after a quiet match against Manchester United.

Sunday's Fixtures

Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest (14:00 BST)

Crystal Palace host Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon, aiming to build on a solid start to the season. The Eagles secured a 0–0 draw at Chelsea in their opening match, showcasing a resilient defensive performance. Manager Oliver Glasner will be keen to see his side translate that defensive solidity into attacking threat against Forest. Palace will also have to cope without Eberechi Eze, who completed his transfer to Arsenal this week.

Nottingham Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, began their campaign with an impressive 3–1 victory over Brentford. The attacking trio of Chris Wood, Dan Ndoye, and Morgan Gibbs-White were instrumental in that win, and they will be crucial to Forest's ambitions this season. Forest's defence, led by Nikola Milenković and Murillo, will look to maintain their strong form against Palace's attacking options.

Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta (£7.5m) offers goal threat and attacking returns, while for Forest, Chris Wood (£7.6m) is a strong forward choice after opening his account with a brace against Brentford. Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.5m) also provides midfield dynamism and is involved in key attacking plays.

Two goals in Gameweek 1 for £7.5m…

New season, same Chris Wood 💪#FPL pic.twitter.com/BEVmFbKJJp

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) August 19, 2025

Everton v Brighton (14:00 BST)

Everton host Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon, aiming to secure their first home win of the season. The Toffees suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Leeds United in their opening match, and manager David Moyes will be keen to see his side bounce back in front of their home fans. New signing Jack Grealish, who joined on a season-long loan from Manchester City, is expected to play a central role in Everton's attacking strategy. Despite a limited pre-season and a brief appearance against Leeds, Grealish is anticipated to start and could be a key figure in Everton's offensive setup. Everton will be without Vitalii Mykolenko (muscle), Nathan Patterson (hernia), and Jarrad Branthwaite, all sidelined due to injury.

Brighton, under manager Fabian Hurzeler, come into the match after a 1–1 draw against Fulham. Carlos Baleba played in that opener and is expected to start again despite ongoing interest and rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United. The Seagulls will rely on forward Rutter and winger Kaoru Mitoma to provide creativity and attacking returns. Solly March and Adam Webster are both sidelined with knee injuries and will miss this fixture.

From a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) perspective, Everton’s Jack Grealish (£6.5m) presents a potential differential pick, offering creativity and goal involvement, while striker Beto (£5.5m) leads the line. For Brighton, Carlos Baleba (£5.0m) is in good form and a key midfield option, Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5m) offers attacking returns and assists, and Rutter (£6.0m) provides additional threat in the final third.

Fulham v Manchester United (16:30 BST)

Fulham host Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Sunday evening, aiming to bounce back after a 1–1 draw with Brighton in their opening match. Rodrigo Muniz scored Fulham’s goal last week and is expected to start again, providing a key attacking outlet, while Ryan Sessegnon and Antonee Robinson remain sidelined.

Manchester United come into this fixture under manager Rubin Amorim after a narrow 1–0 defeat at Arsenal. Benjamin Sesko is likely to start in attack alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both of whom looked lively in United’s opening game. Sesko is still somewhat of a risk, having not featured before, but if he fits in well, the trio of Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo could prove a handful for Fulham’s defence. Goalkeeper Bayindir is expected to start, while Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui are ruled out.

Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko (£7.5m), Matheus Cunha (£8.0m), and Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) form a strong attacking trio. Raul Jiménez (£6.5m) and Alex Iwobi (£6.5m) offer additional attacking potential, while Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) remains a premium midfield pick.

Monday's Fixture

Newcastle United v Liverpool (20:00 BST)

Newcastle host Liverpool at St James’ Park to conclude Gameweek 2, aiming to build on their opening-day performance. The Magpies were held to a 0–0 draw by Aston Villa in their first match. Anthony Gordon is expected to lead the line, supported by Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes in attack. Alexander Isak remains absent amid ongoing transfer speculation linking him to Liverpool. Midfield creativity will be provided by Bruno Guimarães, while Joe Willock is sidelined with a calf injury.

Liverpool head to Tyneside following a 4–2 opening-day win over Bournemouth. Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the line, while Ryan Gravenberch has returned from injury and could feature in midfield. Conor Bradley remains a fitness doubt, and Jeremie Frimpong will miss action until after the international break with a hamstring problem sustained against Bournemouth. The rest of manager Arne Slot’s squad are expected to start as Liverpool look to continue their attacking momentum while maintaining defensive stability.

Hugo Ekitike (£8.6m) is a key attacking option after impressing in Liverpool’s opening-day win. Ryan Gravenberch (£5.5m) provides a budget-friendly midfield choice now fully fit. Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) remains a premium pick with consistent goal and assist potential. For Newcastle, Anthony Gordon (£7.5m) offers creativity and goal-scoring threat from the midfield, while Anthony Elanga (£7.0m) provides pace and attacking support. Harvey Barnes (£6.5m) continues to be a reliable source of attacking returns, and Bruno Guimarães (£6.5m) is a central figure in Newcastle’s playmaker role.

An injury blow for Jeremie Frimpong owners 🤕#FPL pic.twitter.com/dorcs3njKv

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) August 21, 2025

As Gameweek 2 unfolds, managers will be weighing team news, injuries, and player form to make crucial FPL decisions. With new signings making their debuts and several key players returning from injury, the weekend promises plenty of excitement on and off the pitch. Keeping up with the latest updates could make all the difference for FPL points and Premier League bragging rights.