Heading into Gameweek 2, deciding to sell or avoid certain players can feel like a gamble. Some of these names might still have upside, but the risks – whether rotation, tough fixtures, or form issues – are simply too high to ignore.
Making the call early could protect your squad from potential point drops and free up funds for more reliable options.
In this post, we’ll highlight five players who come with warning signs and might be worth moving on from or steering clear of, even if it feels risky. Sometimes you have to take those early hits to stay ahead in FPL.
Chris Wood (7.6m)
Chris Wood delivered two goals on the opening day and reminded everyone of his consistency from last season, but looking closer, it might be the right time to avoid or sell.
Forest didn’t exactly inspire confidence going forward in pre-season, and their GW1 success came against a Brentford defence that looked all over the place.
The fixtures now turn quickly, with a trip to Crystal Palace in GW2 – who just shut out Chelsea – followed by Arsenal in GW4.
While Wood will keep ticking over with minutes, the upcoming schedule doesn’t look favourable for attacking returns. There may be better value elsewhere in that price bracket right now.
Hugo Ekitikè (8.6m)
Hugo Ekitike looked like a tempting short-term option for the opening weeks, but uncertainty around his role makes him a risky pick.
The ongoing Isak transfer saga looms large – should Isak finally get his dream move, Ekitike won’t be nailed at number nine and will face added competition from the inform Gakpo on the left.
For FPL managers, that lack of clarity is a real concern, especially this early in the season when secure minute picks are vital.
The talent is there and he may chip in with goals, but the rotation risk outweighs the upside. Until Isak’s future is resolved, Ekitike is one to avoid.
Manchester City – Ait Nouri (6m)/Reijnders (5.5m)
One tactical talking point from the weekend involves popular FPL assets – Rayan Aït-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders.
Aït-Nouri is already highly owned in FPL, but understanding Pep’s setup is key to judging both players. Against Wolves, City reverted to a three at the back shape ingame, with the left back tucking inside as a centre half, while Rico Lewis stepped into midfield to help control central areas.
This LB/CB role is tailor-made for Gvardiol, but the knock-on effect was also important: the compact midfield freed Reijnders to arrive late into the box more often and link up directly with Haaland.
It’s worth noting, though, that City didn’t start Marmoush, Cherki or Foden – three players who naturally thrive in those narrow central spaces.
If Pep brings them back into the XI, we could see a shift: Reijnders may drop deeper, the fullbacks push on instead, and suddenly Aït-Nouri’s attacking upside returns to the fore, while Reijnders’ advanced runs may get minimised.
So what does this mean for FPL? Essentially, it’s the classic Pep roulette. Aït-Nouri and Reijnders both carry huge potential depending on the system Pep leans into over the next few weeks.
It’s a wait-and-see situation – but if you land on the right side of the tactical tweak, the rewards could be massive.
Daniel Ballard (4.5m)
The highest scorer of GW1 isn’t always worth jumping on, and that’s the case with Daniel Ballard. At 4.5m he’s already priced slightly awkwardly, and expecting Sunderland defenders to deliver big hauls consistently feels unrealistic.
His sudden rise in ownership – from 0.2% to over 4% in just a few days – looks like classic FPL knee-jerk. Yes, he may chip in with the odd defensive contribution, but banking on goals and clean sheets from Ballard at this price point isn’t sustainable or realistic.
With several more reliable defensive options available in the same price bracket, it’s probably best to resist the hype and look elsewhere.
