Josko Gvardiol and Martin Odegaard among transfer targets for Gameweek 2

DREAM TEAM managers have until 6:30pm on Friday to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 2. We have created a shortlist of players we believe to be worthy of serious consideration as the deadline draws near. Match winner Credit: AFP This article has a mainstream point of view and generally focuses on big names and safe selections. For those who like to take risks, think outside the box, and swim against the tide, check out our differential suggestions for Gameweek 2. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Josko Gvardiol (£5m) The Croatian defender has proven to be a useful asset at both ends of the pitch since his move to the Etihad. And so it came as little surprise when he maintained his composure in the 91st minute against Bournemouth to slot past Djordje Petrovic (£3.5m) and gift Enzo Maresca a 2-1 win in his first Premier League game as Manchester City head coach. Gvardiol also earned three bonus points on his way to a 13-point return in Gameweek 1. Whether the 24-year-old plays at centre-back or left-back, he offers a certain degree of attacking threat as he often gets on the end of set pieces. Looking ahead, Man City will travel to Crystal Palace on Friday night when the hosts may be without their two main threats as both Ismaila Sarr (£4.5m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4m) want out of Selhurst Park. Gameweek 3 will bring a double header of Coventry (h) and a Champions League opponent (TBC). Most read in Football Martin Odegaard (£4.5m) Lucky finish, deserved points Credit: Getty Arsenal picked up where they left off with a comfortable 3-0 win over Coventry last Friday. When the fixtures were first released, the Gunners’ second game – a trip to Villa Park – looked a tough test but it appears rather favourable now the time has come. Having sold several key players, Aston Villa fell apart at Brighton and don’t seem equipped to host the defending champions in their current state. Arsenal’s captain was one of many North London residents who enjoyed himself in the season’s curtain-raiser. Granted, Odegaard was fortunate to score after fluffing his shot but potential owners would have been encouraged by his involvement throughout his 76 minutes on the pitch. Truth be told, it’s a case of take your pick as Christos Tzolis (£4m), Riccardo Calafiori (£4.5m), Bukayo Saka (£5.5m) and Mikel Arteta’s other favourites all appear strong options at the start of this campaign. Dominik Szoboszlai (£6m) Clutch Credit: Getty With apologies to Newcastle fans, Stuart Attwell’s decision to award Liverpool a stoppage-time penalty at St James’ Park was highly informative as it confirmed the Reds’ No8 as a set-piece supremo. We already knew Szoboszlai was on corners and free-kicks but his promotion to first-choice penalty taker following Mohamed Salah’s departure has made him even more appealing. The Hungary international comes at a cost but he ticks a lot of boxes. Let’s not forget, only Erling Haaland (£8.5m) got more points last season. Andoni Iraola’s men will host Nottingham Forest this Saturday before Gameweek 3 brings a double header that starts with a trip to Ipswich. Play Score Predictor! Available on the Dream Team app Predict results for the weekend’s football Every correct prediction earns an entry into a £10,000 prize draw Free to play PLAY NOW Chelsea’s Front Three Boy did Joao Pedro (£5m), Cole Palmer (£5m) and Morgan Rogers (£5m) look good against Fulham on Monday night. The trio combined for 41 points as Xabi Alonso presided over an entertaining 3-2 win in West London. Palmer was the pick of the bunch with an 18-point haul after he assisted one goal, scored another, and earned three bonus points via five successful dribbles. Dream Team bosses with clear memories of the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns will know that Chelsea’s No10 is a game-breaker when in full flow. Palmer and Rogers are both categorised as midfielders while Joao Pedro is a striker and a hugely popular one at that. The 24 year-old Brazilian currently features in 43.1% of teams and that figure is likely to increase after an impressive performance at Craven Cottage. A lack of European fixtures may hurt Chelsea assets as the season progresses but their front three demands recognition. How to claim £30 in football free bets Midnite offer Download the Midnite app or create an account online HERE* Register using the code: BETGET30 Deposit a minimum of £10 Place a £10 sportsbook bet at minimum odds of 1/1 Free Bets will be credited upon settlement of your qualifying bet Comment now