FPL Tips: Five Surprise GW1 Performances
Gameweek 1 of the Premier League always throws up a few unexpected stars, and last weekend was no different. While most FPL managers focused on proven assets like Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah or Bukayo Saka, several under-the-radar players delivered big returns and instantly became hot transfer targets. From Daniel Ballard's all-action display at the back to Antoine Semenyo's brace at Anfield, these surprise performances are reshaping GW2 transfer trends.
This article highlights five standout FPL differentials from GW1, analyzing their stats, fixtures, and potential to become long-term value picks in your Fantasy Premier League squad.
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Daniel Ballard, Sunderland $4.6m
Ballard was the highest scorer in FPL last week, and before the gameweek started, more people would have predicted he was the lowest scorer in FPL than the highest.
The Northern Irish center-back picked up nearly every type of FPL point possible with a goal, clean sheet, three bonus points, the new defensive contribution points and his two points for playing 90 minutes.
However, it wasn't just the FPL points that stood out to me. In the game, he made a crucial clearance off the line, which at 0-0 not only protected his clean sheet but also saved the game state and eventually allowed Sunderland to take the lead
The underlying stats for Ballard were also positive, as he totaled four shots, more than any other player in the match. Ballard has scored three goals in both of the last two seasons, including a crucial goal in the Championship playoffs, which allowed them to gain promotion.
Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth $7.1m
Semenyo was left out of many Gameweek 1 sides due to his fixture against Liverpool. After 600,000 transfers in ahead of this gameweek, he still only features in less than 13 percent of teams.
Semenyo scored both of Bournemouth's goals as they fell to defeat at Anfield, but only Hugo Ekitike took more shots than him on the pitch. The wide attacker, who is classified as a midfielder in FPL, receives an extra point over forwards yet provides a similar attacking threat. Only Haaland averaged more shots per game than Semenyo's 3.4 in the league last season.
He turned those 125 shots into 11 goals, but with an extra year's experience and maturity (and new contract), the 25-year-old could be ready to improve his numbers.
With Wolves at home in Gameweek 2, it's a good opportunity to bring Semenyo in as he doesn't play another side which finished in the top four last season until Gameweek 10.
Matt O'Riley, Brighton $5.5m
O'Riley scored from the penalty spot in the opening gameweek, and this answered a question that many FPL managers had after Brighton's former penalty taker Joao Pedro moved to Chelsea.
Pedro took five penalties for Brighton last season, who won a total of seven penalties in total, and only Liverpool won more penalties last season.
The midfielder also took two of the four corners Brighton won, and with three chances created, no Brighton player created more.
With only 11 starts last season, it appears that the Danish midfielder will feature more heavily in Fabian Hurzeler's plans for the season. While O'Riley seems to have penalties, Danny Welbeck, who took one last season, opened on the bench against Fulham.
Oscar Bobb, Manchester City $5.5m
Bobb was expected to be a crucial part of Pep Guardiola's plans last season, but a serious preseason injury meant that he only featured for 14 minutes at the end of the year. He returned to the Man City starting XI in the opening game and did nothing but impress.
He provided the assist for Tijjani Reijnders and created a further chance in the game. A $5.5m midfielder heavily involved in the Manchester City attack could be an incredible value asset. The main problem with Manchester City is surprise rotation, which is the norm under Guardiola. This Manchester City team has such a depth of attacking talent that rotation could be frequent with Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Savinho and Omar Marmoush all not featuring in the first match.
Manchester City have some difficult fixtures coming up, as well with Spurs, Man United and Arsenal before Gameweek 6 hits.
Anton Stach, Leeds $5.0m
Leeds United made a dramatic return to the Premier League as they defeated Everton 1-0 with a late penalty. Stach won the penalty for Leeds after his long-range strike was deflected onto the arm of James Tarkowski.
Stach finished four shots and created four chances, the most in both metrics of any player on the pitch. He also took six corners, which is going to be a crucial part of Leeds' attempt to stay up this season.
He produced 13 defensive contributions, which gave him an extra two FPL points, winning both of his tackles and making five clearances. This strong defensive ability will add a good base score throughout the season, as well as provide opportunities for him to attack and create.
