As the Fantasy Premier League season progresses into its second week, surprising outcomes have emerged, particularly with disappointing performances from Manchester United and Liverpool.

BBC Sport FPL expert Pras examines key challenges that Fantasy Premier League managers must consider as they prepare for gameweek two.

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Pras advises that “the smartest play right now is patience.” He emphasizes that “one blank does not make a player finished, and one haul does not make him essential. Every gameweek adds information. Use it, do not chase it.”

Is it too early to jump off Manchester United assets?

Holding onto Manchester United players this week is recommended.

The unexpected 2-0 defeat to Hull left many managers with two or three United players on their rosters. However, it isn’t necessary to make changes immediately.

The upcoming match against Ipswich at home presents a good opportunity for Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo to bounce back.

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If they do not score again, moving on is straightforward: switching Bruno (£12m) to Cole Palmer (£9.5m) or Antoine Semenyo (£8.5m); and Mbeumo (£8m) to Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) or Phil Foden (£7m) are viable options.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to assess their performance against Ipswich before deciding.

How soon to buy in on Sangare?

Brentford midfielder Mamadou Sangare emerges as a strong prospect. He has shown capability in collecting defensive contribution points and was actively involved in the attack during his debut, notching two assists against Spurs.

Although his price has risen to £5.6m, it is not urgent to acquire him now.

Being primarily a defensive midfielder, he tends to accumulate points gradually rather than in explosive bursts. Some community members may be overreacting following his impressive debut.

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Consider purchasing him later, especially when utilizing a wildcard, rather than rushing him into your lineup this gameweek.

How many Chelsea players should you bring in?

The answer relies on your team composition.

Joao Pedro’s high ownership means that looking at either Palmer or Rogers becomes essential if you want further strength from Chelsea’s attack.

Both players represent strong options, but targeting gameweek four for acquisition is the ideal strategy.

Palmer recently experienced a minor injury against Fulham, and Chelsea is set to face Arsenal in gameweek three. Unless significant injuries occur within your team, it’s wise to hold off on transfers this week.

Eventually, having two or three players from Joao Pedro, Palmer, and Rogers could be a successful approach.

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Is it too soon to sell Isak?

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak should be retained for now.

Starting at Newcastle’s ground was challenging for Isak (£9m), particularly against his former club. The real test comes this week with a home match against Nottingham Forest. Give him that chance.

Liverpool may acquire new attacking players, such as Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain, which should be beneficial, and their upcoming fixtures against Ipswich and Fulham look promising.

One disappointing away match is insufficient grounds for a transfer. Maintain patience, observe the next round of games, and allow clarity to develop before making changes.

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Who should you captain: Haaland or Fernandes?

This week’s most pressing question revolves around captaincy choices.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland will play against Crystal Palace, while Bruno Fernandes hosts Ipswich.

Despite the lackluster start in gameweek one, backing Fernandes remains a solid option for captaincy.

The easier fixture combined with Manchester United’s need for a strong performance favors Fernandes. Additionally, without Jeremy Doku, City has appeared less incisive. Thus, I lean towards the midfielder, as he can earn points through goals, clean sheets, and defensive contributions.

With multiple avenues for scoring points, Fernandes seems a preferable captain this week.

We are only one week into the Fantasy Premier League season and already there have been some surprise results, with Manchester United and Liverpool disappointing in particular.

BBC Sport FPL expert Pras looks at some of the biggest dilemmas facing FPL managers heading into gameweek two.

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Pras’ big advice this week is that the “smartest play right now is patience”.

“One blank does not make a player finished, and one haul does not make him essential,” he said. “Every gameweek adds information. Use it, do not chase it.”

Is it too early to jump off Manchester United assets?

Yes, I would hold this week.

The 2-0 loss at Hull was unexpected, and plenty of managers are sitting on two or three United players. That does not mean you have to move this week.

Ipswich at home is still a good fixture and a good chance for Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo to respond.

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If they blank again, the exits are clean: Bruno (£12m) into Cole Palmer (£9.5m) or Antoine Semenyo (£8.5m); Mbeumo (£8m) into Morgan Rogers (£7.5m) or Phil Foden (£7m).

However, I would give them this game against Ipswich first before making any decision.

How soon to buy in on Sangare?

Brentford midfielder Mamadou Sangare looks a very good prospect. He can rack up defensive contribution points (defcon) and he is already getting involved in the attack – as seen by his two assists against Spurs.

His price has gone up to £5.6m already, but that does not mean you have to buy him now.

He is still a defensive midfielder and those players tend to trickle points rather than explode every week. There is a slight overreaction in the community after one strong debut.

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Find a window later – for example when you play a wildcard – to buy him. You do not have to force him in this gameweek.

How many Chelsea players should you bring in?

It depends on your team structure.

Joao Pedro is so widely owned that if you want extra bite from Chelsea’s attack, you almost have to look at Palmer or Rogers.

Both are good options, but the right entry point is gameweek four.

Palmer had a slight niggle late against Fulham, and Chelsea face Arsenal in gameweek three. Unless there is a major injury elsewhere in your team, hold off this week.

Eventually, owning two or three from Joao Pedro, Palmer and Rogers is a viable tactic.

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Is it too soon to sell Isak?

Hold on to the Liverpool striker.

Newcastle away was a difficult place to start for Alexander Isak (£9m), especially against his old club. The real test is this week at home to Nottingham Forest. Give him that game.

Liverpool are likely to make attacking additions, such as Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain, that should help him, and the fixtures after this look useful, with Ipswich and Fulham in gameweeks three and four.

One awkward away day is not enough evidence to sell.

Stay patient. Watch the next set of fixtures. Let the picture settle before you spend transfers you may need later.

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Who should you captain: Haaland or Fernandes?

The biggest dilemma this week is who to back for captaincy.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is away at Crystal Palace. Bruno Fernandes is at home to Ipswich.

Despite the gameweek one disappointment, I would still back Fernandes.

The fixture is easier, and Manchester United need a reaction.

Without Jeremy Doku, City have not looked as sharp either, so I am inclined to give it to the midfielder who gets more points for a goal, clean sheet and defcon possibilities etc.

The multiple route to points make Fernandes a better captain in my view.