Week two of the Premier League is over and it seems the big boys might not have it all their own way this season.
Liverpool did just about enough to get the three points from St Mary's, Man United's away day woe under Ole Gunnar Solksjær from last season has continued into this season with another winless journey away from Old Trafford, and VAR (and Spurs ) ended Man City's impressive home league record of nine consecutive victories which dated back to February with a 2-2 draw.
And in the Advertiser Tribal League, in association with Monroe's Tavern, it is all change in our top three.
1 Shane O'Toole - Obi Wan Bissaka - 165
New week, new leader in the Advertiser Tribal League. The force was with Shane O'Toole and his boys this weekend as they took advantage of a tough week for most Fantasy managers by scoring a very solid 68 points, which has seen them rocket to the top of the table. Obi Wan Bissaka's early season success is built on a strong spine. Up top, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Joshua King both got themselves on the scoresheet, in the middle third, Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne continue their telepathic relationship with a goal and two assists respectively, but where I am really impressed with the team is at the back. Lucas Digne and John Lunstram have been inspired signings by O'Toole who have shored up the defensive side of things, while both have chipped in up front with an assist and a goal respectively. Can they go all the way in May?
2 Bridie Griffin - Ballers - 163
Ballers by name and ballers by nature. It is clear how Bridie Griffin likes her charges to play and that is attack, attack, attack. With no less than seven goals in her team at the weekend, Ballers have blasted their way into second place, only two points from the summit. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sadio Mané (2 ), Raheem Sterling, and hat-trick hero Teemu Pukki, all got their names on the scoresheet this weekend as Ballers thrilled the home crowd. Griffin's team is certainly exciting but where they might come unstuck is at the back. Aside from Yerry Mina, Ballers' defence looks suspect. Secure the back and Griffin's men will challenge for the title.
3 Bryan Kenny - Bean-Machine - 158
The Bean-Machine was a points machine this weekend as it garnered 70 points. Manager Bryan Kenny has built a very well balanced outfit with quality from the back to the front. Raheem Sterling, Anthony Martial, John Lundstram, and Teemu Pukki were all the stand out performers for the Beans at the weekend as they broke into the top three. I believe a marquee striker signing could be the key for Kenny if the Bean-Machine is to gobble up the ground between themselves and top spot.
Top tips
But those results are in the past and Saturday is a new round so who should you select to earn precious Fantasy points for the Advertiser Tribal League in association with Monroe's Tavern?
1 Teemu Pukki (Norwich City - £6.8 million ) v Chelsea
He is the man of the moment. Teemu Pukki, Norwich City's Finnish striker loves scoring goals. For those observers of the Championship, Pukki's form will be no surprise as he fired the Canaries to promotion with 29 league goals. And the step up in standard has not fazed the striker with four goals in his first two Premier League matches. Fantasy managers everywhere are signing Pukki which means his value has absolutely rocketed. At the weekend, Norwich host Chelsea at Carrow Road. The Blues under Frank Lampard have been entertaining but incredibly flaky with a 4-0 loss to Man United and a 1-1 to Leicester on their register. Chelsea are weak at the back and I expect Pukki to take full advantage. Get him in your team.
2 Anthony Martial (Man United £7.7 million ) v Crystal Palace
With the departure of Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial has got his number nine jersey back and he has rewarded his boss with two goals in two games. The Frenchman always starts league campaigns fast so now would be an idea time to cash in on his good form. On Saturday afternoon, Crystal Palace are the team to take on United at Old Trafford. The Eagles have had a poor start to the new term with only one point and zero goals scored. And I cannot see it getting any better in Manchester this weekend. I'm for a 2-0 home win with Martial on the scoresheet.
3 Kevin De Bruyne (Man City - £9.6 million ) v Bournemouth
Is there a better player at creating goal chances in the Premier League? I think not. The Belgian international seems to have rediscovered his supreme form of two seasons ago with three assists in two matches so far. De Bruyne sees passes which most of us struggle to identify with the benefit of replays. On Sunday, the champions head to the south coast to take on Bournemouth who are fresh off a 2-1 away win Birmingham against Aston Villa. It will be an away win with De Bruyne playing a key role.
Don't miss a minute of action with Monroe's Tavern
Remember you can catch all of game week three's action live at Monroe's Tavern where punters can enjoy wings and a pint or burger and a pint for €10 during the matches.
Friday:
Aston Villa v Everton (8pm ) SKY Sports.
Saturday:
Norwich City v Chelsea (12.30pm ) BT Sport.
Man United v Crystal Palace (3pm ) Premier Sports.
Liverpool v Arsenal (5.30pm ) SKY Sports.
Sunday:
Bournemouth v Man City (2pm ) SKY Sports.
Spurs v Newcastle United (4.30pm ) SKY Sports.
