Fantasy Premier League Gameweek three is imminent as the plethora of football continues. Gameweek two was full of goals and entertainment. Will gameweek three continue in that vein? What to do with an underperforming squad? Is it time to play the wildcard? Read on to find out more.
Fantasy Premier League Gameweek Three Picks
Quick Tips
There is a fear of the COVID-19 second wave wreaking havoc on the already tight football schedule. The Carabao Cup fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton Orient was called off after a bunch of Leyton Orient players had tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, West Ham United manager David Moyes and two players, Issa Diop and Josh Cullen, have also tested positive for the virus. Premier League matches are unlikely to be called off but players are susceptible to periods of self-isolation.
For FPL managers, the need to wait for as late as possible to make transfers has never been greater. It is crazy to think that both Diop and Cullen were withdrawn from the squad against Hull City just 20 minutes prior to kickoff. No one can prepare for that but it is prudent to wait till at least Friday before taking a hit.
It is probably better to keep the wildcard chip for as long as possible. The transfer window will remain open for quite a few days and those new signings and departures could hurt the best-laid plans.
Goalkeepers
Only three teams managed to keep a clean sheet last week. Looking at this week’s fixtures, a similar number of clean sheets looks likely. The most likely ones to do it are probably Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, the keepers from those sides all cost a lot so let’s look at some cheaper options.
Vicente Guaita could go huge if he can keep out the impressive Everton side. Crystal Palace have looked really solid at the back in the opening two matches and it won’t be easy for the likes of James Rodriguez to breach that defence.
Emiliano Martinez had a brilliant debut for Aston Villa, making a great save from a penalty. The Argentine is one of the best options at 4.5 although Aleksander Mitrovic might have something to say about any potential clean sheet.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are both good long term options. With the inclusion of Thiago Alcantara, it will be even harder for the opposition to get the ball from Liverpool. That should generate more clean sheet opportunities for the defence.
Tariq Lamptey was mighty impressive last week but the decision to take him off on the 57th minute cost his FPL owners the clean sheet points. Manchester United should be wary of his pace and attacking threat.
Looking at the next few fixtures, a Wolverhampton Wanderers defender looks to be a good bet. Romain Saïss is probably the best option at this stage. Nelson Semedo could do very well for them in the future but he has only just arrived.
Tottenham Hotspur defenders could keep a clean sheet this week. However, they have so many fixtures to play this month so fatigue could be an issue.
Midfielders
Manchester City were really impressive last week against Wolves and Kevin De Bruyne played as well as usual. With Fernandinho and Rodrigo behind him, the Belgian was playing in a much-advanced role. De Bruyne was superb and his FPL owners will hope Pep Guardiola will continue to play him in that position. Leicester City have won both games so far but one would expect Manchester City to beat them comfortably. The Foxes will be without key midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as well. So, it all bodes well for Manchester City attackers. Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden are definitely worth considering too. However, with Riyad Mahrez and Ferran Torres around, rotation is always a possibility.
Liverpool dominated Chelsea last week. With the addition of Thiago Alcantara, the forwards should expect more chances than ever before. Mohamed Salah was outshone by Sadio Mane last week but at home games, the Egyptian is king. Salah has scored in each of his last three home games against Arsenal. In fact, the Gunners have conceded 12 goals in their last three trips to Anfield. Mane has also done well in those games, scoring in two of them. It is unlikely though that Liverpool will score four or five goals against Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal. In fact, Liverpool struggled in the Community Shield recently. So, it might end up being a tight game.
Manchester United were really disappointing against Crystal Palace last week, losing 1-3 at home. Bruno Fernandes disappointed a lot of FPL managers, many of which even captained him. However, the Portuguese had a great away record last season. In fact, he scored twice at Brighton & Hove Albion not too long ago. So, there is every chance Bruno hurts those FPL managers that look to have sold him.
Heung-Min Son scored an amazing four goals last week. It was a brilliant day for him as Tottenham punished the high defensive line deployed by Southampton. Newcastle United will pose a completely different challenge. Steve Bruce‘s men will sit deep and let Spurs have the ball. They were successful with this tactic last season also as they got a 0-1 away win thanks to a rare goal by Joelinton. It will be interesting to see how Son performs.
Chelsea midfielders could do well this week. New signing Kai Havertz scored a hattrick in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley. That should help him gain confidence. He could be a great pick this week.
Other midfielders worth considering this week are Daniel Castelo Podence, Jack Grealish, Mateusz Klich, Hélder Costa, Mason Mount and Adama Traoré. Sheffield United against Leeds United will be a competitive Yorkshire derby. The Blades will be looking to get their first points of the season after losing back to back matches. Chelsea will be fancying themselves at West Bromwich Albion. Similarly, Wolves will try to heap more misery on West Ham United.
Strikers
Harry Kane got four assists and one goal last week. He might be looking to score more for himself this time around. However, as discussed above, Newcastle United will not make things easy for him.
Gabriel Jesus should start for Manchester City. The Brazillian is always a threat whenever he is on the pitch.
Timo Werner will be looking to get his first goal in the Premier League. West Bromwich Albion have already leaked eight goals this season and Werner could seriously hurt the Baggies this week. If things go well for Chelsea, they do have the firepower to score a lot of goals.
Raúl Jiménez, Ollie Watkins, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Chris Wood, Danny Ings and Aleksandar Mitrovic. are also good options. Danny Ings at his old club will be trying to do well. The ever consistent Raúl Jiménez is someone one can just set and forget. Chris Wood could exploit the problems Southampton are having at the back.
Fantasy Premier League Gameweek Two Captaincy Picks
Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Timo Werner
Fantasy Premier League Top Picks
- Kevin De Bruyne (£11.6)
- Mohamed Salah (£12.1)
- Timo Werner (£9.5)
- Raheem Sterling (£11.5)
- Harry Kane (£10.5)
- Heung-Min Son (£9.0)
- Sadio Mane (£11.9)
- Raúl Jiménez (£8.5)
- Kai Havertz (£8.4)
- Aleksandar Mitrovic (£6.0)
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