Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Challenge returns with fresh challenges for Gameweek 3, reshaping player considerations.
This challenge introduces weekly rules that significantly impact which players should be prioritized. Louis shares crucial strategies and top player selections for this week, along with his personal team lineup.
Although the typical FPL deadline has passed, Challenge teams can still be set up until kickoff! This flexibility allows players to adapt their strategies even after most decisions have been made and teams locked.
- READ MORE: FPL Rate My Team surgery with five-time top 1k finisher Tom Freeman
- READ MORE: FPL Gameweek 3 Scout Picks: Man City triple-up
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
WHO TO TARGET: GOALKEEPERS
In FPL, goalkeepers rarely contribute directly to goals through assists or in scoring. Hence, their value largely hinges on clean-sheet potential. This week, Brentford's Caoimhín Kelleher is catching attention. He's got a strong shot at a clean sheet against a Sunderland team that’s struggling to find its form.
Then there’s Gianluigi Donnarumma from Manchester City. With a matchup against promoted Coventry City, he’s another solid pick. The dilemma for many managers might lie in whether they want to allocate a City slot for a defensive option instead of an attacker, given the rich talent City possesses up front.
It would also be wise to consider David Raya from Arsenal, especially since they face Chelsea at home. While Chelsea is capable of threatening defenses, Arsenal's home advantage makes Raya a decent option for a clean sheet, and he might just surprise you with some saves.
Other candidates include Alisson Becker from Liverpool, who often shines in crucial matches, Bart Verbruggen from Brighton, who has impressed early, as well as Bernd Leno and the emerging talent Zion Suzuki, who are each showing promise this season.
WHO TO TARGET: DEFENDERS
When it comes to defenders, maximizing your picks based on current form and offensive contributions is crucial. Maxim De Cuyper is a name that can’t be ignored; his two goals and one assist while playing slightly out of his usual position make him an attractive target for this week’s fixture.
Manchester City defenders have always posed a dual threat, combining clean-sheet potential with attacking capabilities. Josko Gvardiol fits this mold perfectly; he’s already contributed in both games this season, making him a worthy investment. Teammate Nico O’Reilly’s ability to play out of position only amplifies his appeal.
Don't miss out on Malick Thiaw. His strong defensive capabilities against Bournemouth could lead to a clean sheet and he has a knack for finding the net, having scored four times last season when given the chance.
Other valuable picks might include Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who is always a looming threat, and Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel, each contributing solid performances week in and week out.
WHO TO TARGET: MIDFIELDERS
This week, if you’re contemplating going against the trend of selecting Erling Haaland, high-upside midfielders like Rayan Cherki could be your secret weapon. He put on a dazzling display in Gameweek 2 with two goals and stands to benefit significantly from a weak Coventry side this week.
Phil Foden is another midfielder on many fantasy managers’ radar; while he did not find the net last week, his two assists signal that he remains heavily involved in the City attack—a trend that seems likely to continue.
Bruno Fernandes is an essential pick as Manchester United looks to capitalize on their recent form, despite facing a tougher opponent in Everton. His scoring and assist potential shouldn’t be underestimated, especially after a five-goal haul against Ipswich Town.
The pool of talented midfielders is rich this week, featuring Dominik Szoboszlai, who gets to tackle Ipswich, Morgan Gibbs-White squaring off against Spurs, and Bukayo Saka gearing up for that pivotal London derby against Chelsea. There are indeed avenues for each to deliver significant results.
WHO TO TARGET: FORWARDS
Focusing on forwards, it's hard to overlook Manchester City and their projected scoring prowess this week. Erling Haaland is being talked about as the player to have in your lineup. The risk of not having him could easily weigh heavily on your ranking since he’s likely to be a popular captain choice among managers.
Newcastle's Yoane Wissa has been turning heads, scoring in both his matches so far. Facing Bournemouth should present him with another opportunity to shine. On the other hand, Liverpool’s Alexander Isak is hungry for his chance to find the net again after already tallying goals against Ipswich.
Brentford's Igor Thiago and Aston Villa’s Nicolas Jackson are worth considering as well. Both are showing potential for contributions that could elevate your overall point total.
TEAM REVEAL
NOTES
- The lineup largely picks itself; Kelleher is the safest bet in goal, and De Cuyper is hard to pass up in light of his current form against Leeds.
- Fernandes is a key inclusion, though that spot may still see changes before the deadline.
- Haaland is the clear captain choice, expected to perform well, while Isak and Wissa are also strong prospects.
- Look out for Gibbs-White, Szoboszlai, and Saka as other valuable picks this week.
- Wishing you all good luck!
IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE GAMEWEEKS
This week’s Fantasy Premier League Challenge isn't just about immediate selections; it sets the stage for how managers will approach upcoming matchups. Players' performances can tilt the scales drastically.
As form fluctuates, so do team selections. If top-tier teams underperform, that opens doors for less heralded players to make their mark. When assessing midfielders or forwards, it’s crucial to think about how these selections play into a larger strategy beyond just this week’s game. For example, having a strong bench or versatility within your squad can cushion against last-minute injuries or switches in form.
If you're working in this space, consider how these patterns can affect your decisions as the season unfolds. The ebb and flow of player popularity could lead you to unconventional yet rewarding choices, giving you an edge over less attentive opponents.
In short, while the FPL Challenge poses fresh obstacles, those who remain adaptable and analytical will likely find the most success throughout the season. Knowing when to pivot is not just prudent—it might be essential.