As FPL managers look ahead to the new deadline, the search for crucial “FPL Gameweek 3 tips” is in full swing. With early-season trends taking shape and some familiar faces rediscovering form, getting the edge this week will come down to smart fixture targeting and in-form player picks. Choosing the right assets is more important than ever as many squads face injury worries and key fixtures. In this guide, we break down the best matches, player choices by position, and captaincy strategies to help fantasy coaches climb the mini-league rankings. Read on for the essential picks and strategies to maximize your FPL Gameweek 3 points haul.
Matches to Target For Gameweek 3
Several matchups stand out in FPL Gameweek 3 for managers eyeing maximum returns. Chelsea host Fulham at Stamford Bridge, a fixture that historically favors the Blues who have scored in their last four meetings and dominated the rivalry. Manchester United face Burnley at Old Trafford; Burnley’s defense has looked vulnerable so far, while United have found the net seven times in their last three home ties with the Clarets. Tottenham welcome Bournemouth, a side they’ve scored two or more against in four of their last five meetings, making Spurs assets particularly tempting. Newcastle’s trip to Leeds is also a highlight, with both teams fighting for early-season momentum, but Newcastle offers more FPL value given recent form and Leeds’ lack of cutting edge. Finally, Nottingham Forest are at home to West Ham, a fixture loaded with goal potential—Forest have scored at least twice in four of their last five versus the Hammers.
Manchester United vs Burnley
This fixture stands out due to Burnley’s defensive struggles and Manchester United’s strong attacking form at home. United have scored multiple goals in their last few matches against Burnley, making their attackers and defense valuable assets for clean sheets and attacking returns. Burnley’s vulnerability offers penalty and assist opportunities for United’s creative midfielders, while their shaky defense presents chances for defenders to earn clean sheet points.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Bournemouth
Tottenham’s high-pressing style and attacking numbers make this home fixture particularly promising. Bournemouth’s defense has shown weaknesses early in the season, allowing Spurs players—especially fullbacks and midfielders—to accumulate both attacking and defensive points. This game is key to targeting players who combine goal threat with assist potential.
Newcastle United vs Leeds United
Newcastle, performing well defensively and offensively, face a Leeds side that has struggled to convert chances. This matchup favors Newcastle’s defenders for clean sheets and attackers who are regularly involved in scoring opportunities. Leeds’ defensive frailties give additional incentive to invest in Newcastle assets at home.
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United
A fixture ripe for goals, Forest’s home advantage and West Ham’s leaky defense make this a must-target game. Nottingham Forest’s forwards, especially those showing in-form scoring ability, have a strong chance to capitalize, while defenders can also benefit from clean sheet odds due to West Ham’s inconsistency
Chelsea vs Fulham
Chelsea’s recent attacking improvements against a Fulham side prone to conceding increases the value of Chelsea’s midfielders and forwards. The fixture offers both goal-scoring chances and assists, making Chelsea’s creative players potential difference-makers for Gameweek 3.
FPL Gameweek 3 Players to Target
Defenders
- Patrick Dorgu (Man United, £4.5m): A strong attacking presence from the back with good clean sheet prospects vs Burnley. Expected to start and deliver points through both defense and attack.
- Pedro Porro (Tottenham, £5.5m): Highly involved going forward, Porro offers both assists and clean sheet potential in a favorable home fixture against Bournemouth.
- Fabian Schar (Newcastle, £5.5m): A key figure in Newcastle’s defense with set-piece threat and solid clean sheet likelihood at home to Leeds.
- Dan Burn (Newcastle, £5.0m): Budget-friendly defender who contributes defensively and offensively at set-pieces, expected to start vs Leeds.
Midfielders
- Bruno Fernandes (Man United, £9.0m): On penalties, highly creative, and facing a poor Burnley defense, Fernandes is a prime haul candidate backed by regular starts.
- Harvey Barnes (Newcastle, £6.5m): With Gordon suspended, Barnes steps into an attacking role at home to Leeds. Match-ready and key for creativity.
- Anthony Elanga (Newcastle, £7.0m): Likely starter covering wide areas, offering pace and attacking threat given Gordon’s absence.
- Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham, £6.5m): Integral to Spurs’ attack, Kudus points to goal involvements versus Bournemouth’s soft defense.
- Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford, £6.5m): Brentford’s attacking talisman with set-piece duties and consistent returns, a reliable pick for attacking points.
- Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton, £5.0m): A budget-friendly midfielder playing as Everton’s creative hub, facing a Wolves side prone to conceding.
Forwards
- Erling Haaland (Man City, £14.0m): Consistent goal-scoring machine and top captain choice, expected to produce returns regardless of the opponent Brighton’s defense is vulnerable but tough.
- Joelinton (Newcastle, £7.4m): Starting striker, brings hold-up play and goal threat against Leeds, a solid budget forward option.
- Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest, £7.7m): In form and facing a leaky West Ham defense, Wood is a strong differential pick up front.
- Joao Pedro (Chelsea, £7.5m): Expected to play a leading role due to Palmer’s absence, potential penalty taker, and good fixture against Fulham.
- Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth, £5.5m): Offers budget forward points with multiple attacking involvements despite Bournemouth’s overall struggles.
Goalkeepers
- Nick Pope (Newcastle, £5.5m): Likely starter with favorable clean sheet prospects against Leeds.
- Andre Onana (Man United, £5.0m): Premier choice for clean sheet potential in a strong fixture vs Burnley.
Captain & Vice Captain Choices
- Captain: Erling Haaland – unmatched goal threat and consistent output. His explosive potential keeps him top of the captaincy rankings, even with a tricky fixture.
- Vice Captain: Bruno Fernandes – excellent underlying stats and a soft home fixture; he’s set for attacking returns and could easily match the top-scoring forward.
Also consider Bryan Mbeumo or Mohammed Kudus if chasing differentials, as both are central to their teams’ attacks with favorable fixtures.
By studying the “FPL Gameweek 3 tips” above, managers can take advantage of smart fixture targeting and player form to get ahead in mini-leagues this week.