FPL Gameweek 3 Prep: Strategy, Picks & Transfer Trends
Gameweek 3 is upon us and it’s time to make those crucial early-season decisions that can shape your FPL campaign. After two weeks of data, we’re starting to see patterns emerge, and the community is buzzing with transfer ideas. This comprehensive guide consolidates insights from top FPL influencers, Reddit discussions, Twitter tips, and the latest transfer trends to help you navigate GW3 successfully.
FPL Influencer Consensus Opinion
The FPL community’s leading voices are converging on several key themes for Gameweek 3:
Popular Captain Picks
- Erling Haaland (£15.1m) – Despite the blank in GW2, still the overwhelming favorite with Man City’s home fixture
- Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) – Liverpool’s fixtures are turning and he’s shown early season form
- Son Heung-min (£10.1m) – Spurs’ attacking potential at home makes him a differential captain choice
Key Player Recommendations
- Bukayo Saka (£10.1m) – Arsenal’s fixture swing makes him a priority for many managers
- Cole Palmer (£10.6m) – Chelsea’s creative hub continuing to deliver returns
- Alexander Isak (£8.4m) – Newcastle’s striker showing promising early form
- Josko Gvardiol (£6.2m) – Man City defender with attacking potential
Formation Trends
Most influencers are advocating for:
- 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formations to maximize premium attackers
- Heavy investment in midfield premiums
- Budget defenders from teams with good fixture runs
Reddit Community Tips & Insights
The r/FantasyPL community has been particularly active this week with several trending discussions:
Hot Topics
- “The Haaland Dilemma” – Whether to stick or twist after his GW2 blank
- “Arsenal Triple-Up” – Many considering Saka, Martinelli, and a defender
- “Budget Forward Options” – Exploring alternatives to premium strikers
Popular Strategy Discussions
- Early Wildcard Considerations – Some managers eyeing GW4-5 wildcards
- Set-and-Forget GK Strategy – Focusing budget on outfield players
- Template Avoidance – Finding differentials that could pay off
Community Warnings
- Avoid knee-jerk reactions to single gameweek performances
- Consider fixture difficulty over 4-6 gameweeks, not just next week
- Don’t chase last week’s points – look ahead to upcoming matches
Twitter Tips & Expert Advice
FPL Twitter has been buzzing with quick-fire tips and statistical insights:
Statistical Insights
- xG data showing Haaland still getting the best chances despite the blank
- Arsenal’s underlying numbers suggest more goals coming
- Brighton’s defensive stats looking strong for budget options
Transfer Timing Tips
- Hold transfers until Friday for injury updates
- Consider price rises when making early moves
- Don’t make transfers just for the sake of it – only move if genuinely improving your team
Differential Picks Being Discussed
- James Maddison (£7.4m) – Spurs midfielder with creative potential
- Yoane Wissa (£6.1m) – Brentford forward showing early promise
- Lewis Dunk (£4.6m) – Brighton defender with clean sheet potential
Trending Transfers In/Out
Most Transferred IN This Week
| Player | Position | Price | Transfer % | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | MID | £10.1m | +15.2% | Arsenal fixtures improving |
| Cole Palmer | MID | £10.6m | +12.8% | Consistent early returns |
| Josko Gvardiol | DEF | £6.2m | +11.4% | Attacking threat from defense |
| Alexander Isak | FWD | £8.4m | +9.7% | Newcastle’s main goal threat |
| James Maddison | MID | £7.4m | +8.3% | Spurs creativity at good price |
Most Transferred OUT This Week
| Player | Position | Price | Transfer % | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bruno Fernandes | MID | £8.3m | -8.9% | Man United’s slow start |
| Dominic Solanke | FWD | £7.6m | -7.2% | Spurs rotation risk |
| Gabriel Jesus | FWD | £6.9m | -6.8% | Arsenal’s false 9 uncertainty |
| Luis Diaz | MID | £7.9m | -5.4% | Liverpool rotation concerns |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | DEF | £7.1m | -4.7% | High price for defensive returns |
Price Movement Watch
🔺 Rising Tonight: Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka
🔻 Falling Tonight: Bruno Fernandes, Gabriel Jesus
⚠️ Close to Rising: Alexander Isak, Josko Gvardiol
Clear Actionable GW3 Strategy
Immediate Priorities (This Week)
1. Assess Your Captain Choice
- Stick with Haaland if you have him – one blank doesn’t change his potential
- Consider Salah as a strong alternative with Liverpool’s improving fixtures
- Son could be the differential captain if you’re chasing in mini-leagues
2. Review Your Arsenal Coverage
- If you don’t have Saka, he should be your #1 transfer priority
- Consider upgrading to Arsenal defenders if you have budget defenders
- Avoid doubling up on Arsenal forwards until their striker situation clarifies
3. Midfield Assessment
- Premium midfielders are outperforming budget options so far
- Palmer and Saka are near-essential at their price points
- Consider moving away from Man United assets until they show improvement
Transfer Recommendations
Free Transfer Options:
- Bruno → Saka (if you have the funds)
- Jesus → Isak (Newcastle’s fixtures look good)
- Any 4.5m defender → Gvardiol (if budget allows)
If Taking a -4 Hit:
Only consider if making 2 transfers that address major team weaknesses:
- Bruno + Jesus → Saka + budget forward (6.5m or less)
- Trent + bench fodder mid → Gvardiol + Palmer
Formation & Team Structure
Recommended Setup:
GK: Set and forget option (Flekken, Raya)
DEF: One premium (Gvardiol), two 4.5-5.0m options
MID: Three premiums (Haaland if playing MID, Saka, Palmer)
FWD: One premium striker, two budget optionsGameweek 3 Captaincy Ladder
- Erling Haaland – Still the gold standard despite GW2 blank
- Mohamed Salah – Liverpool’s fixtures turning, proven captaincy option
- Bukayo Saka – Arsenal’s talisman with improving fixtures
- Cole Palmer – Consistent returns and central to Chelsea’s attacks
- Son Heung-min – Differential option with home advantage
Looking Ahead (GW4-6 Planning)
- Wildcard Timing: If your team needs 4+ changes, consider saving for GW4/5 wildcard
- Fixture Swings: Arsenal, Brighton, and Brentford have good runs coming
- International Break Impact: Monitor for injuries and rotation after the break
Budget Considerations
If Tight on Funds:
- Prioritize Saka over other premium midfielders
- Look at budget defenders from Brighton/Brentford
- Consider downgrading keeper to fund outfield upgrades
If Cash Rich:
- Triple premium strategy (Haaland, Salah, Saka)
- Upgrade to premium defenders (Gvardiol, Gabriel)
- Consider stacking favorable fixtures (Arsenal double-up)
Summary & Key Takeaways
Essential Actions for GW3:
✅ Get Arsenal coverage (prioritize Saka)
✅ Stick with Haaland as captain unless going differential
✅ Consider Palmer if you don’t have him
✅ Move away from underperforming Man United assets
✅ Don’t panic – it’s still early in the season
Community Consensus:
- Premium midfielders are essential this season
- Arsenal’s fixture swing makes their assets priority
- Budget defenders from teams with good fixtures
- Early wildcards being considered by many
Final Reminder:
Remember that FPL is a marathon, not a sprint. While GW3 decisions are important, don’t make wholesale changes based on two gameweeks of data. Focus on players with good underlying stats, favorable fixtures, and proven track records.
The template is forming around Haaland, Saka, and Palmer – but there’s still room for differentials that could set you apart from the crowd. Trust your analysis, but don’t ignore the wisdom of the community completely.
Good luck for Gameweek 3, and may your transfers pay off! 🔴⚽