Fantasy Premier League Week 3 Tips
Gameweek 3 is upon us, meaning we have to start thinking about our weekend lineup. Through the first two weeks of the fantasy season, scoring has been a little wild, as value players like Teemu Pukki and Ashley Barnes have exceeded weekly expectations, while high-priced players like Jamie Vardy and Raúl Jiménez have struggled. It's not necessarily time to panic, but if you're thinking about making some transfers or using your Wildcard this early, these players could help you out!
Forwards
Harry Kane (£11) will probably be the most popular player overall this week, and rightfully so, as he gets a phenomenal matchup against Newcastle United. The Spurs are expected to roll over the Magpies this weekend and Kane should be at the forefront of that, as he is currently the favorite to score during the match with odds around -200.
While Kane is a tremendous option for this week, his price tag might be a little too steep to fit in unless you're using your Wildcard Chip. You won't have to look to far for another option though, as Kane's teammate Son Hueng-min (£9.5) could benefit you just as much. Son is coming off a suspension and will see his first Premier League action of the season. Kane is certainly the number one scoring option for Spurs, but when they're playing at home, the numbers say different. Out of the 48 shots he's taken at home, 23 of them came inside the penalty area, with 17 going on target. That's a pretty good ratio and something that should definitely be considered if you're struggling between the two. Not to mention that his ownership will be much lower than Kane's, giving you a major difference maker.
Another forward to look out for this week, and someone who comes with a cheap price tag, is Gerard Deulofeu (£6.4) of Watford. It's been a slow start for the Spaniard, only scoring 3 points over the first two Gameweeks, but based on his potential and performance from last season, he will most certainly turn it around. Watford also have a good matchup this week against West Ham United, who have given up six goals in their first two matches.
Midfielders
Our first option at midfield is pretty clear and obvious, and he comes in at a hefty price tag. Raheem Sterling (£12.1) has been Manchester City's most efficient and consistent player for some time now and that's continued through the first two weeks. Sterling has scored four goals already and that should continue this weekend as City has a great matchup against Bournemouth.
Up next is Sadio Mané (£11.5) of Liverpool, who draws a tremendous matchup against Arsenal this week. Liverpool have scored 12 goals against Arsenal in their last three matchups at Anfield, and Mané has been a big part in each of those. The left winger tallied a goal in each game and there's no reason for that to stop this weekend.
Defenders
Sterling and Mané might have the best matchups, but John McGinn (£5.6) of Aston Villa might have the best value. He's been a great value option so far with his one goal and two 90 minute bonuses, and that will probably continue for the time being. McGinn's cheap cost is also important because it's low enough that it won't hurt you and it will surely help you pay up for other players at different positions, so you should definitely try to get him on your roster before his salary keeps going up!
It might just be a hot start for both of these guys, but Lewis Dunk (£4.6) of Brighton and John Lundstram (£4.1) of Sheffield United could be key value players this season. Dunk is a stalwart in Brighton's defense and has been very consistent with his play. What makes him a good option for your team is the fact that he consistently plays 90 minutes, but is also one of the biggest threats on set pieces. This means that there's a a decent chance each week that he can jump and strike a header into the back of the net at any time. And knowing that goals from defenseman are worth six points, he could be a fantastic option for you!
As for Lundstram, it's important to see how the next few weeks play out, but if you only have to pay 4.1 for a defender who might start every game AND play 90 minutes, I think you have to sign up for that. Lundstram scored a goal in Sheffield's last match, so that might throw his numbers off this early on, but like Dunk, there could be a consistent chance of him scoring on set pieces moving forward. And if that's the case, you have to find a way to fit him into your weekly lineup!