Gameweek 3 Review: All the key takeaways from every GW3 game
Couldn’t watch the games? No problem — we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll go through all the key points from Gameweek 3 and analyse every game from an FPL perspective
Liverpool Vs Ipswich
Liverpool looked like a good team, but most of the players played well individually rather than as a team
Gakpo: He’s excellent at finding space and knows exactly what he’s doing. He provided two great assists, which he fully deserved. From what I’ve heard, he’s expected to play on the right wing, so his minutes could potentially be secure
Wirtz: A passive player in attack. Yes, he covered the most distance, but in most attacks he was even deeper than Mac Allister. Unlike pre-season, when he was regularly getting into the box, we’re not seeing those exciting runs anymore.
Isak & Szoboszlai: A spectacular performance from Szoboszlai. He had some excellent shots that were saved and was extremely unlucky not to get a return. Isak scored twice , one of them was saved but went to the goal anyway and the other one was a good individual work, but aside from the goals, his overall performance could have been better.
Ipswich: They were good in attack. You can’t really rely on them, but they can threaten an opponent’s clean sheet. They’re not a team you can have much confidence in, but they shouldn’t be underestimated either.
Final thoughts: In my opinion, it’s time to sell Wirtz. If Gakpo’s minutes are secure, he’ll be my first choice given his current form. I don’t have an opinion on Isak yet, and I’ll keep Szoboszlai. Ipswich? I’m not considering them.
Newcastle Vs Bournemouth
Bournemouth played much better football than Newcastle, putting them under pressure for most of the game. We didn’t see the Newcastle of old in this match.
Tavernier: In my opinion, Tavernier is Bournemouth’s most valuable asset. He’s currently taking corners and free-kicks, makes excellent attacking runs, and isn’t afraid to shoot. A brave and excellent player.
Kluivert: The next Bournemouth asset. He’s less influential than Tavernier, but he can still have an impact on the tempo of their attacks.
Wissa: I’m going to disappoint you, but we didn’t see the fast striker we saw in previous games. He was mostly finding space in open areas and didn’t look particularly dangerous.
Barnes: If Newcastle made the comeback, it was because of Barnes. Excellent individual performance and a very good game. If his minutes are secure, he’s a really good differential.
Hall: Someone I’ll definitely bring into my team. Good attacking runs, shooting ability and DEFCON. Most importantly, he also takes corners. If you want a Newcastle defender, Hall is definitely more valuable to me than Dedić.
Final thoughts: If you want to bring in Newcastle players, prioritise them. For me, Hall is the top priority, followed by Barnes. (I already have Calvert-Lewin and I’m not swapping him for Wissa.) However, Wissa could be your second choice.
As for Bournemouth, Tavernier is my number one option, but once their fixtures improve, Kroupi will return and we don’t know what will happen then. Alex Scott? A good and attacking player, but his returns in this game were lucky.
Brentford Vs Sunderland
Surprisingly, and even I didn’t expect it, Sunderland played much better and put Brentford under pressure for most of the game.
A note on Sunderland & Hume: Sunderland have started all three games with different formations: 4-2-3-1, 4-4-1-1 and, in the latest game, 3-4-2-1. In systems that clearly required a RW or RM, Hume started, but when the system only required a wing-back, Meunier replaced him. Sunderland also looked much better than in their previous games with this setup.
Igor Thiago: I’ve watched all three of Thiago’s games and honestly, they’ve only made me frustrated — not because he played badly, but because he keeps getting close to scoring without actually doing it. He had an assist ruled out for a foul and produced an excellent header.
Le Fée: Sunderland’s fixtures are about to get tougher, but in this system, Le Fée finally looked like the midfielder everyone expected him to be. He shot well and passed well, but unfortunately, his fixtures are difficult.
Meunier: If I wanted a Sunderland defender, Meunier would genuinely be my choice. He has started all three games and contributed to the team. Sooner or later, he might get a return.
Final thoughts: Brentford also attacked well, with players like Potter controlling the game nicely, but they still don’t have much FPL value. As for Hume, it’s really difficult to make a decision, especially with Meunier’s performances and his role in the back-three system. Thiago? If I owned him, I’d wait for him to get a return.
Brighton Vs Leeds
We watched a good game from both sides, with attacking football from Leeds and Brighton.
Calvert-Lewin: Unfortunately, he was very unlucky not to score at least one goal. He missed two 1v1s, one of which was cleared off the line. His header could also have led to an assist, but it wasn’t converted. I’m still keeping him — someone getting into these positions will eventually start scoring.
Groß & Gomez: Both had good games. This is the second game in a row where I’ve seen Gomez take some good shots, and I think he’ll eventually get a return. The same goes for Groß. With Hinshelwood injured, the path is more open for him and he’s getting forward more. They have one easy fixture, then the schedule gets difficult.
Yalcouyé: Hinshelwood’s replacement. He’s a good player, but unlike Hinshelwood, he doesn’t get into the box as much and instead tries to create danger from the wide areas.
Justin: Despite playing at centre-back, he still had a good game. Justin is also one of those defenders who likes to shoot, and sooner or later one of his shots will go in.
Final thoughts : Honestly, it was an even game, but Brighton are going to be playing in Europe and their schedule gets difficult after the Coventry game. One more week, and then we can sell or bench them — unless you really believe in players like Groß and De Cuyper.
As for Leeds, I have Mühremović and Calvert-Lewin, and they’ll probably stay in my team. I think Calvert-Lewin will start getting some good points soon.
Fulham Vs Crystal palace
Fulham were the better team than Crystal Palace — cleaner attacks, better build-up play, and overall, they didn’t deserve to lose. Palace relied more on counter-attacks.
Palacios & King: Both had good games. Palacios looks more active than before and is getting into better positions. King also had a good performance and is someone worth keeping an eye on.
Castagne: The best Fulham defender to consider if you want one. He’s active in attack, makes good runs up and down the pitch, creates good chances and can pick up points.
Garcia: Had the most shots in the game and was involved throughout. His finishing is a little weak, but he could be worth considering once their fixtures improve.
Mitchell: Yes, he scored twice, but one was lucky. That doesn’t take away from his performance, but Palace are still not a team I’m relying on at all.
Final thoughts: Fulham have improved compared to before; they just need to finish their chances. I wouldn’t recommend bringing in anyone from either team right now, but Fulham become an option from GW6 onwards. King, Castagne and Garcia are the players I’ll be monitoring until GW6.
Manchester city Vs Coventry
City were naturally the better team than Coventry, but was this what we expected from them? Absolutely not.
Haaland: He should’ve easily scored a hat-trick. He had some great chances but either missed them or saw them saved. It could’ve been a huge week for triple-captaining Haaland, but it didn’t happen.
Cherki: Probably the most important part of City’s performance. He played well, hit the post and created chances, but couldn’t get the points. If you own him, I’d say keep him.
Semenyo: As always, he played at a certain level and his cross turned into an assist. He created the most chances in the game. My only concern with City midfielders is how many options there are.
Elliot Anderson: Overall, he had a good game, but nothing that makes him an FPL asset yet. Not yet.
City defence: There’s no doubt Coventry played badly, but when even this poor Coventry side manages 1.37 xG against you, it shows the defence isn’t exactly solid.
Final thoughts: Forget Coventry. I’ve avoided City midfielders so far because of the rotation, and I might continue doing that. But right now, Cherki and Semenyo are the best City midfield options. Defence? Maybe Gvardiol.
Forest Vs Tottenham
Forest were much better than Tottenham in attack. Honestly, I don’t even know what to say about Tottenham — one game they attack brilliantly, and the next it’s like they’ve never seen a football before.
Gibbs-White: He’s still Forest’s number one attacking option. He had a good game but didn’t take his chances and could’ve been better. If I’m bringing in one Forest player, it’s Gibbs-White.
Forest defence: You can count on Neco Williams because he gets forward and is naturally attacking. He also won a penalty that was missed. If you want a defender who is less attacking but can still get DEFCON points, my choice is Murillo. He’s dangerous from corners.
McAtee: He was one of the better players in the game, but unfortunately he wasn’t impressive enough for me to consider him among the good FPL options. However, if you ever really need a differential, he’s not a bad option.
Tottenham: Just forget about them altogether. They’ll frustrate you because they play well one day and badly the next, with no clear form, either as a team or individually.
Final thoughts: With Forest’s fixtures, I’d like to own one of their players. If I’m forced to bring in a cheap midfielder, I’d probably go for Ndoye. If I have the budget, Gibbs-White is my choice.
Hull city Vs Aston villa
Aston Villa were much better than Hull City. They attacked really well and looked in good shape, but their finishing was absolutely terrible. With an xG of nearly 2, they scored no goals.
Hull City: Hull City are a team that don’t come to win, but if they can hit you on the counter, they can make the game difficult for the opposition. That’s why they defend with a lot of commitment.
McGinn & Buendía: McGinn missed a huge chance with an xG of 0.7. Apart from that, he barely did anything. Buendía was similar — he posted good stats, but there were no points.
Hemmings: The only player you could say played better was Hemmings. He got involved in attacks and made some good dribbles.
Final thoughts: I’m genuinely avoiding players from both sides. I’d only go for their players if I wanted to pad out my bench.
Everton Vs Manchester united
Both teams played well overall, with Everton registering the higher xG
Bruno & Cunha: Both were unlucky not to return. Bruno hit the post, while Cunha couldn’t convert his only chance
Mbeumo: Very good performance and scored an excellent individual goal. He was one of United’s best players alongside Shaw
Everton: Barry was unlucky and could’ve scored. Dewsbury-Hall & George both played well
Final thoughts: I’m not selling my United assets, but their defence still isn’t convincing. If you want to bring in an Everton asset, now is the time — Dewsbury-Hall > Barry > a defender, with Mykolenko the best-value option.
Arsenal Vs Chelsea
An attacking game from both sides. Both teams had some good performers, but Arsenal’s players looked more impressive overall.
Calafiori: Made several good attacking runs and even found the net, but his goal was ruled out. Other than that, there wasn’t anything particularly special.
White: Put in an excellent performance, with great runs, passing and involvement in attack.
Raya: Very important for Arsenal. He made two excellent saves from James & Estevão, as well as a good save from a Palmer shot.
Saka & Havertz: Both were useful going forward, showing good shooting and excellent movement, with Havertz standing out in particular.
Ødegaard: Created the most chances, put in a good performance and scored a goal. With nearly 14% ownership, he’s gradually becoming a serious option.
Chelsea: There weren’t many standout performances. Rogers caught my eye, with Palmer next in line.
Final Thoughts : The options from both teams are pretty clear. Konsa and Havertz stood out to me. From Chelsea, I’d currently pick Rogers over Palmer, at least based on this game.
Thank you so much for staying with us until the end of this article. I hope it helps you make your transfers and build your team with a clearer perspective. See you again next week.
Good luck! 🤝🏻