As we approach Fantasy Football Matchweek 3 of the Premier League, scheduled from Saturday, August 30, to Sunday, August 31, it’s essential for FPL managers to strategise effectively to maximise their points.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in making informed decisions for your squad as we settle back into the football season.
Fantasy Football Matchweek 3 Fixtures
The Fantasy Football deadline for Gameweek 3 is Saturday, August 30, 11:00 BST.
Saturday, August 30
- Chelsea vs Fulham (12:30 BST)
- Manchester United vs Burnley (15:00 BST)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Bournemouth (15:00 BST)
- Sunderland vs Brentford (15:00 BST)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton (15:00 BST)
- Leeds United vs Newcastle United (17:30 BST)
Sunday, August 31
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester City (14:00 BST)
- Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United (14:00 BST)
- Liverpool vs Arsenal (16:30 BST)
- Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace (19:00 BST)
Injury and Transfer Updates to Note
Alexander Isak’s future is still undecided, with the Swede pushing for a move to Liverpool that Newcastle are not open to. He will not be available for the Leeds game.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has picked up a hamstring injury, ruling him out for at least a month.
Cole Palmer was selected to start in Chelsea’s 5-1 win over West Ham last weekend, but pulled out after warm-ups, prompting a first start for Estevao in the Premier League. Palmer was kept out due to a groin injury, and his return date is still unknown.
Must-Have FPL Picks
Nottingham Forest will be facing bottom-of-the-table West Ham in Matchweek 3, placing Chris Wood (£7.7m) as an obvious pick up front.
Another must-have forward for fantasy football managers is Chelsea’s Joao Pedro (£7.6m), who has hit the ground running since becoming a Blue. With two assists and a goal against West Ham last week, expect the Brazilian to carry his form into the Fulham fixture.
If you were still doubting Tottenham – I’ll admit that I was – maybe it’s time you put your doubts (and hate) aside, and invest in Richarlison (£6.7m). Just like his club, the Spurs forward has been in fine form, with two goals and one assist in the first two games of the season. With Bournemouth and West Ham as his next opponents, more returns are expected.
In midfield, I think it’s safe to say Antoine Semenyo (£7.2m) has proven himself reliable. With a brace against Liverpool and an assist against Wolves, the Bournemouth man may just continue his fine form against Tottenham.
As mentioned earlier, Nottingham Forest will be facing the team that’s struggling the most so far this season, West Ham. Three midfield options for FPL managers are Dan Ndoye (£6.0m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£6.0m) and Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.5m).
Cody Gakpo (£7.6m) of Liverpool, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez (£6.6m) and Moises Caicedo (£5.5m), and even Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) stand out as good options in midfield, especially if you ignore United’s midweek upset against fourth-tier Grimsby in the Carabao Cup.
If possible, avoid Liverpool and Arsenal players in defence, as the chances of either side getting a clean sheet are slim.
Marc Cucurella (£6.1m) is shining for Chelsea and FPL managers, so he is a must-have.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento (£5.0m), Tottenham’s Cristian Romero (£5.0m), and, if he’s fit, Daniel Ballard (£4.6m) of Brentford are other good picks at the back.
Arguably the most obvious pick in the 11-man squad is goalkeeper Matz Sels (£5.0m) with Forest hosting West Ham. But if you’re banking on more points from saves and not just clean sheets, perhaps Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez (£5.0m) or Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario (£5.0m) might be more alluring.
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Captaincy Picks
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool vs Arsenal)
- Joao Pedro (Chelsea vs Fulham)
- Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool vs Arsenal)
- Chris Wood (Forest vs West Ham)
- Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd vs Burnley)
Strategic Considerations
Monitor Press Conferences: Last-minute injury updates and team news can significantly impact your decisions. Stay informed to make timely transfers.
By staying updated on the latest news and being strategic with your Fantasy Football transfers and captaincy choices, you can navigate the challenges of Matchweek 3 and boost your FPL performance.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 24.08.2025