fpl gameweek 3-team-news tips: top picks & drops

fpl gameweek 3-team-news tips: the winning formula is a balanced squad that can bank on a high-scoring captain, a reliable vice, and a differential that can swing the differential points. In this lineup, Erling Haaland of Man City is the obvious captain, followed by Bruno Fernandes of Man United and Antoine Semenyo of Man City as the third-worst choice. The rest of the squad is built around a safe midfield core, with Ismaïla Sarr, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Nunes and Anton Stach taking the places of the players you should drop - Calvert-Lewin and Kelleher - to maximise value.

fpl gameweek 3-team-news tips

The fixtures table

Kickoff	Match
2026‑09‑04 19:00	Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
2026‑09‑05 11:30	Newcastle vs Bournemouth
2026‑09‑05 14:00	Brighton vs Leeds
2026‑09‑05 14:00	Fulham vs Crystal Palace
2026‑09‑05 14:00	Nott'm Forest vs Spurs
2026‑09‑05 14:00	Brentford vs Sunderland
2026‑09‑05 16:30	Hull City vs Aston Villa
2026‑09‑06 13:00	Everton vs Man Utd
2026‑09‑06 15:30	Arsenal vs Chelsea

Gameweek 3 sees a mix of high-profile clashes and lower-tier encounters that could produce surprises. Arsenal, sitting at the top of the standings with 26 wins, 71 goals for and a goal difference of 44, will meet Chelsea in a title-deciding match that offers a chance for a double-header of points for the right captain. Liverpool, fifth with 17 wins and 63 goals for, will host Ipswich Town at Portman Road; the fixture historically offers a clean-sheet opportunity against a side that has struggled to keep the ball away from the back.

The form of the top teams is a clear indicator of their current performance. Arsenal’s recent run of five wins in a row, a streak recorded as WWWWW, points to a side that is firing on all cylinders. Man City’s form, marked as DWWDL, shows a team that can still turn a match around, while Chelsea’s LLDWW record suggests a more precarious campaign. This contrast means that the fixtures involving these clubs are likely to generate high-scoring outcomes and clean-sheet chances for the right picks.

Captain picks (3 ranked)

Rank	Player	Club	PPG	Cost	Selected
1	Erling Haaland	Man City	6.8	155	74.80
2	Bruno Fernandes	Man United	6.7	120	48.70
3	Antoine Semenyo	Man City	5.5	85	22.60

Haaland’s 27 goals and 8 assists, together with 6.8 points per game, make him the most reliable captain. Fernandes’s 9 goals and 24 assists, along with 6.7 points per game, provide a high return for a moderate cost. Semenyo’s 17 goals and 6 assists, together with 5.5 points per game, give depth to the midfield.

Players to bring in (4-5)

Player	Club	PPG	Cost	Selected
Ismaïla Sarr	Crystal Palace	4.2	65	9.30
Bryan Mbeumo	Man United	4.5	80	18.20
Matheus Nunes	Man City	4.5	60	4.90
Anton Stach	Leeds	4.7	60	1.30

Sarr’s 9 goals and 1 assist, at 4.2 points per game, fit the budget while offering value. Mbeumo’s 11 goals and 3 assists, 4.5 points per game, give an attacking threat that can turn a squad. Nunes’s 10 goals and 4 assists, 4.5 points per game, provide a safe rotation option. Stach’s 5 goals and 6 assists, 4.7 points per game, bring a differential element to the lineup.

Players to move on (2-3)

Player	Club	PPG	Cost	Selected
Dominic Calvert‑Lewin	Leeds	4.1	60	23.10
Kelleher	Brentford	3.9	50	5.60

Calvert‑Lewin’s 14 goals and 2 assists, coupled with 4.1 points per game and a 23.10% selection, are offset by a high cost. Kelleher’s 0 goals, 0 assists, 3.9 points per game and a 5.60% selection make him a low-value option.

The differential

Player	Club	PPG	Cost	Selected
Anton Stach	Leeds	4.7	60	1.30

Stach’s 4.7 points per game and 1.30% selection make him a high-risk high-reward pick that can swing the differential if he plays.

Tactical considerations

Arsenal’s defensive backbone is anchored by Gabriel with 18 clean sheets and Declan Rice with 18 clean sheets. Liverpool’s backline, featuring Virgil van Dijk, has 10 clean sheets, underscoring the defensive threat in the Premier League.

Bench considerations

Bench spots are best filled with players who have a strong chance of starting, as indicated by their recent selection percentages. Players such as those with 20% or more selection are more likely to see the ball, while those below 5% may be unreliable. Balancing the bench with a mix of high and low selection players can help mitigate risk.

Key takeaways

• Erling Haaland delivers 6.8 points per game for 155.
• Bruno Fernandes yields 6.7 points per game at 120.
• Antoine Semenyo offers 5.5 points per game for 85.
• Ismaïla Sarr brings 4.2 points per game at 65.
• Bryan Mbeumo provides 4.5 points per game for 80.

FAQ

Which captain offers the best value for gameweek 3?
Erling Haaland provides the highest points per game at 6.8 and a cost of 155, making him the best value.

Should I include Bryan Mbeumo in my midfield?
Mbeumo has 4.5 points per game for 80 and a solid assist tally, making him a cost-effective pick.

Is Anton Stach worth the risk as a differential?
Stach is selected by only 1.30% of managers but has a 4.7 points per game rate; if he plays, he can deliver a surprise differential.

Is dropping Kelleher a good move?
Kelleher’s 3.9 points per game and 5.60% selection, along with a cost of 50, suggest that releasing him frees up budget for higher-value options.

Apply these fpl gameweek 3-team-news tips to steer your squad through the week and aim for a high-scoring outcome.