FPL GW3 – Fixtures & Players to Target for Gameweek 3

After just one gameweek of action, managers were already tempted by kneejerk reactions, wildcards, and even free hits. Now, with two gameweeks completed, the data sample is still small but at least offers some direction. Early thoughts and strategies are beginning to take shape, and this looks like a week where targeted transfers could make a real difference. However, using a wildcard or free hit this early still feels premature unless your team is in real trouble.

As always, let’s start with clean sheet odds, attacking projections, and a six-gameweek horizon before moving into specific player recommendations across positions.

Link to all our FPL GW3 blogs including scout picks, players to target, buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, best forwards, and more. Completely free to access as well!

FPL GW3 Players to Target based on Stats and Fixtures

Clean Sheet Odds and Six-Week Horizon

GW3 Clean Sheet and Expected Goals Odds

According to oddschecker, Manchester United, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa all hold more than a 40% chance of a clean sheet in GW3. Wolves, Liverpool, and Newcastle also post respectable 30%+ odds. On the attacking side, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Spurs are expected to score at least two goals with City, Forest, and Newcastle projected at around 1.8 goals.

Looking further ahead with Elevenify’s six-game projections, Chelsea and Spurs stand out with an expected 1.5+ goals in every match across the horizon. This makes holding onto Cole Palmer – assuming he recovers quickly from his groin issue – particularly important. Arsenal, Liverpool, City, and Newcastle all show consistent attacking strength as well, posting 1.5+ expected goals in five of their next six fixtures.

Six week Projections for Expected Goals Scored and Clean Sheets

From a defensive perspective, Arsenal shine with 30%+ clean sheet odds in five of their next six despite a challenging run of fixtures against Liverpool, Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle. Aston Villa boast similar numbers in four of six, while Liverpool and Newcastle also rank highly. When aggregating clean sheet potential, the top five over the next six weeks are Arsenal, City, Liverpool, Villa, and Newcastle.

In short, managers should target Chelsea and Spurs assets for attack, while Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle look strongest at the back. Nottingham Forest also have a good run of fixtures from an attacking and defensive point of view.

FPL GW3 Forwards to Target

Chris Wood – Nottingham Forest

FPL GW3 Forwards to Target- Chris Wood

Chris Wood has wasted no time reminding managers why he was one of last season’s highest scorers. Overlooked by many in pre-season, he punished doubters with a 13-point opening haul and now faces West Ham – statistically the worst defence so far. The Hammers rank bottom for shots in the box conceded, shots on target conceded, big chances conceded, and goals allowed. They just conceded 5 against Chelsea last weekend.

Wood currently sits fifth among forwards for xGI and continues to be Forest’s attacking talisman. Beyond GW3, the schedule remains kind, with two promoted sides in the next four fixtures. Already boasting two price rises, he may climb further before the GW3 deadline. For managers seeking an in-form forward on penalties with excellent fixtures, Wood represents both value and momentum.


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João Pedro – Chelsea

FPL GW3 Forwards to Target- Joao Pedro

João Pedro exploded in GW2 with a goal, two assists, and 15 points, cementing his place in Chelsea’s attack. Deployed in a No.10 role but also capable of partnering Delap, his minutes look more secure than pre-season fears suggested. The Brazilian has been in fine form since joining Chelsea, with goals at the Club World Cup and a strong Premier League debut.

His ownership has now soared past 55% as managers rush to capitalise. With Fulham (H), Brentford (A), and Manchester United (A) up next, Pedro has both short-term appeal and long-term potential given Chelsea’s attacking projections. If Palmer is fit, the pair could form a lethal duo – but Pedro already looks like the standout Chelsea forward to own.

Further Read: FPL Gameweek 3 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold & Sell

Richarlison – Tottenham Hotspur

FPL GW3 Forwards to Target- Richarlison

Richarlison has been reborn under Thomas Frank. After an unsettled few years marred by injuries, the Brazilian has started the new campaign with two goals and an assist across his first two matches, playing as Spurs’ focal striker. His eight shots so far are the highest among forwards, showing that he is not only clinical but also consistently involved.

What sets Richarlison apart is his all-round contribution. His pressing, link-up play, and ability to bring teammates into attacks have earned him praise from Frank, who sees him as central to Spurs’ ambitions this season. With Spurs among the league’s top scorers and favourable fixtures on the horizon, Richarlison is quickly emerging as one of the most valuable forward picks in FPL.

Further Read: Best Saka Replacements to Consider ahead of FPL GW3

Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool

FPL GW3 Forwards to Target- Ekitike

New signing Hugo Ekitike has hit the ground running at Liverpool, scoring in each of his first three matches and making an immediate impact. Against Newcastle, he showed composure with a brilliant first-time finish after linking with Gakpo, underlining his sharpness in front of goal. While his minutes remain managed, his productivity has already caught the eye of French national team selectors.

At just 22, Ekitike is still adapting to Liverpool’s system, but his ability to find scoring positions makes him a dangerous differential. With service improving from the likes of Gakpo and Szoboszlai, he could continue his hot streak. He is currently owned by 25% teams and has seen two price rises as well.

Further Read: FPL GW3 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More

FPL GW3 Midfielders to Target

Matheus Cunha – Manchester United

FPL GW3 Midfielders to Target- Cunha

Matheus Cunha arrived at Old Trafford this summer following an excellent spell at Wolves, and early signs show he’s been central to United’s attack. Across two games, he has taken seven shots, four on target, and created strong xG chances while even rattling the woodwork once. Despite failing to score so far, his numbers put him among the top midfielders for shots and shots on target.

Manchester United Attackers Stats from Fantasy Football Hub. Subscribe now with a 50% discount.

United top the league for total attempts and shots in the box, showing that their attack is creating chances even if results have been mixed. With Burnley up next at home, Cunha looks poised to finally convert his underlying stats into FPL points. Already the fifth most transferred-in midfielder this week, his stock is only rising.

Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth

FPL GW3 Midfielders to Target- Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo has carried last season’s form into the new campaign with two goals and an assist in his opening two matches. His powerful running, direct dribbling, and relentless shooting volume make him fixture-proof, as he regularly punishes both weaker and stronger opponents alike. He was unlucky not to add more against Wolves, hitting the post and missing another big chance.

What makes Semenyo stand out is his elite shot volume. With seven shots and three on target already, he continues the trend that saw him rank third among all midfielders for shots last season, behind only Salah and Palmer. With Bournemouth facing Spurs, Brighton, Newcastle, and Leeds, Semenyo could thrive in open, counter-attacking games. No wonder he’s the most transferred-in midfielder this week.

Further Read: FPL Gameweek 3 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold & Sell

Brennan Johnson – Tottenham Hotspur

FPL GW3 Midfielders to Target- Johnson

Brennan Johnson has quietly become one of the most effective attacking midfielders in FPL. With 17 points from two games, he has already matched the returns of teammate Mohammed Kudus but edges him on underlying stats. His 1.0 xGI, four shots, and two shots on target show his threat, while his clever movement off the ball has been key to Spurs’ goals.

Johnson’s transformation since joining Tottenham is striking. Once known as a dribbling winger, he now plays more as an inside forward or poacher, regularly arriving at the far post to finish moves. With Spurs thriving in attack and Richarlison occupying defenders centrally, Johnson looks set for consistent involvement. He’s currently the second most transferred-in midfielder, and his appeal should only grow.

Further Read: FPL GW3 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More

FPL GW3 Defenders to Target

Matthijs de Ligt – Manchester United

FPL GW3 Defenders to Target- De Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt has made a solid start to life at United under Ruben Amorim. A physical presence and strong tackler, he has already delivered consistent defensive contribution while also carrying set-piece threat. His ability to read danger and block space has helped steady United’s defence, which is slowly improving despite a tough schedule.

At £5.0m, De Ligt is attractively priced for a defender with his pedigree. While rotation remains possible in a crowded United backline, his leadership and experience give him an edge. For managers seeking a differential defender (3% owned) who combines clean sheet potential with bonus points, De Ligt is a smart pick. He has had defensive contribution points in both games and also got 3 bonus points against Fulham. Dorgu offers more attacking threat but De Ligt minutes look more secure right now.

Further Read: Best Saka Replacements to Consider ahead of FPL GW3

Tino Livramento – Newcastle

FPL GW3 Defenders to Target- Livramento

Tino Livramento has emerged as one of Newcastle’s most dynamic full-backs. Against Liverpool, he impressed in an unfamiliar left-back role, winning most of his duels, completing dribbles, and driving play forward. His versatility makes him a valuable asset for Eddie Howe, while his attacking threat from wide positions ensures he remains an FPL option.

Newcastle Defenders Stats from Fantasy Football Hub. Subscribe now with a 50% discount.

With Newcastle boasting solid defensive fixtures and strong clean sheet odds over the next six, Livramento could provide excellent value. His ability to play on either flank also secures him more minutes, a rare trait among full-backs. For those looking beyond the obvious picks, Livramento offers both attacking and defensive returns.

Marc Cucurella – Chelsea

FPL GW3 Defenders to Target- Cucurella

Marc Cucurella has started the season brightly with 13 points from two matches, adding two bonus points along the way. With Frimpong and Ait Nouri injured, he has become one of the most reliable premium defenders to target. Already the second most-owned defender at 25%, his popularity is rising quickly.

Cucurella offers more than just defensive solidity – his attacking contributions last season (seven goals and four assists across all competitions) underline his threat going forward. With Chelsea’s favourable fixture run and strong attacking numbers, Cucurella could continue to deliver consistent points at both ends of the pitch.

Further Read: FPL Gameweek 3 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold & Sell

Conclusion

With only two weeks of data, managers are still piecing together the early-season puzzle. But patterns are already emerging. Chelsea and Spurs attackers look like must-haves, while Aston Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle provide defensive value. Among individuals, Chris Wood, João Pedro, and Richarlison stand out in attack, while Cunha, Semenyo, and Johnson look excellent in midfield. At the back, De Ligt, Livramento, and Cucurella offer both clean sheet potential and attacking upside.

The season is still young, but momentum matters. Getting ahead of the curve now could make all the difference when the template inevitably shifts.

Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW3

FPL GW3 – Fixtures & Players to Target for Gameweek 3
FPL GW3 Ultimate Guide: Tips, Differentials, Captaincy & More

FPL Gameweek 3 Transfer Tips: Two Players to Buy, Hold & Sell
Best Saka Replacements to Consider ahead of FPL GW3
Premier League Penalty & Set Piece Takers | 2025/26 PL Season
FPL GW3 Stats Summary and Key Notes

Link to all our FPL GW3 blogs including buy, hold, sell analysis, differentials, captaincy metrics, transfer targets, and more. Completely free to access as well!

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