English Premier League Week 3: Highlights and Fantasy Premier League Insights
Premier League Standings: City and Liverpool Top the Table
Week 3 of the 2024-25 Premier League season saw Manchester City and Liverpool rise to the top as the only unbeaten teams. Manchester City secured a 3-1 win against West Ham, driven by Erling Haaland's hat-trick, which has Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers scrambling to make him their captain. Haaland, already boasting a Premier League record with seven goals in the first three matches, is an essential asset for any FPL squad. Liverpool continued their strong start with a 3-0 victory over Manchester United, with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz emerging as key FPL differentials.
Arsenal vs. Brighton: Draw Sparks Controversy
Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Brighton was marked by a controversial red card for Declan Rice, affecting both Premier League strategies and FPL plans. With Rice suspended, FPL managers will need to find replacements for the midfielder. Brighton, meanwhile, used a high-press strategy to disrupt Arsenal’s gameplay, making players like Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro attractive budget picks for upcoming fixtures. This game highlights the importance of finding differentials in fantasy football, especially as the season progresses.
Newcastle Triumph Over Tottenham; Chelsea Struggles Continue
Newcastle United edged Tottenham Hotspur 2-1, with Sandro Tonali making an impact off the bench. For FPL managers, Newcastle’s defense remains solid, even with key players missing, suggesting Nick Pope is a valuable goalkeeper option. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea was held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace. Cole Palmer created several chances, but Chelsea’s finishing woes raise concerns for FPL managers considering their forwards. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze is a standout FPL option, delivering goals and earning bonus points despite challenging fixtures.
Everton's Collapse Against Bournemouth; Brentford Capitalizes
Everton suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth, despite leading 2-0, highlighting the unpredictable nature of FPL assets like Dominic Solanke. Meanwhile, Brentford’s 3-1 win over Southampton featured strong performances from Bryan Mbeumo, whose set-piece responsibilities and consistent form make him a prime target for FPL managers looking to strengthen their squads.
Top Fantasy Premier League Transfers to Consider
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): With his record-breaking start and favorable fixtures ahead, Haaland is a must-have for FPL managers.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Salah remains a top FPL pick, with a solid performance record and motivation to finish his potential final season at Liverpool on a high.
- Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace): Eze continues to offer great value as a mid-priced midfielder, consistently delivering points and providing a reliable differential.
Looking Ahead: Premier League and FPL Strategy
As the international break arrives, both Premier League teams and FPL managers will be strategizing for the coming weeks. With key fixtures like Manchester City vs. Arsenal on the horizon and a packed schedule for teams in European competitions, managing squad depth, rotation, and injuries will be critical for success. Now is the perfect time to consider wildcard options or make strategic transfers to gain an edge in the FPL rankings.