Here’s part 2 of our fantasy premier league team tips GW3 articles where 4 FFGeek Contributors show their teams for gameweek 3. There’s Rob Reid, Rick Porter, Stephen Troop and Sergio Torija. Between them they have 19 top 1% finishes in the last 6 very competitive seasons.
Fantasy Premier League Team Tips GW3 – 4 FFGeek Contributors Teams Part 2
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Introduction
It’s worth noting that the teams shown may not necessarily end up being the final teams or the transfers may have been made in the days prior to the posting . It’s an informal situation to give you an idea of trends. However the FFGeek team, the Transfer Planner Team and the Contributor tracker team Plus the Contributor teams of Rob, Rick, Andrew, Kris, Kev and Joe mentioned above on the FFGeek Patreon site all make notified transfers live as they are completed. So you’re always up to date and live for a maximum £3 PCM.
Note I am changing from FPL average to the post hits 15 top Managers average who have finished in the top 10K the last 3 seasons that I follow
Stephen Troop
Stephens last 4 seasons ORs were 16k, 22k, 86k and 43k
GW2 points: 67 (15 Top managers average 69) Total points: 130, Overall Rank: 1,824k, Green arrow: 929k Team Value: £100.2m
Follow Stephen on Twitter here
GW2 Review
A similar week as GW1 for me. I scored 67 points which got me a green arrow from 2.7m to 1.8m. Not bad, not great. Captain Haaland (10), Cancelo (11), Martinelli (8), Jesus (19) and Sanchez (6) were my returners.
Disappointment again from the double Liverpool clean sheet plus Bailley’s and Perisic’s benching. I benched Perisic anyway for his 4 points as well as Neco’s 7 points. Mount was quite deep vs Spurs again as well which is of concern although did carve the odd chance.
GW3 Preview
I have 2 free transfers and a few options. In priority order I need to
a) Get James in. I was reserved on the Chelsea defence to start with and wanted to review but after the Spurs game I need to get him in. With the fixtures he’s going to haul.
b) Deal with Bailley. Will lose value very soon, will get rotated a lot and he was a 2/3 week punt that hasn’t paid off. Fixtures are terrible.
c) Deal with Perisic. I’m hoping for early team news here. Already lost 0.1m on him but hoping his assist plugs the sales slightly.
d) Deal with Mount.
For a) I need to swap Perisic or Robertson to James. If I choose Perisic then I need to find 0.6m. This means losing Mount and having to take the price fall on Bailey and keep him in the squad. I would then play Neco Williams ahead of Bailey which vs Everton I’m happy with. This solves 3/4 problems but does risk a Perisic haul if he does start.
If I choose Robertson I can use the 1m to upgrade Bailey. I’m liking the underlying numbers and fixtures of Gross who is on all set pieces (penalties not 100%) and would choose him. I’m preferring this play currently but it has the risk of a Robertson haul. Fixtures are still great for Liverpool and I fully believe in the Liverpool defence (if Matip is back) and Robertson. Also despite the arguments above, Gross still feels a bit like a risk given Brighton historically have a problem with finishing the chances they create. I just think this options gives more flexibility for moves in future weeks due to a more balanced squad.
I have 0.4m to play with for the preferred option but given the price swings I may go early anyway and just bench Perisic for Neco Williams if we get early team news and he’s benched.
Other dilemma is captaincy with several standouts. Currently on Salah as United are currently that bad. I also think Nunez’s suspension will help Salah. I haven’t ruled out Haaland but I think the Newcastle fixture currently is tougher than United’s. Jesus is an option but feels only based on last week. Bournemouth are a defensive minded team and expect them to make it tough at home.
Transfer summary: To be confirmed
Here’s the Current team pre transfers
Rick Porter
Rick’s last 6 seasons ORs were 38k, 1k, 29k, 1k, 30k and 2k.
GW2 points: 77 (15 Top managers average 69) Total points: 150, Overall Rank: 220k, Green arrow: 677k Team Value: £100.2m
This week felt just as much about avoiding losing points as it did gaining them. Missed pens, red cards, own goals… some of the GW1 golden boys really did a number on their GW2 owners. Thankfully, my picks chose not to betray me. Another decent score means more padding for when the inevitable bad weeks comes along. Rank means so little at the moment, so it’s not worth dwelling on, but having a few extra points to cushion the drop when a bad decision does come back to bite you is reassuring.
The team
Overall, I’m very happy with my team. Perisic is a bit of a thorn in my side, though. Walker was the likely alternative in GW1, so I’m currently 8 points adrift on that decision. With a possible start at any time, Perisic’s got too much potential for me to bench, so I’m doomed to get the cameo point each match while his fitness is in question. This week he only saw 10 minutes of play, which was disappointing. On the flip side, that was enough time for him to grab an assist – a reminder of what he’s capable of. In my eyes, each match that goes by makes it more likely he starts… but how long before that happens? Will he even make it to 60 minutes if he does? There’s a fair chance I’ve already suffered through his diciest weeks, so should I just keep the faith?
If I had other fires to put out then I’d certainly be sticking with him, but with two FTs, and nothing urgent to do with them, I need to consider if he’s worth the hassle when I could save money with someone like Cuccurella. Team news is a possibility this week with Spurs playing first, so it could be a decision that goes to the wire.
Neto is my only other blip. Again, he doesn’t need replacing, but could making a luxury sideways move offer something more than the ‘meh’ he’s offered up so far? Gross is on all set-pieces with good fixtures, but his price rise means I’d need the Perisic downgrade to get to him.
Dropping to Dewsbury-Hall would free up 0.5m, which would give me some much-needed price flexibility, and I’d be comfortable rotating him with Neco Williams and Andreas Pereira who have both shown they can be more than just bench fodder.
You can see the rest of the article on the FFGeek Patreon site wide forward tier for only £3 pcm with loads of other content mentioned above. That includes following Rick’s Team and 5 others with live notified transfers as they happen and the teams final lineup each gameweek.
Rob Reid
Rob’s last 7 seasons overall ranks were 66k, 12k, 148k, 94k, 22k, 4k and 7k
GW2 points: 71 (15 Top managers average 69) Total points: 150, Overall Rank: 220k, Green arrow: 91k Team Value: £100.3m
Follow Rob on twitter here
Bit of a topsy-turvy one this week. Saturday started out really well, 6 out of 7 returns with only Bailey blanking. The only small negative was Captain Haaland ‘only’ returning an assist (square it Phil!) but the afternoon was capped off for my team rather nicely by Newcastle hanging on for a 0-0 with Brighton which bagged me a clean sheet from each team.
The remainder of the gameweek was frustrating. I had a clean sheet on my bench from Neco Williams for starters – he was never going to start but it is annoying seeing 7 points sitting there gathering dust. I nearly survived not owning Reece James, but alas as soon as he switched to RWB he reverted to type (more on that later.) Then it was 6 points from my Liverpool players on Monday with Diaz forging ahead in the Robbo v Diaz battle for the 3rd Pool asset (again more on that later.)
It’s difficult to be down on my start though. 220k OR at GW2 is fine and although Chris has knocked me off the top of the Contributors League, I’m still really happy to be sat in 2nd place in amongst the thick of it. Hopefully things can stay this way! I’ll give my GW3 team thoughts in a bit, but first up here’s this week’s fixture review.
GW2 Fixture Review
I watch 2 live games this week – Aston Villa vs Everton and Chelsea vs Spurs. I caught highlights of the rest as well as catching up on the key stats from these games. Here’s a few thoughts on each game – I’ll start with the 2 I watched live.
Aston Villa v Everton
it was disappointing to see Bailey benched, but not hugely surprising and it was a patchy game from Villa I thought. Ings and Watkins often found themselves isolated from their partner, but when they did link-up they were very dangerous and created space for their attacking midfielders to exploit. Cash and Digne were also (as usual) very advanced, though the latter ended up on minus points after an unfortunate own goal and a yellow card. Defensively, Villa were extremely suspect. They struggled on set pieces and also persistently lost the ball in the centre of midfield, something better teams will exploit on the turnover.
As for Everton, there is so much work for them to do. Lacking a centre-forward simply to hold up and link play as much as anything means they are persistently under pressure as well as lacking goal threat from open play. Onana did do well when he came on, but he has played more as a CDM at his previous club so isn’t really on my radar for the moment despite his low price. 4.0m Patterson started again at full-back, but until their defence improves, he’s a wait and see.
Chelsea v Spurs
This was a hugely interesting tactical battle between 2 talented managers. Spurs were completely undone in the first hour by Chelsea’s tactics and were lucky to be only 1-0 down with the home side missing several chances with Koulibaly’s goal a peach of a finish from Cucurella’s corner. Conte changed things after an hour, switching to 4 at the back and it quickly paid dividends. Kane missed a great chance in a one-on-one, but they soon equalised despite Tuchel’s protests about a foul in the build-up (Bentancur won the ball for me.)
Tuchel then rejigged his tactics with (notably from an FPL perspective) James switching from RCB to RWB. He immediately showing what he can do, firstly delivering a great cross to pick out Havertz who missed when it was probably easier to score. James wasn’t to be denied though and netted Chelsea’s second after a swift counter-attack. Spurs dug in well again and equalised from a corner in injury-time – Perisic coming off the bench to deliver the set-piece onto Kane’s head. My FPL takeaways were firstly the phenomenally high position of Chelsea’s wing-backs again. James is just a superb FPL asset when played at RWB but Cucurella showed similar high field position too at LWB, albeit offering more of an assist threat. For Spurs, Richarlison coming on really galvanised them and he’s definitely a threat to Son and more likely Kulusevski’s game time and advanced position moving forwards. Perisic is also one to watch, though as usual with Conte wingbacks, xMins is the problem.
Arsenal vs Leicester
This was the Gabriel Jesus show without a doubt. 2 goals scored, another 3 good chances for his hat-trick, 7 shots in the box and 2 assists as well. He’s as close to essential as you can get in FPL at the moment with his high EO and great fixtures. He’ll also be a Captaincy favourite this week. Martinelli scored again and created several chances as well as sharing corners with Saka, the latter being pushed wide more. If you’re a Saka owner I’d probably be thinking of a downgrade to Martinelli to free up funds. Maddison was Leicester’s standout player, though Ramsdale really should have saved the shot for his goal. Defensively, The Foxes are in a terrible state and I’d be really worried if they lose Fofana with Chelsea sniffing around at the moment. They’ll always offer goal threat though.
Brighton vs Newcastle
Same old problem for Brighton, failing to take chances and make the most of a 1.55 vs 0.18 xG game. Nick Pope was superb for The Magpies and the other big reason why this finished goalless. Gross is one to watch for me, though it’s difficult not to focus on his historical inconsistency. He followed up his 2 goals versus United with a big chance and 4 chances created in this game. Brighton go to West Ham in GW, but then have great fixtures until they meet Liverpool in GW9 so it’s a decent time to take a punt. Newcastle have City next and Liverpool in GW5, so if you own any assets either sell or have a plan to bench them in GW3 & 5 while playing them versus Wolves in GW4.
Man City vs Bournemouth
City scored fairly early which quickly ended this as a contest. They dominated possession with De Bruyne and Foden outstanding in the first half before the latter was subbed at half-time. A quiet game for Haaland with just a solitary assist for a return and only 1 significant chance. City defence continues to look solid and a double-up looks a good option for the next few weeks for a steady stream of points. Difficult to make any judgements on the visitors – more data and games against mid-table teams needed before sizing up their assets.
Southampton vs Leeds
Another fun game involving the Yorkshire team as the Saints did well to peg them back from a 2 goal lead. How unlucky is Patrick Bamford? Yet another injury for the Leeds striker, though his absence could be beneficial for 2 goal Rodrigo. The Spaniard is the highest scorer in the game after 2GWs and although he has a tough fixture in GW3, has great fixtures GW4-7. I’ve added him to my Watchlist alongside Aaronson and Harrison. Saints are still a difficult team to judge, though Aribo is playing out-of-position as a second striker and scored. 3 tough fixtures next, though could come onto our radars from GW6.
Wolves vs Fulham
I’m not sure how Wolves didn’t score in this game, Neto in particular bungled 2 great opportunities for returns by being indecisive. Fulham won the xG battle, though a fair chunk of their 1.46 xG will have been down to Mitrovic’s saved penalty. Will be interesting to see if the Serbian is still on penalties moving forward. Budget darling Andreas looking more threatening than in the Liverpool fixture though did come off late on with a knock which needs monitoring.
Brentford vs Man United
Brentford played really well, with Frank’s tactics and Brentford’s targeted press ruthlessly exploiting United’s defensive frailties as the Red Devils struggle to adapt to Ten Haag’s system. Toney offered little goal threat himself but was the hub for creating chances leading to 2 assists. Jensen and Mbeumo took their chances well for their goals. DaSilva at 4.6m is an interesting one – 2 goals so far this season has attracted a lot of buys, but both his goals have come from a combined xG of 0.06 and it was an absolute howler from De Gea for this one. He is only 4.6m though…manage those expectations folks! As for United, they were frankly (!) awful and are a flat out avoid for me for the moment despite their budget friendly price points. Liverpool at Old Trafford next is an interesting one.
Forest vs West Ham
A first Premier League win this century for Forest owed much to the exploits of Dean Henderson. For me, he is England’s best all-round keeper and the technique and decision-making side of his saves in this game was notable and for me is why he is better than Ramsdale and Pickford (though him and Pope are fairly even when it comes to shot-stopping alone.) Neco Williams was the other notable player from an FPL perspective – very advanced and picked up a bonus point. He’s a great option to start against Everton this weekend in your FPL team I reckon. For West Ham, the question is who will be on penalties now after Rice’s failure to convert. If it’s Bowen, he could be the best long term midfield option in that bracket below the premium prices.
Liverpool v Palace
2 games in and it’s a surprising 4 points dropped for The Reds. Defence is becoming a worry; they’ve conceded first in their last 6 games and in 8 of their last 9. Is it time to shift off a defensive double-up? Diaz owners are certainly ahead in the Diaz vs Robbo battle and he was superb capping his performance with a great individual goal. A night to forget for Darwin though as he was schooled by Andersen in the Palace defence for 57 minutes before losing his head and getting sent off. A quiet night for Salah too. As for Palace, great credit for their performance with Zaha doing what Zaha does. Still a wait and see until their fixtures improve though.
GW3 Team
2 free transfers, £0.5m in the bank.
You can see the rest of the article on the FFGeek Patreon site wide forward tier for only £3 pcm with loads of other content mentioned above. That includes following Rob’s Team and 5 others with live notified transfers as they happen and the teams final lineup each gameweek.
Sergio Torija
Sergio’s has 4 top 0.5% overall ranks in the last 6 seasons
GW2 points: 67 (15 Top managers average 69) Total points: 119, Overall Rank: 3,458k, Green arrow: 1,726k Team Value: £100.2m
A bit of anticlimax end to GW2 with the 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Palace, with no returns for my Liverpool trio of TAA, Robbo and Salah, no cleansheets in the first two is also disappointing from Liverpool. The star of the week was undoubtedly Gabriel Jesus with 2 goals and 2 assists, which could have been even more, with Arsenal in great form, means Jesus enters the captain conversation moving forward. My team did alright this week, but nothing spectacular. Haaland as captain with just an assist home to Bournemouth was also a bit of a let down.
Looking at GW3, I’ve got a free transfer and £1.5m in the bank to play with. The biggest issue on the team is Bailey, who already lost his starting place in GW2. I need the player in this spot to start this week, so Bailey is out. There isn’t a wealth of too exciting options around, Leeds players and Lingard the most appealing but without a great entry point this week. The other player I fancy is Groß, also without a massively appealing fixture this week, but with a great run over the next couple of months. This is my transfer Bailey out, Groß in, which still leaves £0.9 in the bank for the future.
As for captain, all of Salah, Haaland and Jesus are options. Salah is my captain for now with Jesus as vice, let’s see how the polls look towards the end of the week.
Good luck all
transfer summary: Bailey out and Gross in
Here’s the team with the transfer completed
The FFGeek Contributors League
The highlighted FFGeek Contributor Tracker team finished with an overall rank of 8k in 2020 and 96k in 2021 is currently in 12th place in the FFGeek Contributors League with an overall rank of 861k. You can follow that team, including live transfers and the final lineup each gameweek.
There’s also the FPL Transfer Planner team which finished 3k overall rank last season and is run by Joseph Crilley’s Transfer Planner and Points Projection Tool. It’s in 22nd place with an overall rank of 2,089k. The FFGeek team currently also in 12th position at 861k
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