FPL Gameweek 3 tips: Key picks and strategies for success

Why we like him

Bruno Fernandes is set to face Everton away on September 6, 2026. His current form is impressive, with a form rating of 12.5. This indicates he is performing well and contributing significantly to his team's success. Fernandes has already scored three goals and provided one assist this season, totaling 25 points. His ability to influence games makes him a strong candidate for the captaincy this week.

Manchester United will be looking to continue their good run of form, and Fernandes is at the heart of their attacking play. He has a knack for being involved in key moments, whether it's scoring or assisting goals. His role as a playmaker means he often finds himself in positions to create chances for his teammates, which adds to his appeal as a captain choice.

With an ownership of 48.1%, many managers are already backing Fernandes. This high ownership means he is a popular pick, but it also comes with some template risk. However, his consistent performances and ability to deliver points make him a worthwhile gamble for the armband this week. If he performs well, it could give your team a significant boost in points.

In terms of captaincy, Fernandes is a reliable option. He has shown time and again that he can handle the pressure of being the focal point of the team's attack. His experience and skill set make him a player who can deliver when it matters most. For those looking to maximise their points this week, Fernandes is a player to consider for the captaincy.

FPL impact

Bruno Fernandes is priced at £12.0 million, which is a significant investment. However, his current form and potential for returns justify this price tag. Managers should weigh the cost against his ability to deliver points consistently.

With an ownership of 48.1%, Fernandes is a popular choice among FPL managers. This means that if he performs well, many teams will benefit, potentially limiting your ability to gain ground on rivals. However, his high ownership also indicates that he is a trusted asset, making him a safe captain choice.

In terms of transfers, many managers may be looking to bring in Fernandes this week. If you do not already own him, consider making the transfer to secure his points. His potential for returns against Everton makes him a valuable asset for this gameweek.

Why we like him

Rayan Cherki is set to play against Coventry City at home on September 5, 2026. His current form is rated at 11.0, indicating he is performing well and contributing to his team's success. Cherki has scored two goals and provided two assists this season, totaling 22 points. His involvement in the attack makes him a strong vice-captain choice this week.

Manchester City will be looking to dominate the match against Coventry City, and Cherki's role in the team is crucial. He has shown that he can create chances and score goals, making him a valuable asset for FPL managers. His ability to perform in front of home fans adds to his appeal as a vice-captain option.

With an ownership of 21.5%, Cherki is a differential pick. While not as widely owned as some other players, his potential for returns makes him an exciting option. If he performs well, he could provide a significant boost to your points total, especially if you are looking to gain an edge over your rivals.

Cherki's form and the favorable fixture against Coventry City make him a solid choice for vice-captain. He has the potential to score or assist, and his involvement in Manchester City's attacking play makes him a player to watch this week. For those looking for a vice-captain option, Cherki is worth considering.

FPL impact

Rayan Cherki is priced at £7.7 million, which is a reasonable investment for a player of his caliber. His current form and potential for returns justify this price tag. Managers should consider the cost against his ability to deliver points consistently.

With an ownership of 21.5%, Cherki is a differential pick. This means that he could provide an edge over rivals if he performs well. His lower ownership also means that he carries less template risk compared to more popular players.

In terms of transfers, managers may want to consider bringing in Cherki this week. His favorable fixture against Coventry City and current form make him a valuable asset for this gameweek. If you are looking for a vice-captain option, Cherki is a strong candidate.

Why we like him

Bryan Mbeumo is facing Everton away on September 6, 2026. His current form is rated at 6.5, which indicates he is still contributing to his team's success. Mbeumo has scored one goal and provided one assist this season, totaling 13 points. His ability to contribute in key moments makes him a valuable premium pick this week.

Manchester United will be looking to bounce back against Everton, and Mbeumo's role in the team is crucial. He has shown that he can create chances and score goals, making him a valuable asset for FPL managers. His experience and skill set make him a player who can deliver when it matters most.

With an ownership of 31.5%, Mbeumo is a popular choice among FPL managers. This means that he is a trusted asset, making him a safe pick for your squad. His potential for returns against Everton makes him a valuable asset for this gameweek.

Mbeumo's form and the favorable fixture against Everton make him a solid choice for a premium pick. He has the potential to score or assist, and his involvement in Manchester United's attacking play makes him a player to watch this week. For those looking for a premium option, Mbeumo is worth considering.

FPL impact

Bryan Mbeumo is priced at £8.0 million, which is a reasonable investment for a player of his caliber. His current form and potential for returns justify this price tag. Managers should consider the cost against his ability to deliver points consistently.

With an ownership of 31.5%, Mbeumo is a popular choice among FPL managers. This means that if he performs well, many teams will benefit, potentially limiting your ability to gain ground on rivals. However, his high ownership also indicates that he is a trusted asset, making him a safe pick for your squad.

In terms of transfers, many managers may be looking to bring in Mbeumo this week. If you do not already own him, consider making the transfer to secure his points. His potential for returns against Everton makes him a valuable asset for this gameweek.

Why we like him

Cody Gakpo is set to face Ipswich Town away on September 4, 2026. His current form is rated at 8.5, indicating he is performing well and contributing to his team's success. Gakpo has scored one goal and provided one assist this season, totaling 17 points. His involvement in the attack makes him a strong differential pick this week.

Liverpool will be looking to secure a win against Ipswich Town, and Gakpo's role in the team is crucial. He has shown that he can create chances and score goals, making him a valuable asset for FPL managers. His ability to perform in front of the goal adds to his appeal as a differential option.

With an ownership of 7.5%, Gakpo is a true differential pick. This low ownership means that if he performs well, he could provide a significant boost to your points total, especially if you are looking to gain an edge over your rivals.

Gakpo's form and the favorable fixture against Ipswich Town make him a solid choice for a differential. He has the potential to score or assist, and his involvement in Liverpool's attacking play makes him a player to watch this week. For those looking for a unique option, Gakpo is worth considering.

FPL impact

Cody Gakpo is priced at £7.0 million, which is a reasonable investment for a player of his caliber. His current form and potential for returns justify this price tag. Managers should consider the cost against his ability to deliver points consistently.

With an ownership of 7.5%, Gakpo is a true differential pick. This means that he could provide an edge over rivals if he performs well. His lower ownership also means that he carries less template risk compared to more popular players.

In terms of transfers, managers may want to consider bringing in Gakpo this week. His favorable fixture against Ipswich Town and current form make him a valuable asset for this gameweek. If you are looking for a differential option, Gakpo is a strong candidate.

Why we are wary

Chadi Riad is facing Fulham away on September 5, 2026. Unfortunately, he is currently injured and has a form rating of just 0.5. This indicates that he is not contributing to his team's success at the moment. Riad has not scored or assisted this season, totaling just one point. Given his injury status, he is not a viable option for your FPL team this week.

Crystal Palace will be looking to secure a result against Fulham, but Riad's absence means he will not be able to contribute. His injury leaves a gap in the defense, and managers should be cautious about including him in their squads. With no attacking returns and a low form rating, he is a player to avoid this week.

With an ownership of 0%, Riad is not a popular choice among FPL managers. This low ownership reflects his current situation, and it is wise to steer clear of him until he returns to full fitness. His injury means he will not be able to provide any points for your team, making him a risky pick.

Riad's injury and lack of form make him a player to avoid this week. Managers should look for alternatives who can contribute positively to their squads. Given the current circumstances, it is best to exclude Riad from your FPL plans.

FPL impact

Chadi Riad is priced at £4.4 million, which is a low investment. However, given his injury status, he is not a viable option for your team. Managers should consider other defenders who can provide points instead.

With an ownership of 0%, Riad is not a popular choice among FPL managers. This means that he carries no template risk, but his injury makes him a player to avoid. It is wise to look for alternatives who can contribute positively to your squad.

In terms of transfers, managers should avoid bringing in Riad this week. His injury means he will not be able to provide any points for your team. Instead, consider other defenders who can offer better value and potential returns.

Why we like him

Konstantinos Tzolakis is set to face Aston Villa at home on September 5, 2026. His current form is rated at 10.0, indicating he is performing well and contributing to his team's success. Tzolakis has not scored or assisted this season but has accumulated 20 points, showcasing his ability to earn points through clean sheets and saves.

Hull City will be looking to secure a result against Aston Villa, and Tzolakis's role as a goalkeeper is crucial. His performances have been solid, and he has shown that he can make important saves. His ability to keep clean sheets adds to his appeal as a defender pick this week.

With an ownership of 5.8%, Tzolakis is a reasonable choice among FPL managers. This ownership reflects his potential for returns, and he could provide a solid option for those looking to strengthen their defense. His performances so far indicate that he can deliver points consistently.

Tzolakis's form and the favorable fixture against Aston Villa make him a solid choice for a defender pick. He has the potential to earn points through clean sheets and saves, making him a player to consider for your squad this week.

FPL impact

Konstantinos Tzolakis is priced at £4.5 million, which is a low investment for a goalkeeper. His current form and potential for returns justify this price tag. Managers should consider the cost against his ability to deliver points consistently.

With an ownership of 5.8%, Tzolakis is a reasonable choice among FPL managers. This means that he carries some template risk, but his performances indicate that he can deliver points consistently. He is a solid option for those looking to strengthen their defense.

In terms of transfers, managers may want to consider bringing in Tzolakis this week. His favorable fixture against Aston Villa and current form make him a valuable asset for this gameweek. If you are looking for a reliable goalkeeper, Tzolakis is a strong candidate.

Why we like him

Maxim De Cuyper is set to face Leeds at home on September 5, 2026. His current form is rated at 8.5, indicating he is performing well and contributing to his team's success. De Cuyper has scored one goal and provided one assist this season, totaling 17 points. His ability to contribute in key moments makes him a valuable budget pick this week.

Brighton will be looking to secure a result against Leeds, and De Cuyper's role in the team is crucial. He has shown that he can create chances and score goals, making him a valuable asset for FPL managers. His experience and skill set make him a player who can deliver when it matters most.

With an ownership of 13%, De Cuyper is a reasonable choice among FPL managers. This ownership reflects his potential for returns, and he could provide a solid option for those looking for budget-friendly players. His performances so far indicate that he can deliver points consistently.

De Cuyper's form and the favorable fixture against Leeds make him a solid choice for a budget pick. He has the potential to score or assist, and his involvement in Brighton's attacking play makes him a player to watch this week.

FPL impact

Maxim De Cuyper is priced at £4.7 million, which is a low investment for a player of his caliber. His current form and potential for returns justify this price tag. Managers should consider the cost against his ability to deliver points consistently.

With an ownership of 13%, De Cuyper is a reasonable choice among FPL managers. This means that he carries some template risk, but his performances indicate that he can deliver points consistently. He is a solid option for those looking for budget-friendly players.

In terms of transfers, managers may want to consider bringing in De Cuyper this week. His favorable fixture against Leeds and current form make him a valuable asset for this gameweek. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, De Cuyper is a strong candidate.

Why we like him

João Pedro is facing Arsenal away on September 6, 2026. His current form is rated at 10.0, indicating he is performing well and contributing to his team's success. Pedro has scored two goals and provided two assists this season, totaling 20 points. His ability to contribute in key moments makes him a valuable form pick this week.

Chelsea will be looking to secure a result against Arsenal, and Pedro's role in the team is crucial. He has shown that he can create chances and score goals, making him a valuable asset for FPL managers. His experience and skill set make him a player who can deliver when it matters most.

With an ownership of 69.6%, Pedro is a popular choice among FPL managers. This means that if he performs well, many teams will benefit, potentially limiting your ability to gain ground on rivals. However, his high ownership also indicates that he is a trusted asset, making him a safe pick for your squad.

Pedro's form and the challenging fixture against Arsenal make him a solid choice for a form pick. He has the potential to score or assist, and his involvement in Chelsea's attacking play makes him a player to watch this week.

FPL impact

João Pedro is priced at £7.6 million, which is a reasonable investment for a player of his caliber. His current form and potential for returns justify this price tag. Managers should consider the cost against his ability to deliver points consistently.

With an ownership of 69.6%, Pedro is a popular choice among FPL managers. This means that if he performs well, many teams will benefit, potentially limiting your ability to gain ground on rivals. However, his high ownership also indicates that he is a trusted asset, making him a safe pick for your squad.

In terms of transfers, many managers may be looking to bring in Pedro this week. If you do not already own him, consider making the transfer to secure his points. His potential for returns against Arsenal makes him a valuable asset for this gameweek.