MY ACCOUNT
Gameweek 3 has been full of twists so far as the elite Fantasy Premier League managers separated themselves from the crop.
Martin Odegaard bagged a brace and 16 points as Arsenal breezed past Bournemouth, with popular pick Gabriel Jesus grabbing an assist in the game.
Elsewhere, the 29.1% of players who own Neco Williams will be disappointed in his one-point return as Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 with Everton.
As managers ponder what changes to make heading into Gameweek 4 ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool, we take a look at the three top-performing players and three stars who did not live up to expectations.
Gameweek 3 top performers
Rodrigo (Leeds)
Leeds’ resurgence under Jesse Marsch has gone under the radar considering the level of change over the summer.
After losing both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, the Whites needed someone to step up in the new season and 31-year-old Rodrigo has been that man.
The Spanish striker, owned by 17.5% of players, has four goals in three games in 2022-23 and leads the scoring charts in the Premier League — he also leads the fantasy charts, so far securing 35 points.
Gameweek 4 will see Leeds travel to Brighton which is likely to be a tough test. But if Rodrigo can do it against Chelsea, he can do it against any team.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
As a defender in fantasy football, you cannot do much better than a goal and a clean sheet.
Arsenal swept Scott Parker’s Bournemouth aside in a comfortable 3-0 win and William Saliba shone once again with a commanding defensive performance.
Limiting the hosts to just one shot on target, the Frenchman also swept home the Gunners’ third goal, earning him a mammoth 14 points in fantasy football.
With Arsenal at home to Fulham next weekend, you would be well placed to keep the defender in your team for GW4.
Ivan Perisic (Tottenham)
Many were frustrated when Ivan Perisic was left on the bench for Tottenham’s opening two Premier League games, but the Croatian has finally come up clutch.
Spurs beat Wolves 1-0 on Saturday with Perisic making his first start of the season and he popped up with an assist, earning him 12 fantasy points.
Despite his price rising to £5.4million, Perisic will be a good option to transfer in as he secures points for clean sheets as well as goals and assists.
Spurs travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday and with a great performance under his belt, the 33-year-old will surely become a regular feature under Antonio Conte.
Gameweek 3 worst performers
Kalidou Koulibaly
Things looked bleak for Chelsea as they found themselves 3-0 down against Leeds on Sunday but Kalidou Koulibaly’s red card summed up the poor performance from the Blues.
After two impressive games under Thomas Tuchel — including a goal against rivals Spurs — Koulibaly looked like he could do no wrong.
However, the 12.7% of fantasy players who own the Senegal international will be furious with his return of -2 points in GW3.
Now set to miss the clash against Leicester — remember to replace the defender before the next deadline on Saturday.
Ederson (Manchester City)
It is very rare that Manchester City concede more than two goals but Newcastle proved a handful for the champions as they recovered from 3-1 down to draw at St James’ Park.
Ederson is a luxury goalkeeper for many fantasy players but conceding three times — including a spectacular Kieran Trippier free-kick — meant that the Brazilian earned just one point in GW3.
Nearly a quarter of fantasy players own the City shot-stopper, but many would have been better off opting for someone like Emi Martinez for their side.
The Citizens host Crystal Palace in GW4 — a side they lost to in the same fixture last season — leaving Ederson in may be a risk for this game.
Reece James (Chelsea)
It was a day to forget for Chelsea at Elland Road but it will be difficult for 43.9% of fantasy football players to erase that Reece James performance from their memory.
A shadow of the player that tore Spurs apart last weekend, the defender still created a few half chances for his side but the Blues’ struggles in front of goal continued.
Scoring just one point, James broke his streak of securing seven in each of the first two games but Chelsea’s woes will likely be short-lived.
Every expectation is that the West London club will beat Leicester in GW4, with James expected to bounce back with a haul of points against the struggling Foxes.
