The Premier League season is long, dark and full of terrors for draft fantasy soccer managers. The grind of staying current on injuries and anticipating squad rotation on a week-to-week basis is tedious, and often confusing thanks to a hefty dose of conflicting reports and misleading quotations. While flipping a coin to pick to decide between players is an effective strategy about 50% of the time, if you’re looking for long-term success in draft fantasy soccer, Fantrax has you covered 100% of the time.
This season, the Fantasy Premier League Planner will serve as your one-stop shop for everything you need to know going into each round of matches. Rather than telling you how to translate a Jose Mourinho press conference, FPLP does it for you. No need to guess on a rotating fullback, FPLP has the inside scoop. Unsure about a player with a knock? FPLP will touch on that too. Rather than pandering on and on with more examples, let’s get down to business.
Fantasy Premier League Planner – Week 3
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Please follow @Fantrax_epl to keep up with all of our fantasy soccer content.
Wolverhampton vs Manchester City
Wolverhampton was unlucky to leave Leicester without a point on Saturday. Matt Doherty was on the receiving end of a harsh challenge from Jamie Vardy that earned the Leicester striker a red card. While Wolves failed to make the most of the man advantage, manager Nuno Espirito Santos will be pleased with the performance of club-record signing Adama Traore. The explosive winger only played the second half, but his seven completed dribbles were more than any other player in a Premier League game this season thus far. Regarding changes to the starting XI for Week 3, Traore is poised to make his first start after impressing as a substitute last week. Doherty is also expected to be fit despite being forced off after the clash with Vardy.
In the Premier League, nothing can be said to be sure, expect to avoid defenders facing Manchester City. Clinical City put six past Huddersfield Town on Sunday and two past Arsenal in the week prior, laying down a real statement of intent on defending the title. Pep Guardiola went with a 3-5-2 formation in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, using Bernardo Silva as a wing-back and naming both Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI. Guardiola said before the season began that his stars will have to earn their place on a week-to-week basis, and so far that’s been the case. Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker dropped to the bench against Town. Leroy Sane, meanwhile, has yet to make his first start of the season. The rotation means draft fantasy soccer managers in Fantrax leagues must be prepared to make lineup adjustments when the team sheet comes out on Saturday afternoon.
Arsenal vs West Ham United
Arsenal fell 3-2 to Chelsea in a crazy affair at Stamford Bridge in Week 2. With a lot to unpack, will start with a few positives. Manager Unai Emery kept faith in Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Petr Cech after both struggled in the opening weekend defeat to Manchester City. Mkhitaryan was moved to the right and fared much better, scoring the visitors’ first goal and assisting the second, while Cech made eight saves. Alex Iwobi also validated his inclusion in the starting XI with an all-around solid shift. The Nigerian did the defensive work needed on the left side of midfield and scored the Gunners’ second goal. As for the negatives, Mesut Ozil had another anonymous performance. He recorded a lowly total of 29 touches, returned -0.5 fantasy points (Togga scoring) and was rightfully removed in the 67th minute. The match also highlighted that neither Sokratis nor Shkodran Mustafi posses the amount of speed needed to recover when Emery’s style of a high defensive line is broken. Factor in that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed some golden chances, and it’s safe to say Arsenal are in dire need of a turnaround in Week 3. Draft fantasy soccer manager will hope Emery finally fields a starting XI with both Alexandre Lacazette and Aubameyang against West Ham. For that scenario to happen, we would see either a 4-4-2 formation or Auba play out wide to make room for Lacazette up front.
Possible XI: Cech; Bellerin, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal; Torreira, Ramsey, Mkhitaryan, Iwobi; Lacazette, Aubameyang
West Ham has started the season with successive defeats after throwing away a one-goal lead at the London Stadium against Bournemouth. Manager Manuel Pellegrini dropped Declan Rice, Michail Antonio and Ryan Fredericks from his matchday squad and deployed a 4-4-2 formation. Fullback Pablo Zabaleta and wide man Robert Snodgrass operated on the right while Javier Hernandez started up front alongside Marko Arnautovic. Arnautovic opened his tally with an expertly taken penalty after Hernandez sharply drew a foul in the area, but despite out-possessing and outshooting the visitors, the Hammers again struggled in defence. Callum Wilson eased through the spine of the backline on a solo run from the centre-circle and slotted beyond Lukasz Fabianski and Steve Cook lept highest to head home a free-kick just six minutes later. With the Emirates being the venue for Saturday’s London derby clash with Arsenal, Pellegrini’s most significant order of business will be addressing the leaky defense. The apparent alteration would be playing £21m summer signing Issa Diop alongside Angelo Ogbonna in central defense. Five at the back is another option. Bring in Aaron Cresswell would allow Pellegrini to push Arthur Masuaku to his favored wing-back position. Carlos Sanchez and Lucas Perez are also in contention to start after coming off the bench against Bournemouth. I’m expecting to see former Gunners Jack Wilshere and Perez both in the starting XI this weekend.
Bournemouth vs Everton
Bournemouth continued their perfect start with a 2-1 victory over West Ham. Callum Wilson scored a beautiful individual goal, and Steve Cook headed home from a Ryan Fraser free-kick six minutes later as the Cherries came from behind at the London Stadium. Wilson’s goal was a work of genius as the striker evaded a tackle, shimmed past another and tucked a low strike beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. The 26-year-old has already scored two goals this season, putting him on pace to better the eight he managed in 2017-18. Fraser and Wilson have now scored or assisted all four of Bournemouth’s goals so far. For manager Eddie Howe, the fast start should see him name an unchanged starting XI when Everton visit the Vitality Stadium in Week 3. Youngster David Brooks has solidified his place in midfield with consecutive strong performances. Andrew Surman and Dan Gosling should stay in central midfield until Jefferson Lerma is deemed match fit, while Charlie Daniels looks set to retain his place at left-back with Diego Rico unavailable through the final game of a three-match ban.
Everton claimed their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Southampton at Goodison Park. Theo Walcott provided the opener by finishing off a training ground set-piece routine, slotting home from Morgan Schneiderlin’s pass from close-range. Everton’s new talisman Richarlison continued his impressive start to life as a Toffee by powering a header past Alex McCarthy from a Walcott cross for his third goal of the season. Marco Silva was forced into one change with Phil Jagielka unavailable through suspension, selecting Mason Holgate ahead of Kurt Zouma to partner Michael Keane in central defense. Silva will stick the same starting XI for the trip to Bournemouth in Week 3 unless Schneiderlin is unable to recover from a foot injury. Draft fantasy soccer managers will have to wait a little bit longer on Yerry Mina (foot), Andre Gomes (hamstring) and Bernard (fitness).
Huddersfield Town vs Cardiff City
Huddersfield Town returns to the John Smith’s Stadium off the back of defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea, still searching for their first win of the season. David Wagner’s side will relish the chance to face Cardiff City after being thumped 6-1 at the Etihad Stadium by the Premier League champions. Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen, Jonathan Hogg and Aaron Mooy were sorely missed last time out. Mooy was not with the squad to face Manchester City due to the arrival of his second child but will be back for Week 3. As for Zanka and Hogg, Wagner said: “ I think we can make a final decision very late in the week.” Jon Gorenc Stankovic and Danny Williams, who just returned from a long-term injury, would be favored to fill in if the duo fails to pass a late fitness test. Draft fantasy soccer managers could find Huddersfield Town players useful in Week 3, especially striker Steve Mounie. Mounie, who grabbed an assist in Week 2, is owned in just 39% of all leagues.
Cardiff City followed up a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth with a goalless draw against Newcastle. Manager Neil Warnock made a handful of changes after the opening day defeat, most notably changing the formation from a 4-1-4-1 to a 4-3-3. Harry Arter and Victor Camarasa made their debuts against Newcastle and could start once again in midfield with Joe Ralls for the trip to Town. For the second straight match though, it was goalkeeper Neil Etheridge that stole the show. The Philippine international saved a penalty for the second consecutive match to secure a share of the points, making him the Man of the Match. Junior Hoilett was withdrawn late with a groin problem, opening the door for Bobby Reid to return to the starting XI. Draft fantasy soccer managers in need of a keeper should consider Etheridge, with the number one owned in just 31% of all Fantrax leagues.
Southampton vs Leicester City
Southampton heads into the match looking for their first win of the season, having drawn at home to Burnley and suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Everton. Manager Mark Hughes has a close to fit squad to select from with centre-back Jannik Vestergaard, central midfielder Stuart Armstrong and winger Mohamed Elyounoussi all back in contention. The Saints will be hoping Danny Ings can continue his scoring form after netting on his full debut against Everton. Ings, who has attempted seven total in 124 minutes played, will partner Charlie Austin up front with Hughes set to roll with a 4-4-2 formation. Regarding changes, Elyounoussi could displace James Ward-Prowse if he is deemed fully fit.
Possible XI: McCarthy; Soares, Stephens, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Elyounoussi, Lemina, Romeu, Redmond; Ings, Austin
Leicester City will be without the services of Jamie Vardy, who is suspended after his red card against Wolverhampton. Manager Claude Puel has suggested that Demarai Gray could get a chance to push Kelechi Iheanacho and Shinji Okazaki for a spot up front. However, at least for Week 3, Iheanacho is favored to lead the line. The Foxes kept a clean sheet and took all three points last weekend despite playing with ten men for the final 24 minutes, giving them confidence ahead of the trip to the St. Mary’s Stadium. James Maddison scored his first goal of the season against Wolves while Nampalys Mendy enjoyed a successful outing alongside Wilfred Ndidi in central midfield. Draft fantasy soccer managers should consider adding Iheanacho (32%) with Vardy suspended for the next three matches.
Possible XI: Schmeichel; Chilwell, Maguire, Evans, Pereira; Mendy, Ndidi, Gray, Maddison, Albrighton; Iheanacho.
Liverpool vs Brighton
Liverpool enters Week 3 as the only club yet to concede. Jurgen Klopp’s side has outscored their opponents 6-0 and allowed an average of just 6.5 shots per game. The Reds will be at full strength when Brighton visit Anfield on Saturday, with only Dejan Lovren still unavailable. Joel Matip is fit and will be hoping to get his first start of the season, meaning draft fantasy soccer managers who own Joe Gomes might not be able to use him this week. Outside of the change at centre-back though, the side should go unchanged. In short, Liverpool is primed for another strong outing.
Brighton overcame the odds by beating Manchester United 3-2 in Week 2. Glenn Murray and Shane Duffy scored in a three-minute span to give the Seagulls an early lead. Romelu Lukaku pulled one back for the visitors in the 34th minute, but midfield ace Pascal Gross converted a penalty just before halftime to give the home side enough of a cushion to survive Paul Pogba’s late spot-kick. Chris Hughton’s side faces another formidable task this time around, facing high-flying Liverpool at Anfield. Leon Balogun is in line for his Premier League debut following the news that centre-back Lewis Dunk will miss multiple weeks due to an ankle injury. Martin Montoya is well-placed make another start at right-back with first-choice option Bruno Saltor still sidelined with a minor hamstring issue. Draft fantasy soccer managers with stock in Brighton should be wary of their defenders this week.
Watford vs Crystal Palace
Watford continued their perfect start with a 3-1 win over Burnley. Troy Deeney was the leading man as the clubs’ captain assisted on Andre Gray’s opener in the 3rd minute and scored the second himself just after the restart. Will Hughes added the third and final goal three minutes later to ensure the Hornets took maximum points from their opening two matches for the first time in the Premier League era. Watford’s hot start has also translated into fantasy success. Most notably; Roberto Pereyra, Jose Holebas and Troy Deeney have already topped the 30-point mark in leagues using Togga scoring. With no new injury concerns, manager Javi Garcia is poised to name an unchanged starting XI in Week 3. Draft fantasy soccer managers looking for depth this week should consider midfielder Will Hughes and defender Daryl Janmaat.
Crystal Palace will look to get back on track when they travel to Watford this weekend. The Eagles ran into Liverpool in Week 2 and lost youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the process. With Wan-Bissaka unavailable through a three-match ban after his dismissal, Joel Ward will come in at right-back. Summer signing Max Meyer, who came on as a substitute against Liverpool, could be the other change if Hodgson wants to add another attack-minded option in midfield. Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has shined between the sticks thus far, making him a top target for draft fantasy soccer managers that need a keeper.
Fulham vs Burnley
Fulham is still winless after defeats to Crystal Palace and Tottenham. The Cottagers enter this weekend boosted by the potential return of centre-back Tim Ream and no other new injuries concerns. Manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be happy with the performance of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who opened his scoring account last week with a header from a Ryan Sessegnon cross. Andre Schurrle was dropped from the starting XI last time out, affording Aboubakar Kamara a chance to impress on the wing. Tom Cairney was also left out from the starting XI in Week 3 but should come back in after featuring off the bench. Fulham’s top option in draft fantasy soccer leagues thus far has been goalkeeper Fabri. The summer signing has made eight saves in each of his appearances, making him someone to target in all Fantrax leagues.
Burnley fell 3-1 to Olympiakos in the Europea League on Thursday, and manager Sean Dyche has just two days to get his side ready for the trip to Fulham. The club suffered from a mid-week hangover last time one when they played Watford at home. James Tarkowski scored to cancel out an early strike from Andre Gray, but the Hornets scored twice in the second half to deal Burnley their first defeat of the season. Phil Bardsley, Kevin Long, Ben Gibson and Charlie Taylor started in defence at mid-week, meaning Stephen Ward, Ben Mee, Tarkowski and Matthew Lowton should all return to the starting XI for Week 3. With limited option in midfield, until Robbie Brady is ready to return, Aaron Lennon and JBG should be on the wings. Chris Wood played 62 minutes but should be ready to start on Sunday, though Sam Vokes could be drafted in for Ashley Barnes.
Newcastle vs Chelsea
Newcastle earned their first point of the season away at Cardiff last weekend. However, the Magpies should have taken all three points. Kenedy was handed a golden opportunity to ensure victory in injury time, but the Brazilian winger failed to convert from the penalty spot. Kenedy will need to wait another week to make amends for the botched spot-kick as he is ineligible to play against his parent club when they visit St James’ Park. Isaac Hayden will also miss out after he was shown a red card in the draw with Cardiff which will rule the 23-year-old out of the next three matches. On the injury front, DeAndre Yedlin will be in contention to return after recovering from a knee issue. Yedlin’s return would be somewhat timely with fellow right-back Javier Manquillo listed as questionable. In short, draft fantasy soccer managers should avoid Newcastle players since they face Chelsea in Week 3.
With two wins from two matches under Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea will look to extend their winning form when they head to Newcastle on Sunday. Alvaro Morata opened his scoring account in the 3-2 win over Arsenal last weekend while Eden Hazard once again grabbed an assist as a substitute. We’re expecting Hazard to get his first start of the season in Week 3, meaning either Willian or Pedro will be dropped to the bench. Ross Barkley looks set to continue in the starting XI with Cesc Fabregas still sidelined and Mateo Kovacic not yet at full fitness. Sarri is set to stick with Azpilicueta, Rudgier, David Luiz and Marcos Alonso in defense, as well as ever-present midfield generals Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.
Manchester United vs Tottenham
Jose Mourinho did not tell us anything in Friday’s press conference ahead of the clash with Tottenham. There was no mention of Luke Shaw’s believed injury and no update on whether or not Alexis Sanchez will be fit after the Chilean missed the Week 2 defeat to Brighton. Manchester United was poor last time out, and that means we could see changes. However, the problem is we don’t know where they will come. Draft fantasy soccer managers should prepare to be without Sanchez and Antonio Valencia, while Shaw appears to have a 75% chance of being fit. Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly were partnered at the back against Brighton, though neither did enough to warrant an automatic start in fantasy against Spurs. Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku are the only must-start players for me in Week 3. Jesse Lingard is the only player I would consider.
Tottenham went with a back three against Fulham, pushing Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier out while Toby Alderweireld re-joined Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez in front of Hugo Lloris. Lloris, however, was arrested for an alleged drunk-driving offence on Friday morning which could mean a start for number two Michel Vorm in Week 3. Manchester United have won each of the last four matches against Spurs at Old Trafford, but the visitors enter Monday’s clash with form and fortune in their favor. Why? Harry Kane finally scored a goal in August. On the injury front, Spurs have a clean bill of health with only Son missing through international duty.
If you’re ready to add soccer to your fantasy repertoire head on over to Fantrax to start or join a league today! Fantrax can meet virtually any league setup, offering an unmatched level of customization.