The Premier League returns after a week's hiatus, offering managers the luxury of a full training week with their finalized squads. This respite from transfer market chaos could prove pivotal, especially for Arsenal, who face a critical north London derby against Tottenham. A slip-up against their rivals, following their recent draw with Brighton, could significantly impact their title aspirations, particularly as Manchester City and Liverpool continue their winning streaks. Meanwhile, Southampton, still searching for their first points, faces a daunting challenge against Manchester United, battling their own struggles. Fantasy managers will also be closely watching this weekend to assess the performances of new signings and track injuries, potentially requiring adjustments to their strategies.
Deadline Day Transfers
In a dramatic departure from recent transfer seasons, this year's deadline day witnessed a flurry of high-profile moves. The following highlights some of the most significant transfers that were finalized at the eleventh hour:
- Ivon Toney (Brentford to Al-Ahli)
- Jadon Sancho (Manchester United to Chelsea)
- Raheem Sterling (Chelsea to Arsenal)
- Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal to Southampton)
- Manuel Ugarte (PSG to Manchester United)
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 3
Mohamed Salah's mastery over Manchester United continued as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland's scoring prowess was on full display once again, netting his second consecutive hat-trick to lead Manchester City past West Ham United (3-1). Arsenal's title hopes took a slight hit with a 1-1 draw against Brighton, a result mirrored in the matches between Nottingham Forest and Wolves, Ipswich Town and Fulham, and Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. In a stunning turnaround, Bournemouth rallied from a two-goal deficit to claim a dramatic 3-2 win against Everton, with all three goals coming after the 85th minute. Brentford and Aston Villa continued their strong starts to the season with comfortable victories over newly promoted Southampton (3-1) and Leicester City (2-1), respectively.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 4
Despite the transfer window's closure, its impact on Premier League squads is undeniable. The recent international break further complicated matters, adding to the growing injury lists. Fantasy managers must carefully consider these factors as they strive to assemble balanced teams. The following section offers insights to aid their decision-making:
Notable Absences
While the upcoming fixture list presents a wealth of talented players, several key individuals will be absent. Arsenal's midfield suffered a significant blow with Declan Rice's suspension following a red card, compounded by injuries to captain Martin Ødegaard and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori during international duty. Aston Villa and Brighton will be without Leon Bailey and James Milner, respectively, due to injuries sustained in the previous round. Manchester City will also need to contend with the absence of Nathan Aké, who picked up an injury while playing for the Netherlands. Additionally, Cole Palmer (Chelsea) and Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur) are uncertain to feature due to injury concerns.
Forwards
a. João Pedro (Brighton) has made a sensational start to the season for Brighton, finding the net in consecutive matches against Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Arsenal. With Ipswich Town up next, Pedro has a prime opportunity to extend his impressive goal-scoring streak.
b. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) played a pivotal role in Newcastle United's recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur, scoring the decisive goal. The Swedish international carried his impressive form into the international break, netting goals for his country in both matches. With the return of Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United can anticipate even greater productivity from Isak as the season progresses.
Tip: For 10.9 credits (311.6 points), Antoine Semenyo 's exceptional start to the season for Bournemouth has made him a must-consider for fantasy managers. With two goals and an assist in three matches, Semenyo has showcased his attacking prowess. Facing Chelsea, a team with a relatively inexperienced defense presents an excellent opportunity for him to further bolster his goal-scoring tally.
Midfielders
a. James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspurs) has made a solid start to the season for Tottenham Hotspur, despite the team's early struggles. His impressive performance in last year's 2-2 draw against Arsenal serves as a reminder of his capabilities, and Tottenham will undoubtedly hope for a repeat display as they face their north London rivals once again this week
b. Amadou Onana (Aston Villa) has quickly made his mark at Villa Park since joining from Everton this summer as a replacement for Douglas Luiz. With a reunion against his former club on the horizon, Aston Villa will be eager for Onana to maintain his impressive form and potentially dominate against his previous colleagues.
Tip: For 10.6 credits (162.4 points), Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United offers a reliable fantasy football option. The Portuguese maestro boasts an impressive record against Southampton, having contributed three goals and three assists in seven matches. His recent goal for Portugal against Scotland has undoubtedly boosted his confidence, making him a strong candidate for fantasy managers seeking a consistent midfield asset
Defenders
a. Rico Lewis (Manchester City), a promising 19-year-old who earned his second England cap last week, has steadily been making his mark on Manchester City's first team. After accumulating 14 and 16 appearances over the past two seasons, Lewis has finally secured a regular starting spot, featuring in all three of the club's opening matches this season and contributing an assist. His impressive performances suggest that he is poised to become a key player for City in the years to come.
b. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) remains an indispensable asset for Liverpool's title aspirations. As he enters the prime of his career, Alexander-Arnold is determined to solidify his status as an irreplaceable member of Arne Slot's Liverpool team.
Tip: For 7 credits (240 points), William Saliba, a stalwart defender for Arsenal, is a dependable choice for fantasy managers. Returning from international duty with France, where he contributed to a 2-0 victory over Belgium, Saliba is poised to bolster Arsenal's defensive ranks, particularly in the face of their rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, and the team's current injury woes.
Goalkeepers
a. Bernd Leno (Fulham), Fulham's seasoned goalkeeper, has already made 10 saves this season, contributing significantly to the team's mid-table position. His consistent performances between the sticks have made him a viable option for fantasy managers, especially as Fulham prepares to face West Ham United.
b.Dean Henderson's (Crystal Palace) impressive six-save performance against Chelsea in their 1-1 draw has solidified his position as a reliable goalkeeper for Crystal Palace. The former Manchester United shot-stopper is determined to use his strong start to the season to make a compelling case for the England number-one spot under the new manager.
Tip: For 3.9 credits (28 points), Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale is a great budget choice under 4 credits. The former Arsenal goalkeeper, who joined Southampton this summer, is eager to prove his abilities after being relegated to the second-choice keeper at Arsenal. His move to Southampton offers him a fresh start and the opportunity to showcase his skills as the Saints' starting goalkeeper.
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