Captain Sensible

Who is the best captain for FPL Gameweek 3?

4 September 2026 357 comments
FFScout Tom FFScout Tom
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With the Gameweek 3 deadline of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) nearing, it’s time to have a good think about who to captain.

All three of last week’s top choices returned double-digit hauls, with Bruno Fernandes (£12.0m), Erling Haaland (£15.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£8.0m) notching at least two attacking returns. The decision for Gameweek 3 looks slightly more straightforward, with most managers expected to look towards Manchester City’s home fixture against newly-promoted Coventry City.

Is Haaland the standout Man City option or can a cheaper midfield teammate rival him for consideration? For those foolhardy managers willing to back against FPL’s most expensive player, who is the best alternative armband option? Plus, there’s the looming spectre of a potential Triple Captaincy, with legions of managers set to activate the chip.

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We’ll consider all of that in the latest ‘Captain Sensible’ article of the season.

In this piece, we will assess the on-site captaincy poll, analyse myriad player and team statistics, consult the Rate My Team (RMT) points projections, and settle on a top three for the armband, ahead of Friday’s 6.30pm BST deadline.

Captaincy Poll

In a result that an authoritarian dictator would be proud of, Haaland has picked up almost two-thirds of the vote in the Fantasy Football Scout captaincy poll. Site users are unsurprisingly backing the Norwegian in their droves for Man City’s favourable home fixture against Frank Lampard’s Coventry.

In another site poll, 40% of users will be activating the Triple Captain chip. It doesn’t take a genius to work out who on!

Dominik Szoboslai (£7.0m) is the only other player to garner more than 5% support ahead of Liverpool’s away fixture against Ipswich Town – and that may be to do with him being the first option in the poll and picking up accidental votes! The Tractor Boys shipped five goals last time out, while Szoboslai appears to be on penalties for the Reds. His teammate, Alexander Isak (£9.0m), sits in third place after scoring his first goal of the season in Gameweek 2.

Player Stats – Gameweeks 1-2

FFScout Tom <p>Deputy General Manager. Forever chasing the top 10K. Chelsea fan.&nbsp;</p> Follow them on Twitter

357 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. BR510
    1 month, 16 days ago

    1. Dedic Cherki
    2. Foden Hall (blocks Cherki to Rogers)
    3. Foden Dedic

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    1. Positive vibes
      1 month, 16 days ago

      1

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    2. Super John McGinn-
      1 month, 16 days ago

      1

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  2. Positive vibes
    1 month, 16 days ago

    A or B?
    A. Sangare
    B. Schade

    Thanks

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    1. hazza44
      1 month, 16 days ago

      A for consistency

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    2. BR510
      1 month, 16 days ago

      A

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    3. Super John McGinn-
      1 month, 16 days ago

      A

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  3. Friday's Press Conference Times
    Skonto Rigga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Lampard caught me on the hop with his presser this morning, didn't he haha *change of expression* no, but seriously, here are the day's press conference times:

    8am - Lampard (COV)
    9am - Hurzeler (BHA)
    10am - Arbeloa (FUL)
    1.30pm - Arteta (ARS), Andrews (BRE), Alonso (CHE), Moyes (EVE), Maresca (MCI), Carrick (MUN), De Zerbi (TOT)
    2pm - Emery (ARS)

    Times in BST and come from Sky

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    1. Three Pints of Schlager
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Thanks

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    2. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      😆 😆

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      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Poor Frank. You can see him really trying not to smile and laugh in his press conferences now; answering every question with a frown to avoid getting caught out with a change of expression clip. Plus the FML FPL lads really went to town on his combover in this week's episode. At least he has a drop dead gorgeous wife to make up for these things.

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    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Is he setting up his side to take the game to Man City?

      Attack the best form of defense.

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  4. FCSB
    1 month, 16 days ago

    How’s this WC draft:

    Verbruggen
    Calafiori Gvardiol DeCuyper
    Bruno Szobo Cherki Sangare Gross
    Haaland Wissa

    Steele Pedro Dedic Konsa

    Anything worth changing??

    Thanks

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    1. BR510
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Nice, lack of Palmer slightly worrying but rest is great.

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      1. FCSB
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Yeah does concern me a little but also could work him or Rogers in next week if needed…?!

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        1. BR510
          1 month, 16 days ago

          I’ve gone Egan Yalcouye Palmer over Szobo Grob and Gvardiol purely because I have no bench boost and want to invest in starting XI. Going without Palmer on wildcard is terrifying for me

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          1. FCSB
            1 month, 16 days ago

            Are you starting him v ARS… I see a lot of WC drafts with him but benching him this GW

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    2. hazza44
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Looks solid, only issue will be the benching headaches for the front 8

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    3. Jaws
      1 month, 16 days ago

      FC Bench Points

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      1. FCSB
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Hehe I know… what would you change?

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        1. Jaws
          1 month, 16 days ago

          I think it comes down to Sangare or Gross & a 4.5 mid.
          In def I'd choose a random 4.0 Hull def over Dedic.
          The extra 1.5 will be handy when Cherki gets randomly benched.
          Then you can upgrade to Saka or Semenyo or even Palmer with a stretch.

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          1. FCSB
            1 month, 16 days ago

            Yeah fair, I think you’re right, funds are spread well for a squad but I need a team

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    4. Rhae
      1 month, 16 days ago

      To many doubts in defense could happen in next few gws. Only Cala seems sopmewhat nailed. Rest could easily be benched.

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  5. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Would you consider playing Slater H AVL over Tzolis H CHE?

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    1. hazza44
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Probably yes for minutes security

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    2. Jaws
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Never

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  6. hazza44
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Which two on WC?
    A) Ajer
    B) De Cuyper
    &
    1) Hall
    2) Thiaw

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    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      A1

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    2. BR510
      1 month, 16 days ago

      B1

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    3. Super John McGinn-
      1 month, 16 days ago

      B1

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    4. Jaws
      1 month, 16 days ago

      A1

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  7. BR510
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Bench 3:

    1. Pedro ARS
    2. Palmer ARS
    3. Konsa CHE
    4. Calafiori CHE
    5. Yalcouye LEE
    6. Egan AVL

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    1. Fiasco da Gama
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Pedro
      Yalcouye
      Konsa

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    2. Warby84
      1 month, 16 days ago

      3/5/6

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  8. FCSB
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Start:

    1. Dedic
    2. DeCuyper (have Verbruggen and Gross)

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    1. BR510
      1 month, 16 days ago

      2 - back brighton

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    2. Super John McGinn-
      1 month, 16 days ago

      1

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    3. Rhae
      1 month, 16 days ago

      2. I am also benching hall for this gw.

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  9. Little Frank
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Best 4.5 def out of:
    a. Ajer
    b. Dedic

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    1. hazza44
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Flip a coin - Ajer for job security, B for fixtures

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  10. Emiliano Sala
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Do you think NOR will start this gw?

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    1. Super John McGinn-
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Yep

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  11. Super John McGinn-
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Thoughts on the below?

    Verbruggen
    Calafiori, Maguire, Ajer
    Bruno, Mbeumo, Le Fee, Gomez
    Haaland, JPedro, DCL

    Kinsky, Tzolis, Ballard, Diop

    2 FT 0.5 ITB

    A) Tzolis > Foden
    B) Mbeumo > Cherki
    C) Ballard + Le Fee > Konsa + Foden
    D) Ballard + Le Fee > Gvardiol + Sangare
    E) Roll
    F) Other

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    1. Rhae
      1 month, 16 days ago

      B and one Le fee to liv mid is feasible

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    2. NotsoSpursy
      1 month, 16 days ago

      I did b but sort of regretting it

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  12. Rhae
    1 month, 16 days ago

    On WC which combo works best for next week gws

    Saka, Verbuggen, Egan vs Raya, NOR, Gross

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    1. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Prefer the 2nd one

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      1. Rhae
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Yep that's the template as well.

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  13. NotsoSpursy
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Regarding Haaland TC this g/w

    Haaland v Ipswich on 17th Oct is a candidate but the risk is form, injury etc

    I’m thinking this g/w is probably the best time no?? Unless FH

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    1. Ray85
      1 month, 16 days ago

      It's either Haaland this week for me or Palmer v someone (his 90 mins are pretty much secured)

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    2. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      What side will Man City put out?

      If it's some debutants they are a work in progress so TC may be better down the line.

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    3. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Europe either side of the Ipswich game. Given both are decent options and im not playing WC/FH this week, I think im going to play the TC now. There's a good chance Haaland grabs a goal or 2 and given those managers playing other chips dont have the TC option, its a strategic move as much as anything to try and capitalise. Good luck.

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    4. NotsoSpursy
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Thank you! TC it is I think

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  14. Rhodes your boat
    1 month, 16 days ago

    It’s not worth playing Ndiaye over Gross or Sangare right?!

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    1. Heavy Cream
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Right

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    2. Rhae
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Uncertainty over mins.

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  15. Heavy Cream
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Shaw v Everton

    Or

    Aina v Tottenham

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    1. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Toss a coin on that one.

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  16. DagheMunegu
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Def is Calafiori Maguire Ballard O'Shea Rodon

    Rodon is out and I can't see Ballard or O'Shea keeping a CS

    Who do you think is the best def until GW 6 for 6M max ?

    Kerkez Gvardiol Thiaw ? Someone else ?

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    1. cfc_andrew4
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Gvardiol

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      1. DagheMunegu
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Is hé nailed ?

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      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Need to see how Man City line up now, with NOR a potential threat to Gvar if he moves further back to accommodate the incomings.

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  17. LangerznMash
    1 month, 16 days ago

    It's mad that 34% don't think Haaland is the best captain pick this week.

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    1. el polako
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Fact that Szoboszlai is second on this list is even madder.

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      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        1 month, 16 days ago

        It's a straw poll

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  18. rokonto
    1 month, 16 days ago

    So will the price change predictions on LiveFPL get reset after the deadline tonight?

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    1. el polako
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Why use livefpl if you get more accurate predictions on official website?

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      1. rokonto
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Thanks I'll use that then, will it reset after the deadline tonight?

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        1. el polako
          1 month, 16 days ago

          I’m not sure if it’ll reset.
          Next price change is in 14.5hrs but deadline will be in 9hrs.

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      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        1 month, 16 days ago

        He's summarising the info in a clearer way to double check.

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  19. The Tinkerman
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Wildcard comes down to…
    A) Gabriel, Kinsky
    B) Raya, O’Reilly

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    1. cfc_andrew4
      1 month, 16 days ago

      B

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    2. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Yep B

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    3. Rhodes your boat
      1 month, 16 days ago

      B

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    4. Warby84
      1 month, 16 days ago

      I’d go Leno over Kinsky

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  20. Kay317
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 16 days ago

    I see loads of people benching Pedro this week...I get it...who would you start out of these 2:
    A) Pedro
    B) Sangare

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    1. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      I'd play JP 100%

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    2. Dynamic Duos
      1 month, 16 days ago

      B

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  21. cfc_andrew4
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Calvert Lewin & Shaw
    to
    Wissa & Konsa?
    … feel like they are both upgrades with good fixtures to come, maybe hold off a week but price rises incoming?

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    1. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      They're good moves tbf. I'd probably roll though. Information is far more important than price rises

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  22. BrockLanders
    1 month, 16 days ago

    FH side. Thoughts?

    Kelleher
    Ajer, Gvardiol, DeCuyper
    Saka, Barnes, Cherki, Buendia
    Haaland (c) Thiago, Isak.

    Rank 544

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    1. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Anyone?

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    2. Tony Soprano
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      If you’re rank is 544 you really don’t need my advice

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      1. Tony Soprano
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        1 month, 16 days ago

        *your

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    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Gvardiol isn't nailed, is he?

      Isak has been poor and lucky but you play the fixture.

      Who is your first sub?

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      1. BrockLanders
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Groß

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    4. Jaws
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Nice. I have MGW & Foden on FH for your Saka & Buendia.

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      1. BrockLanders
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Beautiful differentials too. GL

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  23. John Colby (C)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Dango Ouattaro:

    Morning everyone.
    I own the Brentford midfielder but his benching last week away to Leeds is a concern. I read pre-season that he was benched for some away matches last season but do you reckon he starts this weekend and should I keep faith in him or move him on?

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    1. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Give him another week then reassess

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      1. John Colby (C)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        1 month, 16 days ago

        Cheers - Schade has really hit the ground running but fingers-crossed Dango starts and has a field-day against a porous Spurs defence.

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        1. BrockLanders
          1 month, 16 days ago

          Yep. Every chance that happens GL

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  24. Warby84
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Shocker last week but think I’m all set, nothing to change here..

    Leno (Trafford)
    Gvardiol De Cuyper Ajer Calafiori Muharemovic)
    Cherki Szobo Sangare Palmer (Tzolis)
    Haaland (tc) Pedro

    2m itb

    Good to go?

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    1. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Yep GTG

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    2. Fodderx4
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Looks solid, good luck.

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  25. PGR
    1 month, 16 days ago

    I'm still undecided, would you sell Isak or Thiago this week to get Haaland?

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    1. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Not for a hit

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      1. PGR
        1 month, 16 days ago

        It's for free (Bruno to 4.5 mid being the other transfer)

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        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          1 month, 16 days ago

          It's a risk, they all have good fixtures.

          You can make a case to hold Bruno and Thiago.

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  26. BlzE_94
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Wish me luck. Playing Raya, Calafiori & Konsa. Benching Palmer & J.Pedro

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    1. el polako
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Good luck 🙂

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    2. BrockLanders
      1 month, 16 days ago

      I'd play Palmer if I had him

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    3. Fodderx4
      1 month, 16 days ago

      I wouldn't bench Palmer either if i had him. I'm playing Pedro as he can easily score too.

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  27. 3 A
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Haaaalandd
    Haaalanddd

    Hahahahahland.
    Need u to score more than 25 points in single GW.

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    1. Fodderx4
      1 month, 16 days ago

      I'll settle for 15+ as not greedy!

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  28. Fodderx4
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Morning troops, How's this looking?
    Fairly steady start.

    Raya

    Ajer Hall Calafiori

    Cherki Sangaré Bruno (VTC) KDH

    Haaland (TC) DCL João Pedro

    Bench: Dovin, Hume, Thomas, Hughes

    2FTs used to get Hall and Cherki for Maguire and Mbuemo + Tzolis → Sangare for -4 seems like it will pay for itself soon enough.

    Likely KDH → Rogers next week.

    Trying to hold WC until the first international break at least.

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    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Holding the wildcard for the next few weeks will show who is a regular starter, it's not just the new squads.

      Lots of new managers still working things out as well.

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  29. BR510
    1 month, 16 days ago

    Play Egan or Yalcouye

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    1. BR510
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Or Konsa or Pedro

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  30. The Mighty Hippo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    1 month, 16 days ago

    I started the season without Haaland, so do I brace myself and keep with this side, or take a hit to swap out Bruno and Isak to get him in? My instinct says to stick, but I'm getting twitchy.

    Kinsky
    VVD | Calafiori | Hall
    Bruno | Semenyo | Wirtz | MGW | Mbeumo
    Isak | J. Pedro
    --------------------------------------------------------
    Dubravka | Muharemovic | Shaw | Walle Egeli

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    1. BR510
      1 month, 16 days ago

      Stick

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    2. Fodderx4
      1 month, 16 days ago

      You have to stick with your guns as you'll be ripping your team up every week there is a player you want. Only do it if your sure you want to stick with Haaland long term.

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    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      1 month, 16 days ago

      The best captain in Gw3 will be Palmer or Pedro or Rogers probably.

      But those Haaland home fixtures are v tempting.

      If Bruno keeps performing and Man United improve you'll be fine.

      You need to decide, I think Isak may be an easy enough sell after Ipswich.
      Unless he really improves his involvement.

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      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        1 month, 16 days ago

        *Gw4

        Autocorrect

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      2. Warby84
        1 month, 16 days ago

        And Haaland loves Old Trafford

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