Pro Pundits - Darren

Why I’m lining up for FPL Gameweek 3 without any Chelsea players

A Fantasy Premier League veteran of 11 years, Darren Wiles has an incredible track record with three top 1k finishes in the last four seasons.


With so many favourable match-ups in Gameweek 3, I am feeling confident about the next round of Fantasy Premier League.

It has been a positive start thus far, anyway, with 80 and 90-point hauls in the first two Gameweeks taking me to a total of 170 and an overall rank of 29k.

The goals have been flying in so far and I have been lucky enough to capitalise on the early glut of double-digit returns. But all of that is in the past, and it’s what happens this weekend that matters now.

Here is what my team looks like for Gameweek 3 and the reasons behind some key decisions.

4,714 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Go Captain Raz

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      First post, it's a definite sign

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        that it will all go wrong 🙂

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Lol

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Better yet, captain Raz and go without KDB

  2. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Sod it, decided I'm sticking to my guns and going without Everton attack for the short term. Anybody else? I do think Rodriguez and DCL are really good value but I just can't look past Palace away and Liverpool in the next 3. I don't see a whole lot of points there.

    Havertz & Wood > DCL & Rodriguez in GW6 is where I get on board. Night all.

    1. Puntillimon
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      For what it’s worth, I too went James —> Foden. The news about Jesus just about tipped it towards foden

    2. nerd_is_the_werd
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Also debating the same thing.
      Whether the result against Spurs (a) was a fluke or if they're the real deal.

    3. The Son-dance Kid
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You have a point regarding fixtures. I said the same thing last week. The best time to buy everton attacking assets was last week. If you waited until this week...not as many points expected in the next 3

  3. Maarrrr17
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bless me with your wisdom

    Bamford, Son, James

    or

    DCL, Foden, Van Dijk

    1. steven8991
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      DCL, Foden, Van Dijk

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2

  4. Releasebreaks
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Rate my WC

    Martinez
    TAA James Saiss
    Salah KDB Foden Greenwood
    Kane DCL Bamford
    (4.0 Justin Mitchell Mccarthy)

    1. steven8991
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      G2G

      1. steven8991
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I would downgrade Justin to 4.0m and upgrade ne of Foden/Greenwood/Bamford

    2. dark91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      You need at least 1 more Wolves. Maybe Kane to Jimi

  5. Necroz
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Repost
    Need advise here on WC. Which one
    A. Son, Barnes, Wood
    B. Werner, Barnes, Podence

    Thanks and good luck all

    1. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

    2. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Why is Barnes mentioned if he’s in both?

    3. steven8991
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    4. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B, look at my team below

  6. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone tinkered with a triple up of Sterling, KDB and Foden

    What are those teams looking like?

    1. Maarrrr17
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      tried, its hard.

      martinez, steer

      Lampty, saiss, van dijk (mitchell, dunne)

      Kdb,foden,stirling,salah (anguisa)

      Dcl, bamford, jiminez

      Actually that aint bad....

      1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Pretty nice tbh obviously not much balance

    2. Bojam
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Here's mine:

      Martinez (Forster)
      Robbo, Van Dijk, Saiss (Lamptey, Mitchell)
      Sterling, KDB, Foden, Rodriguez (Soucek)
      Jimenez, Richarlison, Watkins

      Thoughts? Any suggestions welcome. Been staring at this screen for far too long!

      1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Looks good mate. Think I prefer Soucek > Anguissa and Watkins > Wood/Mitro

        1. Bojam
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Thanks mate. Watkins to Mitro straight swap i think. No need to downgrade Soucek (he's definitely got goals in him - been unlucky not to score so far this season).

          Not convinced by Mitro though. Don't rate Fulham. Then again, who knows how Watkins and Villa will do this season. Guess Mitro is on penalties - is that enough to sway it?

          1. Kiwivillan
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Watkins will be a beast. Best striker I've seen at Villa in decades

            1. Bojam
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Cool - thanks for that info. You got him already or wait and see? Nice fixture this week but then a couple of tricky ones. Worth a punt on a WC now?

              1. Kiwivillan
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Got him last week

  7. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Please RMT, final draft, Son-less WC, 0.3m itb.
    Hope Werner (c) will work out vs WBA.

    Martinez
    TAA, Saiss, James
    Salah, KDB (vc), Foden, Podence Werner (c), Jimenez, DCL
    [Steer, Justin, Mitchell, Bissouma]

    Good luck all 🙂

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Same team with Lamptey over Justin and Anguissa over Bissouma

      Looks perfect to me

    2. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      V near my exact team other than I have Son instead of Jiminez and Lampty over Justin plus Brewster

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good team
      I'd do

      Martinez James Justin >> Guaita Taylor Lamptey

    4. Necroz
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      very good team and I like Foden choice, I think he will come good in the next few weeks.

  8. Tiki-Taka
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Zaha or Hamez Rodriguez this week while im on WC? Likely I'll be taking either out for Barnes GW4

    1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden?

      1. Tiki-Taka
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have him (for at least medium term)

        1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Hamez if you dont have DCL

    2. The Son-dance Kid
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not a good idea to plan a future transfer whilst on a WC imo

  9. NADY
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I am on WC and my team is below:

    Martinez, (Guiata)
    Saiss, White, Dunne (Mitchell, Justin)
    Kdb, Salah, Son, Podence (Foden)
    Kane (c), DCL, Branford
    0.1 m in Bank

    Considering Klick for Podence and replacement for White. Suggestion pls.

    1. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      White is a solid pick, Lamptey might be better...

      Klich is probably safer than Podence, but if Podence holds a spot the fixtures and surrounding team are much better.

    2. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ridiculous amount of $ on the bench.

      Guaita 5, Foden 6.5, Justin 4.5, Mitchell 4.1 (4.0)

  10. Chung8
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Martial worth a punt this week over Jimi?

    1. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yep but I'd prefer Jimi Long term

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why long term? Jimi is better short term with fixtures, but Martial is due for a big season I expect 20+ goals

        1. Esalman
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Martial is one injury away from not having a 20+ goal season.

    2. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not for me. Jimi's fixtures much better short term and the team look better

  11. Mondeo
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Having a tough time of it deciding on EVE & CHE reps:

    1) Havertz
    2) Werner

    A) DCL
    B) Rodriguez

    1. Lav
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2A for me. Although maybe 2B and have JImenez instead. Havertz a no go until Ziyech & Pulisic are back.

      1. Mondeo
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        cheers

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2A

      1. Mondeo
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        cheers mate

    3. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      2B

      1. Mondeo
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        cheers!

  12. Lav
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I am tempted to finalize my wc after staying put for a week. Foden and Zaha in for Rodriguez and Klich. KDB(c).

    It seems so wrong to drop Rodriguez after sticking with him on the wc all week, but Jesus injury news is forcing my hand. Zaha oop and has brilliant fixtures too - but more importantly he seems focused and motivated again so far this season.

    1. Hazardouss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Zaha is a donkey, is he ever truly switched-on?

    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Could lose motivation once the transfer window shuts

  13. Froes
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    will foden start this Gameweek ???

    1. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      80% yes

      1. Froes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        goal and assist in the carabao cup
        but with the pep rotation we don't know for sure

    2. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t see any reason why not

    3. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      probably - Pep is short on 1st team options and Foden is playing well, but it's Pep...

      1. Froes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        with that Leicester defense he could be a good differential right ??

  14. Grand Thibauto
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Whom to play?

    Wilson (tot)
    Ayling (shu)
    Reed (AVL)

    1. HODGE
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Wilson

  15. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Lamptey nailed?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      When fit, yes

    2. Hazardouss
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yes, is integral to Potter's 3 at the back system. Potter does rotate his players but has been playing the 'twos' in the cup last couple weeks.

      May have problems when fixtures are more condensed.
      Brighton don't set up like they used to; playing for a draw.

  16. Salan
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Probably gamble on Foden this gameweek.

    Lack of 1st team players, injuries of Jesus and Aguero, play versus a defensive weak Leicester team, only 6.5 value... etc. The only concern is the 20-30% he will not start due to Pep's rotation. But, seems nothing to lose.

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A valuable rotation risk! If you have a good bench it’s fine, if not, I’d stay clear.

      1. Salan
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Agree. My bench is not too strong but ok, Lamptey and Reed. (I know it's not too good enough.) The rotation risk may would be partly compensated by the sub-in for 20-30 minutes for Foden to perform. Expecting 1 goal or assist from him is within touch I guess.

  17. Lav
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Dunne nailed for Burnley?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He’s 4th choice, surely we know that Mee and Tar are their prefer pairing when fit.

    3. Benteke10
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mee and Tark will be back soon
      4.0>3.9 incoming

  18. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Glad I didn't succumb to market pressure and pull the trigger on Werner to Jimi given the lack of rises. But in fairness why hasn't Werner fallen? Suits me but it seems like nonsense. It's a pity our mainstream fantasy game still has this part of the game hidden behind a curtain... I've been playing this game well over a decade, why the mystery?

    1. Salan
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well said. I also have this question.

    2. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think a lot of the sales and subsequent purchases were WC.

      1. Scratch
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He has something like 760,000 NTO and started the season with 2.8m owners. I'm a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to price changes so maybe things have changed, but it used to be -10% NTO for a fall which would be 280,000 while, as said, he's had 760000. It's not impossible but it seems a bit unlikely that over 480000/760000 of his transfers out are wildcards. .

  19. ManofKent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think I'm settled on this WC:

    Ryan (Button)
    Robbo, Saiss, Digne (Lamptey, Mitchell)
    Kdb, Salah, Foden, JamesR (Soucek)
    Jimi, DCL, Wood

    No Chelsea until injuries are sorted out and they look better. No Spurs - Son/Kane too pricey if not captained,. No MU - big wait and see. No Arsenal (Fixtures).

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I don’t buy the ‘too expensive to captain’ narrative - if a player is performing regardless of price or captaincy I want them in.

      1. ManofKent
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        There's only PPM value in dearer options if captained

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Good thinking great team.
      Wood could be good value and has great fixtures. He can hit 160 to 180 if playing 90 each week.

      1. ilikewud
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        There is no chance Wood is hitting 180 points! This is crazy lol - honestly I have to bookmark this for the end of season. This could be the greatest shout but for now I’m adding you to the ‘ridiculous FPL opinions’ excel sheet I’ve got going.

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          K lets wait and see.

        2. ManofKent
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I agree 180 is very unlikely but 160 isn't impossible (136 last year despite missing a few games injured). If we do get more penalties this year he'll benefit from that too.

          1. ilikewud
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Not impossible you're right. He's a good player I've got nothing against him but 180 is so outlandish. 160 is possible but even than he has to have his best season and I don't see any evidence based on surrounding players that this is the year that happens.

  20. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Zaha or foden on WC? (have kdb)

    1. Benteke10
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden > Zaha imo

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Depends how many other punts you've taken in your team. I'd prefer Zaha.

    3. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Foden better option if you don't mind benching risk. Zaha traditionally sulks once transfer window shut and no big team has rescued him from Palace (hopefully he's grown up but it's been a habit)

  21. Shrimpy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bench 1 from KWP (bur), Davies (NEW) or Vinagre (whu)

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KWP

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Very tough. Probably Walker-Peters but he could really punish you.

    3. Scratch
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      KWP

  22. Benteke10
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Would you rather Foden + Taylor or Pereira + Saïss?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      F T

      1. Benteke10
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Danke!!

  23. Chung8
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who will score more
    Kane v Newcastle
    Werner v Wba?

    1. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Probably a goal each - neither side has a strong defense but both managers will try and limit opportunities.

  24. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What do you think? 0FT, it's a bit weird but I'm comfortable without playing my wildcard.

    0.9 ITB
    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Ayling
    Aubameyang Zaha Barnes Podence
    (K)ane Vardy Jimenez

    Nyland Mitchell Justin Bissouma.

  25. yalala
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Someone please tell me how captain Jimmy is a bad idea

    1. tokara
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      No go for it

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not a very explosive asset so unlikely to get more than 18 points even if he returns. If you have more expensive options I would prefer them.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Boring

  26. Football Legs
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Delap of Manchester City. Will he plays today? Any quotes from Pep?

    1. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He's a kid that got a run out in a cup game

    2. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bottom of the barrel for Man City assets

    3. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Might get a few minutes of bench at best

  27. fc_skrald
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Who should get the last 4.0 million defender spot?

    a. Ferguson
    b. Dunne

    - to join the rest of the defenders:

    TAA, Lamptey, Saiss, Mitchell

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Do it then

    2. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Ideally neither. Dunne won't get many more weeks. Ferguson might not step straight into team as 1st choice. I'd find 0.5...

  28. Max City
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    on WC:

    A) Foden + Werner or
    B) Rodriguez + Jimenez

  29. Mondeo
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Should we be worried about Podence and the Costa rumours?

    1. ilikewud
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Such as?

      1. Mondeo
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Such as which rumours? Google's full of them - worried Podence will drop out of the team if true!

        1. ilikewud
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Lol are you kidding? The last article out has Nuno praising him. Even if he’s dropped I’m not removing him based on some ‘google rumours’

    2. Kavorka
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      What rumours? But I fear Podence will be benched if Semedo starts.

      1. Kavorka
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        One of Podence / Neto. Traore has to start surely.

        1. ilikewud
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Two of Podence, Neto, Traore start if Semedo plays.

  30. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Actually Tempted to Captain Werner over KDB.