football | Wednesday, August 17, 2022 7:58 AM (Revised at: Thursday, August 18, 2022 2:43 PM)

Holly Shand’s FPL Tips GW3: Nunez Replacements & Return of European Football

Holly Shand

Another turbulent week for Fantasy Premier League managers has seen the FPL transfer market spring into life once again. Here are the top picks you should be selecting for your FPL teams and the Betting Expert recommendations for the weekend.

In this article:

Darwin Nunez Replacements
Return of European Football
Captaincy Conundrum

Nunez Replacements

Darwin Nunez saw red during his Anfield debut and is now facing a three-match suspension for violent conduct: he’s the most sold player ahead of Gameweek 3. Gabriel Jesus looks to be the go-to replacement for those managers who don’t own him already: he’s at 2.10 to score anytime in this fixture.

Jesus topped the charts for fantasy points in Gameweek 2, with four goal involvements: two goals and two assists. He also sat top for big chances (3), shots in the box (7) and expected goals (1.44). Back Arsenal to make it three wins from three this season against Bournemouth, at 1.46

Gabriel Jesus is the most owned player in the game, at over 75% ownership, so many managers may be searching for an alternative forward as their transfer in. Ivan Toney sits among the top transfers in, with anytime goalscorer odds of 2.90 against Fulham on Saturday. He already has one goal this campaign, after accumulating 12 goals last season.

With funds in the bank, a switch to Harry Kane could pay off ahead of a home fixture against Wolves: he’s at 1.91 to score anytime. Jamie Vardy is also ranked highly in the anytime goalscorer charts (1.98), ahead of a home game against Southampton: it’s a fixture he’s historically excelled in.

Return of European Football

The midweek ahead of Gameweek 3 sees the return of European football: West Ham kick-off at the London Stadium on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League Conference Play-off against Viborg. It’s an important competition for the Hammers, who reached the Europa League semi-finals last season.

It’s been a tough start to the season for the Hammers: they sit 19th after failing to score in their opening two fixtures, conceding three goals. They do start as slight favourites ahead of a home game against Brighton on Sunday and are available to back right now at 2.31, but Brighton come into this game unbeaten.

Tipster Jack Wright has singled out Manuel Lanzini as the player to watch in the Europa League on Thursday night but I’m going in a different direction. Jarrod Bowen has long been the go-to fantasy pick from the Hammers’ attack: he managed 12 goals and 17 assists in 2021/22 and is an important player in their quest to return to form. Back him at 3.75 to score anytime against Brighton. Regular European involvement didn’t seem to impact his fantasy output last campaign.

Captaincy Conundrum

When it comes to the captaincy in Gameweek 3 there’s one standout contender: Mo Salah against a Manchester United side who have had the worst start to the season imaginable: they have started with two defeats, with only an own goal against Brighton and six goals conceded. Liverpool are available to back at 1.57 to beat Manchester United, with the odds of Manchester United taking the win at a massive 6.25.

Remember this fixture finished 5-0 to Liverpool last season, with a hat-trick from Mo Salah and you can back him at 1.91 to score anytime in this fixture. Salah has scored 9 goals in 10 appearances against Manchester United in all competitions: his best record against any team during his playing career.

Gabriel Jesus, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland should all also be considered in any captain debate: back Haaland at 1.67 to score anytime against Newcastle United on Sunday. It will be an intriguing fixture, with these two clubs the only sides not to concede a goal in the Premier League this season. Back Manchester City to win to nil at 2.45 in this game.