October 4, 2023

RAENSPORTS

FPL Tips, News and Chip Strategy

FPL GW3: Who Is The Best Gameweek 3 FPL Captain

The Best Gameweek 3 FPL Captain

Welcome to another exciting edition of our Gameweek 3 FPL Captain Picks! As the new Premier League season unfolds, fantasy managers across the globe are eagerly strategizing to secure the best possible lineup for their teams.

One crucial decision that can make or break your FPL gameweek is selecting the right captain. In Gameweek 3, we have a pool of standout options, including the likes of Haaland, Saka, Mbeumo, Jackson, and Rashford – all of whom have shown their potential to be the best GW3 captain picks.

As we delve into the upcoming matches, it’s important to consider the performance trends of these standout players and the potential they bring to your FPL team. Join us as we analyze the prospects of each player, weigh their recent form and upcoming fixtures, and help you navigate the challenging task of choosing the best Gameweek 3 captain for your FPL squad.

FPL GW3 captain poll: Who Are FPL managers captaining in Gameweek 3?

A recent poll conducted by fantasyfootballhub sheds light on the preferences of the FPL community, unveiling the players they are eyeing as their potential GW3 captains. Here’s a breakdown of the poll results:

  1. Haaland (shu)
    • Votes: 608
    • Percentage: 86.36%
  2. Saka (FUL)
    • Votes: 16
    • Percentage: 2.27%
  3. Jackson (LUT)
    • Votes: 16
    • Percentage: 2.27%
  4. Mbeumo (CRY)
    • Votes: 16
    • Percentage: 2.27%
  5. Foden (shu)
    • Votes: 11
    • Percentage: 1.56%
FPL GW3 captain poll

According to the poll results, Haaland is the clear favorite among fantasy managers for the Gameweek 3 captaincy, with an overwhelming 86.36% of the votes. Saka, Jackson, and Mbeumo are tied for second place with each receiving 2.27% of the votes. Foden also garnered some support, though to a lesser extent, with 1.56% of the votes. It’s evident that the majority of managers are looking to entrust Haaland with the captain’s armband based on the poll’s findings.

The Best Gameweek 3 Captain Based On Stats and Analysis

5. Player Analysis: Nico Jackson (Chelsea) – 5th Best Captaincy Pick

Nico Jackson from Chelsea holds the 5th spot on our list of gameweek 3 captain picks. Let’s delve into his recent performance stats, underlying numbers, and upcoming fixture to understand why he’s worth considering as your captain.

Recent Performance: In the previous match against West Ham, Nico Jackson played the full 90 minutes for Chelsea. While he didn’t find the back of the net or provide assists, he managed 2 shots, demonstrating his intent to contribute to the attacking play. Jackson created 1 chance, showcasing his potential to create goal-scoring opportunities for his team.

Underlying Numbers: Nico Jackson’s expected goal (xG) in the last match was 0.79, indicating that he was in promising positions to score – pretty unlucky and some other time, he might have gotten a goal.

GW3 captain Nico Jackson's shots in the box map.

Looking at his overall season stats, Jackson’s xG stands at 1.3 and his xA at 0.1, with a combined expected goal involvement (xGi) of 1.4. These figures reflect his potential impact in front of goal.

Fixture and Expected Points: In the upcoming Gameweek 3, Chelsea faces Luton at home, a fixture rated as 2 in terms of difficulty. This fixture presents a favorable opportunity for Jackson to capitalize on his attacking prowess and potentially deliver a strong performance. With an expected points tally of 5.5 for the upcoming gameweek, Jackson’s prospects are promising.

His a strong differential captain pick this gameweek given his fixture and his underlying numbers – he could come good. While Jackson may not have registered goals or assists in the previous match, his underlying numbers and potential for involvement in Chelsea’s attacking plays make him a viable captaincy option for Gameweek 3.

4. Player Analysis: Rashford (Manchester United) – 4th Best Captaincy Pick

Moving up the list, we have Rashford from Manchester United as our 4th best captaincy pick for Gameweek 3. Let’s dissect his recent performance statistics, underlying metrics, and the upcoming fixture to understand why he could be a valuable captaincy choice.

Recent Performance: In the previous fixture against Spurs, Rashford played 85 minutes for Manchester United. Although he didn’t manage to score or provide assists, he displayed an intent to make an impact by taking 3 shots and creating 2 chances.

GW3 captain Rashford's shots in the box map.

Underlying Metrics: Rashford’s expected goal (xG) for the last match was calculated at 0.39, indicating his potential to find the back of the net. Particularly promising was his expected goals on target (xGOT) of 0.92, suggesting that he had high-quality chances to score. Looking at his season-long metrics, Rashford’s xG per 90 minutes stands at 0.35, with an xA of 0.04 and an overall expected goal involvement (xGI) of 0.39.

Fixture and Expected Points: For Gameweek 3, Manchester United faces Nott’m Forest at home, with a fixture rating of 2 in terms of difficulty. On paper this is a good game as United are at home and are in of a win. With an expected points projection of 6.7, Rashford’s prospects are promising.

As our 4th best captaincy pick, Rashford’s recent performance statistics and underlying metrics paint a picture of a player who is actively engaged in Manchester United’s attacking efforts – his underlying metrics indicate a level of involvement that could lead to significant FPL returns.

Check out other odds and predictions in our article: FPL GW3: Clean Sheet Odds, Anytime Scorer Predictions, and FPL Points Projections

3. Player Analysis: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 3rd Best Captaincy Pick

As we continue to assess the top captaincy contenders for Gameweek 3, Bukayo Saka of Arsenal claims the 3rd spot on our list. Let’s delve into his recent performance statistics, underlying metrics, and the forthcoming encounter against Fulham to understand why he’s a compelling option for the captain’s role.

Recent Performance: In the last match against Crystal Palace, Saka spent 89 minutes on the pitch for Arsenal. Although he didn’t manage to score or assist, he displayed his intent to influence the game’s flow. Saka recorded 3 shots during the match, showcasing his attacking threat.

GW3 captain Saka's shots in the box map.

Underlying Numbers: Saka’s expected goal (xG) in the previous match was 0.24 to be honest his xG hasn’t been the best and it’s one of the lowest when compared to others on this list. That being said, Saka is a key player for Arsenal and most of theri attacking play goes through him – he’s a player that can make things happen.

In terms of penalties, we do think that Saka is still on penalties as Odegaard’s comment suggests it could be a one-off thing.

Fixture and Expected Points: For Gameweek 3, Arsenal will face Fulham at home, with the fixture carrying a difficulty rating of 2. This presents a favorable setting for Saka to capitalize on his attacking prowess and potentially deliver a strong FPL performance. With an expected points projection of 7.4 for the upcoming gameweek, Saka’s potential impact is promising.

Despite not registering goals or assists in the last match, his involvement in shots, chances created, and passing accuracy make him a worthy candidate for the captain’s armband in Gameweek 3. The favorable fixture against Fulham adds to his appeal.

Not sure how Arsenal would lineup this gameweek, our article: PL GW3 Predicted Lineup and Injury News: Arsenal vs Fulham gives some extra insight

2. Player Analysis: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) – 2nd Best Captaincy Pick

In our countdown of the most promising captaincy candidates for Gameweek 3, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford secures the 2nd spot on our list. Mbeumo’s outstanding performances this season have solidified his status as one of the premier FPL assets. Only Solly March of Brighton has amassed more points than Mbeumo thus far.

Recent Performance: During the previous gameweek, Mbeumo showcased his prowess on the pitch with a stellar performance. He played the full 90 minutes for Brentford and found the back of the net twice, emphasizing his clinical finishing ability.

GW3 captain Mbuemo's shots in the box map.

Mbeumo’s impressive expected goal (xG) was 1.86, indicating his ability to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. His expected goals on target (xGOT) were 2.01, reinforcing his ability to get into goalscoring positions.

Underlying Numbers: Mbeumo’s expected assist (xA) for the last match was 0.24, showcasing his potential to provide assists in addition to his goal-scoring prowess. Looking at his season-long statistics, Mbeumo boasts an impressive average xG per 90 of 1.57 and an xA of 0.14, resulting in a combined expected goal involvement (xGi) of 1.71. These metrics underscore his all-around attacking contribution.

Fantasy Points and Impact: Mbeumo’s standout performance translated to 13 fantasy points in the previous gameweek. His ability to consistently influence matches both in terms of goals and underlying metrics makes him a sought-after FPL asset.

Bryan Mbeumo’s exceptional performances this season, including his recent match-winning display, position him as a prime captaincy candidate for Gameweek 3.

Not sure who to buy this gameweek, then check out our article:FPL Gameweek 3 Transfer Tips, Strategy and Team Selection

1. Player Analysis: Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund) – Top Captaincy Pick

Landing the coveted 1st place in our Gameweek 3 captaincy picks is none other than Erling Haaland of Man City. With a compelling track record and promising performance statistics, Haaland is the prime contender for the captain’s armband.

Recent Performance: In the previous gameweek, Haaland exhibited his prowess on the pitch by playing the full 90 minutes for Man City. Although he didn’t find the net or contribute assists, he managed 4 shots during the match, demonstrating his attacking intent.

GW3 captain Haaland's shots in the box map.

Underlying Numbers: Looking at his overall season stats, Haaland’s xG per 90 minutes stands at an impressive 0.55, while his xA is 0.04. These numbers result in a combined expected goal involvement (xGi) of 0.59, underlining the attacking threat he has.

Fixture and Expected Points: In Gameweek 3, Man City faces Sheffield United away, with the fixture carrying a difficulty rating of 2. Haaland’s prolific goal-scoring capability and the fixture’s context position him ideally for a strong FPL performance. His expected points projection of 8.3 for the upcoming gameweek further solidifies his appeal.

Haaland is a guaranteed starter, but what other City players could make the eleven this week? How article: PL GW3 Predicted Lineup and Injury News: Man City vs Sheffield United, gives some insight on how City could lineup.

Erling Haaland’s consistent goal-scoring record, alongside his substantial underlying numbers, makes him the standout captaincy choice for Gameweek 3. Although his recent match lacked direct goal contributions, his ability to create and finish goal-scoring opportunities positions him as a game-changer. With the advantageous fixture against Sheffield United, Haaland’s potential for a substantial FPL haul is prominent.

Feel free to check out the Predicted Lineups for other Premier League sides in our series of Predicted Lineups articles:

  1. PL GW3 Predicted Lineup and Injury News: Chelsea vs Luton Town
  2. PL GW3 Predicted Lineup and Injury News: Arsenal vs Fulham
  3. PL GW3 Predicted Lineup and Injury News: Everton vs Wolves
  4. PL GW3 Predicted Lineup and Injury News: Spurs vs Bournemouth
  5. PL GW3 Predicted Lineup and Injury News: Man United vs Nott’m Forest
  6. PL GW3 Predicted Lineup and Injury News: Man City vs Sheffield United
  7. PL GW3 Predicted Lineup and Injury News: Newcastle vs Liverpool