Our Fantasy Premier League tips Gameweek 3 defenders and goalkeepers round-up is here to help you maintain momentum or jolly well get your act together, depending on how you’ve performed thus far.
While our tips are based on FPL player prices, the principles should apply more or less across the board – so, even if you’re playing one of the other popular fantasy football games such as those at Sky Sports, the Telegraph or the Mirror, this should still prove informative for you.
As educated guesses go, rest assured that our Fantasy Premier League tips remain every bit as educated as they are guessed. If (crystal)-balls-out score predictions are what you seek, consult Mystic Megson.
MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL TIPS:
- Fantasy Premier League tips Gameweek 3: Midfielders
- Fantasy Premier League tips Gameweek 3: Forwards
Right, let’s get cracking…
Alan Hutton – £4.1m
The rejuvenated Aston Villa right-back came good on our recommendation to include him last week, contributing to a clean sheet against Newcastle United and, despite receiving no bonus FPL points for it, being named as man of the match by Sky.
Villa are at home again this weekend, taking on a Hull City side that could hardly be described as free-scoring despite their solid start, so Hutton could be about to help his side to a third consecutive shut-out.
Come to think of it we wouldn’t bet against another 0-0 in this one, so you might also want to consider Hull’s £4m Paul McShane, earner of a bonus point for his performance in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Stoke City.
Paul Dummett, Newcastle United – £4m
Last week, we said this of Dummett:
If Alan Pardew’s first-choice left-back Davide Santon fails to recover from injury in time then Dummett can expect to keep his place following the Magpies’ spirited display against Manchester City last weekend.
Er, unless Pardew recalls Massadio Haidara in his place, which isn’t beyond the realms of possibility. Approach with caution.
Well, Pardew kept faith with Dummett and saw his side keep a clean sheet at Villa, so there’s no reason to believe that he won’t stick with him for Saturday’s visit of managerless Crystal Palace.
Neil Taylor, Swansea City – £4.5m
Last week we recommended Taylor’s similarly-priced teammate Jordi Amat, but Taylor’s two-bonus-points-earning performance in the 1-0 win over Burnley has shifted our attentions.
With Swansea at home to West Bromwich Albion this weekend, we’d fancy either of them to reward your fantasy investment with a clean sheet.
Joey O’Brien, West Ham United – £4.5m
The Hammers’ cheapest starting defender, O’Brien will on Saturday be part of a defence that plays at home to a Southampton side fresh from a goalless draw with West Brom.
If you’re confused as to why O’Brien has more than twice as many points as any other West Ham defender, it’s because he was subbed off prior to Spurs’ winner on opening day but still played enough minutes (ie. more than 60) to claim a clean sheet.
As such, he’s the only West Ham defender with a clean sheet to his name so far this season. Fantasy football, eh?
Aleksandar Kolarov, Manchester City – £6m
As excellent as Gaël Clichy was in the 3-1 win over Liverpool, we’d expect the more attacking Kolarov to start this weekend’s game at home to Stoke City.
The Potters have started poorly, so a clean sheet – and, who knows, maybe even an assist from one of Kolarov’s wicked left-wing crosses – could well be in store.
Goalkeepers
We like the look of the following as relatively inexpensive options with favourable-looking fixtures to play in Gameweek 3:
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa – £4.5m
Tim Krul, Newcastle United – £4.5m
Adrián, West Ham United – £5m
Łukasz Fabiański, Swansea City – £5m
Allan McGregor, Hull City – £5m
Perhaps even Sunderland’s £4.5m Vito Mannone too, although QPR have got to score some time.
Good luck and happy selecting!
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