1. Budget forwards offer value

Gameweek three saw as many as ten forwards below 7.0 involved in either a goal or assist. Unlike last season where Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers were struggling to find good budget strikers, this year the choices are aplenty. Mitrovic (6.5) was the standout performer, with two goals and an assist, racking up 16 points. The Serbian had more shots on target (SOT), with three, than any of his budget counterparts, and the second highest Expected Goals (xG), with 0.8. The returns appear to be a tad fortuitous or a result of very good finishing, as Mitrovic also had the largest negative deviation in xG to actual goals (ag), of -1.2. Fulham face Brighton and Man.City away before their next home game and it remains to be seen if the Serbian can sustain these numbers on his travels.  A further look at xG reveals that Wilson (0.7) was perhaps unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, as he took more shots inside the box (SIB) than any other forward, with five, and had a positive deviation of 0.7, the highest in the Custom Stats table. Arnautovic’s stats are also impressive considering he was playing Arsenal at the Emirates. The Austrian had three SIB in less than 60 minutes, and should be considered as a transfer in if he can overcome his injury worries.

2. What next for Richarlison owners?

Richarlison got his 2018/19 campaign to a flyer, with three goals in his first two games, and had close to 40% ownership when gameweek three kicked off. A red card for his ‘headbutt’ on Smith has led to a two match ban leaving FPL managers frantically searching for his replacement. The popular candidates – Walcott, Pereyra, Pedro, Maddison and Mkhitaryan are compared using our Fix Comparison Matrix and the results are surprising. Walcott, who is leading the way for transfers in for gameweek three is posting very poor numbers compared to his competition. The diminutive winger has scored from both his shots on target, and has had only three SIB in total, raising question marks around his output. Will it be sustainable over a longer period? Pereyra’s numbers are impressive – the Argentinian tops the comparison across all categories except attempted assists, which is dominated by Mkhitaryan. The dilemma for FPL managers is the classic form vs fixtures. Walcott plays Huddersfield and West Ham at home in gameweeks four and five, whereas Pereyra plays Spurs and Man. United at home. Given that the Terriers and the Hammers reside at the bottom of the xG conceded table, Walcott perhaps just edges it. Mkhitaryan has Cardiff and Newcastle next, so, should be a great option given he has form, stats and fixtures on his side. Moura appears to be a bandwagon that is full steam ahead after last night's heroics, but err on the side of caution here as Son could be in contention to play in gameweek five if he is not summoned to commence his national military service.

3. The best form of attack is defence

The trend of defenders scoring well continued this week, as five defensive players racked up double-digit scores – Alonso, Trippier, Monreal, Maguire and Keane. A look at the Custom Stats table reveals that Robertson and Valencia can consider themselves unlucky not to have come away from gameweek three with attacking returns. The pair attempted four assists each. Alexander-Arnold’s potential also stands out – he attempted two assists and had two shots, one of which hit the woodwork. Alonso continues to deliver, returning his third consecutive double digit haul even though he had zero attempted assists and his only shot was deflected leading to an own goal (and assist points). Trippier looks a great prospect with three attempted assists, but rotation with Aurier during the Champions League remains a concern and Pochettino continues to stress the need to rotate his players in his pre-match interviews. This policy also saw Davies benched in favour of Rose, indicating that Spurs' full-backs while explosive present a rotation risk. Amongst budget defenders, Doherty’s numbers are encouraging. The wing-back took two SIB against the champions Man. City, more than any other defender this week, indicating that he offers a threat from open play - even against the stiffest of opponents.