Dominate Gameweek 3: Your Ultimate FPL Squad Revealed for 2025-26

Gameweek 3 presents Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers with one last challenge before the September international break.

It's been a harsh opening for some managers and a brilliant beginning for others, but there's no respite for the determined as another set of fixtures approaches. More crucial decisions await.

Liverpool vs. Arsenal will worry managers but favorable home matches for three members of the traditional 'big six' means there are still numerous chances for massive returns.

Here is Sports Illustrated's ideal Gameweek 3 lineup in FPL.

Goalkeeper

Matz Sels (£5.0m) is essentially fixture-proof considering Nottingham Forest's outstanding defensive form, though the Midlands club have allowed one goal in both their opening games. Belgian owners have been disappointed by their keeper thus far, but fortunes should change in Gameweek 3 when Sels welcomes the struggling West Ham United.

Defenders

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella (£6.1m) has produced points in both gameweeks, beginning with a clean sheet and eight-point performance against Crystal Palace before recording an assist versus West Ham recently. With Fulham visiting on Saturday, another contribution could be coming, with the Spaniard's offensive capabilities making him an excellent FPL option.

Pedro Porro (£5.6m) has gained from Tottenham Hotspur's enhanced defensive displays under Thomas Frank, securing two clean sheets so far. Like his fellow countryman Cucurella, the right-back offers significant attacking threat and might exploit a Bournemouth defense that shipped four to Liverpool in their opener and are still adjusting after summer departures.

Manchester United's shameful Carabao Cup elimination to Grimsby Town midweek will probably deter managers from their assets, but Patrick Dorgu (£4.5m) stays a budget yet potentially high-reward choice. He should get license to attack newly-promoted Burnley at Old Trafford this weekend, and might even secure a clean sheet as well.

Midfielders

Like Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) remains an outstanding asset despite Man Utd's form and his missed penalty at Fulham last weekend. He recorded 13 defensive actions at Craven Cottage last time to compensate for his wayward spot kick and is constantly a threat in the attacking third. He's a set-piece specialist and primary creator for the Red Devils, potentially stepping up at home to Burnley.

Mohammed Kudus (£6.6m) delivered two assists on his Spurs debut as he earned ten points and he was highly impressive at Manchester City recently despite only collecting three points. At home to Bournemouth, the Ghanaian should be at his creative peak and is a somewhat cheaper alternative to Brennan Johnson (£7.1m).

Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.5m) is considerably more expensive than he was last season but could be vital this week against a West Ham defense that has allowed three or more in all three of their competitive fixtures this term. He's created four opportunities, achieved 0.49 expected goals and recorded an assist in the opening two matches.

Gibbs-White's compatriot and namesake Morgan Rogers (£7.0m) is an outstanding pick this week despite a disappointing start to the campaign. The versatile attacking midfielder, who was exceptional last season, is at home to Crystal Palace and could capitalize on fatigue in the Eagles' defense following their trip to Norway in Europa Conference League qualifying on Thursday.

Forwards

To round out our Forest trio, Chris Wood (£7.7m) is one of three strikers in the XI. The New Zealand international has increased in price due to his excellent start to the season, with two goals on the opening weekend against Brentford. He should exploit West Ham's fragmented defense on Sunday afternoon.

João Pedro (£7.6m) delivered a massive 15-point haul against West Ham recently, providing two assists and a goal in the 5–1 demolition. Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer (£10.5m) again but that will enable the Brazilian to drop deeper and influence play. Another contribution seems certain against Fulham and he would be an excellent captain selection, too.

Regardless of the opposition, Erling Haaland (£14.1m) is a superb option. While he was surprisingly profligate against Tottenham last weekend, he netted two in his opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers and now faces a Brighton & Hove Albion side that has conceded in both their opening matches. The Norwegian, who scored at the Amex Stadium last season, should find the net again.

Best FPL Gameweek 3 Team

When Is the FPL Gameweek 3 Deadline?

With no Friday night football this weekend, the Gameweek 3 deadline arrives at 11 a.m. BST (6 a.m. ET, 3 a.m. PT) on Saturday, August 30. All squad modifications must be completed before this time, which is an hour-and-a-half prior to kickoff between Chelsea and Fulham.

After the deadline passes, managers will be able to make adjustments for their Gameweek 4 team.