FANTASY FORECAST 2017/18: FPL Gameweek 3
Ahead of each Gameweek in the Fantasy Premier League the Hype Train invites a special guest onto its Fantasy Forecast, where the three members of the Hype Team and its Guests will duel for FPL supremacy in predicting Premier League scores, as well as going head to head in picking a Scout Picks squad for the relevant Gameweek. In addition, we give our insight into who are the players to watch and those to drop, both for traditional FPL leagues and the Draft mode, as well as providing insight into captaincy picks, differentials for the week, and more. Welcome to the Forecast. All aboard.
Fantasy Premier League: Gameweek Deadline
For the 2016/17 Premier League season, the FPL deadline will be one hour before the commencement of the week's first game. The Premier League website lists each FPL deadline, you can always ask on social media, and you can also view a real time countdown on our Weekly Hype page.
How does our Forecasting work?
We have taken to our Hype Team, and the FPL Community, to compete in a weekly head to head dual of wits. We are asking the questions that dominate each week in the Fantasy Premier League: who to pick, who to avoid, who to captain, and who may surprise. The 3 members of the Hype Team, and a Guest, will provide weekly insight for the Gameweek ahead. For the sake of respecting the rules of the Forecast, we have provided an example of what we're sending out to interested parties.
Premier League Fixture Prediction: As pundits, we are testing our football acumen with PL predictions and will be providing regular updated tables and stats in each edition of the FPL Forecast. A perfect score is worth 3 points whilst a correct result is worth 1 point.
FPL Gameweek Forecasting: Answering the regular questions that come up every single week in the Fantasy Premier League community that helps with identifying captaincy picks, transfers, attacking options, clean sheet potential, teams to look our for and avoid, players to consider for the Draft game, the wildcard differential players, as well as general analysis and comments.
Scout Picks: Picking a squad of 15 for a single Gameweek, without any budget, using the rules of the FPL - formations, captains and vice captains, and the player limits of 3 per club (chips will not be feature of these weekly picks)
Each team must pick a Captain, labelled as (c) and a Vice Captain listed as (vc).
Fixture Prediction: 2017/18 Points Table
In our predictions a perfect score is 3 points, and predicting the right outcome is worth 1 point (aka if a team wins but, you predict it, but don't get the perfect score). Below is the Gameweek and overall rundown of our Premier League predictions series for the season.
Sam Austin (@HypeTrainSam): 6 (1), 4 (2) = 10pts
Phil Jones (@HypeTrainPhil): 10 (1), 5 (2) = 15pts
Robert Austin (@HypeTrainRob): 4 (1), 5 (2) = 9pts
Special Guests: 4 (1), 4 (2) = 8pts
Special Guests
GW1 - @FPLConnect: 4 points (0 perfect, 4 correct, 6 wrong)
GW2 - @FPLsleuth: 4 points (0 perfect, 4 correct, 6 wrong)
Individual Gameweek Predictions
GW1: Sam (6), Phil (10), Rob (4), @FPL_Connect (4)
GW2: Sam (4), Phil (5), Rob (5), @FPLsleuth (4)
FPL Scout Picks: 2017/18 Points Table
Picking a squad of 15 for a single Gameweek, using the rules of the FPL - formations, captains and vice captains, and the player limits of 3 per club (chips will not be feature of these weekly picks). Below is the Gameweek and overall rundown of our Premier League predictions series for the season.
Sam Austin (@HypeTrainSam): 82 (1), 61 (2) = 143pts
Phil Jones (@HypeTrainPhil): 81 (1), 57 (2) = 138pts
Robert Austin (@HypeTrainRob): 67 (1), 43 (2) = 110pts
Special Guests: 54 (1), 45 (2) = 99pts
Special Guests
GW1 - @FPL_Connect: 54 points (Captain Kane, 2pts)
GW2 - @FPLsleuth: 45 points (Captain Lukaku, 12pts)
Individual Gameweek Scout Picks
GW1: Sam (82), Phil (81), Rob (67), @FPL_Connect (54)
GW2: Sam (61), Phil (57), Rob (43), @FPLsleuth (45)
Fixture Prediction: Gameweek 3
Bournemouth 1-3 Man City
Crystal Palace 1-1 Swansea
Huddersfield 1-1 Southampton
Newcastle 2-1 West Ham
Watford 2-0 Brighton
Man United 4-0 Leicester
Chelsea 2-0 Everton
West Brom 1-0 Stoke
Liverpool 4-1 Arsenal
Spurs 3-0 Burnley
FPL Forecasting: Gameweek 3
Best GW Attacking Options:
Chelsea (H) vs. Everton
Spurs (H) vs. Burnley
Watford (H) vs. Brighton
Man United (H) vs. Leicester
Liverpool (H) vs. Arsenal
Man City (A) vs. Bournemouth
Best GW Defensive / Clean Sheet Potential:
WBA (H) vs. Stoke
Chelsea (H) vs. Everton
Spurs (H) vs. Burnley
Watford (H) vs. Brighton
Man United (H) vs. Leicester
Who would you Transfer In and Out for the Gameweek and beyond?:
IN: Paul Pogba, Sadio Mane, Chicharito, Jonas Lossl, Allan Nyom, Richarlison
OUT: Josh King, Gabriel Jesus, Petr Cech, Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle
Who are the teams to look out for?:
Man United: 4-0 is the name of the game for the Red Devil’s and after blitzing thing season so far it might be another similar result for Mourinho’s Red Devils against Leicester.
Liverpool: Having done the double over Arsenal last season it gives Liverpool high hopes that they can do it again, especially looking at the state of Arsenal’s team.
Watford: The Hornets new manager Marco Silva knows how to get results at home, and with Brighton looking poor in both defensive and offensive measures isn’t encouraging for any Seagull’s fans.
Spurs: Wiping clean the slate after a tough loss against Chelsea at Wembley is a must for Spurs, and fortunately they have Burnley visiting London to help them recover quickly. I expect this to be an open and shut win for Spurs, with the potential of Kane to break his August draught at long last.
Who are the teams to avoid?:
Leicester: The Foxes were outplayed the last time they visited old Trafford, with a familiar score line of 4-0 once again rearing its head.
Arsenal: The woes of the Gunners visiting Anfield will go on, they just can’t find a way to get a result at Anfield and with the state of their team looking shaky it will be a shock if Liverpool don’t continue their strong start to the season.
Everton: Chelsea will be a true test of the new Everton squad, but after an exhausting trip to Croatia as part of their pursuit for Europa League football it might be the old curse that strikes teams who play on Thursday nights.
GW Differential Picks:
Georginio Wijnaldum (LIV): Scored against Arsenal the last time the Gunners visited Anfield, and with the recent birth of his daughter I expect it to be a special week for Gini.
Richarlison (WAT): The new Brazilian of Watford has a sting in his tail, and Marco Silva can be credited for luring a real powerhouse to the Premier League. A goal and assist in his first two games might be continued against a Brighton team that haven’t shown any fight so far in the Premier League.
FPL Captaincy Picks:
(C): Romelu Lukaku: The Belgian doesn’t look like he will stop scoring anytime soon.
(VC): Sadio Mane: Terrorised Arsenal last season, and I expect more of the same.
Other Gameweek Comments:
The international break comes after this gameweek, which means you might be thinking about your wildcard. My advice is to wait until the end of the first week of the break so assess if your team is suffering due to injuries before playing it.
FPL Hype Picks: Gameweek 3
Formation: 3-4-3
Starting 11
GK: Ben Foster
DEF: Allan Nyom
DEF: Eric Bailly
DEF: Marcos Alonso
MID: Sadio Mane (VC)
MID: Richarlison
MID: Dele Alli
MID: Paul Pogba
FOR: Roberto Firmino
FOR: Romelu Lukaku (C)
FOR: Sergio Aguero
Substitutes
GK: Hilarious Gomes
MID: Kevin De Bruyne
DEF: Toby Alderwiereld
DEF: Cesar Azpilicueta
Fixture Prediction: Gameweek 3
Bournemouth 1-3 Man City Crystal Palace 2-1 Swansea Huddersfield 2-1 Southampton Newcastle 0-3 West Ham Watford 1-0 Brighton Man United 3-2 Leicester Chelsea 2-0 Everton West Brom 1-0 Stoke Liverpool 3-2 Arsenal Spurs 4-0 Burnley
FPL Forecasting: Gameweek 3
Best GW Attacking Options: Liverpool (H) vs Arsenal Man City (a) vs Bournemouth West Ham (a) vs Newcastle Man United (H) vs Leicester Spurs (H) vs Burnley
Best GW Defensive / Clean Sheet Potential: Spurs (H) vs Burnley Chelsea (H) vs Everton West Brom (H) vs Stoke West Ham (a) vs Newcastle
Who would you Transfer In and Out for the Gameweek and beyond?: IN: Michail Antonio, Chicarito, Marcos Alonso, Sadio Mane, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly. OUT: Gabriel Jesus, Matt Ritchie, Christian Atsu, Matt Ryan, Kyle Walker.
Who are the players that might make the difference this Gameweek in the Draft?:
Draft Star Pick: Michail Antonio (WHU). The Winger turned utility man has been key to West Hams attack in recent years. Back playing in a forward role with Chicarito to link up with. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s available on the waiver wire so pick him up, I know I am.
Keep an eye on: Richarlison, Harry Maguire, Jese.
GW Differential Picks: Michail Antonio (WHU): see above.
Patrick Van Aanholt (CRY): everyone knows his attacking threat and now he’s on set pieces he’s an even more attractive option. Delivering corners to the likes of Dann and Benteke is surely worth an assist or two..?
FPL Captaincy Picks: (C): Harry Kane: The obvious one. His underlying stats for the first two gameweeks are light years ahead of the rest. If he can convert those numbers into goals we will be looking at some major hauls.
(VC): Christian Eriksen: consistency is key to picking Eriksen. He is able to produce regular points and is capable of double figures on a good day. At Home to Burnley is as good as it gets.
Other Gameweek Comments: Don’t wildcard unless you need to make 6 or more changes. Sanchez , Hazard and potentially Coutinho are yet to enter the mix.
FPL Hype Picks: Gameweek 3 Formation: 3-4-3
Starting 11
GK: Ben Foster
DEF: Marcos Alonso DEF: Ben Davies DEF: Eric Bailly
MID: Paul Pogba MID: Kevin De Bruyne MID: Christian Eriksen (VC) MID: Sadio Mane
FOR: Harry Kane (C) FOR: Romelu Lukaku FOR: Chicarito
Substitutes
GK: Joe Hart MID: Marko Arnautovic DEF: John Stones DEF: Patrick Van Aanholt
Fixture Prediction: Gameweek 3
Bournemouth 1-4 Man City
Crystal Palace 2-0 Swansea
Huddersfield 0-0 Southampton
Newcastle 2-1 West Ham
Watford 2-0 Brighton
Man United 3-0 Leicester
Chelsea 2-1 Everton
West Brom 1-0 Stoke
Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal
Spurs 3-0 Burnley
FPL Forecasting: Gameweek 3
Best GW Attacking Options:
Man United (H) vs. Leicester
Liverpool (H) vs. Arsenal
Spurs (H) vs. Burnley
Man City (a) vs. Bournemouth
Newcastle (H) vs. West Ham
Best GW Defensive / Clean Sheet Potential:
Man United (H) vs. Leicester
Liverpool (H) vs. Arsenal
Spurs (H) vs. Burnley
Huddersfield (H) vs. Southampton
Southampton (a) v. Huddersfield
Watford (H) vs. Brighton
Crystal Palace (H) vs. Swansea
Who would you Transfer In and Out for the Gameweek and beyond?:
IN: Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Mkhitaryan, Butland, Jese, Mooy, Alonso, Schindler, Yoshida, Tom Carroll, Benteke (maybe for a one off against Swansea)
OUT: Arsenal players, Kyle Walker, Bournemouth players, Zaha due to injury
Who are the players that might make the difference this Gameweek in the Draft?:
Watford defenders - playing Brighton and will not be on the priority defenders list.
Stoke assets - Jese and Zouma might not be owned by many teams
Defenders in general - With some of the lower sides facing good fixtures, and clashes with Chelsea/Everton and Liverpool/Arsenal, this week is all about shoring up at the back with some good differentials.
Who are the teams to look out for?:
Newcastle - It's reaching boiling point already at Newcastle. Except the Toon to unleash hell on a West Ham side who usually lose at St James's Park.
Huddersfield - Still overlooked, the Terriers have great fixtures and points across the pitch. Southampton might be the biggest scalp yet.
Spurs - Surely it's their time to shine at Wembley, right?
Watford - Richarlison is a good FPL option right now and the Hornet's are looking every bit the solid unit that many FPL players believed might be the case.
Liverpool - Undefeated from their opening four games, the Reds welcome Arsenal to Anfield. I am expecting a repeat of last season with Liverpool mauling their visitors.
Who are the teams to avoid?:
Everton - I've just no idea how Everton will turn up at each ground due to rotation and a tough fixture list. I'd gulp at the thought of one of their players, even though Rooney has started well.
Bournemouth - Two tough games might persuade Daniels and Ake owners to think twice about their inclusion. It's looking bleak in the early going for the Cherries.
Swansea - Carroll owners might be placed placed benching him for the week. Palace have had a shocking start to the season but had lots of promise against Liverpool. They could go to town on Swansea. Either way, these mid-to-lower encounters are best avoided for FPL players as there are too many uncertain variables to consider.
GW Differential Picks:
Richarlison (WAT) - The Brazilian is a good little buy if you're rating him after two games. Could be a big presence against lowly Brighton who have struggled to get off the mark this season.
Ben Davies (TOT) - Still underlooked, Davies has a great match in prospect. It is unlikely that Burnley will win two away games on the spin, let alone at both Spurs and Chelsea.
Chris Schindler (HUD) - The main man at the back in a bonus points whore at home, and I expect another tight encounter at home for Huddersfield, and maybe clean sheets for both teams.
FPL Captaincy Picks:
(C): Harry Kane - My head is telling me Lukaku, but my heart is telling me Kane. I'd love nothing more than England's best scoring breaking his Wembley hoodoo this early in the season. Kane and Spurs are going to need all the help they can get with the Champions League ties in October and November, so a big performance is needed from all to get them past the threat of playing at the national stadium
(VC): Romelu Lukaku - The Belgian is going to be a mainstay in most teams for the season, or at least until January when Ibrahimovic works his way back to fitness. Against Leicester, United will score a few again.
FPL Hype Picks: Gameweek 3
Formation: 3-4-3
Starting 11
GK: Ben Foster
DEF: Ben Davies
DEF: Eric Bailly
DEF: Chris Schindler
MID: Christian Eriksen
MID: Sadio Mane
MID: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
MID: Mo Salah
FOR: Harry Kane (C)
FOR: Romelu Lukaku (VC)
FOR: Sergio Aguero
Substitutes
GK: Wayne Hennessey
MID: Richarlison
DEF: John Stones
DEF: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Fixture Prediction: Gameweek 3
Bournemouth 0-3 Man City
Crystal Palace 1-1 Swansea
Huddersfield 1-2 Southampton
Newcastle 1-1 West Ham
Watford 2-0 Brighton
Man United 3-0 Leicester
Chelsea 2-1 Everton
West Brom 1-1 Stoke
Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal (I couldn’t help not being biased with this one!)
Spurs 3-0 Burnley
FPL Forecasting: Gameweek 3
Best GW Attacking Options:
Kane, Lukaku, Aguero
Best GW Defensive / Clean Sheet Potential:
Kompany, Bailly, Trippier
Who would you Transfer In and Out for the Gameweek and beyond?:
IN: Kane (if you don’t already have him!)
OUT: Lacazette (two away games coming up)
Who are the players that might make the difference this Gameweek in the Draft?:
Richarlison (chances are he’ll be a free agent)
Who are the teams to look out for?:
Spurs, Man United, Man City and Watford
Who are the teams to avoid?:
Burnley, Leicester and Bournemouth
GW Differential Picks:
Richarlison (WAT)
FPL Captaincy Picks:
(C): Kane
(VC): Lukaku
FPL Hype Picks: Gameweek 3
Formation: 3-4-3
Starting 11
GK: Ben Foster
DEF: Kieran Trippier
DEF: Eric Bailly
DEF: Marcos Alonso
MID: Dele Alli
MID: Kevin de Bruyne
MID: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
MID: Richarlison
FOR: Harry Kane (c)
FOR: Romelu Lukaku (vc)
FOR: Sergio Aguero
Substitutes
GK: Jonas Lossl
MID: Matt Phillips
DEF: Vincent Kompany
DEF: Ryan Bertrand
Want to know more about The Hype Train?
The Hype Train is an entertainment website founded in 2015, specialising in the Fantasy Premier League (#FPL), providing beautiful graphics and weekly insight for hopeful players attempting to climb ranking tables. We are also occasional media reviewers, with a keen interest to review movies, live sport, and professional wrestling.
The Hype Train were nominated and shortlisted for the 'Best Football Blog 2016' by the Football Bloggers Association at their annual Football Blogging Awards (The FBA's), with the final presentation held at Old Trafford in Manchester.
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All aboard.
