With the international break looming, Week 3 is a defining moment. Who maintains their perfect start? Who cracks the code? Here’s the lowdown:

Fixtures of the Week

Arsenal vs Liverpool (Sunday, 16:30 UK)

A heavyweight showdown at Anfield. Arsenal arrive unbeaten boosted by Gyökeres’s debut goals though Saka and Ødegaard are sidelined. Liverpool, bolstered by signings like Wirtz and Ekitike, aim to assert dominance at home. A win here could catalyze momentum for either title contender.

Manchester United vs Burnley (Saturday, 15:00 UK)

United are under pressure no league win so far and a woeful Cup exit looms. Burnley arrive buoyant after snagging their first win, looking to spoil the home party. Mbeumo is being tipped as a set-piece threat.

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace (Sunday, 19:00 UK)

A tricky kickoff time awaits due to Palace’s European schedule. Villa, winless vs the Eagles last season, need this to stay level early. The fixture could hinge on late-winter stamina and momentum.

Sunderland vs Brentford (Saturday, 15:00 UK)

Sunderland continue their dream return playing away this weekend but confidence is high. Brentford, meanwhile, aim to build stability under new leadership.

Brighton vs Manchester City (Sunday, 14:00 UK)

City’s GS match could resemble a slow-burn Pep’s side place structured offense against Brighton’s pressing grit.

Other Matches to Note:

Tottenham vs Bournemouth

Leeds vs Newcastle

Chelsea vs Fulham

 

League Snapshot After Two Matches

Team W-D-L GD

Arsenal 2-0-0 +6

Tottenham 2-0-0 +5

Liverpool 2-0-0 +3

United sit 16th with just one point despite over £200m in signings and towering expectations.

Fantasy Footprint: FPL Picks to Watch (Gameweek 3)

Goalkeepers: Vicario (Tottenham), Henderson (Palace)  both high saves and clean sheet potential.

Defense: Van de Ven, Livramento, Sepp van den Berg  strong starts and sound fixtures.

Midfield: Cullen (Burnley, surprise form), Grealish (Everton), Mbeumo (Manchester United).

Attack: João Pedro (Chelsea), Richarlison (Tottenham), Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool).

Additional FPL targets include Barnes, Wood, Sanson, Porro, and Cunha based on fixture value and attacking returns.

What to Watch & What It Means

Arsenal can establish early season credibility if they stifle Liverpool sans key creators.

United must respond or crisis chatter grows especially as Burnley won’t be intimidated.

Injuries and mentality will dominate slots like Saka’s absence could shift power in big games.

FPL managers: hold onto João Pedro and Ekitike they’re delivering spectacularly.