Elite FPL Managers Reflect on Gameweek 2 and Plot Gameweek 3 Moves

After a turbulent Gameweek 2, the Elite XI: Team Reveal managers have shared their thoughts, frustrations, and plans for Gameweek 3.

Injuries, underperforming midfielders, and awkward fixture swings are dominating the conversation, and each manager is weighing up whether patience or early aggression is the way forward.

Let’s dive into their reflections, compare approaches, and see what’s next for some of Fantasy Premier League’s most consistent managers.

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Copenhagen Wednesday – Patience Wearing Thin

Craig, known as Copenhagen Wednesday (6× Top 10k finishes, 4× Top 5k), admits this has been “genuinely one of the worst starts I can remember.”

Unlike the traditional patient, data-led managers, he doesn’t see any obvious must-have players right now.

He explained:

“Most of the good options have awkward short-term fixtures, which makes the early GWs feel like treading water.”

Craig is holding Crystal Palace and Liverpool assets for Gameweek 4, with the real crunch point for him coming in Gameweek 6: Free Hit or early Wildcard. Despite the early struggles, he insists:

“There’s a path back – provided variance swings my way soon.”

Tom Dollimore – Waiting on Palmer

World #1 and 5× Top 10k finisher, Tom Dollimore, is keeping things simple.

He plans to roll his transfer unless Palmer’s injury turns out to be more serious. If news breaks that Palmer is ruled out, make sure you’ve got Elite XI: Team Reveal notifications for Tom to see whether makes a move ahead of Gameweek 3.

Walter Randazzo – Big Decisions with Two Free Transfers

Walter Randazzo (7× Top 10k finishes) faces dilemmas across midfield and attack. Palmer, Wirtz, and Aston Villa’s poor start are his main headaches.

“I might just sell [Palmer] for another mid… Another option could be a hit selling Palmer, Wirtz and Watkins to get Haaland.”

Walter is considering both aggressive restructuring and more measured moves, with plenty hinging on Palmer’s status before deadline.

Tarek Balbaa – Early Aggression

Tarek Balbaa (10× Top 10k finishes) has already made moves, using his two free transfers plus a hit.

He sacrificed Palmer, Wirtz, and Watkins to reshape his squad and open up a new captaincy option.

Tarek explained:

“I decided to be aggressive… I needed another reliable captain option beside Salah.”

To see the players he brought in, head over to the Elite XI: Team Reveal page.

Lari Ahti – Midfield Problems

Finnish manager Lari Ahti (four Top 10k finishes) admits his team structure is leaving him exposed:

“Most of my money is tied up in midfield, and the mids just aren’t delivering—that’s a real problem.”

Like many others, Palmer’s injury could force his hand, but he’s encouraged by the wide pool of mid-priced midfielders performing well.

Matt Corbidge – Haaland Plans on the Horizon

Matt Corbidge (6× Top 10k finishes) is another manager waiting on Palmer news. If the Chelsea midfielder is out long-term, he’ll move him on, with names like Sarr, Semenyo, Dango, and Anderson in consideration.

He said:

“The exact route I go is dependent on the path I want to take for GW6. Do I want to Free Hit or… open a way for Haaland to come in?”

For now, his armband is on Bruno Fernandes, with Salah and Palmer (if fit) also in the mix.

Mark Mansfield – Injuries Dictate Everything

Mark Mansfield (7× Top 10k finishes) has his eyes firmly on Palmer and Aït-Nouri's fitness updates.

His plan is flexible, but he sees little appeal in forcing transfers without clarity.

“If Palmer is either certainly injured or fit I'll likely hold… If Palmer is 50/50 then Aït-Nouri is likely to go.”

Corey Baker – Considering a Free Hit

Corey Baker (6× Top 10k finishes, 4× Top 5k) is as uncertain as anyone, describing the start to the season as unlike any other:

“Two weeks into the FPL season and I have no idea where to take my team.”

Palmer again is key, and Corey admits he might even consider a Free Hit to temporarily load up on Manchester United and Nottingham Forest attackers.

Common Themes Across the Elite XI: Team Reveal

• Palmer’s injury is the single biggest talking point – nearly every manager’s plans depend on the Chelsea midfielder’s status.
  
• Wirtz disappoints – patience is wearing thin, but few are rushing to sell unless Palmer forces the move.
  
• Villa concerns – Watkins in particular is on the chopping block for several managers.
  
• Chip strategy – a split is emerging between those eyeing an early Wildcard or Free Hit (GW6–8) versus those sticking to patience.
  
• Haaland dilemma – some managers have already ripped up their teams to get him, while others are holding fire for now.
  

FPL Gameweek 3 Conclusion

The Elite Managers may be some of the most experienced FPL in the world, but even they are facing uncertainty after a chaotic start to the season.

While some, like Tarek, have gone aggressive, others like Tom and Mark are favouring patience. One thing is certain: Gameweek 3 will be pivotal in shaping their next moves.

You can view the full teams and transfers now on the Elite XI: Team Reveal page.

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