Best FPL Captain for Gameweek 3: Top Three Picks (2026/27)

Looking for the best Fantasy Premier League captain for Gameweek 3?

Each week, we analyse the leading FPL captaincy options to help you maximise your points and climb your mini-leagues.

For Gameweek 3, we have selected three standout choices:

1. 1️⃣ Fix’s highest-projected captain
2. 2️⃣ A safe option with more than 20% ownership
3. 3️⃣ A bold differential captain with under 20% ownership

These picks cover every type of FPL manager, whether you prefer to follow the crowd or chase early gains with a differential.

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FPL Gameweek 3 Captain Picks

Erling Haaland (COV)—Highest-Projected Scorer

Erling Haaland got back among the goals with a brace against Crystal Palace. No forward has attempted more shots (10) or shots in the box (nine) than the 26-year-old over the opening two Gameweeks, while he is also joint-top for big chances (three).

Haaland also ranked top among forwards for goals scored (15), shots on target (33), big chances (32) and Expected Goals (xG) (16.57) in home matches last season.

Manchester City scored 45 goals at home last season, more than any other side. They also ranked top for big chances (75) and xG (45.58) on home turf.

Our Player Points Projections tool currently predicts 7.2 FPL points for Erling Haaland in Gameweek 3.

Bruno Fernandes (eve)—The High-Ownership Alternative

After a disappointing Gameweek 1, Bruno Fernandes reminded FPL managers of his explosive potential with a mammoth 23-point haul against Ipswich.

He has attempted six shots over the opening two Gameweeks and ranks second for big chances (three) amongst midfielders, with only Bryan Mbeumo (four) faring better.

As shown in the image below from our Opta Stats Sandbox, no player has registered a higher xG than his 2.19.

Manchester United ranked third for goals scored (30) in away matches last season, with only Manchester City and Chelsea (32 each) faring better. They also ranked fourth for big chances (52) on their travels and sixth for xG (31.50).

Their hosts, Everton, have conceded only one goal over the opening two Gameweeks, but the underlying numbers indicate that they have been fortunate. The Toffees rank 11th for shots in the box conceded (21) and 19th for xGC (5.12).

Our Player Points Projections tool currently predicts 6.3 FPL points for Bruno Fernandes in Gameweek 3.

Bukayo Saka (CHE)—The Differential Captain

With goals in both of Arsenal’s opening fixtures, Bukayo Saka looks back to his best after a spate of injuries last season. No Arsenal player has registered more shots (five), shots in the box (four), big chances (two) or xG (1.60) than the England international over the opening two Gameweeks.

As the image below from our Opta Player Heatmaps feature shows, Saka averaged 5.3 FPL points per home appearance last season.

Arsenal ranked second for goals scored in home matches last season (41). The Gunners also ranked fourth for both shots (305) and xG (38.97) on home turf.

Their visitors, Chelsea, have conceded five goals over the opening two Gameweeks, with only Crystal Palace and Ipswich (six each) conceding more. The Blues rank 11th for shots in the box conceded (21) and 10th for xGC (3.73).

Our Player Points Projections tool currently predicts 5.2 FPL points for Bukayo Saka in Gameweek 3.

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