28 Aug, 2025
Sam FPL is here to answer the GW3 key FPL questions. What to do with 3 key FPL Midfielders in Saka, Palmer & Wirtz? Sam also answers the question of who are the best Premium Midfielder replacements heading into GW3.
Every Gameweek, there are new key FPL questions that managers have to answer, especially so in the early weeks of a new season. There are still transfers happening like Ornstein’s Eze to Arsenal bomba last week, and hopefully the end of the Isak saga, as well as injuries, reassessing fixture difficulty and things we assumed incorrectly in pre-season that must be addressed! So here is Sam FPL to do just that and help you through all of the key FPL questions heading into GW3!
Saka sustained a left hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 5–0 win over Leeds United, and is expected to be sidelined for up to four weeks, ruling him out of key matches including the crucial away trip to Liverpool and England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers. I think selling him should be the plan for his owners and we have many good picks to target.
Cole Palmer suffered a groin injury during the pre-match warm-up ahead of Chelsea’s 5–1 win over West Ham, forcing him to withdraw at the last moment. After undergoing a scan, results were more positive than initially feared, with no severe damage identified. Some reports suggest that Palmer is likely to miss the upcoming derby vs Fulham, with a return more probable after the international break.
I will delay making transfers as late as possible as we may get some leaks ahead of the deadline as Chelsea will feature in the opening game of the week.
Wirtz’s start to the season has been very disappointing for his owners. Even as a high-profile midfield signing, he failed to reward early investors with a back to back blanks. He became one of the most-sold player, signal a strong drop in patience from the FPL community. I don’t think he is poor technically but his final-third contributions should be improved. You can sell him but I don’t think he is an urgent sell. I think selling Saka or Palmer if confirmed out of next GW should be your priority.
If you are looking for a midfielder to replace one of your Premium Mids, the following picks are your best targets:
Bournemouth’s star man has returned in back to back games and looked lively in both weeks. Although he didn’t score in GW2. He missed 2 big chances and should have hauled.
Johnson looks more centrally and direct than Kudus. On the other hand, Kudus looks creative. Thomas Frank has a great impact on Spurs and their upcoming fixtures are tempting.
Although Bruno missed a penalty last week, he is one of the best captain picks in GW3 when Salah faces Arsenal. Cunha looked threatening and sharp during the opening 2 game weeks but he was unlucky. I believe he should return next weekend.
Newcastle has arguably one of the best schedule during the next 2 weeks and Barnes may start as a forward after Gordon’s suspension. Elanga is a good differenial pick too.
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