Fantasy EFL GW3 Preview Tips and Tricks

The Fantasy EFL is well underway as we enter game week three. Our resident expert Louie will be looking each week at the best ways to score you points to get ahead of the competition. 

Fantasy EFL GW3 The Numbers

Goalkeepers

In my opinion, Josh Keeley looks like the best goalkeeper to target ahead of GW3. The Hatters have kept two-out-of-two clean sheets to start the season, and they have two good fixtures against Bradford (A) & Wigan (H). From a defensive point of view, another set of fixtures I like the look of is Cardiff’s. They face Rotherham (H) & Wimbledon (A). Goalkeeper Nathan Trott is a solid option who has a high potential of keeping two clean sheets. 

Defenders 

Firstly, let’s take a look at Port Vale’s Connor Hall, who has two good fixtures against Burton (A) & Stevenage (H). Hall has managed back-to-back 9-pointers to start the season with a goal in GW1 against Rotherham and a clean sheet in GW2 against Cardiff. Vale kept a clean sheet in the EFL Cup away to Blackpool in midweek, and I can see them keeping a minimum of 1 clean sheet in GW3. Overall, Hall is a good option at only 2.3% ownership. Another Defender who should score well is Carl Piergianni, who is brilliant for points from clearances (amongst the highest in League One). He averaged 8.06 clearances per 90 last season, and Stevenage have a good defensive record, so there’s a high potential for clean sheets too. Last season, Stevenage conceded 0.93 goals per 90 and kept 39% of clean sheets. They’ve won their first two games this season and have two good fixtures in GW3 against Northampton (H) and Port Vale (A). Potentially, worth considering for a team pick too. 

Going into GW3, another Defender I really like the look of is Adebola Oluwo. Salford have had two difficult fixtures to start the season, against Crewe in GW1 (lost 3-1), but had an impressive 2-1 away win against Notts County in GW2. Oluwo has averaged 8 points so far this season from clearances, blocks, tackles, and he scored against Notts County. Salford’s fixtures do get better in GW3 against Accrington (H) and Newport (A), where there’s a high potential for clean sheets. During the 24/25 season, Oluwo scored 6 goals for Barnet (National League), which shows he offers an attacking threat alongside clean-sheet potential.

Midfielders

Next, let’s look at the best Midfielders to target. Luca Connell is up there as one of the best midfielders going into GW3. He scored 12 points in GW1 and 11 points in GW2. He’s made 5 interceptions so far this season and made 2 assists. Barnsley face Bolton (H) & Peterborough (A). In my opinion, Connell is a safe pick going into GW3, who is likely to get a minimum of 8 points and should be nailed to play 90 minutes in both fixtures. He’s definitely a good captaincy option. Another Barnsley asset who is a brilliant option is Davis Keillor-Dunn, who is currently owned by 24.7% of the game. He was exceptional for Barnsley last season, managing 18 goals/ 5 assists, and it looks like he’ll be carrying his form over to this season, already scoring in both of Barnsley’s first two games.

At less than 1% ownership, Reece Cole looks like he could be a brilliant differential. He managed 14 points against Blackpool in GW2, and Exeter have two good fixtures in GW3 against Mansfield and Wycombe. Mansfield have had a tricky start to the season, conceding four goals in their first two league games, and Exeter will have a good amount of momentum after scoring four goals against Blackpool. Oliver Norwood (Stockport) also looks like a great option in Midfield for GW3. He’s known for providing a good tempo, creativity and offers a good amount of attacking threat from set-pieces. Norwood is a solid pick who consistently gains points from interceptions, assists and key passes.

Forwards

Lastly, let’s have a look at the best forward picks for GW3. Jamie Reid looks like a great option; he’s had a brilliant start to the season with 3 goals in his first two games. Stevenage face Northampton (H) and Port Vale (A). In my opinion, the Northampton (H) game is a good fixture to target because their defence isn’t solid (conceded 3 to Wigan in GW1). Will Davies (Fleetwood) is the highest-scoring forward in League One/ Two and is also a solid option. Fleetwood face Bromley (A) & Crewe (H). Davies is in brilliant form, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he continues his goalscoring form. 

Kyle Wootton had a brilliant season during 24/25, scoring 11 goals/ 7 assists and averaging 0.50 expected goal involvement per 90. He averaged 1.89 shots per 90 and made 0.88 key passes. He’s already scored two goals this season, and Stockport have favourable fixtures in GW3 against Leyton Orient (A) &  Bradford (H). Lastly, let’s talk about Bromley’s star man, Michael Cheek, who faces Fleetwood (H) & Cheltenham (A). Cheek was named League Two’s highest goalscorer last season and scored in GW2 against Barnet in their 2-0 win. Overall, a great option.