FPL Gameweek 3 Wildcard: Six Must-Have Players
Wildcarding in FPL Gameweek 3 is about building a squad that can survive beyond one good fixture. These are the six players I'd prioritize on a GW3 Wildcard based on minutes, role, price, fixture run and long-term value.
For the broader schedule picture, see our FPL GW3 Best Fixture Runs and Teams to Target.
| Pick | Price | Why Target? |
|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | £15.5m | Coventry/Sunderland/Ipswich run, captain anchor |
| Cole Palmer | £9.6m | Three returns in two weeks, penalties, GW4 standout |
| Joao Pedro | £7.7m | Top-scoring forward GW1-2, no European rotation |
| Yoane Wissa | £6.1m | Penalty duties, full minutes, Newcastle in form |
| Ezri Konsa | £4.4m | Best defense in league at bargain price |
| Dominik Szoboszlai | £7.0m | Minutes, set pieces, penalties, set and forget |
For detailed stats and odds, check out the
FPL GW3 Cheat Sheet: Lineups, Odds and Stats
Erling Haaland (£15.5m)
Haaland is the main reason most managers are pulling the trigger this week. He's over 70% owned and borderline impossible to ignore. Haaland has Coventry, Sunderland and Ipswich in his next three home fixtures at the Etihad. He is the obvious captain choice this week and will be the armband anchor for much of the season. Getting him in permanently now rather than chasing him later at a higher price is the smart play.
Cole Palmer (£9.6m)
Three attacking returns in two gameweeks and Palmer looks firmly back to his best under Xabi Alonso. On penalties, in form and with Chelsea's fixtures setting up beautifully, he is the natural captaincy rotation partner alongside Haaland. Gameweek 4 in particular, with Chelsea hosting Hull while Manchester United face City, looks like a standout armband opportunity for Palmer owners.
Joao Pedro (£7.7m)
Pedro is exceptional value at his price. No European football means no midweek minutes concerns, and he has been the highest-scoring FPL forward across the opening two gameweeks. A straightforward long-term hold who offers consistent returns without any of the rotation risk that comes with alternatives in his price range.
Yoane Wissa (£6.1m)
Wissa may be one of the most exciting picks of the Wildcard window. With Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes gone, Wissa looks set to take on penalty duties, and with Osula injured he's been playing close to 90 minutes every match. Newcastle have started the season well under their new manager and Wissa looks rejuvenated, making him an appealing mid-price forward option for the weeks ahead.
Ezri Konsa (£4.4m)
Konsa is the budget piece who helps make the rest of the Wildcard work. At £4.4m, he offers access to a strong defense without tying up much budget, and even if he begins on the bench, the price makes him easy to carry while his role develops.
Dominik Szoboszlai (£7.0m)
Nailed for minutes, on set pieces, on penalties and solid for defensive contributions, Szoboszlai is a set-and-forget hold for the foreseeable future at Liverpool. He's one of the most reliable mid-price options in the game. Once he's in, there's little reason to take him out.
For more players to target, see our full FPL Gameweek 3 rankings.
Final Thoughts
A Gameweek 3 Wildcard should be built for more than one fixture. Haaland and Palmer provide the premium captaincy structure, while Wissa, Szoboszlai and the cheaper defensive pieces help preserve value and flexibility across the rest of the squad. The priority is secure minutes, defined roles and players with multiple favorable weeks ahead rather than simply chasing the biggest GW3 matchup.
