Our FPL captain picks this week, i.e. for Gameweek 3 are led by Manchester City’s meeting with Coventry, although Liverpool and Manchester United also provide credible alternatives.
The captaincy decision looks relatively straightforward this week. Manchester City host a promoted side at the Etihad Stadium after scoring six goals across their opening two matches, while Liverpool visit an Ipswich defence that has already allowed a high number of clear chances.
This ranking considers form, fixture difficulty, expected minutes, penalty duties and the risk attached to each player.
Last updated: 4 September 2026.
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FPL Gameweek 3 Captain Picks
| Rank | Player | Opponent | Captaincy category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Erling Haaland | Coventry City (H) | Safest captain |
| 2 | Rayan Cherki | Coventry City (H) | High-upside alternative |
| 3 | Phil Foden | Coventry City (H) | Differential captain |
| 4 | Alexander Isak | Ipswich Town (A) | Strong fixture pick |
| 5 | Bruno Fernandes | Everton (A) | Form pick |
5. Bruno Fernandes – Everton Away
Bruno Fernandes produced the outstanding individual performance of Gameweek 2, scoring a hat-trick and supplying an assist as Manchester United defeated Ipswich 5-2. His 23 points represented the best FPL return of his career.
The performance was supported by strong attacking involvement rather than fortunate finishing alone. Fernandes registered eight shots, including three big chances, and remains central to almost everything Manchester United create. He also converted from the penalty spot, reinforcing the importance of his set-piece role.
Everton away is a more difficult assignment than Ipswich at Old Trafford, however. United may not produce the same volume of chances, making Fernandes a less secure captain than the leading Manchester City options.
Verdict: A strong form-based captain, but not the safest option this week.
4. Alexander Isak – Ipswich Away
Alexander Isak opened his account for the season against Nottingham Forest and now faces one of the most appealing fixtures of Gameweek 3.
Ipswich have conceded a league-high 11 big chances across their opening two matches. Liverpool should dominate possession and create enough opportunities for their centre-forward, particularly if Ipswich leave space while attempting to play at home.
There is nevertheless some uncertainty around Isak’s maximum FPL potential. Dominik Szoboszlai scored Liverpool’s first penalty of the season despite Isak being on the pitch, suggesting the striker may not have spot-kick duties. Liverpool’s deadline-day signing of Bradley Barcola also gives Andoni Iraola another attacking option, although Isak should retain his central role.
At £9.0m, Isak is considerably cheaper than Haaland and offers a good route into Liverpool’s favourable fixture.
Verdict: An attractive captain for managers without Haaland, although the apparent lack of penalties lowers his ceiling.
3. Phil Foden – Coventry at Home
Phil Foden has not matched Cherki’s early goal return, but his underlying numbers make him an interesting differential captain.
The England international has been involved in five big chances, either as the shooter or creator, over the opening two Gameweeks. That is two more than both Haaland and Cherki. His 172 minutes also provide slightly more reassurance than Cherki’s 110.
Foden’s ability to operate centrally behind Haaland is particularly encouraging. Enzo Maresca praised his influence in that position following Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, during which Foden supplied the pass for Haaland’s second goal.
The obvious concern is rotation. City have several players capable of filling their attacking positions, and Foden may occasionally be asked to start from a wider area.
Verdict: The best differential captain for managers seeking to move away from the popular Haaland and Cherki combination.
2. Rayan Cherki – Coventry at Home
Rayan Cherki has outscored Haaland in both of the opening Gameweeks and enters the Coventry fixture after scoring twice against Crystal Palace.
His combination of creativity, dribbling and goal threat gives him genuine haul potential. More than 1.3 million managers transferred Cherki in before the Gameweek 3 deadline, making him the most popular acquisition of the week. His price has consequently risen to £7.7m.
The main reason he does not take first place is expected playing time. Cherki has completed only 110 league minutes this season, and City’s attacking depth means an early substitution is always possible. Captaining him therefore carries more risk than captaining Haaland, even in the same fixture.
The official FPL Scout also selected Cherki as vice-captain in its Gameweek 3 line-up.
Verdict: The most exciting alternative to Haaland, with greater rotation risk but significant upside.
1. Erling Haaland – Coventry at Home
Erling Haaland is the best FPL captain for Gameweek 3.
After blanking in the opening fixture, Haaland scored twice in Manchester City’s 4-1 win at Crystal Palace. He has recorded 10 shots and nine efforts inside the penalty area this season, comfortably more than any of his team-mates.
The fixture is equally persuasive. City face promoted Coventry at the Etihad Stadium, where they are expected to control possession and create the majority of the chances. Haaland is also likely to play close to 90 minutes if the result remains competitive and retains penalty duties.
With ownership around 70 per cent, captaining him also protects managers against a potentially damaging effective ownership figure. Going against Haaland could produce a major rank gain if he blanks, but the downside is considerable if he delivers another brace.
He is a legitimate Triple Captain option, although managers do not need to use the chip simply because the fixture looks favourable.
Verdict: The safest captain and the player most likely to score in Gameweek 3.
Final FPL Captaincy Verdict
For most managers, Haaland should receive the armband and Cherki the vice-captaincy. Foden is the preferred differential, while Isak provides the strongest option outside Manchester City.
Fernandes should not be overlooked after his 23-point haul, but a tougher away fixture places him behind the leading four this week.
- Safe Pick: Erling Haaland
- High-Upside Pick: Rayan Cherki
- Best Differential: Phil Foden
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