With gameweek four of the Fantasy Premier League season approaching, managers face a host of decisions on transfers, captaincy and whether to deploy their chips, according to analysis from BBC Sport's FPL expert Holly Shand.
Chelsea's attacking assets remain a major talking point. Striker Joao Pedro, priced at £7.7m, is currently the most-owned player in the game, featuring in 72.5% of squads. With Chelsea having already scored eight goals this season and a home fixture against newly-promoted Hull City on the horizon, the case for doubling up on Chelsea's attack looks strong.
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers both impressed after coming off the bench in Chelsea's Carabao Cup victory over Leeds United midweek. Palmer scored twice, including a penalty, while Rogers registered three assists. Shand suggested Palmer holds the edge for those who can afford his £9.6m price tag, citing his superior goal threat and penalty duties. For those considering a wildcard, a triple-up on Chelsea attackers was floated as an option, though it comes with the caveat that such a trio would need to combine for two or more goals per match to justify the investment.
Elsewhere, Liverpool's Cody Gakpo has become the most-bought player ahead of gameweek four, drawing more than 500,000 new owners for the visit of Fulham. However, an adductor issue meant he missed Liverpool's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, casting doubt over his involvement. Newcastle's Alexander Isak, the second-highest scoring forward in FPL with 23 points, was also discussed as an alternative, though his £9.1m price makes him harder to fit into squads. Gakpo's record of assisting all of his goals this term was cited as a reason to still favour him over Isak.
Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes were tipped as solid holds ahead of the derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Shand pointed to United's strong recent home form under Michael Carrick, including a 2-0 win over City in his first league match in charge in January, a game in which Mbeumo scored and Fernandes provided the assist. Fernandes currently leads all players for shots taken, with 15, while Mbeumo's four big chances created are the most of any midfielder.
For those considering a wildcard, Arsenal's defence was highlighted as a strong investment given two clean sheets and just one goal conceded so far, with Ezri Konsa singled out as a potential bargain alongside David Raya, Gabriel or Riccardo Calafiori. Chelsea's Joao Pedro and Manchester City's Erling Haaland were again recommended as core forward picks, with Brighton's Pascal Gross mentioned as a strong budget midfield option.
On captaincy, Palmer was named the top pick for those who own him, particularly with Chelsea's favourable fixture against Hull City and confirmation that he remains first-choice penalty taker. He also leads all midfielders in shots taken from inside the box, with nine. Alternatives such as Rogers or Joao Pedro were suggested for those without Palmer, while Haaland's recent scoring form, five goals in his last three matches, keeps him firmly in the conversation despite Manchester City's away trip to Old Trafford.
Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was described as a frustrating asset, having scored just once in three league appearances despite three big chances. Shand said she would continue holding him given upcoming favourable fixtures against Newcastle and Crystal Palace, though she saw little difference between him and alternatives like Yoanne Wissa or Thierno Barry.
Finally, Brighton's Maxime de Cuyper was noted as a strong budget defensive pick, having racked up a goal and two assists while playing out of position as a winger. Shand suggested Arsenal's Konsa may now be the better option at a similar price point.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.