Player Focus: WhoScored.com's Best Rated Players Ahead of Gameweek 3
Ahead of the upcoming round of Premier League fixtures, WhoScored is here to help you make your fantasy football selections ahead of the gameweek 3 in England’s top tier. Once again, the expert will return on Friday to announce the team he will enter this weekend in association with MondoGoal, but until then; WhoScored will give you a run through of the highest rated players in each position to help you select your team for the upcoming fixtures.
GOALKEEPER - JOE HART (7.53)
Two games in and one of four teams to boast a 100% start to the Premier League season, Manchester City have stated their intentions early on with back-to-back wins over West Brom and title rivals Chelsea. The Citizens have looked solid at the back and are currently one of three teams yet to concede a goal this season, owing thanks to Joe Hart.
The City shotstopper came under fire during the 2013/14 season following a series of poor performances between the sticks, resulting in Manuel Pellegrini moving for Willy Caballero. His arrival, though, was the shot in the arm Hart required and he has not really looked back since. City may travel to Everton on Sunday afternoon where they have conceded on each of their last six visits, but with Hart making a superb start to the season; a third consecutive clean sheet of the campaign is certainly a possibility.
TOP RATED GOALKEEPERS
1. Joe Hart - (7.53)
2. Boaz Myhill - (7.19)
3. Adrián - (7.15)
4. Jack Butland - (7.10)
5. Sergio Romero - (7.09)
DEFENDER - ALEKSANDAR KOLAROV (8.20)
Part of the reason for City’s defensive solidity so far this season has been their excellent backline to go with Hart’s effective showings in goal. Aleksandar Kolarov has also started the campaign superbly, carrying on from where he left of at the end of last season. Having previously battled with Gael Clichy for a starting spot, the Serb has capitalised on the Frenchman’s injury to effectively make a place in the first team his own.
Kolarov has not only formed part of City’s effective resolve so far, but carries an impressive offensive threat from deep for the Citizens. The 29-year-old has played more crosses from open play (7) than any other performer this term, while no player has created more clear cut chances than Kolarov (2) in the top tier of English football. He’s formed a good understanding with Raheem Sterling already and may be one of their best routes to go against Everton.
TOP RATED DEFENDERS
1. Aleksandar Kolarov - (8.20)
2. Jordan Amavi - (8.03)
3. Vincent Kompany - (7.79)
4. Phil Jagielka - (7.67)
5. Craig Cathcart - (7.65)
MIDFIELDER - RIYAD MAHREZ (9.38)
Currently WhoScored’s highest rated player in the Premier League this season with a rating of 9.38, Riyad Mahrez has started the campaign in stunning fashion with 3 goals to his name already, more than any other player. The tricky Algerian is now just one goal short of matching his total over the entirety of the previous season and one would not bet against him doing so against Tottenham, given their defensive woes already this term.
An on target conversion rate of 60% means Spurs must be wary of the threat Mahrez carries if they are to attain their first win of the campaign. Back on home turf, one of the pre-season relegation favourites can expect to put another victory on the board having gained more Premier League points (28) than any other team since the beginning of April. With Mahrez currently in top form, he’d be a wise addition for any fantasy football team this coming weekend.
TOP RATED MIDFIELDERS
1. Riyad Mahrez - (9.38)
2. David Silva - (8.58)
3. Ross Barkley - (8.28)
4. Marc Albrighton - (8.21)
5. Yaya Touré - (8.06)
STRIKER - ROMELU LUKAKU (8.15)
After something of a disappointing campaign last time around, Romelu Lukaku looks back to his fearsome best following a summer of rest. The Belgian bagged a brace at Southampton in Everton’s comprehensive 3-0 win last Saturday to kick start the Toffees’ campaign as they look to improve upon a poor 2014/15 campaign. Only David Silva and Marc Albrighton (both 4) have been directly involved in more goals in the Premier League this season than Lukaku (3).
Against a staunch City defence on Sunday, Lukaku will likely be Everton’s main path to goal, especially if he and teammate Ross Barkley can maintain their great early season form. The powerhouse Belgian has 2 goals in his last 4 games against the Citizens, so one would not bet against Lukaku adding to his commendable return against the current Premier League title favourites this weekend.
TOP RATED STRIKERS
1. Romelu Lukaku - (8.15)
2. Jamie Vardy - (7.79)
3. Bafétimbi Gomis - (7.59)
4. Shinji Okazaki - (7.56)
5. Christian Benteke - (7.55)
Will any of these players feature in your fantasy football team this weekend? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
