FPL GW3 Transfer Tips: Nkunku Replacements & "Expert Advice"

A lot has already happened in just two FPL gameweeks. Some players are living up to expectations, while others are falling short. When this happens, making a transfer can be a smart strategy, and if your team needs a complete overhaul, wildcarding might be ideal this gameweek.

For wildcard teams and tips, check out our article: FPL GW3 Wildcard Team – The Best Gameweek 3 Wildcard Teams.

In this article, however, we’re focusing on transfers and the best players to bring into your FPL team ahead of Gameweek 3.

GW3 Top Transfers in This Gameweek

Heading into gameweek three of FPL, here are the top transfers FPL managers are making. These are the 15 most sort after players in FPL ahead of GW3:

Best Midfielders To Buy Ahead Of Gameweek 3 – Nkunku Replacements

Noni Madueke

Leading our list is hat-trick hero Noni Madueke, who delivered a stunning performance in his last game against Wolves, scoring three goals, earning three bonus points, and racking up an impressive 20 points. Here’s a breakdown of his key stats:

xG: 0.54
xA: 0.11
Total shots: 6
Chances created: 1
Touches in opposition box: 6
Passes into final third: 1

Madueke shot map against Wolves in gameweek 2.

Based on the stats, Madueke performed exceptionally well last gameweek, showing impressive clinical finishing, which led to a hattrick from an xG of just 0.54.

Expert Recommendation: Should you consider buying Madueke this gameweek? Absolutely. He’s a strong replacement for Nkunku, and if you want to maintain Chelsea coverage due to their favorable fixtures, Madueke is a solid option to consider.

2. Emile Smith Rowe

Continuing with the theme of Nkunku replacements, another mid-priced FPL asset to consider is Emile Smith Rowe of Fulham, currently priced at just £5.6 million at the time of writing.

Last gameweek, Smith Rowe rewarded the 22% of FPL managers who selected him with a 10-point haul, thanks to a goal and three bonus points. Here’s a breakdown of his key stats:

xG: 0.53
xA: 0.03
Total shots: 2
Chances created: 0
Touches in opposition box: 5
Passes into final third: 5

While Smith Rowe’s underlying numbers don’t suggest he’s particularly explosive—he isn’t taking many shots or creating many chances—he does offer good value for money as a budget option.

Expert Recommendation: BUY. Smith Rowe is still finding his place in this Fulham team, and as the season progresses, his performances are likely to improve. With another game against a newly promoted side on the horizon this gameweek, he is a solid Nkunku replacement and is guaranteed to start.

Find out the best gameweek 3 differentials in our article: Top FPL GW3 Differentials – For Each Position

3. Morgan Rogers

Another strong alternative to Nkunku is Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa. This choice might be a bit unconventional, as Rogers hasn’t delivered much in terms of FPL points—he’s only scored a total of 4 points over the last two gameweeks, despite playing 180 minutes.

However, with Rogers, we’re focusing on potential. He’s a player who passes the eye test and has a great run of upcoming fixtures. His fixtures are so favorable that he’s likely to be a valuable asset over the next five gameweeks.

Currently, Rogers is among the top eight most transferred-in players ahead of gameweek three, indicating that many FPL managers see him as a budget-friendly Nkunku replacement or are including him in wildcard teams to free up funds for more premium assets.

Expert Recommendation: BUY. If you’re looking for a budget midfielder who is guaranteed to get minutes in an attacking team with excellent fixtures, Rogers is a great alternative to Nkunku. He also frees up cash, allowing you to invest in more premium picks.

Other strong Nkunku replacements include Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Diogo Jota, Son, and Minteh. The first few options are premium assets and could be excellent replacements if you have the funds or are planning to wildcard this gameweek.

Minteh is another solid option who could be a great differential this gameweek. With a favorable fixture swing coming for Brighton starting from gameweek 6, Minteh could become even more popular if he continues to start regularly.

Feel free to check out our: FPL GW3 Team Selection, Scout Picks and Player Picks for more expert tips on gameweek three team selections and advice.

Now that we’ve heard from our experts and analyzed the stats of our top transfer picks for this gameweek, let’s take a look at the moves FPL managers are making ahead of Gameweek 3. This could also provide some inspiration.

Here are the most transferred-in defenders ahead of Gameweek 3:

Player	Cost	Sel.	Form	Pts.	Number of Transfer ins(GW3)
Faes	4.1	10.4%	4.0	8	312005
Romero	5.0	7.8%	8.0	16	227197
Mazraoui	4.5	11.0%	6.0	12	218844
Pedro Porro	5.5	35.7%	7.5	15	216619
Robinson	4.6	12.3%	4.5	9	203638
Lewis	4.5	3.2%	4.0	8	124533
Van de Ven	4.5	7.6%	5.5	11	121339
Saliba	6.0	39.8%	6.0	12	103777
Kilman	4.5	1.8%	6.5	13	84427
Alexander-Arnold	7.0	30.4%	7.0	14	82511
Konsa	4.5	12.6%	1.5	3	81849
Gvardiol	6.0	32.8%	4.5	9	74792

Related read: check out the players most likely to start this gameweek in our article: FPL GW3 Predicted Lineups and Team News For All 20 PL Teams

The Most Transferred In Midfielder ahead of gameweek 3:

Player	Cost	Sel.	Form	Pts.	Number of Transfer ins(GW3)
Madueke	6.5	6.3%	10.0	20	557088
Smith Rowe	5.6	22.0%	6.5	13	543688
Palmer	10.5	37.7%	9.5	19	422844
Rogers	5.0	11.1%	2.0	4	273963
De Bruyne	9.6	11.0%	7.5	15	227938
Mitoma	6.6	6.2%	7.0	14	195668
Saka	10.0	34.2%	9.0	18	187079
M. Salah	12.5	37.3%	12.0	24	168268
Diogo J.	7.6	19.9%	7.0	14	147895
Son	10.0	10.2%	9.0	18	143425

The Most Transferred In Forwards ahead of gameweek 3:

Player	Cost	Sel.	Form	Pts.	Number of Transfer ins(GW3)
Welbeck	5.6	9.0%	10.5	21	453917
Haaland	15.1	58.9%	12.0	24	417096
João Pedro	5.5	20.0%	5.0	10	322568
N. Jackson	7.5	4.1%	6.0	12	163866
Wissa	6.0	5.7%	6.5	13	160235
Jebbison	4.5	3.8%	1.0	2	152496
Havertz	8.1	17.1%	7.0	14	148217
Vardy	5.6	6.7%	5.0	10	137378
Watkins	9.0	29.3%	2.0	4	105905
Muniz	6.1	9.9%	2.0	4	80640