FPL Best Picks: Team of the Week for Gameweek 3 22/23

Three of our four defensive picks have featured in our TOTW previously already but there’s a good reason that they continue to do so.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (8.0, Liverpool)

He May not have registered a score above 6 yet this season but he was at his offensive and creative best against Crystal Palace on Monday night, especially in his hybrid role after the sending off of Darwin Nunez.

His opponent, Manchester United, have struggled so far this season with their only goal this campaign being an own goal while they have conceded 6 goals. This suggests that Trent has strong potential for points at both ends of the pitch.

Reece James (6.0, Chelsea)

He makes our TOTW on the back of a display where he scored a goal and set up a chance on a plate for Kai Havertz in just 25 mins at right wing-back against Spurs midweek. His display earned him bonus points for the second time in two games.

Up against a Leeds side who haven’t quite been defensively solid, James can be backed to continue where he’s left off this season as Chelsea’s xGI leader from all outfield players thus far. A worthy pick.

Ivan Perisic (5.4, Tottenham Hotspur)

Ivan Is being backed to start his first game of the season against a Wolverhampton side that have struggled both offensively and defensively this season. Perisic showed his quality off the bench last time out against Chelsea, including an assist from his quality set-piece delivery. Perisic has the potential to haul big having been backed for a start here against Wolves by our writer.

Nathan Ake (5.0, Manchester City)

Makes our final pick in defence. His inclusion of Cancelo is motivated primarily by finances however Ake has looked like an aerial threat in both starts this season. Given that Pep hasn’t gone without a starting left-footed centre-back in over 50 consecutive Premier League games, we’re backing Ake for a start for the meanest defence of the last 3 years in terms of expected goals conceded.