Free Hit: An FPL (Fantasy Premier League) Podcast · Free Hit: An FPL Podcast

Ep. 18 - Haaland's Hat-Trick plus Nkunku Replacements for GW3

·1 hr 3 min·5 clips

Chris and Jace reveal how a last-minute triple captain gamble on Haaland's hat-trick paid off big in Game Week 2.

This episode of Free Hit: An FPL Podcast recaps Game Week 2 of Fantasy Premier League, hosted by Chris and Jace. The hosts analyze their own teams and results before discussing broader FPL strategy and player performances. They focus on the implications of Erling Haaland's hat-trick and the dilemma surrounding Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku. Chris and Jace both used their triple captain chip on Erling Haaland for Manchester City's home match against Ipswich, a decision that paid off with his three goals. Jace finished the week on 102 points, leaving 20 points on his bench, while Chris scored 98 points. Jace's team included starts for Bernd Leno, William Saliba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Anthony Gordon, with Dejan Kulusevski returning points but suffering a price fall. Chris started Dean Henderson, Antonee Robinson, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in defense, with midfield returns from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. A major topic is whether to transfer Haaland out ahead of a Game Week 5 fixture against Arsenal or to hold him for the long term. The hosts debate the viability of selling Haaland before that match and using free transfers or a wildcard to bring him back afterward. They identify Ollie Watkins as a potential forward replacement for Haaland, given Aston Villa's improving fixture schedule. The conversation shifts to Chelsea's 6-2 win over Wolves, where Palmer scored four goals but Nkunku was an unused substitute. The hosts analyze whether managers should urgently transfer in Palmer, who is priced at 10.5 million, or seek cheaper midfield alternatives. They suggest Morgan Rogers, Emile Smith Rowe, or Morgan Gibbs-White as potential replacements for the 6.5 million Nkunku. Chris considers a specific transfer plan to downgrade Haaland to Watkins and move from Nkunku to Palmer. They note Wolves' defensive weaknesses and Chelsea's strong upcoming fixtures as reasons to consider Palmer. An interesting insight is the strategic advantage of the new rule allowing managers to bank up to five free transfers, enabling more flexible team transformations. The hosts caution against overreacting to one game week, using the example of a manager who wildcarded after Game Week 1 and remains in a poor position. They also highlight the unexpected value in Brighton's attackers, like João Pedro and Danny Welbeck, following two wins to start the season. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending personal anecdote with strategic advice for FPL managers. This episode is ideal for active Fantasy Premier League players seeking a detailed breakdown of Game Week 2 and actionable transfer advice. Listeners who prefer shorter, news-focused updates or who are not actively managing an FPL team might find the specific squad analysis less relevant.

As heard by us

A paid-off Haaland triple captain leads into a practical Palmer-and-Chelsea decision, with Wolves as the main fixture target.

The episode opens on the payoff from an Erling Haaland triple captain against Ipswich, then shifts into the more awkward question of whether Cole Palmer is worth the price.

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Why you'd press play

Haaland paid off, now you're weighing Palmer, Wolves, and an Nkunku exit.

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