This article is part of our FPL Best XI series.
Early season surprises emerge in every sport, but three weeks into the current Premier League campaign, who would have thought that Leicester City would rank among the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool in the top four of the table?
The Foxes spent most of last season in last place, but their sprint to safety has kick-started this term under new manager Claudio Ranieri, whose team trails only mighty Manchester City in the standings and goals scored column.
With more early season treats to be unwrapped before next week's international break, let's sink our teeth into the Best XI for Gameweek 4 of the Premiership season.
Goalkeeper:
Simon Mignolet
After tying for the Premier League's high among goalkeepers with 14 clean sheets last season, all Mignolet has done to begin the current campaign is post three straight scoreless outings at the back of Liverpool's defense. The Belgian's best performance came last Monday at Arsenal, where he posted five saves to bring his season tally to eight. Although this weekend's match against West Ham, whose starting striker was arrested this week, figures to offer fewer save opportunities for Mignolet, the Hammers' one goal from their past six visits to Anfield sets up nicely for a fourth consecutive clean sheet for the Reds' goalkeeper.
Defenders:
Aleksandar Kolarov
A rival to teammate Vincent Kompany as fantasy's best defender so far this season, Kolarov accompanied his third clean sheet of the campaign with a goal at Everton last weekend. Despite being stationed on the left side of Manchester City's defense, Kolarov has already fired five shots and created seven scoring chances, the same amount as fellow Citizen Yaya Toure and more than Raheem Sterling's three in the latter category. In fantastic form, Manchester City return home this weekend to play promoted outfit Watford, whose are tasked with breaking down a City defense that has secured seven clean sheets in their last eight league games at the Etihad Stadium.
Cedric Soares
Following an assist in his Premier League debut, Cedric earned his first clean sheet in Gameweek 3 to continue the strong start to his career in England. In his past two matches, Cedric has patrolled the right wing while Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has tinkered with a 3-5-2 formation, opening more chances for him to venture forward. Whether the Portuguese youngster remains there or in a traditional four-man defense this weekend against Norwich, the Canaries' mediocre attack should be enough for even an out-of-form Southampton to deal with, particularly at home. To that point, three of Norwich's five goals have come from defenders, and midfielder Nathan Redmond has provided the remaining two, evidencing Norwich's lack of punch from offensive players so far.
Jordan Amavi
Despite getting caught in possession and consequently setting up Crystal Palace's winning goal last weekend, Amavi should retain his starting position ahead of this weekend's match against Sunderland. With that expectation, Amavi's match is rather favorable, as Aston Villa have not only gone unbeaten in their last eight matches versus Sunderland, but they've also locked down a clean sheet in six of their past seven meetings. Furthermore, Sunderland have failed to win 11 of their past 12 away matches in the Premier League, and are currently relying on 32-year-old Jermain Defoe's odometer to keep turning appearances into goals. With bonus attacking potential, Amavi could be a splendid sleeper selection this weekend.
Midfielders:
David Silva
With already a goal and three assists through Manchester City's impressive three-match opening to this season, Silva has single-handedly contributed toward four of the Citizens' league-best eight goals. Moreover, such production has included contributions in matches against Chelsea and Everton, two opponents that usually frustrate Man City. This weekend, Silva's best matchup yet figures to ensure his stellar start continues, as promoted side Watford is scheduled to visit the Etihad. No team's attack has been more potent at home than Manchester City's in recent seasons and with Silva stirring the pot, more fantasy rewards could very well come from his direction this weekend.
Riyad Mahrez
While Silva has played a hand in four goals for Manchester City, Mahrez has found the back of the net four times already for himself this season. In doing so, the Algerian's personal tally exceeds that of 10 Premier League teams through their first three matches. However unexpected, Mahrez has been this season's best fantasy performer so far and could incredibly add to his total this weekend with another attractive matchup. Leicester City travels to play Bournemouth on Saturday, and although the Cherries held up quite well defensively in their opening two matches, manager Eddie Howe's team shipped three goals in an eventful match at West Ham last weekend.
Pedro
Speaking of last weekend, Pedro was able to start in his Chelsea debut then despite only having signed from Barcelona days earlier. Not only did Pedro start, but he also lasted 84 minutes and supplied the Blues' opening goal just 20 minutes into his Premier League career. On the back of that triumphant introduction, Pedro will be looking forward to his first appearance at Stamford Bridge this weekend, when Crystal Palace visits the ground for a London derby. Besides center forward, Palace's least established position is arguably left back, which could present some openings for Pedro along the right wing of Chelsea's attack. For a player who scored 22 goals during Barcelona's treble-winning 2010-11 campaign, Pedro's scoring punch could punish that vulnerability in Palace's backline.
Philippe Coutinho
The Premier League's leader with 15 shot attempts this season, Coutinho has somehow been limited to just one goal, though that was a wonder strike in Liverpool's opener at Stoke City.
Still, the Brazilian has been unlucky not to score on numerous occasions, most recently Monday's match against Arsenal when he struck the woodwork twice. Nonetheless, it's encouraging to see Coutinho so consistently active in the middle of Liverpool's attack, which could be in store for a breakout performance this weekend versus West Ham. The Hammers have remarkably gone winless in their past 14 visits to Anfield, surrendering at least two goals on 11 of those occasions. What's more, West Ham is reeling from leaking four goals at home to newboys Bournemouth last weekend.
Forwards:
Sergio Aguero (C)
Last season's top scorer with 26 goals, Aguero has found the scoresheet once so far this term, netting the opener in Manchester City's lone home match to date. While that came against title contenders Chelsea, this weekend's opponent seems like more of a featherweight fight for Aguero. That's because promoted side Watford will be welcomed to Man City, who hardly need any extra advantage at home. In fact, the Citizens have struck for at least two goals in eight straight Premier League matches at the Etihad Stadium. Considering the players in fine form around him, the savory opponent in front of him, and the unmatched goalscoring ability inside of him, Aguero is a no-brainer as this week's Best XI captain selection.
Olivier Giroud
While Giroud's value to Arsenal can be debated ad nauseam, the Frenchman's goal record against the weekend's opponent, Newcastle, is undeniable. Since joining the Gunners, Giroud has treated himself to an astounding eight goals in six matches versus the Magpies. That revealing record includes a brace in both games against the Toon last season, potentially giving Giroud a great boost ahead of this weekend's early Saturday affair. The lone scorer for Arsenal this season, Giroud has actually done little to lose his starting place, and should relish his Week 4 opportunity to build his tally against an opponent that has failed to win 13 of its past 14 league matches dating back to last season.
Callum Wilson
After being blanked through their first two Premier League matches in club history, Bournemouth and their star striker rewarded fantasy owners that remained resolute last weekend, as Wilson exploded with a hat-trick at West Ham. In doing so, Wilson came good on the goal-scoring potential he flashed while registering 20 goals in the Championship last season. Now that he's gotten off the mark, Wilson should carry considerable confidence into Saturday's home match against surprise starters Leicester City. Although the Foxes enter the contest as favorites, their recent success has mostly involved outscoring the opponent, not necessarily preventing goals. If such is the case Saturday, Wilson could carry the Cherries at Dean Court.
BENCH
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
Reinvigorated from an excellent eight-save display against Liverpool, Cech now faces a Newcastle team that has gone scoreless in back-to-back matches, but might keep him busy going against a depleted Arsenal defense.
Defender: Cesar Azpilicueta
Fresh off his 26th birthday and first career Premier League goal, Azpilicueta will hope Chelsea's usually impenetrable defense can get back on track at home versus a Crystal Palace team they prevented from scoring at Stamford Bridge last season.
Defender: Glen Johnson
A familiar face in a new outfit, Johnson could clinch his first clean sheet with Stoke City this weekend against West Brom, who the Potters have held at bay in three straight meetings at home.
Midfielder: Alexis Sanchez
Despite missing a few easy opportunities to score this season, Alexis' 13 shot attempts through 188 minutes evidences his endless activity level, which could result in his first goal of the campaign this weekend at a Newcastle outfit that has gifted 18 goals to the Gunners over their past six square-offs.
Forward: Christian Benteke
Denied a goal by a brilliant save at Arsenal on Monday, Benteke returns to Anfield this weekend having scored in his Week 2 debut at the ground. More importantly, his opponent West Ham has historically had a horrid time at Anfield, thus painting a pretty picture for Benteke.
Forward: Diego Costa
Supplier of a goal and an assist in Chelsea's first win of the season last weekend, Costa now plays at home against a Crystal Palace defense that will be hard-pressed not to concede.
Forward: Jamie Vardy
Featuring in a two-striker system rare to today's top-flight, Vardy and partner Shinji Okazaki could bully Bournemouth on Saturday, with Vardy's goal and assist thus far earning him the edge among the Foxes proficient forwards.
