This article is part of our Mondogoal Fantasy Soccer series.
Although we are just three rounds deep into the Premier League season, the recent international break brought with it some significant changes. The transfer market is now closed until January, and we should soon have an idea as to how the clubs will choose to deploy their current squads until that time. This week's picks are highlighted by several new players who have arrived in England, as well as some familiar names that have experienced early-season returns to fantasy relevance.
GOALKEEPER:
Brad Guzan, MID v. CRY (£3.5M): Guzan ranks second among Saturday's goalkeepers in fantasy points per appearance after starting the last two matches, yet his salary is the cheapest available. Crystal Palace have managed just one goal through three matches this season and present a home matchup conducive to Guzan continuing his productive form.
Michel Vorm, TOT at STK (£6.9M): Vorm has averaged 7.8 fantasy points per match in two starts since stepping in for the injured Hugo Lloris, and he ranks 25th in salary at his position for this slate. Spurs are considered road favorites on Saturday versus a Stoke side that occupy the foot of the Premier League table after three matches, making Vorm a top candidate to return value.
DEFENDER
Danny Rose, TOT at STK (£9.8M): Rose has become an elite weekly option because of his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. Through three matches, the fullback has scored a goal, drawn eight fouls and completed 109 passes while also securing five interceptions and winning 10 tackles. His all-action style combined with Spurs' defensive upside against a struggling Stoke provides him with a strong floor for production and a high ceiling as well.
Curtis Davies, HUL at BUR (£8.9M): Davies ranks second among qualified defenders with an average of 8.45 fantasy points per game this season, thanks largely to an impressive 24 interceptions and sound play by the Hull back line as a unit. The Tigers sit fifth in the table after producing some impressive early results, and they will face a relatively soft matchup Saturday versus a Burnley side that have scored just twice in three matches.
Scott Dann, CRY at MID (£6.2M): Dann sits among the top defenders with an average of 7.7 fantasy points per game, as he has already secured 13 interceptions and scored his first goal of the season in Gameweek 3 against Bournemouth. He is no stranger to the scoresheet, as he finished second among defenders with five goals last term. This week's match versus Middlesbrough could be rather low-scoring, meaning Dann should have opportunities to make his mark at both ends of the pitch.
MIDFIELDER
Dimitri Payet, WHU v. WAT (£13.2M): Although Payet has been limited to just one substitute appearance in league play after starring for France in this summer's European Championship, he is expected to join the starting XI for the first time this season following the international break. The prolific playmaker will return for an exploitable matchup, as the Hammers will host a Watford side who are tied for last in the Premier League with six goals allowed through just three matches.
Adam Lallana, LIV v. LEI (£8.7M): After two years of middling production to start his Liverpool career, Lallana has seemingly turned a corner this season. He has been more assertive in the attacking third after moving into a supporting role behind the Reds' dynamic front three, as he already has a goal and an assist while rattling off 10 shots and providing nine key passes through three matches. Leicester conceded twice as they lost their only away match of the young season to Hull, and they will face a much tougher task versus Lallana and company on Saturday.
Roberto Pereyra, WAT at WHU (£6.8M): The Hornets were outclassed in a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in Gameweek 3, but Pereyra's club debut was a bright spot. The playmaker scored a goal and was extremely lively after coming on at the half, and he should be in line to start Saturday versus a struggling West Ham side. With proven scorers Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney operating in front of Pereyra, he should have the opportunity to generate fantasy points in several different ways.
FORWARD
Alexis Sanchez, ARS v. SOT (£12.1M): Alexis scored a goal and added an assist in a dynamic 18.97-point performance last time out against Watford, as he seemed to thrive alongside recently-returned playmaker Mesut Ozil. Finally fit after sustaining an ankle injury at the Copa America that was followed by an extended summer break, Alexis appears poised to play a substantial role for what should be a potent Arsenal attack, with a home matchup versus a struggling Southampton side on tap.
Jamie Vardy, LEI at LIV (£8.6M): Vardy finally got off the mark against Swansea in Gameweek 3, scoring his first goal of the season on a season-high three shot attempts. Last season's runner-up in the Golden Boot will have the opportunity to build on that performance in what could be an open affair versus a Liverpool side that are currently tied for the worst defensive record in the league. Vardy's reduced price after a relatively slow start only adds to the appeal.
Alvaro Negredo, MID v. CRY (£5.7M): Although Negredo failed to produce his best form in his previous stint in the Premier League with Manchester City, he is off to a fine start to the 2016/17 campaign with a goal and two assists to help Middlesbrough go undefeated through three matches. Crystal Palace have been miserable out of the gate and could present Negredo with the opportunity to continue his productive ways at an extremely affordable price.
