Fantasy Premier League: Week Three Transfer Tips

This week in English Football was a little wacky. Fresh players started coming out of the woodwork, while some of the best were startlingly sub-par.

With injury reports coming in and speculation on individual play time, this article will seek to help you analyze transfers for your Fantasy team that will garner you the best bang for your buck.

IN: Abou Diaby

This vivacious Arsenal midfielder put two goals in for his club in the first 21 minutes in their win over Portsmouth.

With Fabregas questionable to a hamstring injury, players like William Gallas and Diaby will be able to step up to take not only central-field defensive positions, but scoring attack roles as well. On top of this, Arsenal's Arsene Wenger has said in interviews that "This could be Diaby's season."

The potential is obvious, but what's the great thing about both players? In most fantasy leagues they will be bought as bargains. SkySports Fantasy lists Diaby for £3.7 million and Gallas for £4.5 million (on a £55 million salary cap, where Drogba goes for £7.3 million).

IN: Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe is the hottest player for the Premier League's top team at the time of this writing. He's their leading attacker, and is responsible for four of their nine cumulative points so far this season, including three beginning-to-end goals in the Spurs' 5-1 win over Hull City.

Defoe was the highest scoring Fantasy player in SkySports leagues, with a remarkable 21 points. As such, he doesn't come cheap, in most leagues. SkySports lists him for £6.7 million.

IN: Glen Johnson

Recent Liverpool acquisition Glen Johnson was beaming midweek as his club took down Stoke, 4-0. Sadly, his quality playing is about all they have to be happy about. Having lost two of their first three thus far, their chances for a league title are severely diminished.

This isn't keeping Johnson down though. He is still a reliable fixture to get looks downfield to Liverpool's acclaimed shooters Torres, Gerrard, and Kuyt. Things will look even better when their shots actually hit their target.

Johnson does not go cheap for a backfielder, however, and will cost you a fair £5.2 million.

IN: Didier Drogba

Chelsea's leading scorer and star is going to be a staple for top teams for Fantasy. While not at all cheap (£7.3 milionl), he's an important week-to-week source of points.

Because of his consistency, it would not only be wise to pick him up, but to place him at captain for double points (as per SkySports rules).

IN: Aaron Lennon

The second Hotspur player on our IN list is Aaron Lennon. Lennon was on fire against, scoring 15 Fantasy points on the week. At a very affordable £4 million, he is very attractive and easy to fit, and as long as the Spurs keep performing well, he'll be a great source of points.

IN: William Gallas

Gallas is fitting quite swimmingly in the backfield alongside Thomas Vermaelen for Arsenal. It is likely that they will be in for most of their matches, leading the defensive front. He can provide an affordable scoring option, ringing in at £4.5 million on SkySports.

OUT: Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas' status is unknown due to the hamstring injury he sustained in Arsenal's match against Portsmouth. Fabregas will NOT play in the UEFA Champion's League Qualifying match against Celtics, which the Guns lead 2-0.

For Premier Fantasy League play, it is still unknown whether he'll be fit to play at Old Trafford on Saturday. Preliminary reports of the muscle showed "reassuring" signs of a quick heal, but his contribution will likely be hampered by the discomfort.

Fabregas is up for £5.5 million on SkySports.

OUT: Gael Clichy

Clichy, plagued by last spring's back injury, has been in and out of the pitch, performing poorly on the Fantasy end of the sport. The backfielder only got points for coming into the game the past few matches. Cutting him will free up £4.6 million.