The 3-5-2 formation has been widely preferred in the beginning of the 2023/24 season. Now the better performance of several forwards might prompt more managers to make a shift towards a 3-4-3 formation in the upcoming gameweeks.
Darwin Nunez, priced at 7.5m, is one of several in-form forwards in Fantasy Premier League, providing managers with an opportunity to adjust their tactical approach. The 3-5-2 formation has been the most popular choice in the early stages of the 2023/24 season, often featuring Erling Haaland (14.0m) paired with either Ollie Watkins (8.4m) or Julian Alvarez (7.2m) up front. However, the improved performance of several forwards may encourage more managers to shift to a 3-4-3 formation in the upcoming Gameweeks.
In addition to Haaland, Eddie Nketiah (5.5m), and Callum Wilson (7.8m) and Nunez were four forwards who delivered a double-digit points haul in Gameweek 10. Nunez and Wilson have proven to be consistent point earners in the early stages of the 2023/24 season. They have each started four matches and made five appearances as substitutes, with only three blank Gameweeks. Both Nunez and Wilson are also expected to enjoy more starting opportunities in the upcoming Gameweeks.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (5.8m) could be another budget-friendly option. He has returned from injury to score in three of Everton’s last five matches. Although Nunez and Alvarez share the same number of goals and assists, Alvarez’s 93.1 minutes per goal involvement is nearly double Nunez’s. Ferguson’s 107.8 minutes per goal ranks second in the analysis, increasing his appeal ahead of Brighton’s favorable run of fixtures. Alvarez stands out for his creativity, with 21 key passes, more than any other forward in Fantasy. However, his lack of close-range threat is evident, with only three big chances, and 15 of his 30 shots coming from outside the box.
Ultimately, Nunez appears to be the best choice to partner with Haaland and Watkins in a 3-4-3 formation. While he may occasionally be benched, Nunez’s performances and underlying numbers suggest that he can still be worth the risk. Though his current assist output may not be sustainable, he offers a similar goal threat to Wilson, who provides little creative potential. Additionally, Liverpool’s upcoming schedule is favorable, with four of their next six matches having a low Fixture Difficulty Rating.
Alternatives like Ferguson and Nketiah may test managers’ patience, but their low costs make them valuable squad options for the coming period. According to the FDR, four of Brighton’s next six matches have a low rating. If Brighton continues to use the wing-back formation they used against Fulham last weekend, Ferguson could outperform Kaoru Mitoma (6.5m) in that run. Arsenal’s schedule from Gameweek 12 also provides Nketiah with an opportunity to score more goals, with matches against promoted sides Burnley and Luton Town, as well as a home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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