And we're back!

It's been a week's break for FPL managers but not for many of the big name Premier League players who appeared in a couple of international fixtures and now return to their clubs, for the most part unscathed.

There are however a couple of notable exceptions to that in the form of Arsenal duo Odegaard (MID) and Calafiori (DEF) who both appear to have picked up knocks while representing Norway and Italy respectively. The extend of those injuries is not yet known but the absence of the former in particular would be a big blow for the Gunners as they head into a North London derby this weekend before taking on Man City in GW5.

Not related to the international break but Erling Haaland (FWD) is also rated as a doubt for GW4 following the death of a close family friend. Pep has has told the striker that he's happy to take time away from the game but really what else would you expect him to say?

The early kick-off on Saturday sees Manchester United travel to Southampton. United will be looking for a response to a poor showing at home to Liverpool last time out while the Saints are still searching for a first point of the season. Back when Southampton played at the Dell, this used to be a tricky fixture for an all-conquering United team with some classic upsets on the South coast. Will history repeat itself?

The 2 remaining sides with 100% records in City and Liverpool both play at home in 3pm kick-offs. On the face of it, they both look like attractive fixtures for FPL managers to target but don't underestimate either of their opponents this weekend with Brentford and Forest enjoying their own good starts to the season.

If you are looking for goals then perhaps the Brighton v Ipswich match is one to target. The pair of them have been involved in games featuring 17 Premier League goals so far this season and you'd bank on a few more again at the Amex.

Villa at home to a woeful looking Everton side also looks appealing although injury doubts over a couple of their key players in Watkins (FWD) and Bailey (MID) might temper FPL managers attitude towards them.

Another side with a decent run of fixtures coming up is Chelsea. They've scored 7 EPL goals this season but of course 6 of those came in 1 match and they've yet to record a clean sheet in the league. The jury is therefore still out as they come up against a Bournemouth side who came back from the dead to snatch their first win of the season in GW3.

Sunday then sees the aforementioned North London derby. It's a game that usually delivers goals with just 3 clean sheets shared between the 2 rivals in their last 12 Premier League meetings.

We then finish the weekend with Wolves entertaining Newcastle. Gary O'Neil's side got their first point of the season at Forest last week and will be looking for a better home performance than the 6-2 thrashing they received last time out at Molineux.

Division 1

GW3 Results

Team	Hive Account	Score	Score	Team	Hive Account
@BlockchainFPL H2H	@blockchainfpl	78	85	Skander	@skanderh
Solat FC	@reservedsingle	70	57	Hungry Lions	@gvkanten
Likodra FC	@teofilex11	74	78	Whyte FC	@Ipalibo
Suffragette City	@talesfrmthecrypt	72	73	INEOS REVIVAL	@deniskj
Shamzy F.C	@shamzy	75	74	Vickoly FC	@vickoly
NONZ FC	@nonsowrites	73	69	Lazz	@martinlazizi
Legion fc	@b0s	79	75	Simcard FC	@akomoajong
FC McKane	@mckane	79	73	HallAnd Oats FC	@thoth442
Herbae	@herbae	71	79	YAGMAN FC	@yagman01
Espressos	@aaalviarez	55	53	Creekside FC	@pappyelblanco

GW4 Fixtures

@skanderh v @aaalviarez

2 newly promoted teams go head to head in a bid to solidify their positions in the top flight. Last year's Division 2 champions Skander have adapted comfortably to the pace of Division 1 and could be a title challenger yet again.

They do however have a bit of selection dilemma at the back with Barco (DEF) out on loan and Quansah (DEF) out of favour. Neither Porro (DEF) or Gabriel (DEF) look great bets for a clean sheet so they may need to bring in reinforcements in that area of the pitch. Equally, Espressos have 3 defenders appearing in the North London derby this weekend including 2 Spurs players which is brave! The likes of Konsa (DEF) and Burn (DEF) might ultimately prove cheaper more reliable picks when it comes to shutting out the opposition.

Into midfield and you'd say that Espressos have a similar problem to Skander at the back with only 3 realistic picks. On the face of it, Skander have both greater depth and greater goal scoring potential with the likes of Jota (MID) and Mbeumo (MID) essentially playing out of position at the moment.

@pappyelblanco v @herbae

It's been a nightmare start for Creekside FC who have certainly paid the price for leaving out both Haaland (FWD) and Salah (MID) in these early rounds. Like many manager across the world, the challenge now if you do want them in is that they've become even more expensive!

Herbae have their own squad problems with no outfield subs currently available and doubts over the fitness of Watkins (FWD) and Palmer (MID) for this weekend. Both were rested for the internationals so I think it's likely they'll be fine but at the moment they are stuck with Yarmoliuk (MID) and Winks (MID) in their starting XI.

I'd be surprised if at least one of these teams didn't make wholesale changes and possibly even throw down their first wildcard in order to balance out their teams.

@yagman01 v @mckane

The only unbeaten team in the division, Yagman FC will be looking to consolidate their spot at the top of the table this weekend. It won't be easy (no games are in Division 1) against an FC McKane team whose week on week scores have been very similar.

Genuine similarities in the 2 squads are rare with just Porro (DEF) and Haaland (FWD) occupying starting spots for both these teams recently. It'll be interesting to see if both managers stick with the Spurs full-back as they begin a tough run of fixtures starting with the North London derby this weekend.

Further forward and Yagman FC's front 7 picks itself although it'll be interesting to see whether Kulusevki (MID) starts the match on Sunday. FC McKane do have a genuine 8th forward option with Soucek (MID) on the bench last week and Joao Pedro (FWD) and Isak (FWD) upfront. This looks likely to be a close one...

@thoth442 v @b0s

Both these 2 sides have made solid starts to the season and form a chasing pack of 10 teams currently on 6 points.

Like a few other sides at the moment, Legion FC have a mini-injury crisis effecting what is most likely to be their bench options. It's a bit of head-scratcher for managers because you'd ideally like to have players on the bench who are at least getting 2 points from starting matches 'just in case' but is it worth using up your free transfers to move in players who aren't going to be in your first XI? Let's see how Legion FC play it...

Legion FC were heavily reliant on Haaland (FWD) and Salah (FWD) last weekend and their injury problems lead to Johnson (DEF) and Archer (FWD) coming into the XI, 2 players not guaranteed a start this weekend. By contrast, HallAnd Oats FC look to have a solid team with the luxury of using their transfers to take full advantage of the fixtures in GW4.

@akomoajong v @nonsowrites

Simcard FC suffered their first defeat of the season after taking a 4 point hit for an additional transfer. Meanwhile Nonz FC won their first game of the season last time out but have been outscored by their opponents today in all 3 gameweeks.

Simcard FC have doubled up on Arsenal defenders in the early part of the season but left Saliba (DEF) on the bench last week. It'll be interesting to see if they persist with that or bring in a replacement for one of the most expensive defenders in the game this year. Nonz FC also have a very strong bench with only Quansah (DEF) who seems quickly to have fallen out of favour, not starting at present.

In more attacking areas, Simcard FC might not get much out of their 2 Forest players this weekend as they head to Anfield to face a Liverpool side yet to concede in the Premier League. With Saka (MID) and Palmer (MID) also playing away from home in GW4 it does suggest that Nonz FC have a distinct advantage with the participation of Doku (MID) from the start (or not) potentially a key factor.

@martinlazizi v @shamzy

Defending champions Shamzy FC got their first win of the season after using their wildcard in GW3. The number of changes to their initial squad was fairly minimal and the primary shift has been to bring in some budget midfielders to allow a place for Haaland (FWD) in the side. Time will tell whether the likes of Amad (MID), Andreas (MID) and Fatawu (MID) can deliver consistent enough points to take them to a 2nd successive title.

As for Lazz, there midfield will need a bit of reshaping following the departure of McTominay (MID) to Serie A. With Mario Jr (MID) also a doubt for this weekend then changes will be necessary unless they're happy to play 4 defenders again, a tactic that hasn't worked over the last couple of weeks.

On the face of it, Shamzy FC's forward line look to have much more favourable fixtures in GW4 that those of Lazz. A big gameweek for one or both of Watkins (FWD) or Joao Pedro (FWD) could ultimately decide this one.

@vickoly v @talesfrmthecrypt

Both these sides had the misfortune to lose their last games by a single point, such is the cruelty of head to head leagues. Where this one will decided is anyone's guess with only one common player, Isak (FWD) ,across both squads.

Vickoly FC have certainly invested more into a strong defensive unit and could well take advantage of Liverpool's solid start by doubling up for their home game as well as that of Gvardiol (DEF) and Man City. Ake's (DEF) injury while away on international duty should help quell any immediate fears that FPL managers have about squad rotation by Pep in that left-back position.

Into midfield and things look likely to be closer. Both Salah (MID) and Luiz Diaz (MID) have enjoyed stellar starts to the 24/25 campaign and will fancy adding to their tallies at home to Forest. Up front, Mateta (FWD) at home to Leicester could be a great differential particularly if Haaland (FWD) doesn't play. The big French striker has been working his way into the season after representing France at the Olympics but might be ready to explode again and make his 4.2% of owners very happy.

@deniskj v @teofilex11

Looking at the total scores from these 2 sides over the last couple of weeks I think it's fair to say that this will be a close one.

Not much difference at the back between either side so you'd imagine that it will come down to who performs better on the day between Robinson (FWD) and White (DEF). Likodra FC do have a choice to make in regards keepers but you'd think that Henderson (GK) at home to Leicester would be who they go with, further reducing the differentials.

Into midfield and you'd assume that Winks (MID) is just there to fill a gap meaning that Ineos Revival will go with a 3-4-3. Whether Likodra FC have choices with their shape will very much depend on the fitness of Bailey (MID). I'm sure he would have been a popular pick for a lot of FPL sides given his price and Villa's nice run of fixtures but his fitness record is truly abysmal.

Arsenal's injury crisis might see Havertz (FWD) pushed back into midfield and would not increase the chances of him and the rest of Likodra's goal threats outscoring the Norwegian robot this weekend, if he plays...

@ipalibo v @reservedsingle

These 2 sides share many of the same premium price picks, leaving a nice balance of differentials across the remainder of the squads in what should be a tight game.

Perhaps the one obvious exception to that statement is TAA (DEF) whose underlying stats look very good this season. A bold move would be to throw him the captain's armband because you'd imagine that a big score is just around the corner for the Liverpool full-back.

Into midfield and Solat FC have doubled up on Brighton players. That might pay dividends given the Seagulls coming run of fixtures including this weekend's home match against Brighton. For their part, Whyte FC have Rogers (MID) in a Villa side who also have a favourable run of games. The youngster has looked good so far this season without translating that into FPL points. Now would be a good time to start.

Solat FC will also be banking on Crystal Palace handing out a thrashing to another newly promoted team with Mateta (FWD) and Eze's (MID) performances against Leicester a potential factor in the outcome of this one.

@blockchainfpl v @gvkanten

Strong starts have quickly evaporated with both teams looking to avoid 3 defeats on the bounce.

BlockchainFPL are doubling down on Liverpool defenders in the hope that their clean sheets continue and probably in the expectation that at least one of the full-backs will pop up with a goal involvement sooner rather than later. The same could also be said of Lewis (DEF) whose positions on the pitch suggest that if he can keep his place in the City side, a big points haul can't be far away.

Both teams have managed to find budget for Palmer (MID) and Salah (MID) but BlockchainFPL's decision to omit Haaland (FWD) means that their remaining options are stronger. It could come down to which Brighton forward can make the most of the home match against Ipswich.

Division 2

GW3 Results

Team	Hive Account	Score	Score	Team	Hive Account
ARFANTASY FC	@arfa	63	36	ALH	No Hive Account Linked
Change Name	No Hive Account Linked	61	74	SportsNerd	@saf-ul-wahab
Tangram	@desro	76	79	The Urge	@kenzzi
Holozing.com	@acidyo	40	41	Cygnus FC	@donjaun
Happyboys FC	@happyboy1	69	68	KELLYMAN FC	@justfavour
Ballgasms	@preshpresh	76	43	The Dream Team	@spidersilk
Outside of Time	No Hive Account Linked	56	50	HIVE KILL STEEM	@wlffreitas
Headies	@Headies	52	38	OG Squad	@graat
Trinex fc	@og-gamershub	65	73	Stevenson FC	@stevenson7
GunnersLoverFC	@nwt93	76	57	Hungry Lions	@gvkanten
Tilia	@artniche	93	33	Akatsuki	@seki1
Dapomola fc	@dapomolaaaa	65	49	ACX United	@pvmihalache
Hiveheadz	@borran	95	70	Emeka4	@emeka4
TGIF	@gentleshaid	48	33	Barca	@muka-vybz
Mighty Fc	@twicejoy	68	60	Smiley Team	@carita-feliz
Newton Heath FC	@samirich	71	75	Yahuzah	@yahuzah
Diistroyers	@diikaan	76	82	Chris Football Club	@hiveworld
Holte Me Close	@stuartcturnbull	57	55	The Cella’s	@blanchy
Mollina United	@femisapiens	81	75	Hadji	@hadji
11 idiots	No Hive Account Linked	52	56	ArgyeeChitthuFC	@agct1226
Tengo Rangers FC	@tengolotodo	83	74	Blue Balls	@belemo
Tricky Trees 2024	@doombot75	70	71	foloxfc	@thelonegreywolf
Monitox	No Hive Account Linked	31	61	Coldone	@nasfyneboy92
Ref's team	@sperosamuel15	71	86	Formidable Milano	@damolexy
Lame Ducks	No Hive Account Linked	61	49	Hornstra XI	@elvis123
Ifeyemi Fc	@valchiz	59	79	The Beast	@iamchuks
Jungle Boy	@george-dee	77	74	RHYDA	@rhyda1
Olawalium FC	@olawalium	57	80	rubilu	@rubilu
Kraken99	@kraken99	60	45	Wanderteam	@kelvinpeters
Micheal Fc	@micheal87	61	89	samostically	@samostically
racibo	@racibo	57	64	Kane and Unable	@jmehta

GW4 Fixtures

Team	Hive Account		Team	Hive Account
ARFANTASY FC	@arfa	v	SportsNerd	@saf-ul-wahab
ALH	No Hive Account Linked	v	The Urge	@kenzzi
Change Name	No Hive Account Linked	v	Cygnus FC	@donjaun
Tangram	@desro	v	KELLYMAN FC	@justfavour
Holozing.com	@acidyo	v	The Dream Team	@spidersilk
Happyboys FC	@happyboy1	v	HIVE KILL STEEM	@wlffreitas
Ballgasms	@preshpresh	v	OG Squad	@graat
Outside of Time	No Hive Account Linked	v	Stevenson FC	@stevenson7
Headies	@Headies	v	Hungry Lions	@gvkanten
Trinex fc	@og-gamershub	v	Akatsuki	@seki1
GunnersLoverFC	@nwt93	v	ACX United	@pvmihalache
Tilia	@artniche	v	Emeka4	@emeka4
Dapomola fc	@dapomolaaaa	v	Barca	@muka-vybz
Hiveheadz	@borran	v	Smiley Team	@carita-feliz
TGIF	@gentleshaid	v	Yahuzah	@yahuzah
Mighty Fc	@twicejoy	v	Chris Football Club	@hiveworld
Newton Heath FC	@samirich	v	The Cella’s	@blanchy
Diistroyers	@diikaan	v	Hadji	@hadji
Holte Me Close	@stuartcturnbull	v	ArgyeeChitthuFC	@agct1226
Mollina United	@femisapiens	v	Blue Balls	@belemo
11 idiots	No Hive Account Linked	v	foloxfc	@thelonegreywolf
Tengo Rangers FC	@tengolotodo	v	Coldone	@nasfyneboy92
Tricky Trees 2024	@doombot75	v	Formidable Milano	@damolexy
Monitox	No Hive Account Linked	v	Hornstra XI	@elvis123
Ref's team	@sperosamuel15	v	The Beast	@iamchuks
Lame Ducks	No Hive Account Linked	v	RHYDA	@rhyda1
Ifeyemi Fc	@valchiz	v	rubilu	@rubilu
Jungle Boy	@george-dee	v	Wanderteam	@kelvinpeters
Olawalium FC	@olawalium	v	samostically	@samostically
Kraken99	@kraken99	v	Kane and Unable	@jmehta
Micheal Fc	@micheal87	v	racibo	@racibo