The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is set to enter its third matchweek with excitement buzzing high among the fantasy managers. Injury-time equalisers to last-gasp winners were on full display throughout the opening matchweeks, making the upcoming fixtures more exhilarating as the season progresses.

Players like Armando Sadiku, Rahul Bheke, and Javi Hernandez were among the top performers from the last matchweek, providing a potent challenge to the managers in building their fantasy XI for matchweek 3.

We've assembled our top eleven for this matchweek, featuring multiple players from Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC and Chennaiyin FC, and Mohammedan SC.

To create your ISL Fantasy team, click here: https://bit.ly/ISL_Fantasy 

To help the managers in selecting players for their fantasy lineup, we have hand-picked the strongest starting eleven for matchweek 3 in a 3-4-3 formation.

Goalkeepers 

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (5.6 CR)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been in great form this season with his crucial saves. The veteran goalkeeper kept successive clean sheets in the opening two fixtures, helping the Blues win back-to-back matches. Priced at 5.6 CR, Sandhu should be a first-choice option at his position.

Padam Chettri (4.5 CR)(Substitute)

Padam Chhetri, priced at 4.5 CR, could be a good option for substitute keeper keeping in mind balancing the budget.

Defenders

Nikhil Prabhu (5 CR)

Nikhil Prabhu is playing a pivotal role in Punjab FC's defensive organisation with his smart interceptions and intelligent positioning sense. Priced in the 5 CR category, Prabhu made the most interceptions (39) last season, which could add decisive fantasy points. 

Ryan Edwards (5.5 CR)

The Chennaiyin FC defender has been a stalwart at the backline for Owen Coyle's team. Having featured regularly for the Marina Machans last season, the defender could be a smart pick for your fantasy team.

Parag Srivas (4 CR)

Parag Srivas made his Hyderabad FC debut in their opening fixture against Bengaluru FC. Priced in the 4 CR category, the full-back will be in action against Punjab FC in the opening fixture of this matchweek.

Steven Eze (4.9 CR) (Substitute)

Steven Eze has proved himself an integral part of Jamshedpur FC's lineup with his defensive prowess and leadership qualities. The Nigerian defender played a crucial role in thwarting the opponent's offensive moves in the opening fixtures. 

Rahul Bheke (5.1 CR) (Substitute)

Rahul Bheke was the highest scorer last matchweek, with 17 fantasy points to his name. The defender proved himself a key player in the Blues' defensive line-up, providing more options with his goalscoring abilities in set-piece situations.

Also Read: ISL 2024-25: Key takeaways from Matchweek 2

Midfielders

Filip Mrzljak (8 CR)

Operating from the heart of the pitch, Filip Mrzljak has gelled up well with Vinit Rai playing a deciding role in Panagiotis Dilmperis' style of play. Priced in the 8 CR category, the Croatian international scored the winner against Kerala Blasters FC in their first match.

Farukh Choudhary (6.1 CR)

Farukh Chowdury netted a brace in Chennaiyin FC's 2-1 away win against Odisha FC in the opening matchweek. Priced at 6.1 CR, the dynamic midfielder is expected to deliver similar performance this week.

Hugo Boumous (8.5 CR) Vice Captain

Hugo Boumous, who is considered to be one of the most decorated midfielders in the league, switched to Odisha FC, reuniting with Spanish head coach Sergio Lobera. Known for his attacking flair and versatility in offensive roles, Bomous already made three goal contributions this season and is poised to deliver another standout performance against Jamshedpur FC in front of their home crowd.

Javi Hernandez (9.6 CR) Captain

Javi Hernandez scored a brace against Mumbai City FC, leading the Men of Steel to secure a 4-3 win on their home turf. The Spaniard, who has won the ISL Cup with ATK FC in the 2019-20 season, is deployed to orchestrate Jamshedpur FC's offensive moves, pairing up with Jordan Murray and Javier Siverio in the forward line. 

Alexis Gomez (6.5 CR) (Substitute) 

Priced at 6.5 CR, Alexis Gomez is a handy pick for the fantasy managers. The Mohammedan SC midfielder has been impressive in his debut ISL, showcasing his creative sparks and playmaking abilities. 

Forwards

Armando Sadiku (8.6 CR)

The Albanian forward has been in stellar form since joining FC Goa this summer. Sadiku scored in both matches for the Gaurs, leading the forward line with his sublime presence in the opponent half.

Alaeddine Ajaraie (8.1 CR)

Alaeddine Ajaraie has proved to be a goalscoring machine for NorthEast United FC. The Moroccan forward was the highest goalscorer for the Highlanders in the last Durand Cup and also scored two goals in his two ISL appearances.

Jordan Murray (7 CR)

Jordan Murray scored a goal in each of Jamshedpur FC's opening two fixtures, playing a crucial role in leading the Men of Steel to back-to-back wins. The Australian forward, with Javier Siverio on the striking line, is set to lead the offensive unit for Khalid Jamil's team.