ISL Fantasy MW3 Deadline: Wednesday, October 4, 6:30 PM IST

The Matchweek 2 of the Indian Super League (ISL) Fantasy exploded as managers reaped the points thanks to some big hauls from some of the top-picked players. 

Matchweek 3 will add more spice to matters with five teams playing their first match at home which could make their players more attractive than the first two matchweeks. 

Matchweek 2 summary

Adrian Luna who is the most-owned player in ISL fantasy with an ownership of 70% once again repaid the faith of the managers with a goal against Jamshedpur FC. Hugo Boumous who didn’t start the first Matchweek and was subject to a few sales ahead of Matchweek 2 delivered the goods with an eight-point haul. 

Jorge Pereyra Diaz also delivered for the 36% of teams that own him for the second week running and solidified his status as one of the must-have players in your team. 

Anwar Ali, the most owned defender with over 50% of ownership provided clean sheet points but there was disappointment for the owners of Akash Mishra and Noah Sadaoui who couldn’t live up to their expectations. 

NorthEast United FC trio of Asheer Akhtar, Phalguni Singh and Parthin Gogoi delivered handsomely for their team and have caught the eye of ISL fantasy managers.

Matchweek 3: What to expect? 

Matchweek 2 where most games were decided by the nearest of margins showed that there are no easy games for any team in the ISL and surprises are always around the corner.

Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC, Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC all play their first home games of the season, so expect players of these teams to have a spring in their step. 

The Blues and the Islanders have strong records at home and so managers can look at these teams to pick players from. However, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC, the two teams who have won both their opening matches will be a threat away from home as well. 

FC Goa’s game against Odisha FC is a difficult one to predict so managers could stay away from transferring players from these teams at least for Matchweek 3. 

NorthEast United FC have been scoring goals but will be on the road for the first time this season against a Punjab FC side who would be desperate to win their first match at home. So, this game could have goals in it and can be a good one for ISL Fantasy managers to focus on. 

Fixtures

Fixture	Date
Bengaluru FC vs East Bengal FC	Wednesday, October 4
Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC	Thursday, October 5
Punjab FC vs NorthEast United FC	Friday, October 6
FC Goa vs Odisha FC	Saturday, October 7
Chennaiyin FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant	Saturday, October 7
Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters FC	Sunday, October 8

What the managers are thinking?

Mumbai City FC’s Jorge Perreyra Diaz who is currently the league’s top goalscorer is the highest transferred in player ahead of Matchweek 3. The Highlanders trio who impressed in Matchweek 2 follow Diaz before Boumous who had an impressive outing in Matchweek 2 is finding his way back into the teams.

Player	Position	Club	Transfer INs
Jorge Perreyra Diaz	Forward	Mumbai City FC	768
Parthib Gogoi	Forward	NorthEast United FC	671
Asheer Akhtar	Defender	NorthEast United FC	620
Phalguni Singh	Midfielder	NorthEast United FC	558
Hugo Boumous	Midfielder	Mohun Bagan Super Giant	525

(As of October 3, 2023, 6:30 PM IST)

Mishra continues to lose owners after blanking in the first two matchweeks. His teammates Apuia and Greg Stewart are facing a similar fate. Surprisingly, Dimitri Petratos who had a great Matchweek 1 is heading out of teams after a blank in MW2 and the same goes for his Mariners’ teammate Anwar Ali.

Player	Position	Club	Transfer INs
Akash Mishra	Defender	Mumbai City FC	378
Dimitri Petratos	Forward	Mohun Bagan Super Giant	314
Apuia	Midfielder	Mumbai City FC	290
Greg Stewart	Forward	Mumbai City FC	287
Anwar Ali	Defender	Mohun Bagan Super Giant	282

(As of October 3, 2023, 6:30 PM IST)

Top Picks for MW3: 

Jorge Perreyra Diaz (Mumbai City FC): The Argentine has started the season in explosive fashion with three goals already under his belt. He loves a goal in this fixture and has scored in all games involving the two teams for either side. He scored in both matches against the Blasters last season and will be the favourite to continue the streak on Sunday when the Islanders return to the Mumbai Football Arena. 

Hugo Boumous (Mohun Bagan Super Giant): Boumous has been one of the most consistent players in the ISL last season and he showed his class by scoring the winner against Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC haven’t had the best of starts to the season, especially defensively and Boumous who can create and score goals is a solid option for MW3. 

Carlos Martinez (FC Goa): The Spaniard opened his account on his ISL debut and was in fine touch in the Durand Cup as well where he scored three goals. Odisha FC have been leaking goals defensively and Martinez could be a strong selection for MW3 as he looked a real threat in the Gaurs’ last match against Punjab FC. 

Differential Options: 

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC): It’s a surprising name in this category but owing to him missing the first two matches due to national duty, Chhetri just has 10% ownership. Simon Grayson expressed his delight at having him back in the team and hinted that he could be thrust straight back in. With the Blues’ chips down after two defeats in the first two matches, the stage is set for Chhetri to perform as he is often the player to step up in such situations. 

Luka Majcen (Punjab FC): The Punjab FC forward scored in their first match of the ISL and will be looking to do the same in their first home match in the ISL. NorthEast United FC have looked sharp so far but the Shers have been much better than what their results suggest and Majcen who is owned by just 1% of managers could be a super differential option. 

Captaincy Pick: Jorge Perreyra Diaz

The Argentine is very sharp pouncing on even half chances and Mumbai City FC usually create loads of chances when they play at home. Diaz thus is a very good pick for the armband in MW3, especially considering Kerala Blasters FC have a very poor record in Mumbai. 

Create your own ISL Fantasy team as well if you haven’t already

To mark its 10th season, ISL introduced ‘ISL Fantasy,’ a classic fantasy format game. Fans can participate in the overall league or club-based leagues based on their preferences. They can create private leagues, inviting friends and fellow football aficionados to compete. Prizes include a Sony PlayStation®️5 gaming console, EA Sports FC 24, signed club merchandise, and a Gift Card worth INR 20,000, will be awarded to 100 winners at the end of the season. Sign up at:  https://fantasy.indiansuperleague.com/