GW3 Lessons: Cantwell value hard to beat

After three rounds of fixtures in 2019/20 Fantasy Premier League, Norwich City’s attack continues to impress.

While Teemu Pukki (£6.9m) has soared to the top of the forward standings with five goals and 35 points, the Canaries' midfield is also catching the eye.

In particular, Todd Cantwell (£4.7m) has made an immediate impact for last season's Championship winners.

Incredible value

The 21-year-old has one goal, two assists and 19 points, having found the net in Saturday's encounter with Chelsea.

Indeed, in terms of points per million (ppm) value, Cantwell's 4.1ppm is second only to the 5.1ppm of Pukki in FPL.

This suggests that Cantwell is not only a strong pick in the cut-price bracket, but he can also merit a place in FPL starting line-ups.

Many managers have taken note. Cantwell is the most-bought midfielder in the Gameweek, with over 269,000 transfers in.

McGinn bargain

John McGinn (£5.6m) is another midfielder outperforming his initial cost.

The Aston Villa man has delivered a goal, an assist and 15 FPL points for his 6.1 per cent ownership.

Similar to Cantwell, McGinn is a vital player for his side, playing 90 minutes in each of the first three Gameweeks.

Clearer picture

At the start of each season, it is wise to show caution and rely on proven FPL performers.

But a clearer picture is now starting to emerge of the standout budget performers.

By pinpointing these value picks, the quest to accommodate two or three big-hitters such as Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), Raheem Sterling (£12.2m), Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) or Harry Kane (£11.1m) in starting XIs has been made a little easier.

What the experts say

Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily): For me 2019/20 has become about budget players more quickly than any other season I can remember. McGinn (£5.6m) was my pre-season shout as a result of his nine goals and seven assists in the Championship. He has not disappointed so far with a goal and an assist and is definitely a budget midfielder I am pleased to own. 

Lee (@FPLFamily): I've been very impressed with Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m) so far. He played Man City in GW1 but still came out second in the Bonus Points System among West Ham United players. He followed that up with assists in each of the last two Gameweeks. He's being quietly very effective and also a nice differential at only 2.0 per cent owned. 

Ben McNair (@drbenmcnair): Mason Mount's (£6.2m) 12 shots this season is bettered by only one player. He has created seven chances for his team-mates as well. Nathan Redmond (£6.4m) got on the scoresheet this week and has produced excellent underlying statistics throughout 2019.  

Paul Gee (FPLPaulGee): Mount and McGinn are the ones I'm looking at. Both have very tasty fixtures and both are out-performing their price point. Harry Wilson (£6.0m), if he can nail a starting spot for AFC Bournemouth, is an absolute bargain, too.

Ben Crabtree (@FC_CrabDogg): I am leaning towards Mount as the best given his shooting ability and Chelsea's attacking style. Cantwell looks great but I feel Pukki is enough Norwich cover.

Mark McGettigan (@FPLGeneral): Cantwell looks like he's the real deal. He could be the bargain of the season. Arsenal's Dani Ceballos (£5.6m) is another cheap midfielder I'm keeping tabs on. I'm glad I brought in McGinn for Gameweek 3, he looks like he's going to be great value this season.

Also in this series

Part 2: Don't forget about Aguero