Preview: What You Need to Know Ahead of Matchweek 3 in ESPN Fantasy Voetbal

If you’ve been tweaking your squad this week, you’ve probably noticed: Feyenoord, AZ, Fortuna Sittard and PEC Zwolle won’t play in Matchweek 3.

Their postponed fixtures (Feyenoord vs Fortuna and AZ vs PEC) won’t count retroactively for this week’s points. Instead, Feyenoord–Fortuna will be added to Matchweek 5, and AZ–PEC to Matchweek 6 as extra matches.

This scheduling shift has two main consequences in ESPN Fantasy. First, you’re only allowed to bench up to three outfield players from Feyenoord and AZ combined this weekend. Got more than that? It might be time to activate your Wildcard (rebuild your entire squad permanently), or use the Suikeroom chip for a temporary full reset with unlimited budget.

Second, be sure to keep a few Feyenoord and AZ players in your squad so you can benefit when they double up in Matchweeks 5 and 6. Those rounds will be key chances to score big with players from both clubs.

Also keep an eye on smart options from Fortuna and PEC ahead of those rounds — think of a creative wildcard like Mohamed Ihattaren or a budget-friendly forward like Koen Kostons.

Matchweek 2 saw one of the first major Fantasy injuries this season, with Alassane Pléa sidelined. On top of that, Ricardo Pepi is still not fully fit, Mexx Meerdink has lost out in AZ’s pecking order, and Kento Shiogai missed out at NEC due to illness. Many Fantasy managers are now scrambling for a reliable striker.

With Troy Parrott (8.2M) and Wout Weghorst (8.2M) rapidly rising in price due to this shortage, there’s growing interest in slightly cheaper alternatives. Players like Ricky van Wolfswinkel (6.0M), with a favourable run against Heerenveen, Excelsior, NAC and Sparta, or Victor Edvardsen (6.5M), facing Sparta, Heerenveen, Volendam, PEC and Telstar, could prove great value during this stretch.

Victor Edvardsen isn’t the only Go Ahead Eagles player worth watching. Over the next five weeks, the KNVB Cup holders have the most favourable schedule in the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie.

Core players like Mats Deijl (penalty taker), Dean James (set pieces, overlapping runs), and Jakob Breum (high-scoring midfielder in 2024/25) are solid picks to add to your watchlist.

The deadline is Saturday at 15:35, just five minutes before kick-off in Go Ahead Eagles vs Sparta. Is your team locked in?

Still unsure about your lineup? Tune in to the ESPN Fantasy Voetbal Show on ESPN’s YouTube channel for all the latest updates and tips.

Not signed up yet? No worries. Head to fantasyvoetbal.nl or download the ESPN Goal app and join the game. You still have a shot at the overall rankings, and you can start your own subleague with friends, family or colleagues anytime. Points start counting from the moment you join.

Good luck this weekend!