Fantasy EFL gameweek 3 is underway! To help you with the vital club picks, we’ve put together a list of teams that have been dominant in defence, all eight of them are yet to concede a goal so far in their respective campaigns. 

This should help you with deciding on your two club picks for gameweek 3, as the strong defences hint not only to their ability to win their fixtures this weekend, but also to pick up the two bonus points available for a clean sheet. Keep this in mind when choosing, but be aware that the EFL is unpredictable and anything can happen!

Championship

Sunderland (3.6%) are the only team in the Championship who are yet to concede a goal, winning their opener vs Cardiff by two goals to nil, and smashing Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 while maintaining a clean sheet in gameweek 2. They’ve only allowed a total of two big chances and 1.4 xG through two games but now face Burnley, who have scored nine total goals in their two league matches. Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin (D), who’s scored the joint-second most Fantasy points in the EFL with 27, is undoubtedly a big reason for their defensive success, recording three clearances and three tackles, alongside a clean sheet and goal, on his way to a 16-point haul last weekend. Luke O’Nien (D) has also impressed for the Black Cats, scoring double digit hauls in both fixtures.

League One

Charlton Athletic (1.1%) have won both of their league fixtures 1-0, firstly travelling to Wigan Athletic before hosting Leyton Orient. Both of their opponents were unable to record a big chance, and combined for just three shots on target and an xG of 1.16. The Addicks now face a Bolton Wanderers side who have scored just twice so far this season, and therefore look likely to continue their run of defensive dominance. Only one player has scored more Fantasy points than Charlton’s Lloyd Jones (D), who’s recorded an impressive 13 clearances and four blocks on his way to 27 points through both matches. Alex Mitchell (D) and Macaulay Gillesphey (D) join him at the centre-back position, and each have 18 Fantasy points thanks to consecutive clean sheets and four bonus points each for tackles, clearances or blocks.

Stockport County (4.6%) have gained four bonus Fantasy points each game due to scoring 2+ goals and getting a clean sheet in both matches. They held Cambridge United to just two shots on target in their opener and performed even better against Blackpool, facing no shots on target, no big chances and an xG of just 0.58. A Bristol Rovers side who have scored one goal total this season do not look like a threat to break their clean sheet streak in the Hatters upcoming fixture at Edgeley Park. Ibou Touray’s (D) all-around performance in their last game earned him 13 Fantasy points, as he picked up an assist and three extra points for clearances and tackles. Callum Camps’ (M) seven interceptions from midfield so far cannot go unnoticed, as he’s gained 18 Fantasy points so far despite no goal contributions.

Bristol Rovers' (0.5) defensive performance has been a positive aspect of their season thus far, despite their offensive struggles. In their opening match against Northampton Town, Rovers showcased their defensive resilience, conceding zero big chances and facing an xG of just 0.24. However, their luck nearly ran out in gameweek 2 against Rotherham United. The Pirates were outplayed by their opponents, who generated a massive 2.97 xG and created five big chances. Rovers' clean sheet in that match was a testament to their defensive fortitude, but they were undoubtedly fortunate to escape with a point. As they prepare to face Stockport County (A), who have been both scoring and defending well, Bristol Rovers will need to improve their overall performance to maintain their clean sheet streak. Bryant Bilongo (D) has been their most impressive player, with 24 Fantasy points from two clean sheets, a goal, seven clearances and two tackles. Centre-back James Wilson (D) has scored 20 Fantasy points, his clean sheets bolstered by 15 clearances and four tackles.

League Two

Walsall's (1.2%) dominance in their opening two League Two fixtures has been undeniable. The Saddlers have completely controlled the tempo of play, limiting their opponents to a combined xG of just 0.37. This impressive performance has propelled them to the top of the league table. Both Morecambe and Swindon Town struggled to generate significant attacking threat against Walsall, failing to record a big chance and combining for just one shot on target despite enjoying the majority of possession. As they prepare to face Tranmere Rovers, who are yet to score a goal this season, Walsall's dominance appears likely to continue. Taylor Allen (M) is the Saddlers highest Fantasy scorer, scoring twice and picking up an assist on his way to consecutive double digit hauls. Connor Barrett’s (D) 18 Fantasy points has also turned heads, as he paired his clean sheet with an assist last weekend.

Bromley (1.2%) have been chosen by so few Fantasy managers despite having the joint-highest points total among clubs (20), alongside Sunderland and Stockport County. They’ve won both league fixtures 2-0, allowing a total of 1.15 xG. They’ve actually faced a healthy 20 shots, though the xG shows that they have restricted their opposition to low quality chances. Centre-back Kamarl Grant (D) leads the Ravens with 25 points, including clean sheets, a goal, and bonus points. His defensive contributions have been key to their success. Fellow defender Callum Reynolds (D) has achieved consecutive double-digit performances, helped significantly by his eight extra points for defensive actions.

Port Vale (1.9%) scored 11 Fantasy points for their season opener due to their clean sheet (+2 points), 2+ goals (+2 points), away win (+2) on top of their five points for winning 0-2. They held Salford City to 0.47 xG and just two shots on target, and a week later they allowed 0.23xG and just one shot on target from Tranmere Rovers. Their next opponents, Barrow, have scored just once this season, making Port Vale and their defence a safe bet. Ben Garrity’s (M) brace in Gameweek 1 as well as his three interceptions last game make him the Valiants’ highest Fantasy scorer with 22 points. Ben Heneghan (D) as a Fantasy asset has benefitted from the two clean sheets, combining with 11 clearances and an assist to score him 19 total points.

Tranmere Rovers (0.4%) have yet to concede or score a goal in their 24/25 campaign, coming off consecutive goalless draws against Notts County and Port Vale. They have faced a collective xG of 1.59, making them fortunate to not concede anything so far. This is partially thanks to Luke McGee (G), the club’s joint-highest Fantasy scorer, and his two great performances. Facing first-placed Walsall in Gameweek 3 could threaten Rovers’ defensive solidarity, as the Saddlers have scored five times in two games. Tom Davies (D) and Connor Wood (D) join McGee with 16 Fantasy points, largely consisting of points gained from their clean sheets.

Insights provided by the team at Fantasy Football Scout, the leading voice in fantasy football who’ll be providing coverage on teams, player picks and strategy for the Fantasy EFL game throughout the season here and on their own dedicated EFL channel here.