I always play early. You get another in January so what's the point of waiting.
For me, because the WC I'd choose this week won't be the same as the WC I plan to choose after GW05.
There must be some stats on it and I'd guess weeks 3 to 6 must be optimal time.
After GW05 is good because after the City/Arse match, both teams fixtures turn very good, and we should have some decent Phil data by then, AND know about Rodri, Kyle/Rico, etc.
GW03 is good for the international break and for chasing some prices.
I'd argue I've already done good on prices by:
1) being lucky on owning some early picks that have risen 1 or 2 spots
2) removing those before they dropped in price (hello Quansah [anyone remember him??] and Murphy)
3) moving in players before they rise. I just brought in Mbuemo before he went up. I know I'm going to want him after this week, whereas not sure on others. I've thought pretty long term on any single transfer I've made.
I won't be able to catch Rico Lewis or Joao Pedro, Wellbeck or others that are rising, but I'm not going to take on a WC by selecting them all. The longer I wait, and for the changing fixtures coming up, the better I feel doing the single moves. I've got at least 7 changes planned for my WC after GW05, that I wouldn't be planning the same this week.