As we approach Gameweek 37 in Fantasy Premier League, the question on every manager's mind is: who should be the captain for maximum points? It's a strategic decision that can make or break your ranking. In this article, I'll delve into the key factors, provide my analysis, and offer some insights to help you make an informed choice.
The Captaincy Conundrum
The contrasting fixtures for Arsenal and Manchester City present an intriguing dilemma. With Arsenal facing Burnley, a team with a woeful away defensive record, many managers might be tempted to go against the usual captain pick, Erling Haaland. But is it a wise move?
Arsenal's Advantage:
Arsenal's home fixture against Burnley is a mouth-watering prospect for any fantasy manager. Burnley's away form is abysmal, having conceded 45 goals in just 18 games, and Arsenal will be eager to exploit these weaknesses. This sets the stage for a potential goal-fest, making Arsenal's attackers an attractive captaincy option.
Bournemouth's Resilience:
However, Manchester City's opponents, AFC Bournemouth, are not pushovers at home. They've managed to keep six clean sheets in 18 home matches and have conceded only 19 goals. This suggests that City's attackers might not have it as easy as initially thought.
Form and Statistics
Haaland's Hot Streak:
Haaland, as always, is a formidable contender. He's on a four-match scoring streak, with 31 points accumulated during this run. His team-mate, Jeremy Doku, and Bournemouth's Rayan have also been impressive, but Haaland's consistency is hard to ignore.
In-Form Assets:
Other in-form players to consider include Morgan Gibbs-White and Casemiro, who face each other this weekend. Ollie Watkins, with his recent goal-scoring exploits, is also a strong candidate, especially with Villa aiming for a Champions League spot.
Attacking Threat and Defences
Haaland's Dominance:
The underlying statistics highlight Haaland's dominance. His involvement in big chances and shots in the box is exceptional, outperforming most players. Leandro Trossard, Igor Thiago, and Bruno Fernandes also feature prominently in these metrics, suggesting they could be valuable captaincy picks.
Defences to Exploit:
When considering defences, Sunderland, Wolves, and Crystal Palace stand out as teams that have conceded the most big chances recently. Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Beto could benefit from Sunderland's defensive woes. Similarly, Liverpool's recent defensive struggles make Watkins a solid choice.
The Final Verdict
Arsenal's Attackers:
Given Arsenal's appealing fixture and their recent form, it's hard to look past their key attackers, especially Saka. His goal-scoring prowess and assist potential make him a strong captaincy contender. Gyokeres, while a risk due to his inconsistent home form, could also deliver.
Haaland vs. Fernandes:
Haaland remains the top choice for captaincy, but if you're looking for an alternative, Bruno Fernandes is an excellent option. His home record at Old Trafford is impressive, with consistent high-scoring performances.
In my opinion, the decision ultimately comes down to risk versus reward. Haaland is the safer bet, but with Arsenal's attacking prowess, Saka could be the differential pick that sets you apart from the pack.
What do you think? Are you going with the reliable Haaland or taking a chance on an Arsenal attacker? Let's discuss in the comments!
