Hey, my name is Josh (@whatthebiggsee on twitter) and I write a weekly column for 90MAAT on five potential captains for each FPL gameweek. Hopefully, some of the options here will score well and can benefit you.
The Obvious One
Mohamed Salah vs Southampton (H)
Salah has moved down the captaincy pecking order a touch, following some lower than expected returns. He is perhaps not as nailed on for the armband as we all would have liked, considering his lofty £13m price tag. However, a home game vs Southampton is a mouth-watering prospect for those FPL managers who have stuck with the Egyptian.
Sitting second for overall xG with 3.38, Salah is only behind Danny Ings (3.49), who is ineligible this week. He is still joint top for chances created with 16, tied with David Silva, and is second for total shots with 23. A considerable points haul vs Southampton is almost expected and I think at least one goal is coming. Hopefully anybody who captains him are rewarded.
The Fun One
Eden Hazard vs West Ham United (A)
Hazard’s hat trick last weekend was a welcome surprise for owners, and the news that Sarri wants him to attack more makes for happy reading for owners of the Chelsea winger. He has had 14 shots so far this season, yet with only six on target yielding five goals, there is some cause for concern over sustainability. The Belgian is renowned for producing feast or famine returns – often following up a big points haul with a disappointing run of performances.
The new set up that Sarri is deploying seems to work wonders for him however, and against a West Ham team that have conceded in every game so far, he can hopefully run riot. A bit of a riskier pick perhaps but great fun if he gets anything.
The Decent One
Romelu Lukaku vs Wolves (H)
The Belgium striker is currently joint second top scorer in the premier league with four goals. Now, you may be thinking, duh, he’s a good striker at one of the top teams – of course he is a decent option! And he’s one of the top owned forwards!
You’d be right to make those points, but he is currently only owned by 10.6% of FPL managers, which seems very low for him. United can be very hot and cold under Mourinho, with Lukaku being just as temperamental. However, three goals in his last two games mean form is on his side.
Wolves are no pushover, so don’t expect a walk in the park for the Red Devils. They have only conceded 50 shots so far (the fourth lowest) whilst United have managed 70 shots, (joint seventh highest). Not exactly screaming a crazy difference, I still fancy the Belgian may grab a goal or two to keep United’s good form going.
The Unlikely One
Jamie Vardy vs Huddersfield (H)
Vardy is an interesting player; he like to score against the bigger teams and occasionally pops up against the smaller ones. Often not scoring when you expect him to, he falls under the ‘will he won’t he’ category.
I think he might have opportunities against the team that has already conceded 11 goals this campaign, the equal second highest alongside West Ham. The Foxes should fancy their chances to score and when they do find the back of the net, Vardy is normally involved. He can potentially lead your team to a successful points total this week.
The Differential One
Alexandre Lacazette vs Everton (H)
With just 4.2% ownership, Lacazette seems to be just as under appreciated by FPL managers as he is by Unai Emery. The Frenchman didn’t start the season, but with Aubameyang misfiring he got his chance to shine and has looked good for Arsenal so far.
With one goal and three assists to his name this season, and with a leaky Everton defence up next, a lot of eyes are on Aubameyang. However, with Lacazette playing more centrally, we could see him be the breakout star of gameweek six.
