The Fantasy Premier League (FPL) community is abuzz with the question of who will be the best captain for Gameweek 37. With title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City facing contrasting fixtures, the decision could be a tricky one for managers. While Erling Haaland, with his impressive form and high-scoring potential, might seem like an obvious choice, the analysis reveals a compelling case for an alternative captain.
The Case for Haaland
Haaland's recent form is undoubtedly impressive. He has scored in each of his last four matches and provided an assist, amassing 31 points. His team-mate, Jeremy Doku, and Bournemouth's Rayan have also been top-scoring attackers over the same period. Haaland's underlying statistics further support his return to top form, with 10 big chances and 17 shots in the box, which are at least twice the totals of every other player in the table. This makes him a strong contender for the captaincy.
The Appeal of Arsenal's Fixtures
However, the article highlights a compelling reason to go against Haaland. Arsenal, playing at home against Burnley, a team with the worst defensive away record in the Premier League, is a fixture that suggests a high-scoring, attacking performance. Burnley has conceded 45 goals in 18 away matches and has not kept a clean sheet. This makes Arsenal's forwards, particularly Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka, attractive options. The article notes that Arsenal attackers have the advantage in terms of big chances, with Burnley conceding 53 of them in away matches.
The Value of Saka and Gyokeres
Both Saka and Gyokeres strengthened their claims for the captaincy in Gameweek 35 with double-figure hauls against Fulham. Saka, in particular, made a significant impact in Arsenal's next home match, scoring the decisive goal against Atletico Madrid to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League final. His ability to create chances, with one every 18 minutes since returning from injury, further cements his potential for assists.
On the other hand, Gyokeres' home form is considered very unreliable, with eight blanks in 12 starts. This makes him a riskier choice for the captaincy.
The Alternative: Bruno Fernandes
The article suggests that Bruno Fernandes, playing at home for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest, is a strong alternative to Haaland. Fernandes has averaged 8.3 points per match in eight home matches and has no blanks, showing high upside and consistency. His team-mate, Casemiro, is also in-form and faces a favorable match against a struggling team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Haaland's form is impressive, the article presents a compelling case for an alternative captain. The contrasting fixtures of Arsenal and Manchester City, along with the defensive frailties of their opponents, make a strong case for backing Arsenal's forwards. However, the decision ultimately depends on individual manager strategies and the specific team dynamics within their FPL squads.
