FPL GW17 Best Captain: Palmer, Salah, Haaland & More
Following another midweek round of Carabao Cup action, we’re having a look at the best captaincy picks ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. Here are the best captaincy choices ahead of FPL GW17.
Our surprise picks have been getting very little luck over the last few weeks, but we are hoping our choice ahead of GW17 will change that. GW16 we picked Newcastle attacker Harvey Barnes, and although we were able to identify it as a possible profitable fixture, Barnes was left on the bench until the 64th minute.
By that stage, Newcastle had gone 4 goals up, and Barnes’ replacement Jacob Murphy had helped himself to 2 of the goals. Not ideal.
Another frustrating afternoon of FPL, but we look ahead to this weekend. Let’s hope our surprise pick for GW17 gets among the goals on Sunday afternoon!
FPL GW17 Best Captain Options: The Usual Suspects
- Mo Salah (13.4m)
- Expected points: 7.02
Having scored in 7 of his last 8 Premier League games, Mo Salah is a man on form.
He has been the go-to goalscorer in Liverpool’s brilliant start to the season under new manager Arne Slot and will hope to continue that form into the New Year as the Reds surge towards another possible title.
In his last 4 Premier League appearances against this weekend’s opponents, Tottenham Hotspur, Mo Salah has scored 4 goals.
Along with his ability to convert from spot-kicks, there are a number of reasons to captain the Egyptian ahead of this weekend’s clash.
Spurs conceded 3 goals in a bizarre Carabao Cup match with Manchester United on Thursday night, a sign that their defence may not be as solid as some may think. If anyone can take advantage of this, Mo Salah will.
Talks continue to circulate if the League’s top scorer will be at Anfield next season. Liverpool fans are desperate for the goal machine to extend his contract with the club, with the situation continuing to drag on. A resolution to the situation is preferred for both parties before the New Year.
- Cole Palmer (11.2m)
- Expected Points: 6.52
Chelsea’s star man has yet to line up against this weekend’s opponents, Everton, in the Premier League.
The Blues currently sit in 2nd place in the league and have made a very encouraging start to the season under new boss Enzo Maresca.
It’s still early days, but they look well set to make a push for the title this season. With a hugely talented squad that includes a number of players with a point to prove, a season to remember is not out of the question at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer is producing top-quality displays week-on-week and is a joy to watch at the minute. But we would be wary about captaining him this weekend away to a team that gave away very few goals and held title challengers Arsenal scoreless last weekend.
- Bukayo Saka (10.6m)
- Expected Points: 5.95
Having played Crystal Palace 9 times in the Premier League, Bukayo Saka has only managed to hit the net twice against the Eagles.
This weekend would be the perfect time to increase that amount as the Gunners travel across London to Selhurst Park.
The sides met in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, with Arsenal coming out on top 3-2, but Palace caused Mikel Arteta’s side a number of problems.
The England international may find it hard to influence the game as Palace are known for their tight, compact defensive displays, especially at home.
- Erling Haaland (14.9m)
- Expected points: 5.21
In 3 league appearances against Aston Villa, Erling Haaland has made 2 goal contributions (1 goal, 1 assist).
Pep Guardiola is desperate for his star striker to add to that list this weekend as City chase their 2nd win in 7 league games.
It’s been a tough period for City, who have now fallen 9 points off league leaders Liverpool as their stranglehold on the title begins to slip away.
Haaland, along with his teammates, have struggled for form lately, and the Norwegian has only scored 2 in his last 6 Premier League appearances, a disappointing return for the 2-time Golden Boot winner.
It’s hard to see his form drastically improving this weekend against a stubborn Villa defence.
FPL GW17 Best Captain Options: The Surprise Pick
- Emile Smith Rowe (5.5m)
- Expected points: 4.80
Ex-Arsenal man Smith Rowe has yet to line up for his new club against this weekend’s opposition Southampton.
Following his big-money move to Fulham in the summer, Smith Rowe has bagged 3 goals for his new club as they continue to impress as they eye up a possible European spot at the end of the season.
Both Fulham & Southampton have made contrasting starts to the season, with the Saints being forced to relieve manager Russell Martin of his role after their 5-0 defeat to Tottenham last week.
We can only see one winner from this weekend’s tie and are predicting Smith Rowe to be at the centre of Fulham’s success.
For a very affordable 5.5m, we feel he is a great option to bring in and captain ahead of GW17.
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