FPL GW23 Best Captain: Palmer, Salah, Haaland & More

Following another round of midweek European action, we’re having a look at the best captaincy picks ahead of the GW23’s weekend round of fixtures.

Ahead of GW22 we picked Nottingham Forest’s wideman Anthony Elanga as our surprise pick, and despite winning 3-2, the Swedish International was unable to get involved in any of the three Forest goals having been in red-hot form entering the game.

Let’s hope our surprise pick for GW23 gets among the goals Sunday afternoon!

FPL GW23 Best Captain Options: The Usual Suspects

Mohammed Salah (13.7m)
Expected points: 8.76

For the first time this season, Mohammed Salah has gone two Premier League matches without contributing to a Liverpool goal. What is also worth considering is that, in his last 3 league games, Mohammed Salah has received 0 big chances from open play.

Speculation continues to circulate whether the contract situation he faces is effecting his performances on the pitch as talks continue if the goal machine will be at Anfield next season. Liverpool fans are desperate for him to extend his contract with the club; however, the situation continues to drag on. Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander Arnold are also in contract talks with the club.

The Egyptian was however on the scoresheet as the Reds sealed another Champions League victory against Lille on Tuesday night.

This weekend, the league leaders face relegation-threatened Ipswich Town at Anfield. Having faced off on the opening day of the season, Salah was in top-form scoring and assisting as Liverpool got their title charge off to a winning start.

They will expect a victory this weekend too as Ipswich come off the back of a 6-0 thrashing to reigning Champions Manchester City.

Cole Palmer (11.4m)
Expected Points: 5.14

Having played against his former club Manchester City 4 times, this weekend’s clash at the Etihad is a perfect opportunity for Palmer to show City what they are missing, as both teams currently sit 4^th and 5^th in the league table. One of the most peculiar things from the outside looking in is that Cole Palmer is the 4th most sold player so far ahead of GW23.

He has been the main man for Chelsea so far this season and they have relied on his goals and assists as they currently sit in a European spot.

The 22-year-old sits 2^nd only behind Mo Salah in FPL points scored this season with an impressive total of 165 that includes 14 goals & 7 assists, a brilliant return for a midfielder.

He is the sort of player that will relish the big match this weekend and the opportunity to perform against his former club.

Erling Haaland (£14.7m)
Expected points: 5.78

In his last 3 Premier League appearances against this weekend’s opponents Chelsea, Erling Haaland has been on the scoresheet 3 times. An impressive record against a team they have begun to strike up a rivalry with. The Norwegian centre-forward has yet to taste defeat against the Blues in 5 appearances.

After City’s midweek Champions League collapse in Paris, Pep Guardiola will be eager to resume winning ways against a team directly below them in the league table.

Having got on the scoresheet in midweek, his confidence will have been boosted ahead of a huge few weeks for the reigning league champions. Interestingly, Haaland’s form this season has caused him to drop in value down to £14.7m, £0.3m less than he was at the start of the season. He is currently only owned by 29.1% of teams so is a massive differential if you have him.

Alexander Isak (£9.5m)
Predicted Points: 5.99

After a slow start to the season, Alexander Isak has firmly established himself as Newcastle’s talisman. The Swedish striker has been in fine form, as evidenced by his recent performances. With three goals in his last four league games, including a brace against Wolves in GW21, he’s a player oozing confidence. His underlying stats paint an encouraging picture for FPL managers: an xG of 0.93 against Aston Villa in GW18 and 1.41 against Spurs in GW20 underline his ability to carve out high-quality chances.

This weekend, Newcastle face a struggling Southampton side who have conceded the third-most goals in the league this season. It’s a fixture that offers plenty of attacking potential, and Isak’s predatory instincts could make him the focal point for Newcastle’s attack. Despite a disappointing blank in GW22 against Bournemouth, his xGI (expected goal involvement) across the last five matches remains a healthy 1.04 per 90 minutes, suggesting he’s still getting into the right areas.

Priced at £9.5m, Isak presents an excellent option for those looking to invest in Newcastle’s attack. His role as the primary penalty taker further enhances his appeal, particularly against a Southampton side that has conceded multiple penalties this season. For managers seeking a slight differential, Isak’s ownership remains relatively modest, making him an intriguing captaincy pick for GW23.

Bukayo Saka (10.2m)

The England international has had surgery on his hamstring and is set to be out for a couple of months. Gunners fans will be eagerly awaiting his return after a strong start to the season from the 23-year-old.

FPL GW23 Best Captain Options: The Surprise Pick

Richarlison (6.8m)
Expected points: 4.97

Coming back after a long injury layoff, the Brazilian undoubtedly has a number of points to prove.

His place in the Tottenham starting XI has been taken by big-money signing Dominic Solanke. With the big centre forward currently out injured, now is the perfect time for the 27-year-old to take advantage and stamp his authority on Ange Postecoglu’s side.

This weekend, Tottenham host relegation-threatened Leicester City and despite not scoring in 3 appearances for his new club against the Foxes, we are confident the former Everton man can cash in on their leaky defence.

Now is the perfect time to bring the Brazilian into your FPL team and possibly trust him with the captaincy ahead of a favourable fixture. Costing only 6.8 million, he is a very tempting differential ahead of GW23.