FPL Gameweek 33: Captain picks
By Holly Shand
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With a round of midweek fixtures facing us, there’s plenty of captain picks on the table given the current defensive forms of numerous teams in the Premier League.
Should we look beyond Erling Haaland as Manchester City face Arsenal in their crunch title clash?
Erling Haaland vs Arsenal (H)
For most managers, Erling Haaland will remain the go-to captaincy pick for this week and justifiably so. He’s scored four goals in two starts since the international break and is now on 32 goals for the season. More than 60% of his goals have come at home including four hat-tricks.
Haaland scored in the reverse fixture against Arsenal, with Man City coming out 3-1 winners on that occasion. He is off penalties though after missing in the Champions League last week, with Riyad Mahrez now preferred when on the pitch, although the right winger is often prone to rotation.
We also need to bear in mind Arsenal’s defensive form which has derailed since centre-back William Saliba succumbed to a back injury. During his absence the Gunners have conceded in every single fixture, averaging just under two goals conceded per game.
Mohamed Salah vs West Ham (A)
Those managers who own both Haaland and Mohamed Salah have a huge decision to make this week on captaincy - I don’t envy them! Haaland will be heavily backed so if your gut fancies Salah, there’s a recommendation to follow through with that pick. He has the recent form with five goals from four starts since the international break, ranking fourth for points in that time.
It’s thought that he will remain on penalties despite missing from the spot in recent games against Bournemouth and Arsenal. He ranks top for shots in the box (18) among midfielders in the last four gameweeks. Opponents West Ham are unbeaten in their last three games, with three clean sheets and seven goals conceded over the last five.
Ollie Watkins vs Fulham (H)
For those managers who don’t own Salah looking for a differential captain pick this week, Ollie Watkins could be the key contender. Since the FPL restart he’s scored 12 goals and notched four assists, with just four blanks in this time, which is great consistency.
Opponents Fulham are without a clean sheet in their last seven Premier League games. Watkins' underlying numbers remain impressive, leading the way for shots on target in the last four with 16 and big chances with ten.