The Best FPL Gameweek 16 Captains

For once, the captaincy debate for Gameweek 16 seems to be up in the air. Much like the past few weeks where we’ve seen multiple different captain options pop off, Haaland, Bruno, Munoz etc. This week looks like it presents another similarly split decision. Meaning we could be looking at another very large swing.

Also, if you are on wildcard or even using your 5 free transfers to mini wildcard, then make sure you check out our Best Gameweek 16 Wildcard draft before locking in any transfers!

But, if you are on Free Hit instead, then make sure you check out our Gameweek 16 Free Hit draft. Both could be great chips in helping you gain rank at this crucial point in the season.

Given how tough the captaincy call is this week, getting the decision right is not going to be easy. So lets dive into the best Gameweek 16 captains.

 

Bukayo Saka v WOL (H)

If there’s one thing we learnt from the Man United fixture on Monday, it’s that its open season on Wolves at the moment. They have conceded the most goals in the league and also sit in the top 3 for most xGA. With 4 returns in his last 5 games and an xGI per 90 of 0.71 since his return from injury, the stage is set for a Saka haul.

Against Man United, Wolves conceded a whopping 27 shots, with 21 of those coming down their left flank (United’s right flank), with Mbeumo and Amad getting plenty of joy. Which is exactly where Saka operates. Don’t be surprised if we see a trademark Saka cut in and bend into the far corner. Our first choice for captaincy this week.

 

Jurrien Timber v WOL (H)

A very close choice for captain this week as Jurrien Timber comes in 2^nd place. This is not surprising given top of the league is playing bottom of the league. Timber is arguably the safer pick than Saka, given Arsenal’s clean sheet potential and Wolves’ abysmal attack. However, the reason Timber has been thrust into captaincy contention, is due to his attacking propensity. With 5 attacking returns already under his belt, he is currently topping all defenders for xGI this season on 3.83. As well as averaging 0.3 per 90. A pace that would have him on track for around 12/13 returns a season. Wolves’ vulnerability down their left side should also benefit Timber’s attacking potential as well as Saka’s.

INJURY CONCERN: There is a bit of concern around his injury however, with Arteta saying ‘It’s a matter of days’. So make sure you have a solid VC lined up if you are thinking about Timber.

 

Thiago v LEE (H)

Next up is the Premier League’s 2^nd highest scorer with 11 goals in 14 starts. Fresh off winning the Premier League’s player of the month for November. There is absolutely no reason any Thiago hype should be dying down right now, especially considering the fixtures he’s coming into. Leeds have conceded 15 goals in their last 6 games and 3^rd most in the league over the season.

Even though Thiago has failed to score in his last 2, there is no reason to be concerned. He only played 30 minutes against Arsenal at the Emirates and was met by a stubborn Spurs defence at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he still could’ve scored. More importantly, both were away fixtures, where Thiago now has 1 goal in his last 3.

Compare this with his home form where he has 5 goals in his last 3 and the prospect of a haul against Leeds looks increasingly likely. I am almost talking myself into it while typing. I actually prefer him to Haaland this week if you were looking for a non-Arsenal captaincy option.

 

Erling Haaland v CRY (A)

It wouldn’t be a genuine captains list without this man featuring in some way. Palace have been absolutely flying of late and have conceded the 2^nd least goals this season behind only Arsenal. However, they have got lucky on occasion and sit closer to 6^th in the lowest xGA conceded table. Combine this with the key injury to star wing back Daniel Munoz and there may still be ample opportunity for a Haaland haul. The top scorer by a margin of 4 on Thiago will always be hard to bet against.

 

Bruno Fernandes v BOU (H)

If you did want a really out there choice for captaincy, then it would not be ridiculous to go for Bruno Fernandes. In our heads Bournemouth are a better team than we all think. Where, even with a draw to Chelsea, they are still winless in their last 6, conceding 13 while only scoring 5. I’m not saying Bruno is the best captaincy option this week by any stretch, I’m just saying he’s probably slightly underrated as an option. Particularly if you don’t own Thiago and Saka and believe in Palace’s defence.

 

Make sure you check out our Game Week Tips section for more great Gameweek 16 advice.