16 Oct, 2024

Game Week 8: FPL Bois’ Captaincy Thread

With the international break behind us, it’s time for regular FPL service to resume and to catch the wave of green arrows. In this thread, we highlight three captaincy candidates for this week who could help boost your rank:

Haaland – WOL (A)

After two consecutive blanks, questions have been raised about Haaland’s value and whether he’s still essential for FPL squads. He’ll be eager to silence his critics with a standout performance against a Wolves defense that has conceded 21 goals from 85 chances in just 7 games, ranking 18th for expected goals conceded (xGC).

Haaland comes into this fixture off the back of an impressive international window, where he became Norway’s all-time leading goal scorer, and also announced he’s expecting his first child! He’s in prime form to carry that momentum into the Premier League. Currently ranked 1st for goals scored, expected goals (xG), and non-penalty expected goals (nPxG), he continues to be an FPL manager’s dream.

City’s creative players are thriving too, with the team ranked 3rd for xG, and much of their attacking play revolves around Haaland’s finishing.

With 8 goals in 4 matches against Wolves, Haaland could be set for another monster haul this week. Wolves have also conceded the second-most penalties this season, further raising Haaland’s ceiling for Gameweek 8. He’s a top contender for your captain’s armband!

Mbeumo – MUN (A)

Fan favorite Bryan Mbeumo is next on the list as he faces a Manchester United defense that, despite some clean sheets, has looked very shaky. The stats are in Mbeumo’s favor: Brentford rank 7th for xG, 5th for big chances created, and are averaging about 2 goals per 90 minutes.

Mbeumo himself ranks 2nd for goals scored, 11th for xG, 7th for expected assists (xA), and 4th for big chances created—he’s an integral part of Brentford’s attack. Meanwhile, United rank 14th for xGC overall and 18th for xGC at home, with their only clean sheet at Old Trafford coming against Fulham.

United have allowed 69 chances this season, 25 of which have come through the middle, their second weakest zone (only 3 chances fewer than their weakest, the left flank). With Mbeumo locked in for minutes and on penalty duties, his captaincy case is strong!

Solanke – WHU (H)

With 8 goals in their last 3 games, the Spurs attack is on fire, and that draws our attention to Dominic Solanke as the final pick for this week’s captaincy. Facing West Ham at home, Solanke has a great chance to deliver, as West Ham have conceded 85 chances and rank 12th for xGC.

Solanke ranks 8th for xG and 7th for nPxG, and he’ll be playing through the middle against West Ham’s weakest zone, where they’ve conceded 35 chances (41.2% of their total). Spurs are currently thriving under Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style, ranking 1st for xG and 4th for big chances created, with 90 chances converted into 14 goals over 7 games.

Solanke has also proven to be a handful for West Ham, scoring in both encounters last season while playing for Bournemouth. Now, leading Spurs’ attack, he’ll be looking to extend his run of FPL returns for the fourth consecutive week.

Thanks for reading our article! Who’s getting your captain’s armband to kick off the post-international break with a green arrow?

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By FPL Bois

Last Updated: 16/10