23 Oct, 2024

Game Week 9: FPL Bois’ Captaincy Thread

After an unfavourable game week, we’re glad the turnaround for the next week is quick as we’re eager to see some big scores! So here are three candidates who could help you get them, and hopefully along with some green arrows:

Haaland – SOU (H)

How rare is it to see the robot not returning for three consecutive weeks!? The ceiling is still definitely very high and we aren’t giving up on him just yet, especially considering he takes on Southampton, who rank 19th for xGC and have conceded 16 goals in their last 6 league games!

Despite the slump in form, FPL wise, Haaland still continues to top the charts for goals scored, xG and nPxG and will be playing through the middle, which is Southampton’s 2nd weakest zone as they’ve conceded 43 chances out of a total of 115 chances (just one less than their weakest zone – left flank). Haaland also has a solid record against Southampton with 3 goals in 3 games.

City also seem to be grinding out close wins and are due a thumping victory which could very well come against Southampton at home, as the attack is consistently doing well and ranks 3rd for xG and have created a staggering 128 chances in the first 8 games! Coupling this with Haaland’s penalty duties give us reasons to believe for another week that he is a string contender for your team’s captaincy.

Palmer – NEW (H)

Another player who was pretty quiet in the previous game week, Cole Palmer makes his way back to the shortlist as he takes on a shaky Newcastle defence who have conceded 92 chances in 8 games, out of which 65 have come from the channels where Palmer operates!

He has been Chelsea’s shining light carrying his form from last season and producing excellent numbers once again which see him rank 1st for goal contributions (G+A), 2nd for goals scored, 2nd for assists, 4th for xG, 5th for nPxG, 8th for xA, and 2nd for Big Chances Created! Are you not entertained!? Chelsea are definitely reaping the benefits of this masterclass as they are ranked 3rd for xG, 2nd for xG at home, and 2nd for Big Chances Created.

On the other hand, Newcastle have had only one clean sheet since GW1, which came against Everton. Palmer also had a goal and an assist the last time these two teams met at the Stamford Bridge resulting in a 3-2 win for Chelsea. Once again Palmer poses as a strong candidate for captaincy and could deliver one of his classic heavy-duty hauls.

Mbeumo – IPS (H)

The fixture picks Mbeumo as the final pick for this week’s shortlist, as he takes on Ipswich Town at home, who have conceded 16 goals in 8 games. Keeping just 1 clean sheet, and sitting bottom of the table for xGC! Mbeumo’s only blanks this season have come against the traditional top 6 sides, and he has scored 5 goals in 4 games at home, which has earned him 40 points!

He’s had a strong start to the season which is reflected by his stats, that see him rank 2nd for goals scored, 15th for xG, 7th for xA and 5th for Big Chances Created. These lift up his ceiling massively against Ipswich who have conceded 77 chances so far with 35% of them coming through the middle.

Brentford’s easier fixtures have come at home so far, and this again falls in the same bucket, which has led them to rank 4th for xG at home, while Ipswich Town are ranked 20th for xGC away too. As we’re all aware of Brentford’s early goal threat, Ipswich has also been on the receiving end of the most goals in the first 15 minutes of a game – coincidence? All the factors shape up Mbeumo nicely to stand out as a mighty impressive differential captaincy pick.

Thank you for reading our article! Who gets the nod to lead your team to another green arrow this game week?

For more great Captaincy options, check out the Hot Picks section!

For more FPL Bois click here!

By: FPL Bois

Last Updated: 23/10