The Best FPL Gameweek 35 Captains 

With the return of some elite players after a blank gameweek, the Gameweek 35 captaincy battle is anything but simple this week. Now yes, Bruno will always be a very safe bet, but for those chasing in their respective mini leagues, there are some really solid options this week with nice upside to take him on with. 

Before we get started, if you are on Wildcard this week, then make sure you check out our Gameweek 35 wildcard draft, and if you are after more differential gains, then make sure you check out our Best Gameweek 35 Differentials article. 

As always, make sure you check in with our Predicted Line Ups and Team News hub before locking in any changes.  

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get stuck into the best gameweek 35 captains. 

 

 Nico O’Reilly vs EVE (A) 

Wait, that’s not Bruno Fernandes, what’s going on? That’s right, Nico O’Reilly takes our top spot this week, and with good reason. Everton’s goalscoring is very predictable, in the sense that they do not score much against the top sides. Outside of a 3-0 against an recently freefalling Chelsea team, Everton have only managed 4 goals in the other 9 fixtures against the top 5 teams. Tending to start off more defensively than say Bournemouth or Brentford. While sitting in the bottom 5 for goals scored, they also have the 5th best defence in the league by goals conceded, so there is every chance this is a cagier affair. 

As a result, we are leaning for O’Reilly over Haaland for the armband this week. That’s not to say O’Reilly can’t even get attacking returns himself, with 7 attacking returns in his last 13 at a clip of 0.7 xGI per 90 across his last 6. Truly astonishing numbers for a player listed as a defender. 

 

Erling Haaland vs EVE (A) 

It’s not like Everton are Arsenal, so of course Haaland was going to feature. In fact, were it most other bottom half teams, Haaland would likely get the top spot. Everton do have a stubborn defence, but they have tended to struggle against the bigger teams. Especially if the floodgates are opened by an early goal. With City chasing another league title, Haaland will no doubt be as hungry as ever. So, goals are more than on the cards here. 

 

Bruno Fernandes vs LIV (H) 

All things considered, Liverpool’s defence has tightened up over their last 3 fixtures, conceding only 2 goals and winning 3 on the bounce. With both clubs vying for European places, there is every chance this is also a cagey affair. However, Fernandes hasn’t failed to return in his last 7 games and is as safe as houses at present. Not to mention how assured Man United look going forward.  

He is involved in everything they do going forward, is all over set-pieces and averages a whopping 0.7 xGI per 90. The most of any midfielder in the league this season. 

 

Gabriel Magalhaes vs FUL (H)

Fulham have been a real mixed bag all season, but if there is one thing they are not doing very well right now, it’s scoring goals. Scoring only 2 goals in their last 4 games. this lends itself very nicely for a team who already has the best defence in the league.

Much like O’Reilly, Gabriel is able to capitalise on what may very well end up being a clean sheet for the home side, as well as having that attacking return threat. However, given Arsenal are coming off a short week and City are by far the more explosive attack, Gabriel finds himself lower down the rankings. However, he does have arguably the safest floor of any captain this week if you were looking to play it safe.

 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs BUR (H)

 I know, I don’t like it either, but it must be done because it’s Burnley. It has been open season on Burnley since pretty much week 1 of the season, meaning this week is no exception. With relegation confirmed, they will have even less motivation against a Leeds side who are not only playing well but are potentially one win away from safety.  

Despite only registering 1 goal in his last 9 games, he has been averaging an xGI of 0.7 per 90 in his last 5 games, so the chances are there. Now even though this maybe be a strong inditement of his finishing ability, it is entirely plausible he gets enough chances against Burnley that he simply has to score some. 

 

Thiago vs WHU (H) 

I want to first start by saying if you started Thiago last week you were incredibly unlucky, he didn’t score. He could’ve easily had a few. He has a chance now to make amends against a West Ham defence, who even though they have been slightly improved, still sit in the bottom 3 for both goals conceded and xGA.  

Thiago himself already has 21 goals this season in a very attacking Brentford side and is an absolute lock up top. There is every chance he registers another one of his multiple return games against a relegation threatened West Ham side. 

 

Check out our Game Week Tips section for more Gameweek 35 Tips.