Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Captains for FPL Gameweek 14
Fantasy Premier League managers are currently grappling with a tough decision between captaining either Mo Salah or Erling Haaland in Gameweek 14. Both players have been exceptional, and their Sunday matchups add to the dilemma. Salah faces Fulham at Anfield, while Haaland takes on Tottenham with their defensively depleted lineup.
In the past, choosing Salah as captain at Anfield would have been a straightforward decision given his outstanding performance, boasting 62 points in home games. However, the current scenario isn’t as clear-cut. Although Salah theoretically has an easier fixture against a bottom-half team, Haaland becomes an enticing option due to Tottenham’s recent injury and suspension woes. Spurs played without a recognized center-back or defensive midfielder in a recent match against Aston Villa, exposing vulnerabilities.
Meanwhile, it is important to have a look at key players as these are the ones that can win you matches. Let’s have a look at the top 5 choices for captaining your FPL team who could produce the most points in FPL Gameweek 14.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Priced at £7.9 million, Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool is coming off a goal-scoring performance in the previous game week. While his attacking contributions have been somewhat subdued this season, the upcoming fixture presents a promising opportunity.
Alexander-Arnold has been involved in creating 19 chances, boasting an Expected Assists (xA) of 1.82 and an Expected Goals (xG) of 0.52. In Gameweek 14, Liverpool faces Fulham at home, a matchup where Alexander-Arnold has the potential to make an impact defensively and offensively.
Fulham has struggled to score, ranking third lowest in the league with 12 goals and an xG of 12.88 (eighteenth). In contrast, Liverpool’s defensive record is impressive, conceding only 11 goals (second least) with an Expected Goals Conceded (xGC) of 15.7 (fourth best).
Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Goalkeepers for FPL Gameweek 14
With Alexander-Arnold often involved in set-pieces, he emerges as one of the top choices for FPL managers in this favorable fixture where Liverpool’s strengths both defensively and in attack can be capitalized upon.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Priced at £8.6 million, Bukayo Saka from Arsenal has been a standout performer with four goals and seven assists, ranking as the third highest-scoring midfielder in Fantasy Premier League. The English international boasts an expected goal (xG) of 4.15 and an expected assist (xA) of 3.79, placing him fourth overall in these metrics.
Arsenal enjoys favorable fixtures in the long term, making Saka an appealing choice for the festive period. In Gameweek 14, the Gunners host Wolves at the Emirates. Wolves have conceded 21 goals (sixteenth) with an expected goal conceded (xGC) of 18.8 (eleventh).
While Arsenal’s attacking form hasn’t been exceptional, having scored 27 goals (fourth) with an expected goal (xG) of 23.38 (seventh), they are favored to perform well in this particular fixture. Mikel Arteta’s team is the second favorite to score 2.5 or more goals, with a 44% probability.
Saka, known for his goal and assist threat, also holds the potential to take penalties. Additionally, his playing time is considered secure not only for the upcoming Gameweek but also throughout the festive period. These factors position Saka as a strong and reliable FPL option for the current week and beyond.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Priced at £13.0 million, Mohamed Salah from Liverpool has been a prolific contributor with 10 goals and five assists, backed by an impressive expected goal (xG) of 8.74 (second overall) and expected assist (xA) of 3.5 (sixth overall).
In Gameweek 14, Liverpool are considered joint favorites to score 2.5 or more goals (55%) against Fulham. The Reds have displayed a potent attacking force, scoring 28 goals (third) with an xG of 27.66 (first). This fixture against Fulham is anticipated to be favorable for Jurgen Klopp’s team, with expectations of them finding the net multiple times.
Fulham’s defensive record, having conceded 21 goals (sixteenth) with an expected goal conceded (xGC) of 22.5 (sixteenth), suggests opportunities for Liverpool’s attacking prowess. Salah, being a key figure, is likely to play a significant role in the unfolding action.
Maintaining his status as the highest-scoring player in the game, Salah possesses penalty duties, is a guaranteed starter, and poses both goal and assist threats. Furthermore, he is deemed a reliable choice for ample playing time throughout the festive period fixtures, making him a secure and high-performing option for FPL managers.
Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)
Priced at £7.0 million, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford has proven to be excellent value this season, contributing significantly with six goals and three assists. His expected goal (xG) of 7.3 ranks fifth overall, while his expected assist (xA) of 3.8 places him third overall.
Mbeumo’s underlying statistics showcase his impressive performances, and he has been somewhat unfortunate not to have secured more returns. In Gameweek 14, Brentford faces Luton at home in what is considered one of their best fixtures of the season. Luton has struggled defensively, conceding 23 goals (seventeenth) with an expected goal conceded (xGC) of 26.9 (nineteenth).
Brentford, on the other hand, is a formidable attacking side, having scored 19 goals (eighth) with an xG of 23.8 (sixth). As they face Luton, they emerge as significant favorites to secure a victory, being the third favorites to score 2.5 or more goals (38%).
Mbeumo, expected to finish as Brentford’s top scorer in both goals and FPL points, is a guaranteed starter, takes penalties, and holds a crucial role as Brentford’s talisman. These factors make him a compelling option for FPL managers in the upcoming fixture, offering both goal-scoring potential and reliability.
Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
Jeremy Doku, a player for Manchester City, may not feature in every Premier League game, but two key factors increase his chances of securing a starting position against Spurs. Firstly, his exceptional form, evident in his electrifying performances, and secondly, his remarkable speed, which has the potential to exploit the vulnerable high line of Spurs.
In the recent draw between City and Liverpool, Doku, despite not registering a goal or assist, earned all three bonus points for his impactful attacking contributions. Notably, he attempted an impressive 18 dribbles, successfully completing 12, and created four chances, leading the team in both aspects—considered valuable metrics in FPL’s bonus points system.
While City has faced challenges against Spurs in the past, particularly in north London, the current circumstances, with Spurs dealing with significant injuries and suspensions, present an opportune time for City to capitalize. Another Doku dribbling showcase could be in the cards.
Priced at £6.7 million with 48 points, Doku’s Gameweek 14 fixture is against Spurs at home, making him a player to watch for FPL managers seeking dynamic attacking contributions.