Fantasy Premier League: Top Five Captains for FPL Gameweek 21

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers face both opportunities and challenges in Gameweek 21, marked by the absence of key players like Mo Salah and Son Heung-min due to international duty. While the return of FPL action after the FA Cup third-round hiatus is positive, the extended 10-day duration of Gameweek 21 due to the winter break introduces complexities for strategic planning.

A notable concern for managers is the scheduling of Liverpool’s match against Bournemouth on Sunday, January 21, nine days after the FPL transfer deadline. This elongated gap poses risks, as any injuries to Liverpool players during this period cannot be addressed through replacements. Additionally, the impending departures of players for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) or Asian Cup necessitate strategic transfers to fill resulting gaps.

The challenge is further intensified by an earlier-than-expected deadline, particularly with the Burnley vs Luton fixture rescheduled for Friday, January 12, at 7.45 pm GMT. This development shifts the deadline to an inconvenient 6.15 pm GMT on Friday, January 12, adding an extra layer of urgency for managers.

Amidst these intricacies, selecting a suitable captain for Gameweek 21 becomes crucial.

Let’s delve into the top 5 captaincy options available for managers navigating this dynamic and challenging game.

1. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Priced at £9.0m, Bukayo Saka of Arsenal emerges as an enticing Fantasy Premier League option ahead of Gameweek 21, where Arsenal faces Crystal Palace at the Emirates. Saka has displayed consistent attacking contributions this season, amassing six goals and eight assists, with notable underlying metrics, boasting an xG of 6.8 and an xA of 6.4.

While his goal in the previous gameweek marked his first attacking return since Gameweek 16, Saka’s underlying numbers indicate sustained potential. Despite Arsenal’s recent dip in form, losing their last two league games, the upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace presents an opportunity for a resurgence.

Arsenal, with 37 goals scored (sixth) and an xG of 37.66 (fifth), is among the favourites to score 2.5+ goals in Gameweek 21 (40%). Saka, boasting a 39% Goal Involvement rate, stands out as Arsenal’s talisman, excelling in both goal-scoring and assist capabilities. As the team’s first-choice penalty taker, Saka’s role is further solidified by being a set-piece taker, making him a well-rounded and reliable FPL asset. With a confirmed starting role, Saka offers FPL managers a potent combination of goal threat and creativity for the upcoming game.

Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top 5 Defenders for FPL Gameweek 21

2. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Priced at an affordable £5.6m, Cole Palmer has proven to be the season’s standout bargain, delivering an impressive tally of eight goals and five assists for Chelsea. His underlying statistics, featuring an xG of 6.5 and an xA of 3.3, mirror the performance of midfielders priced significantly higher at £8.5m to £9.0m. Palmer emerges as a cost-effective gem in the Fantasy Premier League with exceptional stats akin to premium midfielders.

In the upcoming Gameweek against London rivals Fulham at home, Chelsea looks poised for success against a defensively vulnerable Fulham side, having conceded 35 goals (seventeenth) with an xGC of 35.7 (eighteenth). Chelsea, ranked seventh with 34 goals scored and an impressive xG of 38.7 (third), stands as one of the favourites to score 2.5+ goals (36%) in the forthcoming fixture.

Palmer, Chelsea’s standout attacker this season, carries significant goal and assist potential. His role as the first-choice penalty taker adds to his fantasy appeal, making him a well-rounded and reliable option. With an impressive 43% Goal Involvement rate, Palmer not only outshines his teammates but also ranks among the highest in the league, further solidifying his status as a crucial asset for FPL managers.

3. Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)

Priced at £8.1m, Jarrod Bowen is enjoying a stellar season, achieving his best-ever performance with 11 goals and two assists for West Ham. His impressive underlying metrics include an xG of 7.7 and an xA of 2.4, reflecting his significant goal-scoring and playmaking contributions. However, there’s a potential concern for Gameweek 21, as Bowen may be dealing with an injury, urging Fantasy Premier League managers to stay updated with predicted lineups ahead of the deadline.

West Ham faces Sheffield United in what is considered one of the most favourable fixtures of the season. Sheffield United, currently rooted to the bottom of the league, has conceded the most goals (49) with an xG of 39.7 (nineteenth). David Moyes’ side, known for their attacking prowess, has scored 33 goals (eighth) with an xG of 28.56 (eleventh), with Bowen standing out as the team’s top scorer and talisman.

Bowen’s status as one of the most assured starters in the league, coupled with his impressive underlying numbers, positions him as one of the standout options in the Fantasy Premier League. With the upcoming fixture against Sheffield United offering a prime opportunity for attacking returns, Bowen remains a top consideration for FPL managers, provided he overcomes any potential injury concerns.

4. Ivan Toney (Brentford)

Priced at £7.9m, Ivan Toney is set to make a comeback in Gameweek 21 for Brentford after serving his betting ban. His return is eagerly anticipated, especially considering Brentford’s recent struggles following Bryan Mbeumo’s injury,

with the team failing to secure a victory in Mbeumo’s absence.

Brentford enjoys a favourable fixture in Gameweek 21, hosting Nottingham Forest at home. Nottingham Forest, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, has conceded 35 goals (seventeenth) with an xGC of 30.4 (tenth). Despite Brentford’s recent challenges, they showcase promising attacking potential, having scored 26 goals (fifteenth) with an xG of 33.38 (ninth).

The anticipated return of Ivan Toney, a proven Premier League goal scorer, is expected to provide a significant boost to Brentford’s attacking prowess. Toney, who netted 20 goals and provided four assists last season with an xG of 18.74 and an xA of 3.72, is confirmed as a nailed-on starter and serves as the team’s first-choice penalty taker. With Toney back in the lineup, Brentford looks to capitalize on the upcoming fixture, providing Fantasy Premier League managers with a strong option for attacking returns in Gameweek 21.

Also Read: Fantasy Premier League: Top 5 Midfielders for FPL Gameweek 21

5. Luis Diaz (Liverpool)

Luis Diaz, priced at £7.3m, emerges as a noteworthy Fantasy Premier League option, particularly with Mohamed Salah‘s anticipated absence over the next few game weeks (21 to 24). Salah’s departure opens up opportunities for other Liverpool players to take on more significant roles, and considering the potential extended minutes for players in Salah’s absence, options like Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, or Darwin Nunez (a forward) become intriguing choices.

Among these alternatives, Diaz stands out as a preferred option. Positioned to start consistently on the left wing, Diaz is expected to benefit from Salah’s absence, potentially featuring in 90-minute performances more frequently. As FPL managers strategize for Salah’s extended absence, considering players like Diaz becomes crucial for maximizing potential returns and securing a valuable spot in the Liverpool attack during this period.