As GW2 approaches, many managers are, of course, eyeing Erling Haaland for the captaincy role.
Anytime the City striker is at home, you can bet he’ll be the most captained.
However, there are some interesting options worth considering.
Whether you’re seeking a differential choice or aiming to take advantage of Liverpool’s match against Bournemouth, here are our top 5 best captains for this gameweek.
Mohamed Salah
- Fixture: Bournemouth (H)
- Anytime Return: 66%
- Predicted Points: 7.2
For the first time in 7 seasons, Salah managed to not-score in the opening game for Liverpool.
However, with Bournemouth next at home, it’s likely that he’ll be back in top form.
He had 1 assist, a disallowed goal, and an xGI of 0.59 in 76 minutes against Chelsea.
Our points predictor places him at the forefront with an expected 7.1 points. He also shares the highest anytime return rate (63%) with Haaland.
Salah didn’t seem pleased when he was substituted, which might be worth keeping an eye on in case Klopp takes any disciplinary actions (small chance).
Erling Haaland
- Fixture: Newcastle (H)
- Anytime Return: 61%
- Predicted Points: 6.0
Haaland is a captaincy contender for every game, regardless of the fixture.
He started the Premier League season strongly, scoring just 4 minutes into the game against Burnley and finishing with 2 goals, earning 13 FPL points.
Even though he played a full 90 minutes in City’s UEFA Super Cup match against Sevilla on Wednesday, it’s likely that he’ll be ready for action.
Choosing whether or not to make Haaland your captain involves high risk, high reward.
Currently, 90% of managers own him, which means that your decision could either boost your ranking significantly or result in a considerable drop.
Moussa Diaby
- Fixture: Everton (H)
- Anytime Return: 48%
- Predicted Points: 5.2
As per our predicted points table Diaby is tied-3rd, only behind Salah and Haaland.
Despite being listed as a midfielder he is playing like a forward in this Aston Villa team – offering a significant attacking threat.
With a current ownership of just 8%, his selection could provide a strategic differential for your team.
Aston Villa is set to face Everton at home, who still look fragile in defence.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Fixture: Bournemouth (H)
- Anytime Return: 41%
- Predicted Points: 5.4
Considering the fixture, Alexander-Arnold is a smart captain option. Last season, he scored against Bournemouth when playing at home.
Liverpool’s chances of keeping a clean sheet are very good (47%, second best after Arsenal’s 48%).
Trent would certainly be a differential captain, too, considering the vast majority will stick the armband on Haaland and Salah.
His lower ownership is due to concerns over Liverpool’s opening fixture against Chelsea. But for those who don’t have Trent, GW2 could be a tough one.
So, if you do have him in your team, it’s worth thinking about making him your captain for this round.
Ollie Watkins
- Fixture: Everton (H)
- Anytime Return: 54%
- Predicted Points: 5.0
Watkins stands out as an interesting captaincy option.
Despite the loss to Newcastle, he managed 1 assist and an xGI of 0.33.
Interestingly, last season, he had 2 assists against Everton at home.
Watkins has an impressive 54% anytime return (3th highest) going into GW2 (only behind Salah and Haaland).
Notably, as mentioned earlier Aston Villa faces Everton at home which enhances his appeal.