What's Happening?
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers experienced a disappointing Gameweek 12 as top captain picks failed to deliver expected points. Erling Haaland, the most popular captain choice, was unable to score
during Manchester City's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, leaving over 6.2 million managers without a return. Similarly, Mohamed Salah, captained by over 1.1 million managers for Liverpool's match against Nottingham Forest, also blanked as Liverpool lost 3-0. Other popular choices like Joao Pedro, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Hugo Ekitike returned only a single point each, adding to the frustration. Antoine Semenyo, captained by over 240,000 managers, was ruled out of Bournemouth's squad, leaving managers to rely on their vice-captains for points.
Why It's Important?
The failure of top captain picks to deliver points in FPL can significantly impact the strategies and standings of managers in the league. With millions of participants relying on these players for high returns, their underperformance can lead to shifts in league rankings and influence future captaincy decisions. The reliance on differential captains becomes crucial as managers seek alternatives to gain an edge. This situation highlights the unpredictability of football matches and the challenges faced by FPL managers in making strategic decisions.
What's Next?
Attention now shifts to differential captains like Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres, who have the opportunity to make an impact in upcoming matches. Arsenal's match against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United's game against Everton are expected to be pivotal for managers looking to capitalize on these players. Bryan Mbeumo, a top transfer target for Gameweek 12, is anticipated to perform better than in previous weeks, offering hope to managers who have recently acquired him.
