As we head into the final stretch of the season, attention now turns to Gameweek 36 in the Fantasy Premier League. With only a few matches left, captain choices can have a big impact on overall rank.
Most managers now focus on players who are in good form and still have something to play for, such as teams fighting for the title, European places, or to avoid relegation.
Erling Haaland remains the main captain choice for many managers, while Bruno Fernandes and Bukayo Saka are also strong options. Some
managers may also look at differentials who could score highly in this round.
With that in mind, the best captain pick options for GW36 of the 2025/2026 EPL season have you covered, and here are some strong captain options worth considering, whether they are already in your squad or still on your transfer shortlist ahead of the deadline.
Erling Haaland – (Brentford/Crystal Palace)
Haaland has scored in his last three league games and is slowly getting back into form, even if he is not at his very best yet.
Manchester City are expected to score the most goals this gameweek and still have something to play for, as they are on 71 points and sit four behind Arsenal on goal difference.
Heading into game week 36, their first opponent, Brentford, sit 11th in the table and have conceded six goals in the last six Gameweeks.
Their second opponent, Crystal Palace, are 12th and have conceded seven in the same period, with both sides showing some weakness when faced with strong attacking pressure.
In the reverse fixtures, City beat Brentford 1-0 with Haaland scoring the winner, and he also scored twice in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. Overall, Haaland is still the safest captain pick this week and will be a very popular choice.
Bruno Fernandes – (Sunderland)
Bruno Fernandes has been in strong form, providing seven assists in his last six Gameweeks, more than any other player in the league.
He also ranks top for chances created and big chances created in that period, showing how central he is to Manchester United’s attack.
With Manchester United joining Arsenal and Manchester City in securing UEFA Champions League football for next season after beating Liverpool last weekend, there are just two guaranteed spots left in Europe’s top-tier club competition and both could be filled this weekend.
This means United are now focused on finishing strongly to confirm their place in the top four.
That challenge looks realistic, especially as they face a Sunderland side that has struggled defensively in recent games and are among the weaker teams for shots and expected goals conceded. This makes Bruno a strong captain option once again this week
Danny Welbeck (vs WOL)
Danny Welbeck has scored three goals in his last six Gameweeks, putting him among the more in-form forwards. He also leads all forwards for shots on target with eight in that period, showing he is regularly getting good chances.
He has also recorded five big chances and ranks well for expected goals, underlining his steady attacking output.
For Brighton, he has been their main attacking threat in recent games, leading the team for goals, chances, and shots on target over the last five matches.
He now faces already relegated Wolves, which makes this a very good fixture on paper. With Wolves having little to play for and struggling defensively, Welbeck stands out as a strong forward captain option this week for those looking beyond the usual premium picks.
Bukayo Saka (vs Westham United)
Bukayo Saka remains a top captain option as Arsenal travel to West Ham. Arsenal are now in a strong position in the title race, and Saka’s steady form makes him one of the most reliable single gameweek captain picks.
He comes into this match in good form, scoring in his last two games first against Fulham in the league and then the winner against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. He is also heavily involved in Arsenal’s attack and is their main penalty taker, which increases his chance of returns.
West Ham, however, are fighting for survival as they sit 18th in the table and are pushing hard to avoid relegation. That could make the game more difficult than expected, but Saka’s quality and consistency mean he remains a major threat in any match.
Rayan Cherki – (Brentford/Crystal Palace)
Rayan Cherki has been in good creative form, with his assist against Everton taking him to three assists in his last six Gameweeks.
He also ranks highly for chance creation and expected assists, highlighting how often he is involved in key attacking moments. This makes him a strong differential option from midfield for managers looking to gain rank.
Manchester City remain extremely strong at home, scoring 69 goals at the Etihad this season and leading the league for shots in the box, big chances, and expected goals in home matches.
Their opponents, Brentford and Crystal Palace, have both struggled away from home, conceding regularly and ranking poorly for chances allowed. This makes Cherki a high-upside differential pick this Gameweek.
Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are also good differential options to consider, as they both face already relegated Burnley, which makes it a strong fixture for attacking returns.
There are several strong options this week, including some good differentials, but you can only pick one captain. Who are you backing to deliver in GW36? Drop your pick below.
