This week’s FPL captaincy debate brings a mix of in-form premiums, rising differentials, and a few tempting fixtures.
Igor Thiago continues to impress and could be a value-breaking option for managers looking
to go against the grain.
Mohamed Salah remains impossible to ignore as Liverpool chase momentum despite recent setbacks.
Philippe Mateta has a standout matchup that could reward those willing to take a calculated gamble.
And of course, Erling Haaland stays firmly in the conversation, even with a challenging trip to Newcastle.
Igor Thiago (£6.3m, Brighton v Brentford)
Igor Thiago put Newcastle to the sword last weekend with a clinical brace, taking his tally to eight goals in just eleven Premier League appearances.
The Brazilian has adapted rapidly to English football and continues to look like one of the most underpriced attackers in the game.
His role as Brentford’s first-choice penalty taker further boosts his appeal, especially against a Brighton side struggling for consistency.
With form, confidence, and set-piece responsibility on his side, Thiago is shaping up to be a compelling differential armband option.
Mo Salah (£14.2m, Liverpool v Nottingham Forest)
Mo Salah finally found some rhythm with goals in back-to-back league matches before Liverpool’s heavy setback against Manchester City.
While it hasn’t been the explosive start many expected from the Egyptian, his long-term track record reminds us why he remains one of FPL’s most reliable captaincy choices.
Salah has a history of delivering in moments when Liverpool needs him most, and the team now faces increasing pressure to keep pace in the title race.
With Nottingham Forest visiting Anfield, the stage is well set for another decisive Salah contribution.
Philippe Mateta (£8.1m, Fulham v Sunderland)
Mateta has a prime opportunity to build on his six-goal haul as Crystal Palace face bottom-placed Wolves this weekend.
The bottom of the table side has conceded 25 goals in eleven matches, the worst defensive record in the league and Palace will see this as a chance to assert themselves in attack.
Given Haaland’s tricky fixture, Mateta offers a genuine upside play for managers looking to roll the dice. If Palace create chances as expected, Mateta could easily emerge as one of the weekend’s surprise high scorers.
Erling Haaland (£14.9m, Newcastle v Man City)
Haaland remains the definition of “fixture-proof” in FPL, having already scored against Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool this season.
Even with a difficult trip to St James’ Park, the Norwegian has the form, pedigree, and underlying numbers to punish anyone who dares to look elsewhere.
Manchester City will rely on him heavily in what promises to be a physical encounter, and Haaland has made a habit of delivering in high-pressure games.
Once again, he is expected to be the most-captained player of the gameweek.
