Gameweek 9 is just around the corner, and once again, FPL managers are faced with one of the toughest choices each week — who to captain.
Some of the usual big names continue to deliver, while a few new
faces are starting to make their mark. With form, fixtures, and confidence all coming into play, picking the right captain could make a huge difference to your overall rank.
This week offers plenty of strong options across different price ranges, from reliable premium assets to in-form players who could shine again.
Whether you’re looking to play it safe or make a bold call, here are some of the best captaincy picks to consider for Gameweek 9.
Erling Haaland (£14.7m, Manchester City v Aston Villa)
Erling Haaland remains one of the most captained players every Gameweek, and that should continue in Gameweek 9 as Manchester City face Aston Villa.
The Norwegian forward is always a reliable choice for the armband, with his consistent threat in front of goal making him hard to ignore.
He currently leads the player standings with 11 goals from the opening eight Gameweeks, reminding Fantasy managers why he’s often the safest captain pick.
A look at his stats shows just how dangerous Haaland has been this season. He has recorded nine shots on target inside the box, showing why he’s such a strong captain option.
His constant involvement in big chances, where he’s expected to score, also puts him well ahead of the rest.
Joao Pedro (£7.5m, Chelsea v Sunderland )
Another captain option, Joao Pedro, is one of Chelsea’s summer signings and remains a popular pick in Fantasy, owned by 23 per cent of managers.
But he’s struggled to deliver lately, blanking in each of the last four Gameweeks, which has led to a rise in sales ahead of Gameweek 9.
What makes it more frustrating for managers is that Pedro still has a good run of fixtures ahead. Chelsea face all three promoted sides in the next six Gameweeks, starting with a home match against Sunderland this weekend.
By contrast, Sunderland have been very solid at the back in recent games, giving other teams very few chances to score.
The Brazilian forward could end his run of four blanks this weekend against the Black Cat and if he does he’d make a great captain pick.
Nick Woltemade (£7.4m, Newcastle v Fulham)
Woltemade, priced at (£7.4m), has quickly become one of the most popular players in Fantasy. More than 442,000 managers have brought him in ahead of Gameweek 9 after his impressive start for Newcastle United.
The German forward has scored in four of his five league appearances and now faces a favourable home match against Fulham.
Since making his debut in Gameweek 4, he’s been involved in five of Newcastle’s nine big chances, showing how important he’s been in attack.
With Fulham conceding eight goals and keeping no clean sheets in their last four matches, Woltemade looks like a solid captain pick this week.
Phillippe Mateta (£7.6m, Arsenal v Crystal Palace)
Another good captain option is Mateta, who showed his potential with a brilliant hat-trick against Bournemouth last weekend.
He’s been in strong form lately and looks confident in front of goal. His next match could be more challenging, as Crystal Palace travel to face Arsenal, a side that has been tough to break down this season.
What makes Mateta’s form even more impressive is how close his stats are to Erling Haaland’s. He’s had 15 big chances so far, averaging one every 46 minutes — a clear sign of how dangerous he can be.
Even with a tricky fixture ahead, his recent performances make him worth considering for the captain’s armband.
Antoine Semenyo (£8.1m, Bournemouth v Notthingham Forest)
Antoine Semenyo has been one of Bournemouth’s most influential players this season, making his mark in almost every game so far.
He’s carried over the fine form he showed at the end of last season — scoring twice and providing an assist in the win over Fulham — though he drew a blank in the following league fixture against Crystal Palace.
Despite that, Semenyo remains a key figure for Bournemouth, and with a trip to Nottingham Forest next — a side who fell 3-0 to Chelsea in Gameweek 8 — the Ghanaian has another chance to make an impact.
Plenty of good options this week — but only one can wear the armband. Who are you trusting to deliver in Gameweek 9? Let’s hear your thoughts below.
