With the January transfer window now closed, teams are set to rely on their current squads for the remainder of the season.
This is the stage where fixture difficulty, player form, and tactical role truly converge.
Prioritising players who dominate their team’s attacking output — especially when facing defensively fragile opponents — can be the difference between a comfortable green arrow and a damaging red one.
As the campaign moves into its decisive phase, brave yet well-calculated captain choices
may be exactly what managers need to gain a crucial edge.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester Utd)
Manchester United are one of the most in-form teams in the league right now, and Bruno Fernandes has been the heartbeat of their resurgence.
Since returning from injury, he hasn’t found the net yet, but his creativity has been on full display with five assists in his last four matches.
This gameweek, United host a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side at Old Trafford. With Fernandes now operating higher up the pitch, expect even more attacking involvement — goals may finally follow the assists.
João Pedro (Chelsea)
Pedro has been in red-hot form, registering three goals and two assists in his last three matches.
Chelsea now face Wolves, who have managed just eight points all season, making this a very favourable fixture on paper.
Chelsea themselves are riding a three-game winning streak, and with United and Liverpool set to take points off each other against Tottenham and City respectively, this feels like a perfect opportunity to strengthen their push for a Champions League spot.
The big question: can new manager Liam Rosenior lead Chelsea to another win this gameweek? And with Chelsea’s momentum growing, will Pedro continue his scoring run once again?
Bowen (West Ham Utd)
18th vs 19th — a true relegation six-pointer. These are two of the most defensively fragile sides in the league, with both conceding goals for fun.
West Ham United have shown clear signs of rejuvenation in their last three matches, picking up two wins and suffering a narrow defeat to Chelsea after leading by two goals.
The performances suggest momentum is finally building at a crucial time.
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham’s captain, has already scored eight league goals this season and looks primed to add more. He’s in strong form, delivering two goals and one assist in his last two matches, and should find plenty of opportunities against another struggling defence.
With 14 matches still to play, West Ham know the real fight for survival starts now. If they want to remain in the Premier League next season, they need leaders to step up — and Bowen looks ready to lead that battle.
Do you think Burnley and West Ham United will both stay in the Premier League this season?
