Introduction:
Choosing the right captain for your Dream Team can significantly impact your points in Gameweek 1. The captain’s points are doubled, making it crucial to select a player who is likely to perform well. In this article, we will analyze the strongest captaincy candidates for the upcoming season.
Erling Haaland – The Default Option:
Erling Haaland, priced at £8.5m, is expected to be the most popular captain choice in Gameweek 1 – and for good reason. Since joining Manchester City, Haaland has scored an impressive 63 goals in 66 Premier League games. Despite facing a tough opening fixture against Chelsea, it’s worth noting that Haaland scored a hat-trick against them during pre-season. For many managers, Haaland is the default option as long as he’s fit, as missing out on one of his hat-tricks would be a regrettable mistake.
Mohamed Salah – The Leading Alternative:
Mohamed Salah, priced at £7m, is often seen as the leading alternative to Haaland. Liverpool’s Egyptian hero will face newly-promoted Ipswich in Gameweek 1. While Ipswich was the top-scoring team in the Championship last season, they also conceded more goals than Sunderland, who finished 16th. Salah’s form dipped towards the end of the previous season, but a summer break should have rejuvenated him. Despite not leaving as many defenders in his wake, Salah remains a significant threat in the final third. He ranked second for shots on target and big chances created among all players last season.
Alexander Isak or Anthony Gordon – The Hidden Gems:
Looking beyond the popular choices, the Newcastle vs. Southampton fixture catches the eye. Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, has a formidable home record, which bodes well for their attacking players. Anthony Gordon, priced at £4.5m, excelled at St James’ Park last season, contributing to the majority of his 29 goal involvements. Southampton, despite earning promotion through the play-offs, conceded more goals than Ipswich during the regular Championship campaign.
While Gordon’s minutes may be limited initially, Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s most potent attacker overall, is the first-choice penalty taker. Isak, a gifted Swedish forward, scored 25 goals in all competitions last season, despite missing several games due to injury. In the opening game of the previous season, Isak scored a brace against Aston Villa, earning him 18 points. It remains to be seen if lightning will strike twice for Isak.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right captain for Gameweek 1 is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your Dream Team’s performance. Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah are the top contenders, with Haaland being the default choice for many managers due to his incredible goal-scoring record. Salah, on the other hand, will face a newly-promoted Ipswich side with defensive vulnerabilities.
For those seeking hidden gems, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak offer potential. Gordon excelled at St James’ Park last season, while Isak is Newcastle’s most potent attacker and the first-choice penalty taker. Both players have the potential to make a significant impact in Gameweek 1.
Ultimately, selecting the right captain requires a careful analysis of fixtures, form, and individual player statistics. Considering these factors will increase your chances of maximizing points and achieving success in the new Dream Team season.