This week in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), the decision between captaining Mohamed Salah or Cole Palmer is a pivotal one. Both players are widely owned and have the potential to score big points. Salah, owned by 71.9% of players, is a consistent performer for Liverpool, while Palmer, owned by 60.7% of managers, has been a form player for Chelsea. So, which one should you choose for the captain’s armband?
As always in FPL, choosing the right captain can make or break your gameweek, so let’s take a closer look at the two options and consider their fixtures and recent performances.
The Case for Salah as Captain: The Safe Option
Mohamed Salah has been one of the most reliable players in FPL for several seasons. This week, Liverpool face Newcastle at home, and while Newcastle have shown some resilience defensively, they’ve conceded four goals to Manchester City and three to Nottingham Forest in recent matches. This raises the question of whether Salah, a player with immense attacking potential, can exploit these defensive weaknesses.
Salah is undoubtedly one of the most consistent points earners in FPL, with his ability to score goals, provide assists, and earn bonus points. His ownership of 71.9% reflects his status as a must-have player for many FPL managers, and captaining him is a relatively safe option. While there are some concerns about Newcastle’s defensive solidity, Salah’s potential to deliver is hard to ignore.
If you prefer a more risk-averse approach, Salah is likely the captain choice that will provide the most peace of mind. He has shown time and again that he can punish defenses, even those that perform well in some matches. In a home game against a Newcastle team that has conceded goals recently, Salah’s chances of delivering double-digit points are high.
The Case for Palmer as Captain: A Risk Worth Taking?
On the other hand, Cole Palmer is an intriguing and slightly more risky option for FPL managers this week. The Chelsea forward has been in decent form this season, although his recent performances have not been as spectacular as early in the campaign. Despite a few lackluster performances, Palmer has eight double-digit hauls this season, demonstrating his potential for explosive returns. He has the ability to score goals and assist in a team that is struggling to find its rhythm but can still create chances against weaker opposition.
This week, Chelsea face Southampton at home, and this fixture presents Palmer with an opportunity to prove his worth. Southampton have been leaking goals in recent weeks, including a 4-1 defeat to Brighton. This puts Palmer in an ideal position to take advantage of Southampton’s defensive frailties. While his form has been a bit inconsistent, the upside of the fixture could outweigh the risk of captaining him over a proven performer like Salah.
In FPL, sometimes the best captaincy decisions come from gambling on a player with explosive potential in a favorable fixture. Palmer has been involved in the majority of Chelsea’s goals this season and can turn any game on its head with his pace and ability to get into the box. If you’re feeling bold and looking for a high-reward option, Palmer could be the captain pick that pays off big.
FPL Team of the Week: Budget-Friendly Choices
To help guide you through the selection process for this week, here’s a Fantasy Premier League team of the week, designed to fit within a £100m budget. The team is picked with current FPL prices in mind and offers a solid mix of premium and budget-friendly options.
Goalkeeper and Defence: FPL Budget Choices
Alphonse Areola (West Ham), £4.2m – Leicester City (H)
West Ham have a great chance to keep a clean sheet this week against Leicester City, a team that has struggled offensively in recent weeks. Areola is a solid budget option for FPL managers who want to free up funds for premium players elsewhere in their team.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham), £4.4m – Leicester City (H)
Wan-Bissaka has been one of West Ham’s best performers this season, contributing offensively with two goals and three assists. He has also earned the most bonus points of any West Ham defender, making him a useful option in both defensive and attacking situations.
Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United), £4.5m – Ipswich Town (H)
Dorgu has been impressively attacking from the left-wing-back position and could provide value if United’s defense improves. His crosses and attacking potential make him a solid choice for FPL managers looking for a budget defender.
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), £5.1m – Southampton (H)
Chelsea’s defense has been shaky at times this season, but Cucurella is one of the best options in the Chelsea backline. With Southampton struggling to score, Cucurella has a chance to earn both clean sheet and attacking points.
Midfield: Key FPL Players to Consider
Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), £8m – Everton (H)
Mbeumo has been one of the most consistent performers for Brentford this season, scoring 14 points in the previous gameweek. With Everton visiting this week, Mbeumo could be in for another strong haul.
Mohamed Salah (Vice Captain), £13.7m – Newcastle (H)
Despite the temptation to captain Palmer, Salah is still an excellent vice-captain choice. His potential to score big points against Newcastle is high, and if he can return to his usual form, he’ll be sure to deliver.
Cole Palmer (Captain), £11.1m – Southampton (H)
Palmer is the captain pick for this gameweek due to his favorable fixture against Southampton. While he’s been out of form recently, the potential to exploit Southampton’s weaknesses is too good to ignore.
Pedro Neto (Chelsea), £6.2m – Southampton (H)
Neto was Chelsea’s most impressive attacking player in their recent loss to Aston Villa. He could play a key role in Chelsea’s attack against Southampton, making him a solid option for FPL managers looking for a budget-friendly midfielder.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), £7.3m – Leicester (H)
Bowen has been in excellent form since returning from injury, scoring twice in his last three games. West Ham face Leicester this week, and Bowen could play a key role in securing another victory for his team.
Forwards: Affordable Options with Potential
Beto (Everton), £5m – Brentford (A)
Beto has been in red-hot form, scoring 35 points over his last four games. His price is a steal, and his form makes him an excellent budget option for FPL managers looking to squeeze in premium players.
Matheus Cunha (Wolves), £6.9m – Fulham (H)
Cunha is a bargain at £6.9m and has been in excellent form, scoring in three consecutive games. With favorable fixtures ahead, including home games against Fulham and Southampton, Cunha is a strong budget forward choice.
Subs Bench: Backup Options
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), £4.5m – Aston Villa (H)
Henderson is a reliable backup option for FPL managers on a tight budget.
Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace), £4.9m – Aston Villa (H)
Munoz offers a cheap defensive option with some attacking potential.
Joao Pedro (Brighton), £5.4m – Bournemouth (H)
Pedro could be a valuable substitute pick for managers looking to add depth to their forward line.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves), £4.7m – Fulham (H)
Ait-Nouri is another budget-friendly option who could benefit from Wolves’ upcoming favorable fixtures.
Final Thoughts: Salah vs Palmer for Captain
In conclusion, the decision between captaining Salah or Palmer this week comes down to risk and reward. If you prefer a safe, proven option, Salah is your pick, given his consistency and ability to deliver in tough fixtures. However, if you’re feeling bold and want to gamble on the potential for huge returns, Palmer against Southampton is a tempting option, especially considering his explosive potential.
Ultimately, the right captain for you will depend on your style of play and whether you want to play it safe or take a risk. Either way, both players have the potential to deliver big points in FPL, making this a crucial decision for managers ahead of this gameweek.
