A double gameweek is always an exciting time in FPL. If they have not already done so, most managers will be clamouring to get their third Arsenal asset in place. Thoughts then turn to the triple captain chip.
This week, we look at the merit of using the chip in gameweek 26 and assess the standout candidates for the triple captain armband.
Why Use Triple Captain in Gameweek 26?
Gameweek 26 is set to be a popular week for the triple captain chip. Whilst it is a nice double for Arsenal, one of the main reasons is down to how double gameweeks further down the line might fall.
Gameweek 33 should be a much larger double gameweek, making it a very strong week for the bench boost chip.
Using the ‘Planet FPL Projected Fixtures’ on our FDR, we can see that there could be anywhere up to eight doubles that gameweek, depending on how teams progress in the FA Cup.
There is also the possibility of a further double gameweek in 36. However, this relies on more factors, making it less likely.
If Manchester City were to get a double gameweek in 36, Haaland would be a standout option for the triple captaincy. However, at this stage, we do not know if this will happen or if City will have anything left to play for.
Because of this uncertainty, managers are turning to the safety of gameweek 26.
Gabriel: The Standout
Gabriel is very likely to be the most popular triple captain this week, for good reason. The Brazilian has been Arsenal’s leading performer this season and is right up there with Haaland for points per start.
His minutes are very assured. This extra time on the pitch buys him more time to secure defensive contributions (defcon) and increases his goal and bonus potential.
Gabriel leads Arsenal defenders for defcon, with around 8.6 per 90. While that is not a great success rate, the potential is there. With two away games, Arsenal could be put under a bit more pressure, allowing Gabriel to hit the threshold.
For a centre back, Gabriel’s goal threat is excellent. He already has three this season, and benefits from Arsenal’s league-leading set-piece numbers. However, his opponents for the double gameweek have been strong in defending set plays so far. They are both in the top seven for expected goals conceded from dead balls.
Gabriel also leads the way for bonus points among defenders. This is helped hugely by his goals and clean sheets, but his all-round game has helped him secure 18 bonus points already this season.
Because of Arsenal’s well-documented defensive record and his many routes to points, Gabriel is the standout triple captain this week.
Declan Rice: The Midfield Alternative
For those with less appetite for triple-captaining a defender, Declan Rice offers a positionally advanced solution.
Alongside Gabriel, Rice is one of Arsenal’s most nailed options. He has been benched on only two occasions and has played over 2000 minutes for the Gunners this Premier League campaign.
He really does it all in the Arsenal midfield, contributing four goals, seven assists and hitting the defcon threshold nine times. This has all come together to help him record 18 bonus points, level with Gabriel.
His creativity this season has been impressive. He is second behind only Bruno Fernandes for chances created, and third for big chances created. With Saka out, a lot of Arsenal’s creativity will need to come from their number 41.
What makes Rice very interesting in the triple captaincy discussion is his away form. Going into a double with two away trips, Rice has been averaging 6.8 points per away start versus just 4.7 points per home start.
This disparity is mainly due to his increase in defensive contributions, as well as three of his goals coming on his travels.
If Rice can continue his fine away form, he could be a very shrewd triple captain this week.
Jurrien Timber: The Rogue Pick
Owners will tell you that Arsenal’s right back has been one of the more frustrating FPL assets this season. This week, however, he has the chance to pay back the points he owes to anyone brave enough to triple captain him.
To get the negatives out of the way early, Timber is more of a minute’s risk than Rice and Gabriel and does not get anywhere near them in terms of defcon and bonus potential. He has hit the defcon threshold twice and has just 7 bonus points on the season.
One factor working in Timber’s favour is the FA Cup fixture against Wigan, which comes in between their two matches in the double. This provides an opportunity for him to rest and for Arteta to hand Ben White a start. Glass-half-full managers will point to this and say it increases the likelihood of Timber starting both matches in gameweek 26.
Despite trailing Gabriel and Rice for goals, he leads them both for xG. With just two goals from 4.3 xG, Timber has been really underperforming, so far.
The Brentford matchup is not the most appealing from a defensive or attacking perspective, but the Wolves matchup offers a lot more encouragement for Timber in particular.
Firstly, Wolves are dead last for both goals scored and xG this season. Arsenal and Timber have a good chance of a clean sheet. What is more exciting is the defensive weakness down the Wolves’ left flank. From Timber’s side, they have conceded 272 crosses and 80 key passes. These are the third and seventh-worst numbers in the league, respectively.
While Timber has lacked the consistency of his triple captaincy rivals, he can boast the highest gameweek score of them all. His 24 points in gameweek 2 show what he is capable of if things fall his way. He may not have the highest floor, but he might have the highest ceiling.
