While trying to put out a team of 11 players for this blank gameweek, we are also tasked with selecting a captain from a more limited player pool. However, this challenge does allow for some interesting options to emerge.
In this article, we pick out our top three candidates for the captain’s armband in blank gameweek 31.
Bruno Fernandes – The Safe Choice
As if we needed reminding of his FPL credentials, Bruno Fernandes delivered yet another double-digit return in gameweek 30. His form under Carrick suggests he could be a safe permanent captain for the rest of the season. Up next for him is a trip to Bournemouth.
It is Bruno’s creativity that has underpinned his success in recent weeks. He has 8 assists since Carrick took charge, which is not surprising considering he has created 42 chances in that time. This is almost double the next best, Declan Rice. His role in the team is tailor-made for his creativity to shine. It also helps that he takes half of United’s corners and most set pieces.
While he has just two goals since gameweek 22, it never feels that one is far away for Bruno. In this spell, he has taken 20 shots and still takes penalties and direct free kicks for United.
It was from a free kick that he scored in the reverse fixture against Bournemouth in gameweek 16. He also chipped in with an assist and maximum bonus on his way to 13 points that day. That game ended 4-4, and if we get such an open game this week, Bruno could profit again.
A weakness that Bournemouth have shown this season is defending set-pieces. They have conceded the 4th most chances from such situations in the league, which bodes well for Man United’s captain.
Our model has Bruno Fernandes leading the way this week with 5.37 expected points. It would not be surprising to see him as the most popular captain again, and for good reason.
Anthony Gordon – The Punty Talisman
A less reliable, but more exciting option is Anthony Gordon, who takes on Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby. People who have owned him this season may still wake up in cold sweats at the mention of his name, but with two goals in two and a change in role, there could be something there for those willing to take the risk.
With Woltemade and Wissa struggling to make their marks, Eddie Howe has turned once again to Anthony Gordon to lead the line. This is a role that he is familiar with, having played here before for Newcastle and for England on their way to U21 Euro glory.
Gordon has said on a few occasions that he loves playing as a striker, and his performances, especially in the Champions League, have reflected this.
All this to say that we have an out-of-position striker available for selection at just £7.3m.
What is most encouraging about his new role is the increase in minutes he has benefited from. After a season of bench appearances and consistent subs around the hour mark, Gordon has played 77 minutes or more in his last five outings.
With penalties in his locker as well, Gordon is approaching talisman status for Newcastle.
Despite playing Barcelona in midweek, you would expect Newcastle to put out their strongest possible team for the derby, especially with the long break that follows. After their 1-0 loss at the Stadium of Light, this is a must-win game for a Newcastle side that have struggled to get going in the league. A win here would be Newcastle’s third in a row and would mark a real change in momentum.
Gordon is projected to score 4.68 points in gameweek 31 by our model. He offers a viable captaincy alternative to Bruno Fernandes, albeit a more risky one with less certainty around his minutes and energy levels.
Harry Wilson – The Fixture Play
Someone who will be a popular captain due to his fixture is Harry Wilson. Fulham’s main man is having the season of his life with nine goals and eight assists already, and is about to face a Burnley side who have conceded more xG than anyone else by a long way.
Wilson’s output has not been supported by any incredible underlying numbers, but his goals throughout his career have often come from low xG chances. Wilson is a great finisher who has finally had a season where he has played consistent minutes.
He has already played more minutes at this stage of the season than he had managed in any of his previous seasons in the Premier League. Back from the injury which kept him out in gameweek 29, there is very little doubt about his involvement against Burnley.
This fixture could not be better for Wilson. As well as conceding the most xG in the league, Burnley have also conceded the most shots and big chances. They have also conceded the most key passes in the league down Wilson’s flank. Finally, they are second-worst for shots conceded from set plays, which benefits Wilson as one of Fulham’s set-piece takers.
It was in gameweek 16 that Wilson recorded his biggest total of the season with a goal, two assists and maximum bonus. Unsurprisingly, this was also against Burnley.
With less supporting underlying data and no penalty duties, Wilson is a bit further back in our model with 4.08 projected points. Despite this, he is an excellent captaincy option in his own right with the best fixture of the round.
