The competition for captaincy in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 23 remains wide open due to uncertainty surrounding the playing time of key Manchester City players returning from injuries. Kevin De Bruyne is back in action, showcasing his playmaking skills and contributing points in the recent 3-1 victory over Burnley.
However, with doubts about the minutes of other premium Manchester City assets, it’s essential to consider alternative captaincy options from teams beyond the reigning champions. Let’s explore the top five captaincy choices for Gameweek 23 who have the potential to rack up maximum points.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Facing a formidable opponent in Liverpool at home, Bukayo Saka may raise some eyebrows as a captaincy choice. However, the Arsenal standout has been in excellent form recently, scoring two goals in the last four game weeks. Arsenal enters the match with two consecutive wins and a total of seven goals scored in those victories.
Saka’s underlying statistics further support his captaincy potential, as he leads all midfielders in shots over the last four game weeks with an impressive tally of 20. Additionally, he ranks third for key passes with 13. With the added advantage of having penalties in his skill set, Saka provides multiple avenues for fantasy point returns.
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
With a promising fixture against Luton Town at home, Anthony Gordon emerges as a strong candidate for the captaincy in Newcastle United‘s potentially favorable gameweek. The absence of teammate Alexander Isak due to injury might see Gordon playing out of position as a forward in this match.
Gordon has demonstrated a penchant for performing well at home this season, contributing to 14 goals, with 11 of them coming at St James’ Park in 11 appearances. Luton Town has faced defensive challenges on the road, failing to secure a clean sheet away from home throughout the season. These factors enhance Gordon’s appeal as a captaincy option for the upcoming game.
Also Read: Best Forward Picks in FPL Gameweek 23
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins emerges as a reliable captaincy option with an upcoming fixture against Sheffield United on the road. Watkins has been a consistently strong fantasy performer throughout the campaign, contributing to 21 attacking returns in 22 appearances. Known for regularly completing full 90-minute matches, he poses a dual threat with both goal-scoring and assist capabilities.
In terms of recent form, Watkins has maintained his effectiveness with one goal and two assists in his last four games, showcasing a noteworthy nine shots inside the box. Aston Villa‘s visit to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United adds to the appeal, considering the host’s lack of a clean sheet in their last six games.
Richarlison (Tottenham)
Priced at £7.0m, Richarlison is a noteworthy option for the upcoming fixture against Everton (A) in the FPL. The Brazilian forward has been a key figure for Everton this season, amassing seven goals and three assists in just 14 starts. Despite facing a defensively solid Spurs side, Richarlison’s recent form, scoring seven goals in his last seven games, makes him a standout choice.
Since Gameweek 16, Richarlison has been consistently playing as the number 9, solidifying his role in the team. With James Maddison back in action for Everton, there’s optimism for improved attacking displays, potentially leading to more opportunities for Richarlison.
Analyzing his underlying statistics, Richarlison boasts a respectable xG of 6.5 and an xA of 1.0 in his 14 starts. Additionally, with Heung-Min Son away, Richarlison is likely to take on penalty duties, further enhancing his fantasy appeal. Notably, he has played over 80 minutes in each of the last three league games, indicating an increasing level of involvement and expected minutes on the pitch.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Priced at £5.8m, Cole Palmer has emerged as a standout performer for Chelsea this season, amassing an impressive nine goals and five assists. His underlying statistics, including an xG of 7.39 and an xA of 3.97, underscore his significant contributions to the team.
Chelsea faces another favorable fixture in the upcoming game as they host Wolves at Stamford Bridge. With the Blues ranking fifth in goals scored (35) and fourth in xG (40.89), they are poised as strong favorites in this encounter, benefiting from the home advantage.
Despite Wolves’ defensive prowess, being among the top 10 teams for goals conceded and expected goals against (xGC), Chelsea is expected to find the back of the net, increasing the fantasy appeal of their attacking assets.
Palmer’s exceptional campaign is highlighted by a remarkable goal involvement rate of 45%, placing him among the league’s elite performers. As the talisman for manager Mauricio Pochettino, Palmer not only can score and assist but also serves as the team’s primary penalty-taker, further enhancing his fantasy value.
Also Read: Predicted Lineups | Team News | Injury Updates | FPL Gameweek 23