Following a week of maneuvering squads due to various fixtures and the Carabao Cup final, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are gearing up for Gameweek 27.
This week offers a straightforward lineup, with all teams playing once, simplifying decision-making for managers. However, for those contemplating transfers, it’s worth noting that double-game weeks for certain clubs are on the horizon. Here are the top five FPL Captain Picks for Gameweek 27, promising maximum points potential.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland, priced at £14.4m, represents Manchester City in FPL. Despite his return from injury in Gameweek 22, Haaland’s recent performance has been somewhat average with three goals and two assists. Nonetheless, his exceptional talent suggests another significant points haul isn’t far off.
In Gameweek 27, Manchester City hosts bitter rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, a fixture historically favourable for City under Pep Guardiola’s management. Bookmakers consider City strong favourites, with a 52% chance of scoring 2.5+ goals. City ranks third in total goals scored (59) with an xG (expected goals) of 53.49, also placing them third. Haaland is poised as one of the top captaincy choices this week, given his prolific goal-scoring ability.
Despite his high xG, Haaland has netted 17 goals, showcasing his efficiency. He’s a guaranteed starter, takes penalties, and serves as Manchester City’s main attacking threat, boasting a remarkable goal involvement rate of 51% in the games he’s played.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Ollie Watkins, valued at £8.8m for FPL game week 27. He is enjoying a stellar season in Fantasy Premier League. Currently the highest-scoring player in the game with 14 goals and 15 assists, Watkins shows no signs of slowing down. Aston Villa faces a highly favourable fixture against newly promoted Luton.
Luton has conceded 51 goals (eighteenth) and holds the worst expected goals conceded (xGC) record in the league with 52.3. Meanwhile, Villa boasts impressive attacking statistics, scoring 56 goals (fourth) with an expected goal (xG) of 49.89 (fourth).
This matchup suggests a comfortable win for Unai Emery’s side, at least on paper. Watkins serves as Villa’s talisman, boasting a remarkable 52% goal involvement rate. Playing for one of the league’s most attacking teams, Watkins is virtually guaranteed a starting spot, plays the full 90 minutes, and poses a threat both in scoring and assisting.
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Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka, priced at £9.2m, is having a standout season for Arsenal, boasting 13 goals and eight assists. He currently sits as the second-highest scoring player in the game, just one point behind Watkins. Saka’s expected goals (xG) stand at 11.2, with an expected assists (xA) of 8.5.
Arsenal faces another favourable fixture this week against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United. The Blades have conceded the most goals (66) in the league, with an xGC of 51.5 (nineteenth). Arsenal’s recent form adds to their favorability, having scored 25 goals (first) in the last six games and a total of 62 goals (second) this season, with an xG of 54.43 (second).
With a 58% chance of scoring 2.5+ goals in Gameweek 27, Arsenal is rightfully favoured. Saka’s impressive performance includes eight goals in his last seven league games, with four double-digit points hauls in his last five outings. Undoubtedly, he stands as one of the top captaincy choices for this week.
Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
Dominic Solanke, priced at £7.1m, is enjoying a breakout season in the Premier League. The 26-year-old has notched 14 goals and three assists, with an expected goals (xG) of 14.6 and an expected assists (xA) of 1.4. His impressive statistics suggest he’s likely to maintain his scoring rate.
Bournemouth faces one of the league’s weakest defensive sides, Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. Burnley has conceded the second-most goals (58) in the league, with an expected goals conceded (xGC) of 46.5 (sixteenth). Andoni Iraola’s side is favoured to clinch victory, with promising statistics hinting at a few goals. Solanke is a guaranteed starter, takes penalties, and serves as Bournemouth’s main attacking threat. Having started every game this season, he is poised to capitalize on this favourable fixture to add to his goal tally.
Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Son Heung-min, valued at £9.6m, has contributed 12 goals and six assists in 21 starts this season, with an expected goals (xG) of 7.0 and an expected assists (xA) of 4.8. Tottenham Hotspur has a favourable fixture this week at home against Crystal Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Crystal Palace has conceded 44 goals (fourteenth) this season, with an expected goal conceded (xGC) of 38.3 (eighth).
Despite their defensive record, Palace’s attacking nature suggests they will create plenty of chances in the game. With James Maddison now fit and adding to their attacking options, Spurs boast a full roster of attackers. Son is expected to start and is the first-choice penalty taker.
Known for his versatility, he excels both on the left wing and as the number 9, likely to switch between these positions during the game. Spurs are also fourth favourites to score 2.5+ goals (40%) in Gameweek 27.
Also Read: Best Goalkeeper Picks in FPL | GW 27