Fantasy Premier League Captain Picks Gameweek 26
Welcome to Fantasy Premier League Captain Picks Gameweek 26. The FA Cup is usually just a rude interruption for FPL players, and this week has been no different, but for once it may have been of some relevance as we decided to look at it from the point of view of choosing a Captain from the fixtures, if you had to, and what the outcome would have been. It’s interesting simply because all of the Premier League teams were up against lesser ranked opposition and indeed some against non-league teams. No brainer then, yeah? Not necessarily. Aguero against Huddersfield… Aguero against Huddersfield when even they play a second stream team… Ah come on, we’d be transferring him in droves just to captain him. He’d have got you 4 points if you had. And that’s as captain. Ok let’s try another. Burnley playing non-league Lincoln. At home. Gray and Vokes up top, take your pick, either could or should get a brace. Either would have got you 4 points. Costa and Hazard may have sat just below these in the priority list but certainly would have been considered against Wolves. Costa got a goal – a 10 point captain, maybe a tad more with bonuses. Hazard would have got you 6 and that included a clean sheet point doubled. Kane with a hat-trick obviously would have been the answer but would you honestly have picked him over the others with him having a potentially more tricky away game? He just keeps on trolling us. The point being that we can give you all the info in the world but there’s no guarantee that anyone will produce the goods on any given day.
Diego Costa / Eden Hazard Swansea (H)
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The juggernaut roles on and is showing little sign of stopping really despite an uncharacteristic hiccup at Burnley in the shape of a draw, shock horror and all that. Swansea at home would have been a banker 3/4 to nil a month or so ago but they have improved a fair bit under their new manager. Back in December they had 3 away games and conceded 11 goals, even Middlesbrough put 3 past them. Since then they have played 3 away and won at Palace and Liverpool and lost narrowly at Man City (2-1). In fact they are ranked 4th for overall form based on the last 6 games. That’s the good news for the Swans. The bad is that Chelsea are 6-0-0 at home in their last 6 having scored 15 in that run. They are ranked number 1 for goals scored at home with 33 and have yet to fail to score at home this season. In fact they’ve only failed to score less than 2 on 2 occasions and they average 2.75 goals per game at home. Swansea average 2.2 against them away from home.
As for the players themselves then Costa is the joint 3rd highest goalscorer with 15 this season but hasn’t actually notched in his last 3 league games. He did grab 2 assists against Arsenal though to take his total to 7 – the most of any forward in the game. 5 of those were at home but only 7 of his goals were. As for Hazard he looks back to his best and nothing screamed this more than his goal against Arsenal. He’d actually looked unplayable in most of that game prior to it and so it proved as he waltzed past most of the Arsenal players in the build up to it. It could only have been bettered if he’d ‘megged Arsene on the way. He’s actually outscoring Costa now in FPL points by 147 to 139 and sits 2nd overall to Sanchez. In that respect then he’s the highest FPL points scorer in action this week. And is at home to Swansea. What’s not to like about this again?! Interestingly Costa has only got 5 of his 19 bonus points at home whereas Hazard gas got 14 of his 20 at home.
Conclusion – This could go either way in terms of the players involved but it’ll most likely be a Chelsea victory but possibly by a narrower margin than their league standings suggest.
Romelu Lukaku Sunderland (H)
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The man is on fire! Or is he? Lukaku has 4 goals in his last 4 games. All 4 were scored in one game… Ok, so he was on fire in 1 game. He’d scored in 3 of his previous 4 games prior to that though, and arguably they were all tougher fixtures than the next 4 were, and definitely tougher than Sunderland at home, who he has already scored a hat-trick against this season. Where does that leave him on the fire scale then?! Sticking on the theme of home vs away points 9 of his 16 goals (he’s the 2nd highest scorer) have been at home, 3 of his 4 assists have been at home and 13 of his 22 bonus points have come at home.
Everton themselves have scored an average of just over 2 per game at home and have only failed to score in 1 game at Goodison. They are ranked 1st overall in the form table for the last 6 games having won 4 and drawn 2. Sunderland are ranked 16th in the same table and also 16th overall for away games having conceded an average of 1.8 goals per game on the road. They did win their last away game 4 nil though, at Palace, which maybe says more about Palace than them as they then went and lost the game after that 4 nil to Southampton! In their previous 3 away games they conceded 9 goals.
Conclusion – Hmmm… If Everton, and Lukaku in particular are on their game then this could be carnage.
Harry Kane / Dele Alli Stoke (H)
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The FPL troll that is ‘Arry Kane is back with yet another great home fixture to get the juices flowing. Unfortunately most of us know from recent and bitter experience what this probably all means. That FA Cup hat-trick only serves to further his case and draw us all into the troll’s lair. Now we know we are supposed to be convincing you to actually captain him, but… Sunderland 2 points, Burnley 2 points, Hull 2 points. Maybe that’s unfair but they are the 3 games which hurt many a good FPL manager the most as they were all very attractive fixtures at the time. We should also point out the following though – West Ham 13 points, Swansea 13 points, Watford 16 points and West Brom 17 points. 3 of those were at home too. Spurs previously did Stoke 4-0 in the away fixture between the two teams as well with Kane somewhat surprisingly getting just one of the goals.
Our other pick here also opened his season’s account in that very same fixture. It was the first of 11 so far. Can he make it to the golden target of 20 for a midfielder? With just 13 games left it’ll take some doing but with the form he is in we wouldn’t bet against it. Like Costa previously though he has somewhat surprisingly blanked in his last 3 games. With players of their calibre though that usually just it makes it all the more likely that they will notch once more. Alli has a decent assist return too with 5 so far, he does however struggle with the bonuses a bit having only got 12 so far and they have occurred in just 5 games despite him making at least a goal or assist contribution in 7 others.
Spurs have scored in every home game this season with an average of 2.2 per game. Stoke have conceded at an average of 1.75 per away game. Spurs are ranked 1st for form in home games with a straight 6-0-0 record, with 17 goals in those. Stoke are 2-0-4 in the same period with 13 goals against away from home.
Conclusion – In theory Spurs should win and Kane or Alli should be a great choice as captain as a result. #trollalert
Sadio Mane Leicester (A)
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What’s that old adage about a player suddenly becoming better or more valuable when their absence is highlighted even more? In Mane’s case it was predicted before he left, enhanced every game he wasn’t there and then he only went and nailed it by returning and destroying Spurs in about 20 minutes flat. The reality is that he only really missed two and a bit games because of the AFCON itself but Liverpool won none of those. He returned against Hull to no effect but you can forgive that one as a softener before unleashing properly against Spurs. He’s Liverpool’s top scorer with 11 goals, their top FPL points scorer with 132 and he has 6 assists which is only 1 behind Lallana. Yes he’s their most expensive midfielder but probably for a reason – sometimes you get what you pay for.
Liverpool have been on the crest of a slump as of late but maybe that Spurs victory and Mane’s return will signal the start of a run of better fortune again. Probably no better place to start than Leicester right now. They are ranked 20th out of 20 in the form table with a record of 0-1-5. They’ve conceded the 3rd most goals this season with 43 in 25 games. Shocking. Liverpool have scored 23 away – over 1.75 per game and the 3rd best in the whole league. Leicester also have the small matter of a Champions League fixture to traverse this week whilst Liverpool once again put their feet up.
Conclusion – Anything other a Liverpool victory would come as a surprise.
Thanks for reading Fantasy Premier League Captain Picks Gameweek 26. This article was written by inittowinit
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Fixture Tracker – the next 6 games
Very confused between Mane and Lukaku for the armband. Monday night fixtures always mean goals but if Lukaku is all pumped up then a definite hattrick
So damn clueless !
I’m going Lukaku; at home against the worst team in the league is good enough for me 🙂
:fail:
Haha yeah sounds good !
Neelbasus – I think both are a great option for this week and together with Costa, I would have no problem with skippering any one of them. As Milburn said, Lukaku at home to the bottom team is about as good as it gets, that’s assuming that this calf injury is not too serious. If Koeman suggests any type of lingering problem I’ll capo Mane for some Monday night fun!
Sounds a good plan
Ok lads, here is the dilemma.
I’ve already done Jesus to Lukaku. I might just about be able to put 11 players out this week, however Francis is a doubt.
I’m thinking (as most are) Sanchez to Mane, but I’m not liking the thought of taking the hit. However would it pay off because if one of my 11 doesn’t play I’m down to 10 and he’ll also be handy in GW28 or should I hold on until next week?
Also in my thoughts is this, Ill want to bring Kun in soon, as well as Sanchez back in.
If I sell now I’ll be 0.2 short, although one of the West Ham midst will be off so could be a slight downgrade.
I’ve 3 mil in the bank.
Bottom line, I haven’t got a damn clue.
Any thoughts on my ramblings would be helpful!
Cheers
Gear, I would sell Alexis for Mane without a doubt. There is little positive about Arsenal right now – even doubt it is being widely reported that Alexis has decided to leave in the summer. 2 blanks in the next three, Mane plays Leicester, a dodgy Arsenal defence and Burnley in 28 – bit of a no-brainer to me.
Cheers Cookie
Gear
I agree with Cookie. Worryingly.
apologies Gear, the above should read “even today”
Hey guys, how’s it going? Been laying low during the break and haven’t been around much. How’s everyone looking for the upcoming blanks? Any Sanchez/Ibra owners thinking of ditching them for the next few weeks? I’ve got both but will most likely hold Ibra as a good captain option next weekend. Think Sanchez is going to make way for Mane this week, which hurts a bit as I bought him for 11.0. Playing for points in the end though and not team value! Anyone making big moves this week or taking hits to field more players?
Hey Red, welcome back, it’s been too quiet with you and a few others having some down time
I sold Sanchez for Mane earlier in the week mate, Sunday I think it was. I’m expecting great things from Liverpool from now on – starting on Monday
Hey Cookie, thanks man. Seems a popular move, can’t see much downside with it really (cue Mane blanking and the Sanchez brace next weekend, ha!). Nice work if you caught the price rises and sold Sanchez before he dropped. I brought Coleman in with my 1 FT early as I could only just afford him, so I’m waiting on the pressers before ditching Sanchez just in case there are any other issues to think about. Nice thing about not having 11 starters is that hits only really cost 2 points this week!!
How are you looking for 28? Did you hang onto Carroll?
If Mane blanks on Monday night this site will go into mourning as I’ve yet to hear someone say that they’re not bringing Mane in
Hi Red! A bit in and out myself too. I did the Sanchez Mane move and I also bought him for 11.0. I think he’ll be there or very near come gw29 so not too worried. On the hit/playing with 11 front I’m a bit torn. I don’t have a keeper as for now so maybe Jaku will come in for Pickford as it is for -2 after all, as you say, and he plays 28 too, so one less to worry about. That’s unless Pickford is guarenteed to start on the pressers…
In the end these kind of decisions may also bear into account our ML opponents situation regarding number of players they are able to field without hits, etc. Mine has 12 already to choose from so I’m a bit reluctant on starting the week on a -2. But hey, it’s 2 freaking points, nothing too serious of course, so, yeah, in the end I’d lean towards the -2 to field 11 plan.
Good work Red, Coleman should score well for you my friend. Yeah I caught Mane before his rise and Sanchez’s fall so hopefully they both continue in the same direction!
I think I’m looking ok for 28 – currently I have
Jaku / Foster
Coleman, Baines, Brunt
Snodgrass, Mane, Tom Carroll
Lukaku, Carroll
so 9 at the mo and will get Siggy either next week or in 28.
Still got Andy Carroll yeah – am hoping he plays at least a couple from now until 28 then he’s offski – he’s so unreliable but I see little value in many other striking options for 28 that it seems silly to sell and just hope for the best!
How are you looking mate ?
Haha, hey Kop! A Mane blank and a big Firmino or Coutinho haul would be a kick in the guts. Still wondering if one of them might offer better value, but Mane has form on his side. He also seems to perform best at home, and I think we’ve got 4 out the next 6 at Anfield.
Hey DMC, good to see you mate! That’s a great point about considering your H2H and ML competition when thinking about hits. I’ve only just started checking out other teams in my ML and H2H matches more closely. I usually do whatever I think is best and will get me the most points and don’t even bother with what people in my leagues are doing, and that has served me well during the earlier stages of the season. Strategy gets a bit more important now though, you’re right. A hit for a (good) player who helps both this weekend and in gw28 seems worth doing though.
I completely agree about the ML’s. In previous seasons it was OR which influenced my decisions but with a current rank of 750k I’ve consigned my OR to the toilet and I’m just focusing on the teams in my ML. I’m currently 6th in a league of 8 so I’ve a lot of work to do
You’re looking pretty good for gw28, Cookie. I’ll have 11 for this weekend if I get Mane, and 8 so far for gw28. My plan is to get in players that don’t screw up the overall make-up of my team and also move out the deadwood. For instance, I still have Anichebe and Ake riding my bench every week. I’ll try to replace them before gw28 with like for like players (Barnes and Robertson/Maguire for example), as that’ll clean up my team and give me more players for the blanks. But it also doesn’t screw me up for later if I were to blow the funds I’ll make from Sanchez and get 4 premium defenders or something. Trying to keep my team balance the same through this period if possible, as it’s been working OK so far.
Sounds very sensible Red, you are having a superb season so it must be working very well for you. Be great to see you hit that top 10k, then top 5k, then top 1k…… anything is possible mate with your careful planning.
Kop, you’ve still got plenty of time to move up in your ML(s). I don’t know about the others in your leagues, but I don’t think most in mine analyze things to the extent that we do. We should be able to take advantage of the blanks, dgws, and smart use of our chips and WC to surge up in the final weeks of the season. I hope so anyway!
Thanks Cookie! I’ve made a few bonehead moves so far that have cost me some pretty big points, but I’m hanging in there. The past 3 seasons have been decent though and every mistake is a learning opportunity. Can’t say enough about how much this place has helped with the articles and discussions over the years, the collective knowledge of the FF247 crew is essential to playing this game!
Brilliant article Init
Very safe and solid picks those
Still unsure of mine though
Which Midfielder would you guys bring in under 8.0mn?
Currently have Mane Alli Siggy Phillips and Marney
Marney will make way for the 8.0 mn one
Choices please. Thank you
Nishant – probably Snoddy or Antonio. If you ask me next week I will say Sterling.
Cheers Sir
You are a life saver
Man City possible DGW in 27???
this changes things!
That doesn’t help as i haven’t got any City players… cue a mad scramble to get someone in
MAN CITY DGW27??
So if City beat Hudderfield in the replay their GW28 fixture vs Stoke will be BROUGHT FORWARD a few days and will mean DGW27
Damn….
Need to get Kun
Maybe triple cap as it’s Sunderland as the other fixture
could be genius Gear…but do we trust Pep enough? 3 games in a week and a 2nd leg vs Monaco coming the Weds after – 4 games in 10/11 days……
I don’t trust him at all…
It also gives the problem of who to sell to get him in.
Personally I’d want Ibra for the Bournemouth game so that counts him out, then Lukaku is needed for GW28. That leaves me with Costa and a 0.5 mil loss.
Fun fun
so their schedule would be….
Weds 1 March – Cup replay vs Huddersfield (and then, if they win this….)
Sun 5 March – away vs Sunderland (PL)
Weds 8 March – home vs Stoke (PL)
Sat 11 March – away vs Boro (FA Cup)
Weds 15 March – away vs Monaco (CL)
Sun 19 March – home vs Liverpool (PL)
#Peptime
5 matches in 15 days? Freak stuff really. I wonder if this was subject to previous club agreement! If not, this is just unfair in my view. Anyway, I do have KDB so this must be good news as I believe pep will prioritise PL and Champions League, meaning that rotation would affect the FA cup game vs Boro.
Kane to Kun for me if that’s the case.
Chucks a spanner in the works but surely there will be rotation ?
Be amusing if Hudds beat City in the replay…….
Kind of hoping they do to be honest
lol I’m done!! Sold sterling to mane the other night!!
pep will rotate his team and fuck us over!
lol just done Sanchez > mane for a hit…… now mane > sterling the very next week?!?!
Brilliant news :thumbup:
Let’s assume that City beat Huddersfield. Does this mean we’ll all capo a City player? If so we won’t capo Ibra which in turn means there is no longer such a need to hold onto him.
Fine point Kop.
He still plays Bournemouth at home, not like his fixture has got worse.
But everyone was holding him so they could capo him.
So which City players do we think play twice in 72hrs?
That I can’t answer!
But will you capo which ever City player you buy?
Probably!
Great, so what do I do with Kun now!
We TC him 😉
Lol
Cookie, That’s great news for me as Sterling owner. He’s been prolific with returns lately and a dgw would be more than enough reason to hold on to him now. KDB would be on priority now as he looks the one pep trusts the most. Will decide upon Sane/Aguero as time proceeds. OTOH, Caballero also looks like a decent option for the doubles/ permanent second keeper going ahead. Awesome…