Fantasy Premier League: The best differentiated captain picks for the rest of the month

It’s been a difficult few weeks for those who have supported the captain’s template in the Fantasy Premier League, with four gaps in five games Erling Haaland (£15.3m).

The Manchester City striker’s decline in form may not justify a sale, but a different captaincy choice every week, especially given Haaland’s recent inconsistent form, can give you a welcome rise in the rankings.

So who are the candidates for the different captaincy selections for the coming month and which teams should you choose against for the captaincy?

How important it is to solve the captain’s puzzle

From week to week, captaincy in the FPL offers the greatest variance in the game. If you do it right, you’ll often rise in the Mini League rankings – but failing as a captain could ruin your week.

We are at a stage where we cannot simply rely on Haaland every week as Manchester City struggles to create chances for their main man.

Manchester City’s schedule is now changing: in the next four game weeks they will face Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. There are many captaincy differences to consider.

It’s worth noting that, particularly during the busy European midweek, it may make sense to wear the armband with a player who doesn’t have the same intense schedule. These take place in the middle of the week before Gameweek 11 and Gameweek 13.

There are also some significant clashes to avoid at the top of the Premier League table, including Chelsea hosting Arsenal in Gameweek 11 and Liverpool’s showdown against Manchester City in early December.

We’ve also seen that it’s worth targeting specific teams, with Ipswich Town conceding the most big chances on goal this season (45) and Leicester City conceding the most shots this season (182).

Selecting a captaincy candidate who has been in recent form and has an excellent home record is a good starting point. Add to the mix someone who can perform consistently for 90 minutes and someone who can take penalties and it makes the perfect mix.

Top differential picks for Gameweek 11

In the 11th game week, the main alternative to Spurs’ main captain is Dominic Solanke (£7.6m) before the away game against Ipswich, who conceded 23 big chances in the last four game weeks.

Solanke rewarded his owners’ patience with a 16-point effort in his side’s recent 4-1 win over Aston Villa, in which he scored two goals and an assist. They were his first goals in four game weeks.

Despite this dip in form, Solanke’s numbers have shown promise throughout the season, with him ranking third with 1.27 big chances created per 90 minutes Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) and Haaland in the Premier League.

The only downside to backing Solanke in this game is Spurs’ midweek schedule, with a busy game against Galatasaray in the Europa League tonight (kick-off 5:45 p.m. GMT; 12:45 p.m. ET). Keep an eye on his minutes in this game.

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke passed his captaincy test with 16 points in Gameweek 10 (Warren Little/Getty Images)

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest and their talisman are at the top of the Premier League table Chris Wood (£6.5m) a good candidate ahead of the home game against his old club Newcastle United this weekend.

Wood has been extremely consistent this season, scoring eight goals from 11 big chances, including five goals in his last four games. He has only hit a clean sheet in one home game this season.

I would also consider a Wolves striker Matheus Cunha (£6.6m) ahead of the away game against fellow strugglers Southampton in what could be a classic six-point win at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Cunha was involved in five goals in the first ten gameweeks of the season and has had 29 shots on goal this season. He is also creative, ranking third among all big chance players with eight players.

Cunha is believed to be the first choice on penalties for Wolves, having been the preferred option when fit last season. In the 2023/24 season he scored 19 goals in 29 starts.

Top differential picks for Gameweek 12

Newcastle United Alexander Isak (£8.3m) is a worthy candidate for Gameweek 12 when West Ham visit St James’ Park. European players have an advantage after the international break as they receive fewer air miles compared to players who travel further around the globe.

The Newcastle striker has been in good scoring form since returning from injury in Gameweek 8, scoring twice in that time. He ranks first in shots on goal (8) and second in big chances (5) during this phase.

He also has penalties in his cupboard, which is an important way to score. Isak enjoys playing against West Ham, last season he scored a brace both home and away. They have conceded eight goals in their last three games.

Alexander Isak is back from injury and is among the goals again (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

We have to keep an eye on it Raul Jimenez (£5.8m) Included in Mexico’s squad for the international break before being considered for the armband in Gameweek 12. At the time of writing he is expected to feature and that could mean a late return to the UK for the 33-year-old.

A clash against the wolves of his former employer could be a momentous event. He is in top form at Craven Cottage, with three goals in four home games this season.

Budget midfielder from Bournemouth Antoine Semenyo (£5.6m) can also be considered for the visit of Brighton as his home form is particularly strong in the 2024/25 season with three goal involvements in five.

Top differential picks for Gameweek 13

Forest frontman Wood will be considered again in Gameweek 13 as Ipswich are the final visitors to the City Ground and the home side are expected to dominate that game.

Wood is now the recognized penalty taker in Nuno Espirito Santo’s team and regularly completes 90 minutes. Heading into Gameweek 11, Ipswich had conceded 13 goals in five away games.

Bryan Mbeumo (£7.8m) should also be considered as a key candidate ahead of Brentford’s home game against Leicester City in Gameweek 13, a side who concede a lot of shots.

Brentford have been in great form at home this season, with four wins and a draw. They also lead in goals (15) and big chances (25) during this time. Mbeumo has been involved in almost half of them, scoring a league-leading seven home goals this season.

While Wood will be the clear captain’s choice, Mbeumo cannot be overlooked in any game for Brentford this season, especially if his excellent form continues.

Manchester United’s home game against Everton in Gameweek 13 will be Ruben Amorim’s first league game as manager at Old Trafford. So expect fireworks at this crucial time for the club.

captain Bruno Fernandes (£8.2m) will be looking to make an impression under his new manager after scoring from the penalty spot against Chelsea in Gameweek 10. He also scored a goal in this game last season.

(Top Photos: Antoine Semenyo and Bruno Fernandes; Getty Images)