Top FPL Captain Picks for Gameweek 17 Revealed
As Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers head into Gameweek 17, there are several intriguing captain alternatives to consider. While Erling Haaland remains a popular choice, Phil Foden and Hugo Ekitike have emerged as standout options.
Top FPL Captain Picks for Gameweek 17
Phil Foden, priced at £8.8 million, has recently transitioned to a more advanced role under Pep Guardiola. This change has lead to impressive performances, including four consecutive double-figure point totals, making him a strong candidate for the armband.
On the other hand, Hugo Ekitike, available for £8.6 million, has also found his stride, contributing significantly during his last outings. He has scored twice and accumulated 13 points in both of his recent matches for Liverpool, resulting in over 703,000 transfers in ahead of the Saturday 11:00 GMT deadline.
Performance Comparison: Foden vs. Haaland
The table below showcases the remarkable performance metrics of various players over Gameweeks 13-16:
| Player | Goals (G) | Assists (A) | Blanks | Points (Pts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foden | 6 | 1 | 0 | 55 |
| Fernandes | 3 | 4 | 0 | 46 |
| Wilson | 3 | 4 | 0 | 42 |
| Calvert-Lewin | 4 | 0 | 0 | 31 |
| Haaland | 3 | 2 | 2 | 31 |
| Ekitike | 4 | 0 | 2 | 28 |
Attacking Threat Assessment
Examining the recent big chances statistics reveals that both Foden and Ekitike are capable of competing with Haaland’s attacking threat. Here are their latest metrics:
| Player | Shots in Box | Big Chances | Big Chance Involvements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fernandes | 10 | 3 | 7 |
| Foden | 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Haaland | 9 | 4 | 6 |
| Saka | 7 | 3 | 5 |
| Ekitike | 11 | 4 | 4 |
Identifying Weak Defenses
Aside from individual performances, it is essential to consider the defensive weaknesses of opposing teams. Fulham currently has the worst defensive stats, allowing 14 big chances over the last four matches. This trend could benefit players facing them, including Saka and Mateta.
| Team | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets | Big Chances Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulham | 10 | 0 | 14 |
| Brighton | 7 | 1 | 13 |
| Wolves | 8 | 0 | 13 |
| Burnley | 9 | 0 | 12 |
| Everton | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Leeds | 8 | 0 | 12 |
Conclusion: Who Should You Captain?
While Haaland remains a top-performing player, his recent form has shown vulnerabilities. Foden’s rising performance and Ekitike’s potential as a prolific scorer could make them preferable captain picks for Gameweek 17. Utilizing these insights may guide FPL managers toward successful decisions.
