GW2: The Captaincy Conundrum

Like seemingly all of the FPL community, my plan to roll the first transfer of the season is seemingly in place (barring any early team news tomorrow morning), and so the main decisions this week have been on who to bench, and more importantly, where to put the captains armband this week.

Whilst the decision on my captain likely comes down to the two main men, Bruno and Mo Salah, there’s several other maverick options which have been considered throughout the week.

Riyad Mahrez has been a strong consideration. With Man City set to play in front of their own fans for the first time this season, against a Norwich defence which looked vulnerable to attacks down their left side, as exploited by Salah last week.

Add in the fact that City will be looking to bounce back from last weekends defeat to Spurs, and the Algerian could be in for a good day.

Danny Ings looked starved of service last week, but still managed a debut goal for Aston Villa. The introduction of Leon Bailey added an extra dimension to the villa attack, and I would expect him to start tomorrow. Add in Villa having home advantage, and Newcastles defensive stats being particularly woeful, and Ings is another player who could easily haul.

In the same game, Callum Wilson is another I’ve considered briefly this week. Much has been said about Villa’s shaky defence since John Terry left, and they didn’t look great at Watford last week… but it’s a memorable quote from Wilson’s interview with Alan Shearer that makes me fancy him to score.

Finally, if I was looking for a bit of a differential captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold would be another consideration. With Burnley conceding 6 chances down their left flank last week vs Brighton, it’s an area that Trent and Salah will no doubt look to exploit.

But with it only being the second gameweek of the season, a risky punt on a captain is probably too much of a risk, especially when Bruno and Salah seem great options.

I’m currently veering towards Fernandes, mainly due to Salah’s previous record against Burnley. Just 1 goal and 2 assists in 8 previous appearances doesn’t scream guaranteed success…. But it’s hard to ignore the weakness down Burnley’s left hand side, and the fact that Salah will be buoyed on by a vociferous returning crowd to Anfield.

Bruno meanwhile travels to Southampton, and the fact it’s an away game almost makes me fancy him more here. I expect the Saints crowd to be willing their team forward, which could be criminal after seeing the way Bruno exploited the space afforded to him by Leeds last week. Southampton also posted similar defensive stats to Burnley last week, and seem the sort of team which, once put under pressure, can capitulate, as shown by their 9-0 defeats in consecutive seasons.