Best Captain for Gameweek 27

The new round of Fantasy Premier League is approaching with haste. So, here, in this article we take a look at the best captain for Gameweek 27, with the help of our expert @LPbroadcasts.

The deadlines don’t stop in FPL at the moment, and managers get to look forward to midweek action involving all 20 Premier League teams from Tuesday – Thursday.

It looked like those that backed against Mohamed Salah had their dues paid. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak bagged 14 and 13-point hauls for their efforts and rewarded managers.

However, Salah produced his 16th double-digit haul of the season, nailing 28 points for those that captained the Egyptian. Thus, within this article, we’ll be assessing captaincy options and whether backing against the number 11 is even worth it?

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool vs Newcastle United (H)

In truth, it’s very hard to overlook Liverpool’s number 11. The winger has 16 double-digit hauls this campaign, two times more than anyone else in the league. We are witnessing history.

After his haul at Etihad Stadium against City, he’s now only 18 points off his record season total in 2017/18 [303], with 11 matches still to go. He has six goals and three assists in his previous five games, and faces the Magpies at Anfield – where he’s only blanked once this season. Salah returned 18 points in the reverse fixture at St. James’ Park and is one of the most in-form players on the planet right now.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s side have shipped 14 goals in their previous five. They also haven’t kept a clean sheet at Anfield in the Premier League since April 1994. Coupled with Salah’s record against them: 10 goals and seven assists in 16 games – need we say more?

Cole Palmer – Chelsea vs Southampton (H)

While Mohamed Salah is the popular captaincy choice this week, opting for Cole Palmer could be a shrewd differential move. However, it would be an oversight to exclude Palmer from consideration as a prime captaincy candidate in his own right.

Chelsea’s number 20 only has one assist in his previous five matches, and the Blues have also lost three of those five. But, with an eye-catching fixture he’s hard to overlook.

Despite a dip in form, he still has 14 goals and eight assists in 26 for Enzo Maresca’s side, and has delivered five 10+ point-scores at Stamford Bridge, the most of any player.

Notably, they face rock-bottom Southampton, who have shipped 61 goals in 26 games, and have kept just one clean sheet on their travels. They look destined for relegation, sitting 13 points from safety.

Differentials

Arguably, backing anyone apart from Salah is a risk. However, if you believe the previous two options could be outscored, here are players that could be considered if you’re chasing rank or are behind in your mini-leagues:

Jean-Phillipe Mateta – CPFC vs Aston Villa (H)

The Frenchman has been in a rich vein of form in recent weeks for the Eagles, and looks like he’s replicating his previous season tally. He has seven goals and one assist in his last seven, and faces off against Unai Emery’s side, who have kept just three clean sheets all season.

Moreover, Mateta bagged a hat-trick the last time the Villains visited Selhurst Park. With Ipswich Town (H) and Southampton (A) to follow in GW28/30, he’s a fantastic option at only £7.4m.

Mateus Cunha – Wolves vs Fulham (H)

Wolves’ number 10 is the focal point in their attack, and has three goals in his previous three. They take on the Cottagers, who have kept just two clean sheets in 15 games. The upside of backing the Brazilian is also his bonus points appeal – nobody except Salah and Chris Wood have bagged more bonus points this season than Cunha [33].

Jarrod Bowen – West Ham vs Leicester City (H)

Bowen has been in excellent form since returning from injury in GW24, scoring 10+ points in two of his last three appearances against Chelsea (A) and Arsenal (A). He’s also been playing as a striker under Graham Potter, which adds upside to his appeal.

Furthermore, the Foxes have conceded a hefty 32 goals away from home this season – their defence has been particularly leaky under their manager, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, conceding at least two goals in 11 of his 13 games in charge and failing to keep a clean sheet.

Bowen has a strong record against them, with two goals and one assist in their last three encounters. Given these factors, he has the potential to deliver his highest points return since GW7.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we feel the best Best Captain for Gameweek 27 is Salah. Liverpool’s main man is on for a record-breaking season in multiple categories, and his record against Eddie Howe’s side cannot be overlooked.

Although we love a differential shout, the perfect time will be in GW29 when the Reds blank. Until then, a perma-captain shout is not out of the question.