FPL Best Captain for Gameweek 23

We take a look at some of the top candidates and pick out the FPL best captain for Gameweek 23. Using the Fantasy Football Scout members area we can access its underlying stats and fixture ticker to come to a conclusion.

The player you select as your captain will earn you double points in any given round. Captaincy is one of the biggest contributors to your overall score and rank. Because of this, picking the best captain for Gameweek 23 could be key.

Gameweek 23 fixtures

Below we can see the fixture ticker – it has ordered the matches in difficulty order. According to the ticker the teams at the top have the easiest fixtures and the teams at the bottom have the toughest fixtures.

The fixture ticker can be very useful when trying to pick out a captain but other factors should also be considered.

Erling Haaland

Manchester City look to be gaining momentum recently – winning eight matches on the bounce in all competitions. They also managed a huge 24 goals in that same period, averaging three goals per game. In the Premier League they also rank joint best for goals scored overall so far.

When it comes to opposition this week Manchester City face Brentford. The Bees have been struggling recently – winning just one, drawing one and losing four of their last six games. In that same period they also shipped a massive 18 goals. When it comes to underlying data Brentford rank mid-table to good defensively. However, they also rank the worst for goals conceded and fourth worst for big chances conceded.

Erling Haaland (£14m) has been injured for some time but returned in Manchester City’ latest match. The Norwegian may have missed plenty of gametime over the last weeks but overall he still ranks third best for non-penalty expected goal involvement, joint first for goals and first for big chances total. He also takes his sides penalties which adds appeal.

Richarlison

Tottenham are another side gaining momentum. In fact, in their last six matches they have won four, lost one and drawn one. They also netted at least two goals in all of those same matches. Offensively this season they sit second best for goals scored, third best for total attempts on goal, third best for shots in the box and fourth best for shots on target.

Everton are up next for Tottenham. When focusing on their recent form the Toffees have drawn three, lost two and won one of their last six games. Defensively during the same matches they rank around mid-table for some metrics. However, they also sit fourth worst for shots in the box conceded, second worst for total attempts on goal and joint fifth worst for big chances conceded.

Richarlison (£7m) has been excellent recently – scoring in five of his last six matches. When it comes to his stats, amongst all players in the league he sits seventh for non-penalty expected goal involvement, joint sixth for shots in the box and joint third for big chances total.

Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa have been in mixed form in their last six games – winning just two, drawing two and losing two. When focusing on their offensive data in the same period they sit seventh for expected goals and around the same area for metrics like big chances, shots in the box and more.

Aston Villa have a meeting against Sheffield United who although rank the worst in the league for several key defensive metrics have also improved recently. When it comes to the Blades last six games they no longer rank in the worst five teams for most defensive metrics. However, they do rank joint second worst for goals conceded.

The focal point to the Aston Villa attack is Ollie Watkins (£8.8m). Watkins has been hit and miss recently – hitting three returns in his last six matches. Statistically Watkins remains outside the top 10 best players for key metrics.

Who is the best captain for Gameweek 23?

Ollie Watkins remains a very good captaincy option but the lack of penalties and recent attacking data makes him a lesser pick.

It could be a very tight call between Erling Haaland and Richarlison. When fully fit Erling Haaland has been relentless, explosive and superior statistically. However, after just recovering from injury and playing just 19 minutes in his recent match his gametime this week could be managed.

With the above in mind, taking into account his recent form, guaranteed minutes, opposition and his sides recent offensive data Richarlison stands out as the best captaincy option this week.