Players To Pick
Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
Kai Havertz (7.5m) has enjoyed a great spell of form heading into a home encounter with Bournemouth. The Arsenal man recorded back-to-back double point hauls against London rivals Chelsea and Spurs. He is clearly enjoying his advanced role in an Arsenal side that have scored 85 goals so far this season. I believe that Havertz will continue his fine form as the Gunners push for the title.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Alexander Isak (8.3m) faces 19th position Burnley after recording a brace against Sheffield United at home. While Isak has blanked in his last two away fixtures, a trip to a Burnley side who have conceded 70 goals so far this season provides the Swede a good opportunity to improve his goalscoring record away from St James Park.
Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Joško Gvardiol (5.0m) has boasted two goals and two clean sheets in his last three games. This shows that the Croatian is enjoying his best form since signing for Manchester City last summer, displaying his potential at both ends of the pitch. Manchester City host Wolves, providing Gvardiol a chance to reward managers.
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Jordan Pickford (5.7m) has kept three clean sheets in a row and scored back-to-back double point hauls heading into an encounter with Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. While Everton’s last away fixture was a 6-0 defeat to Chelsea, the Toffees have been formidable at the back since, including impressive displays from Pickford to secure Everton’s place in the Premier League next season.
Differential Picks
Mark Flekken (Brentford)
Mark Flekken (4.7m) has back-to-back clean sheets at the Gtech Community Stadium, including a double point haul at home to Brighton. The Bees’ goalkeeper has an opportunity to continue his home streak in a West London encounter with Fulham on Saturday.
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Marc Cucurella (4.8m) has displayed impressive form at Stamford Bridge recently. Despite scoring -1 points on each of his away games, the Spaniard has scored 18 points in his last two home matches, recording two clean sheets and an assist. With an ownership of just 1.4%, Cucurella could be a great differential at both ends of the pitch as Chelsea face West Ham in their pursuit of European football next season.
Andreas (Fulham)
Andreas (5.3m) has performed impressively for Fulham on the road recently, scoring a brace at West Ham and recording an assist in each of Fulham’s away trips to Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United. The Brazilian has an ownership under one percent, making him an excellent differential ahead of a trip to Brentford.
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
An away trip to an already relegated Sheffield United gives Chris Wood (4.8m) an opportunity to rediscover his form in Nottingham Forest’s push for Premier League survival. While his form has dipped, the Forest striker was unlucky to not score against Manchester City. This means that I would back the forward to bounce back against a side who have conceded 97 goals and kept just one clean sheet this season.
Captaincy Options
The clear favourite for captaincy this week will be Erling Haaland (14.1m) after marking his return from injury with a goal off the bench against Nottingham Forest last Sunday. A home encounter with Wolves gives the Norwegian a chance to boost his Golden Boot claim.
Bukayo Saka (9.0m) claimed his eighth double point haul of the season with an impressive display against North London rivals Spurs. Arsenal’s top-scorer will be looking to have another positive influence in their game with Bournemouth at Saturday lunchtime.
I believe Alexander Isak (8.3m) could have joy against a Burnley side that tend to give their opponents opportunities to score with their brave style of football. It’s a fantastic chance for Newcastle United’s striker to not only help his club secure European football, but to add to his 19 goals in a push for the Golden Boot.
There are enticing alternative captain picks for this week too. Kai Havertz (7.5m), Phil Foden (8.4m), Cole Palmer (6.0m) and Kevin De Bruyne (10.5m) all have the potential to deliver big for their managers.
