FPL Gameweek 19: Navigating the Captaincy Conundrum

Gameweek 19 of the FPL season is upon us, kicking off on Boxing Day with the captaincy armband weighing heavily on managers’ minds. With Erling Haaland’s fitness a question mark and other big names facing tricky fixtures, choosing the right leader is more crucial than ever. Let’s delve into the top contenders and weigh their pros and cons:

The Usual Suspects:

• Mohamed Salah (£12.5m): The Egyptian King remains a consistent points magnet, boasting the highest ownership (50.8%) and a juicy home clash against Leicester City. However, the Foxes have tightened up defensively in recent weeks, and Salah’s tendency to drift wide could limit his attacking impact.
• Son Heung-min (£11.1m): Spurs face Brighton at the Amex, a fixture that promises goals. Son has rediscovered his form, scoring two goals and two assists in his last three games. His clinical finishing and attacking prowess make him a tempting choice, but Brighton’s unpredictability adds a touch of risk.

Differential Darlings:

• Dominic Solanke (£5.5m): The Bournemouth striker is flying under the radar (2.3% ownership) but has netted four goals in his last five games. He faces a struggling Crystal Palace defense and could be a sneaky captain pick for those seeking a high-reward gamble.
• Bukayo Saka (£8.1m): Arsenal’s in-form winger faces a potentially low-key clash against Everton at Goodison Park. Saka has been a creative spark for the Gunners and has the potential for both goals and assists. His lower ownership (11.8%) could be a major advantage for differential seekers.

Alternative Angles:

• Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.3m): Liverpool’s attacking full-back always carries the threat of big hauls, especially at Anfield against Aston Villa. Though not a typical captain pick, his set-piece expertise and attacking raids could bring home the bacon.
• Pascal Gross (£6.4m): Brighton’s midfield maestro is in fantastic form, averaging over 3 chances created per 90 minutes. He faces a Tottenham defense that can be leaky at times, and Gross’s set-piece deliveries and attacking threat make him a viable option, especially at his low price point.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Rain Threatens to Dampen Boxing Day Bonanza: Day-wise Forecast and Predictions.

Points to Remember:

• Haaland’s fitness: If the Norwegian is declared fit, he instantly becomes the captaincy frontrunner. Monitor his situation closely before making a final decision.
• Fixtures and Form: Consider the matchup, current form, and overall attacking potential of your captain choice.
• Your Team Structure: If you already have a lot of attacking options, a defender like TAA could offer a more balanced approach.

Ultimately, the captaincy decision is yours. Weigh the options carefully, consider your team needs and risk tolerance, and may the armband bring you bountiful FPL points in Gameweek 19!

DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.