Bruno Fernandes Emerges as Leading Captain Choice Amid Haaland Absence
With Arsenal and Manchester City facing off in the Carabao Cup final this weekend, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are confronted with several challenging decisions. Both clubs, along with two others, have no Premier League fixtures in the upcoming blank gameweek, complicating team selection and strategy.
Managers must decide how to handle Erling Haaland's absence, whether to deploy the free hit chip—which permits unlimited transfers for a single gameweek—and how to compensate for unavailable players. After accumulating 31 points over the last three weeks, Bruno Fernandes is a prominent candidate to replace Haaland as the most captained player in the game.
FPL expert Holly Shand and contributors from the FPL Podcast share their insights on these dilemmas.
Haaland Challenges and the Case for Bruno as Captain
With Haaland set to score zero points this weekend, over 230,000 managers have already transferred him out ahead of the Friday 18:30 GMT deadline, making him the most transferred player out this gameweek. Several factors justify this move.
Haaland's recent fitness concerns have impacted his form; he has netted only three goals in 11 Premier League appearances since the start of the year. Additionally, Manchester City face a tough schedule with an away game at Chelsea in gameweek 32, followed by a home match against league leaders Arsenal.
Despite this, City could have a double gameweek in week 33, making it risky to sell a proven goalscorer who may be costly to reacquire later.
"I'm personally not looking to sell Haaland as I'd end up buying him back immediately after the international break at a higher price point.
Transfers are precious at this stage of the season. Selling would allow flexibility to buy Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer.
Bruno Fernandes stands out as the best captain pick, having produced goal involvements in eight of his 10 Premier League games under Michael Carrick.
He has five double-digit hauls in this period, continuing to dominate for key passes (98), as he looks to break the Premier League record for the most assists in a season."
— Holly Shand
"My favourite is Bruno. Just give him the armband. He plays the minutes and is always involved."
— Alistair Bruce-Ball
"Get Haaland out of your team. He is not playing well and the stats are terrible from open play. Antoine Semenyo is the best City asset by a mile.
I think Fernandes is the number one for captaincy. He could have had four assists in the last game against Aston Villa. He is playing some of the best football. He is the best by a mile for me."
— Statman Dave
Advising Against the Free Hit Chip and Highlighting Thiaw's Potential
Regarding the free hit chip, Holly Shand advises caution.
"I'd personally avoid playing the free hit chip this week, with five of the 10 highest-scoring players in the game without a fixture - meaning reduced upside.
There's likely to be a tougher blank and double schedule to navigate around gameweek 33 and gameweek 34, being caused by the FA Cup semi-finals.
I believe quality over quantity is the key. In an ideal world, getting a full XI out would be the aim, but I wouldn't take a points hit to achieve that.
You may be able to get away with nine or 10 players if you ensure you own the key attacking players for the gameweek.
Fulham's Harry Wilson has returned from injury in time for Burnley at home, having managed 17 goal involvements this season. Chelsea's Joao Pedro has been the highest-scoring player in the game since Liam Rosenior's arrival, with 14 returns in his last 10.
Anthony Gordon is the most transferred in player, having netted goals in consecutive games."
— Holly Shand
Statman Dave adds perspective on squad planning and player differentials.
"We have been speaking about planning for a bit. If you've planned to free hit this week it is fine or alternatively, 10 players is fine - but if you are at nine I would consider taking a points hit.
Malick Thiaw would be my differential. The Newcastle defender is owned by 8.9% of managers. In terms of the next run of fixtures, they have Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Arsenal - where you could bench him - Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
More importantly, of Newcastle's defenders he has taken the most shots and scored the most goals with four - which is a great return for a centre-back. He has the most clearances, blocks and interceptions."
— Statman Dave
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