Zlatan Ibrahimovic (£11.5m) sent an ominous warning to Fantasy Premier League managers ahead of Manchester United’s Gameweek 27 home encounter with AFC Bournemouth.
The Swede scored twice to seal a 3-2 EFL Cup final victory over Southampton, guiding Jose Mourinho’s men to their first silverware of the season.
Jesse Lingard (£5.6m) also found the net for the victors, with Marcos Rojo (£5.2m) and Ander Herrera (£6.3m) claiming assists.
Sold by more than 281,000 FPL managers in the previous Gameweek, Ibrahimovic has scored six times in United’s recent run of four cup matches and is one of the strongest captaincy contenders for next weekend.
But the possibility of a double Gameweek 27 for Manchester City has curtailed his appeal.
Should Pep Guardiola’s side defeat Huddersfield Town in a fifth round FA Cup replay on Wednesday night, they will play twice (against Sunderland and Stoke City) in the upcoming Gameweek.
Such a scenario is likely to help Sergio Aguero (£12.7m) emerge as the armband favourite for Gameweek 27, surpassing even Ibrahimovic's appeal.
With United missing Gameweek 28 due to their involvement in the FA Cup quarter-finals, interest in Ibrahimovic has been limted following Sunday's double: just over 13,000 managers have moved to acquire him.
Instead, Manolo Gabbiadini (£6.6m) is a man in demand after scoring twice for the Saints at Wembley.
Subject to 131,000+ FPL transfers ahead of this weekend despite Southampton missing Gameweek 26, the Italian has attracted more than 52,000 new owners ahead of the Saints’ trip to Watford – more than double any other player in the Gameweek.
Gabbiadini has scored five goals in only three appearances across all competitions since arriving at St Mary’s Stadium.
However, he will also miss Gameweek 28. Ironically, Southampton were scheduled to host United that weekend but will sit it out as the Red Devils face Chelsea in the last eight of the FA Cup.
The Scout says: Going without Ibrahimovic for Gameweek 27 looks a risk, particularly if Man City's double Gameweek fails to arrive. Investment in Gabbiadini could wait until Saints' fixtures improve from Gameweek 30.