For millions of managers in Fantasy Premier League, Erling Haaland’s (£15.3m) goal and 18-point armband haul against Arsenal last time out has effectively ended the captaincy debate.
The Manchester City forward had blanked in both his meetings with the Gunners last season – a record that had persuaded many to seek out a temporary armband alternative in Gameweek 5.
Indeed, despite being owned by 71 per cent of managers, Haaland was captained by just over four million of his backers. Having passed the ultimate test by scoring against the league’s meanest defence, the Norwegian looks set to be heavily backed against Newcastle United.
The underlying statistics only serve to show the Norwegian’s peerless goal potential. Haaland has had more shots, shots in the box and shots on target than any other player this season. He also ranks joint-top for big chances, a situation where the player is expected to score.
Newcastle's defensive statistics further add to Haaland’s prospects for more goals – they've allowed 61 shots in the box, the third-most in the league.
Haaland’s form, fixture and consistency – he’s scored in all five of Man City’s matches - make him the standout armband candidate in Gameweek 6.
Who are the best alternatives to Haaland?
If you are brave enough to go against the vast majority, there are some very appealing options among this weekend’s other match-ups.
Looking at the key players for involvement in big chances can help highlight those most likely to deliver goals and assists for big Fantasy hauls.
Liverpool pair Mohamed Salah (£12.8m) and Luis Diaz (£7.9m) visit a Wolverhampton Wanderers side who have conceded a league-high 14 goals.
Salah’s prospects for goals and assists are strong - he's been supplied with five big chances and created four big chances. Diaz, nonetheless, has matched that total of nine big chance involvements - he’s had seven and created two.
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka (£10.0m) and Kai Havertz (£8.1m) could enjoy a productive Saturday afternoon at home to promoted Leicester City. Saka has been involved in a total of eight big chances to the six of Havertz.
Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo (£7.2m) shouldn’t be overlooked against West Ham United – his four big chances and four big chances created means he has mirrored Saka’s total of eight.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) has matched Haaland’s 10 big chances and one big chance created ahead of a trip to promoted Ipswich Town.
Finally, AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (£5.6m) also faces a promoted side, Southampton. His 24 shots rank SECOND among all players in Fantasy.
Goal threat in GW1-5
| Player | Shots | Big chances | Big chances created | Big chance involvement |
| Haaland | 26 | 10 | 1 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watkins | 13 | 10 | 1 | 11 |
| Diaz | 13 | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Salah | 17 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| Mbeumo | 10 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Saka | 11 | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Havertz | 11 | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| Semenyo | 24 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
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