If you’re one of the 73 per cent of managers in Fantasy Premier League who own Erling Haaland (£15.4m), the armband decision appears to be a fairly straightforward one in Gameweek 8.
Manchester City’s forward has scored 10 goals over the first seven Gameweeks and faces a Wolverhampton Wanderers side who have conceded 21 goals, the most in the league.
Although Haaland's 67 points have been matched by Cole Palmer (£10.8m) at the top of the player standings, the underlying statistics show the Man City star's peerless potential for goals. Haaland's 35 shots, 31 shots in the box and 23 shots on target are all more than any other player in Fantasy this season.
Factor in his four goals and season-high 21 points in his previous meeting with Gary O’Neil’s side last season and there’s every reason why Haaland’s huge ownership can expect another big haul on Sunday.
There are, nonetheless, a host of other players who have the form and underlying numbers to suggest they can also have a successful Gameweek 8.
Who are the best captaincy alternatives to Haaland?
A single blank this season suggests the consistent Bukayo Saka (£10.1m) is the best alternative to Haaland for the armband. Arsenal's Saka is joint-top with Palmer for involvement in big chances, or situations where the player is expected to score, this season, with 15 each. Saka and team-mate Kai Havertz (£8.3m) are expected to recover from knocks to be available for the Gunners' visit to AFC Bournemouth. Havertz's goal threat has been particularly impressive this season, with his 10 big chances matching Haaland's tally.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min (£9.8m) is another midfield big-hitter who is likely to return from injury this weekend. The South Korean has two double-figure returns in three home appearances ahead of a visit from West Ham United – indeed, his 9.3ppm in such contests is identical to that of Saka.
Son’s team-mate Brennan Johnson (£6.6m), meanwhile, takes on the Hammers in the most prolific form of his career. The Welshman has scored in seven successive matches for club and country, and has boasted a huge goal threat in 2024/25 – his 21 shots in the box place him joint-third among all players.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea have been in excellent attacking form ahead of their showdown at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. The Reds have had a league-high 28 big chances, while their visitors’ total of 16 goals is second only to the 17 of Man City.
That should offer encouragement to owners of Mohamed Salah (£12.7m), Luis Diaz (£8.0m) and Cole Palmer (£10.8m) this weekend. Salah has served up four double-figure hauls in seven matches, while Diaz has averaged 11ppm in his three appearances at Anfield this season. Chelsea playmaker Palmer has climbed to almost 50 per cent ownership on the back of 17 and 25-point hauls this season.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins (£9.1m) was a big success away to his weekend hosts Fulham last season, scoring twice to collect 13 points. Watkins is the top-scoring forward in Fantasy over the last four Gameweeks, earning 32 points, thanks to four goals and an assist. Impressively, his 11 big chances are more than any other player in 2024/25.
Attacking stats in GW1-7
| Player | Shots in box | Big chances | Big chances created | Big chance involvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmer | 18 | 7 | 8 | 15 |
| Saka | 20 | 3 | 12 | 15 |
| Watkins | 16 | 11 | 1 | 12 |
| Salah | 21 | 8 | 4 | 12 |
| Haaland | 31 | 10 | 1 | 11 |
| Havertz | 22 | 10 | 1 | 11 |
| Diaz | 13 | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Son | 3 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Johnson | 21 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
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