Most FPL managers have been nervously searching for injury news across the international break with a number of assets falling under the microscope. One of those is Kaoru Mitoma (£6.6m), a captain pick of ours in Gameweek 12, who is confirmed to be out of Brighton’s next match. Mitoma failed to record an attacking return last time out, but whilst Bukayo Saka (£8.7m) gained an assist against Burnley, Mo Salah (£13.0m) was on the scoresheet twice vs Brentford. Differential pick Cole Palmer (£5.2m) recorded 6 points after scoring a late penalty for Chelsea in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Man City.
With the final international break of the year at an end, we shine a spotlight on three premium captain picks for Gameweek 13, including a differential option ahead of Saturday’s 11:00 deadline.
PREMIUM OPTIONS
Mo Salah (£13.0m) vs MCI (a)
Anyone who thought Mo Salah would take things lightly on international duty can think again. Four goals in one match for Egypt against Djibouti will have been music to the ears of his large FPL ownership and they’ll now be hoping he carries on his excellent recent goalscoring form against Man City in Gameweek 13, an opponent he thoroughly enjoys playing against, having netted on 11 previous occasions vs the Premier League champions.
FPL POINTS - LAST GW'S
— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) November 20, 2023
Salah - 42
Haaland - 41
Mbeumo - 34
You're transferring him in, aren't you? pic.twitter.com/yLkxHHVCtl
Salah boasts seven goals across his last five league matches, racking up 57 fantasy points in the process. As it stands, the Egyptian has racked up ten goals, four assists and 101 FPL points over the course of the season, more points than any other asset in all positions and when taking into account his record against Man City, the fixture shouldn’t put people off captaining him.
Heung-Min Son (£9.7m) vs AVL (H)
After having blanked in consecutive gameweeks, Heung-Min Son (£9.7m) may be due a big return come Gameweek 13 at home to Aston Villa, underlining his captaincy appeal. Only Salah has acquired more fantasy points than Son among midfielders so far this season and four of the Spurs midfielder’s returns so far across the campaign have been double-figure hauls.
I'm almost certain he'll start, but I'm also a little bit more tempted by Son captain the last day or so...https://t.co/KKDYsqbS2x
— Andy (@LetsTalk_FPL) November 24, 2023
Aston Villa are a very dangerous team under Unai Emery, but defensively they are suspect, failing to keep a clean sheet since Gameweek 6 and this bodes well for Son. With three attacking returns in as many home Premier League fixtures and an ownership percentage which exceeds 40%, Son certainly appeals as a Gameweek 13 captain
Jarrod Bowen (£7.7m) vs BUR (a)
This pick comes with a huge element of risk attached. Jarrod Bowen (£7.7m) was a hugely popular transfer in for FPL managers during the international break, but news has since emerged about him carrying a knee injury that may require surgery. However, West Ham manager David Moyes has stated in his Gameweek 13 pre-match press conference that Bowen may be fit to start, which would be unexpected but should automatically put him on the radar as a captain.
What do we make of David Moyes' update on Jarrod Bowen, #FPL managers? pic.twitter.com/vtcQ1PRv4h
— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) November 24, 2023
The Hammers travel to Burnley, who are struggling desperately under Vincent Kompany. Bowen’s record on the road has been outstanding all season and the winger is yet to not score in an away Premier League fixture this season. This bodes well for a potential points haul and those who have brought Bowen into their FPL teams should also consider naming him skipper.
DIFFERENTIAL OPTION
Dominic Solanke (£6.5m) vs SHU (a)
Following a brace and 13 FPL points at home to Newcastle in Gameweek 12, Dominic Solanke (£6.5m) has established himself as a player who could prove a golden differential ahead of Gameweek 13 and Bournemouth’s trip to Sheffield Utd. Admittedly Solanke had not scored since Gameweek 9 before his two goals vs the Magpies, but he looked extremely impressive and the focal point of Bournemouth’s attack. Sheffield Utd have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, with no club having conceded more goals than their 31 after 12 gameweeks, so handing Solanke the captaincy may not be a crazy move.
