FPL Gameweek 5 – Captain Picks

As we draw closer to the FPL deadline for Gameweek 5 on Friday evening, all of us at TSZ have put together a list of our most appealing captain picks for the upcoming round of Premier League fixtures. We’ve highlighted not only three popular players in regards to current ownership, but also a differential choice who could provide brave FPL managers the springboard needed to rise up their respective mini-leagues.

Popular Options

Erling Haaland (£15.5m) vs SUN (H)

Expect the vast majority of FPL bosses to hand Erling Haaland (£15.5m) the captaincy for Gameweek 5, especially when you consider both his form and fixture. Man City host Sunderland, who are coming off the back of their first game in Europe for over 50 years. Since blanking on the opening weekend of the season, Haaland has racked up four goals and 31 FPL points across the following three gameweeks, not dropping below nine points on each gameweek. 

The Norwegian superstar has also netted twice in the Champions League against Sporting Lisbon and with an FPL ownership of over 70%, those who opt not to captain Haaland are taking a gigantic risk. Expect big red arrows if the City striker finds himself on the scoresheet once again.

Morgan Rogers (£7.7m) vs BRE (a)

A tough fixture for Morgan Rogers (£7.7m) away to Brentford on Friday night. But so far, Chelsea’s new signing from Aston Villa has looked very much ‘fixture-proof’ with at least one attacking return in all four of his side’s Premier League games so far including a goal away at Premier League champions Arsenal, a notoriously strong defensive side. Those returns don’t include his hat-trick of assists against Leeds in the Carabao Cup.

Rogers is owned by just under 40% of FPL managers, a number only likely to rise prior to the Gameweek 5 deadline. With 27 points over the course of four Premier League matches, the attacking midfielder is in great form and despite a difficult fixture ahead, he certainly holds significant captaincy appeal.

Alexander Isak (£9.1m) vs BOU (a)

With Joao Pedro doubtful for Gameweek 5 due to injury, some FPL managers may look to make a last-minute transfer and bring in Liverpool forward Alexander Isak (£9.1m). Those who do take the plunge, alongside the fantasy bosses who already own the Swede should consider placing the armband on him, when you consider his potential for big point-returns.

Isak’s last Premier League away fixture saw him bag a brace and 13 points against Ipswich. He has accrued three goals and 23 points since the start of Gameweek 2 and appears to have established himself as Andoni Iraola’s first-choice striker, having started every game this season for the Reds, aside from a Carabao Cup fixture. Isak also gained an assist in Liverpool Champions League win at home to Atletico Madrid. 

Differential Pick

Kevin Schade (£6.1m) vs CHE (H)

Cheap, low-owned and facing a defence who are yet to keep a clean sheet in all competitions this season? All those boxes can be ticked off in Gameweek when it comes to Kevin Schade (£6.1m). One of the most in-form players in the Premier League right now, two of the last three gameweeks has seen Schade register a double-figure haul of FPL points. After getting on the scoresheet against Leeds, the German wideman followed that up with a brace and 15 points last time out vs Bournemouth.

Brentford host a Chelsea side who are strong from an attacking perspective, but weak defensively with nine goals conceded across four Premier League matches. Xabi Alonso’s side are yet to give up less than two goals in a single league fixture under the Spaniard. This only increases Schade’s appeal as a differential pick with just under 7% ownership and on the back of a call-up from Jurgen Klopp to the Germany national team squad, his confidence will be sky high.