As the Premier League season enters its final stretch, the FPL captaincy becomes a make-or-break decision for managers. With Double Gameweek 36 (DGW36) on the horizon, featuring two fixtures for several teams, the stakes are higher than ever. The captain you pick could swing your rank by hundreds or even thousands of places, making informed analysis crucial.
This week, the spotlight falls on five standout candidates, each with unique strengths and risk factors tied to their upcoming matches. These pairings set the stage for a captaincy bonanza, perfect for those chasing the title or salvaging their season. The allure of DGW36 amplifies the usual considerations: fixture difficulty, team form, and individual role.
Statistics from recent seasons show that captains with double games often outscore their single-gameweek rivals, but the choice hinges on who can consistently convert chances amid pressure. Ownership percentages and underlying metrics like expected goals (xG) and minutes played further refine these picks, guiding managers toward a balanced, high-ceiling selection without overrelying on any single player. Let’s delve into each contender’s case for the armband.
Erling Haaland stands as the quintessential DGW36 captain, embodying safety through sheer firepower. The Norwegian leads the Premier League Golden Boot race with 219 total FPL points, bolstered by 24.05 xG and a consistent tally over his last six games, despite occasional droughts.
City’s double fixtures at the Etihad, first against Brentford and then Crystal Palace offer a home advantage where the team averages over 2.5 goals per game, according to recent data. This setup makes Haaland a near-guaranteed return, with an 85% projected points probability in GW36, as highlighted by FPL analytics platforms.
His role as City’s focal attacking force is unshakable, especially in a title-chasing scenario where the team will prioritise attacking over defense. Haaland’s appeal deepens when considering his recent form: three goals in his last three outings, coupled with top rankings for shots (21) and big chances created among forwards.
With 63.0% ownership, he is the template captain, minimising rank swings even if he underperforms. For managers seeking a low-risk, high-reward option, Haaland’s double gameweek slot at Etihad makes him the go-to FPL captain. His blend of volume, quality, and consistency is hard to beat in GW36.
Viktor Gyokeres presents a compelling captaincy case, built on Arsenal’s defensive solidity and West Ham United’s defensive inconsistencies. West Ham, under their recent managerial carousel, have struggled defensively, yielding goals galore with a leaky backline that often succumbs to set-pieces and transitions.
In GW35, Gyokeres scored a brace against a porous Fulham, signalling a return to his best form after a mid-season slump where he averaged under 0.5 points per game. Gyokeres’s gradual progress this season positions him as a prime candidate against West Ham, who face a daunting task at the London Stadium.
Arsenal’s high-pressing attack, led by Bukayo Saka and others, often overwhelms the Hammers’ 4-2-3-1 setup, creating big chances. With 13.7% ownership, the Swede is undervalued compared to Haaland’s 63%, offering upside without massive ownership risk. His recent performance suggests he is back to his best, leveraging his physicality and finishing to capitalise on West Ham’s defensive lapses in GW36.
Rayan Cherki, Manchester City’s midfield dynamo, emerges as a DGW36 captaincy dark horse after a string of inconsistent outings. The 22-year-old has run the show in recent City victories, dictating tempo and creating key chances. His expected assists (xA) metrics have surged, with 0.52 xA per game over his last three matches.
After a mid-season dip where he averaged under four points per game, Cherki has rebounded with 28 points in his last four outings, showcasing his creativity and chance-conversion. His role in City’s attacking midfield positions him to exploit defensive weaknesses. With 17.5% ownership and a 7.0 form rating, the Frenchman is a high-ceiling option for managers avoiding the Haaland template, offering potential for multiple goal contributions in DGW36.
Bruno Fernandes shines as a DGW36 captaincy pick against Sunderland’s defensive woes. The Portuguese midfielder, chasing the season assists record, leads United’s attack with his set-piece wizardry. Sunderland’s defence has conceded 46 goals, including a shock 5-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, and their 4-2-3-1 setup struggles to handle creative midfielders. His role as United’s primary playmaker ensures he will be central to any victory at Sunderland’s home.
Fernandes’s recent form underscores his importance in the final third, especially against a leaky Sunderland backline. His xA metrics hover around 0.4 per game, and his 12.3 predicted points for GW36, per FPL tools, reflect his high ceiling. With United chasing confirming a top-five finish, Fernandes’s set-piece dominance and creative runs make him a prime captain choice, offering potential for multiple assists and bonus points in DGW36.
Danny Welbeck rounds out the DGW36 captaincy contenders with a strong case against Wolves. The veteran, known for his finishing and work rate, has found form in recent weeks, scoring and assisting against supposedly tough opponent. Wolves’ defence has conceded goals for fun, with their setup that often leaves gaps in transitions.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s home advantage at the Amex Stadium adds to the veteran striker’s appeal. His 8.3% ownership makes him a potential differential pick for the armband. Welbeck’s recent points haul signals a return to his best, especially with Brighton’s attacking midfielders creating chances.
In GW36, facing Wolves at home offers a favourable fixture, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s 11 clean sheets balanced against Wolves’ struggles. Welbeck’s experience and finishing make him a prime candidate for multiple goal contributions, offering a low-ownership, high-ceiling option for managers seeking an alternative to the big names.
| Player | Club | Opponent | Main Appeal | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City | Brentford, Crystal Palace | Double home games; top scorer with 24.05 xG; template captain. | Low |
| Viktor Gyokeres | Arsenal | West Ham United | Strong Arsenal defense; West Ham’s defensive lapses; 5 goals in 6 games. | Medium |
| Rayan Cherki | Manchester City | Brentford, Crystal Palace | Creative midfield role; 0.52 xA per game; 85% return probability. | Medium |
| Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | Sunderland | Assists leader; set-piece dominance; 7.2 points per game. | Medium |
| Danny Welbeck | Brighton & Hove Albion | Wolverhampton Wanderers | Veteran form; home advantage; 6.5 points per game. | Medium |
Beyond the top picks, several others warrant consideration for GW36 captaincy. Gabriel Magalhaes offers defensive solidity, while Nico O’Reilly provides creativity after a strong run-in. Antoine Semenyo and Bukayo Saka leverage their attacking flair against favourable fixtures, as highlighted by Saka’s 35 points across two visits to West Ham.
Matheus Cunha and Morgan Gibbs-White offer attacking options against weaker defenses, while Ismaila Sarr and Florian Wirtz provide attacking spark in double games. Noah Okafor and Ollie Watkins boast strong finishes, and Benjamin Sesko adds high-ceiling potential from abroad. These marginal picks enhance portfolio depth without overshadowing the main contenders.
