Fantasy Premier League: Gameweek 13 Captaincy Tips and Team Selections

Anticipation surrounds the upcoming Liverpool versus Manchester City match on Sunday, with questions regarding the potential for goals. Both league encounters last season concluded in 1-1 draws, and the 2022-23 game at Anfield saw Liverpool win 1-0, with Mohamed Salah scoring. The expectation is for a tight contest at Anfield, likely featuring a maximum of two goals. Consequently, Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland are not included in this week’s featured team. While managers should retain them in their Fantasy Premier League squads, alternative options for the captain’s armband are advised. A reminder is issued for the Friday 18:30 GMT deadline. The “team of the week” is assembled based on current FPL prices to adhere to a £100m budget, simulating a Free Hit chip. Previous advice to support Arsenal’s defense proved successful, as a “triple-up” yielded a clean sheet against Nottingham Forest. This defensive performance, coupled with a “Mohamed Salah captain masterclass” and “Joao Pedro’s goal and assist,” compensated for five other players who did not return points. This strategy resulted in a score of 72 points and a gameweek rank of approximately 800k. The latest “Fantasy 606 podcast” is available for listening on BBC Sounds. Andre Onana (Manchester United, keeper, £5.1m) is selected for his home fixture against Everton. FPL’s highest-scoring goalkeeper delivered strong performance in gameweek 11’s team of the week, making his current selection straightforward. The Cameroon keeper faces an Everton side that has not scored in three games and has only netted 10 goals in 12 matches this season. Diogo Dalot (Manchester United, £5.2m) is included for the home game against Everton, for the reasons previously stated. Manchester United’s wing-backs are projected to become significant FPL assets under Ruben Amorim, and Dalot’s first start was an encouraging sign. While a preference for him to play on the right, delivering crosses with his favored foot, is noted, the Portuguese player still demonstrates considerable assist potential and consistently finds advantageous goalscoring positions. Jurrien Timber (Arsenal, £5.5m) is chosen for the away match at West Ham. Having impressed this season after missing 2023-24 due to injury, the Dutchman could secure a consistent role in Arsenal’s defense over the Christmas period and is actively contributing to attacking plays. No other defender has recorded more shots or made more key passes in the last two games. Although betting against West Ham scoring proved unsuccessful last week, Arsenal’s defense is considered to be “on another level to the rest of the league” and capable of managing Michail Antonio’s physical presence. The text concludes with a cautionary remark: “Let’s hope those aren’t famous last words!” Pervis Estupinan (Brighton, £5m) is selected for the home fixture against Southampton, who are noted as the only team with fewer goals than Everton. Two seasons ago, Estupinan was a popular FPL choice, achieving one goal, 10 clean sheets, and seven assists, making him Brighton’s top defensive pick for those with an additional £0.5m. Despite not yet registering an attacking return this season, indicators suggest potential, with an expected goal involvement of 1.0 and leading Brighton defenders in key passes and big chances created. Marcus Rashford (Man Utd, £6.9m) is included for the home match against Everton. The selection acknowledges the risk of fielding three Manchester United players for the second time in three weeks, a strategy that previously succeeded against Leicester. If Rashford continues to play out of position as a striker in Manchester United’s new system under Ruben Amorim, he becomes a viable FPL option. While this game could potentially be a “Sean Dyche defensive classic,” an early goal is expected to enable United to score multiple times. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, £10.2m) is chosen for the away game at West Ham. While his three double-digit returns this season suggest he is not a consistent captain choice, Saka is considered a superb and reliable FPL asset, arguably the best forward option for Arsenal. The England midfielder’s performances against Forest last week and Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday have been “sensational,” indicating a return to form after a quieter period. Saka leads nearly all attacking statistics for Arsenal, notably accumulating 29 shots in the box, averaging over two per game. Cole Palmer (Chelsea, £10.9m) is included for the home fixture against Aston Villa. Despite three consecutive gameweeks without FPL returns, Palmer previously recorded seven goals and five assists in nine games. His deep involvement in Chelsea’s attacking strategies suggests this unproductive spell is unlikely to persist, especially given that Villa have conceded 10 goals in their last three matches. Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford, £7.9m) is selected for the home game against Leicester City. This week’s choice prioritizes favorable fixtures and historical performance over recent form, as Mbeumo has only one FPL return in his last three outings. However, the Cameroon forward has otherwise had a “brilliant” season and is set to face a Leicester team with a poor defensive record. While considering transferring Mbeumo out due to Brentford’s challenging fixture schedule over Christmas would be justifiable, he is included in this “team of the week” for one more game. James Maddison (Spurs, £7.6m) is chosen for the home match against Fulham. Maddison’s season has been characterized by unpredictability, including early substitutions and being benched in favorable home games, yet he also scored twice at Etihad Stadium. The England international ranks fifth among midfielders in FPL scoring with 68 points. Ange Postecoglou is anticipated to start him in a home fixture against Fulham, where Spurs are expected to be on the offensive. Averaging over six points per start this season, Maddison is considered a worthwhile selection. Joao Pedro (captain) (Brighton, £5.6m) is recommended for the home game against Southampton. His form since returning from injury is notable, with two goals and two assists in only 87 minutes played for Brighton. He is set to face the Premier League’s last-placed team next. The author expresses high confidence in this selection, stating, “I’m selling Haaland in my own FPL team this week to get Joao Pedro – that’s how confident I am!” Matheus Cunha (Wolves, £7m) is included for the home match against Bournemouth. Cunha is currently in even stronger form than his Brazil teammate Joao Pedro, having registered four goals and three assists in his last three games. The recent price increase from £6.5m to £7m should not be a deterrent, though a warning is issued regarding Wolves’ challenging fixtures from December 26 until mid-February, advising immediate acquisition. A cautionary note is added: while he has scored “two crackers from long range,” such goals are not