Bruno Fernandes and Viktor Gyokeres (both £9.0m) lead the list of armband alternatives to Erling Haaland (£14.4m) in Gameweek 7 of Fantasy Premier League.
Why is Haaland the best captain?
Haaland sits at the top of the player standings on 62 points, delivering nine or more points in five of his six outings ahead of Manchester City’s trip to Brentford.
The Norwegian looks set to continue as the most-selected captain after producing his season-high haul of 16 points against Burnley last time out.
Haaland’s underlying statistics are also the best around and show why he is the best captaincy option in Gameweek 7.
His 28 shots, 27 shots in the box and 13 big chances – or situations where the player is expected to score – are all league-leading totals.
Brentford, meanwhile, have conceded 11 goals in their six matches and collected only one clean sheet.
Who are the best captaincy alternatives to Haaland?
Manchester United's Fernandes and Arsenal forward Gyokeres, meanwhile, both have favourable home matches against Sunderland and West Ham United respectively.
Fernandes has delivered 10-point hauls in his last two matches at Old Trafford, with set-pieces, penalties and defensive contributions lifting his armband prospects.
Gyokeres has amassed 20 of his 24 points this season at Emirates Stadium, including a bumper 12-point return against Leeds United.
Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins (£8.7m) and AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (£7.8m) are also at home in Gameweek 7, facing Burnley and Fulham respectively.
Watkins ended a run of five blanks with a goal and eight points at home to Fulham last time out, while Semenyo has blanked just once on his way to the top of the midfielder standings on 48 points.
And there is, of course, Mohamed Salah (£14.5m) to consider for Liverpool’s visit to Chelsea.
Rested in midweek, the Egyptian will look to take advantage of a Blues side who are struggling for form, with a draw and two defeats across the last three Gameweeks.
Who is most likely to score or assist?
While Semenyo and Salah are tied at the top on six big-chance involvements, the Bournemouth star has been all about goal threat.
Indeed, he betters the Egyptian by six big chances to three, with Salah's creativity playing a big part in his lofty position.
Fernandes sits just behind the pair on five big-chance involvements. He's also created 16 chances this season, the second-best total in the league.
Gyokeres' 13 shots in the box, meanwhile, are more than any of his rivals here, with only Semenyo surpassing his four big chances.
Attacking stats, GW1-6
| Player | Shots in box | Big chances | Big chances created | Big chance inv. |
| Semenyo | 12 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salah | 9 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Fernandes | 6 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Gyokeres | 13 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Watkins | 9 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
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Who is facing the weakest defence?
An assessment of each player's opponents shows why Watkins can enjoy another successful weekend at Villa Park.
Burnley have conceded 18 big chances, more than any other side, and have let in over two goals per match over the first six Gameweeks.
West Ham's numbers here offer more encouragement for Gyokeres backers - their 14 goals conceded are a league-high.
Team defensive stats, GW1-6
| Club | Goals conc. | Clean sheets | Big chances conc. |
| Burnley | 13 | 1 | 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Ham | 14 | 1 | 16 |
| Fulham | 8 | 1 | 12 |
| Chelsea | 8 | 2 | 11 |
| Sunderland | 4 | 3 | 9 |
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So, who is the best armband alternative to Haaland?
Going on pure goal threat alone, Gyokeres' numbers - combined with the team data - make a very convincing case. His team-mates Bukayo Saka (£9.8m) and Gabriel (£6.2m) could also be considered against a West Ham side who are the worst in the league for conceding big chances.
Yet Fernandes' all-round potential, combined with his midfielder classification, which earns him extra points for goals and clean sheets - just about gives him the advantage for those brave enough to go against Haaland.