Choosing the right captain for Gameweek 16 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is a decision that could make or break your week. But here's the kicker: Erling Haaland, the usual go-to choice, might not be the best option this time around. With his recent dip in form and a challenging fixture ahead, it’s time to explore other options. So, who should you trust with the armband? Let’s dive in.
Bukayo Saka (£10.2m) and Igor Thiago (£7.0m) are emerging as top contenders, offering a compelling case to replace Haaland as captain. Saka, fresh from a midweek rest, is set to start for Arsenal against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday night. And this is where it gets interesting: Wolves have the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 33 goals without a single clean sheet this season. Saka’s ability to both score and assist, coupled with his midfielder classification in FPL (earning extra points for goals and clean sheets), makes him a tantalizing choice.
Meanwhile, Thiago has been on fire for Brentford, scoring two goals and earning 13 points in each of his last two home games. Brentford host Leeds United, a side that has conceded 18 goals in away matches—the third-worst record in the league. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Thiago’s numbers look impressive, Saka’s all-around threat and fixture difficulty might give him the edge. Who do you think will deliver more?
Haaland, on the other hand, faces a tougher test as Manchester City travel to Crystal Palace. The Eagles have been solid at Selhurst Park, conceding just seven goals in seven home matches. And this is the part most people miss: Haaland has blanked in three of his last four matches, his worst form of the 2025/26 season. Is it time to bench the Norwegian superstar, or is his 73% ownership rate too significant to ignore?
If you’re looking beyond these three, Phil Foden (£8.6m) and Bruno Fernandes (£9.1m) are in red-hot form. Foden is the top-scoring player in FPL over the last four Gameweeks, with five goals, an assist, and 46 points—more than double Haaland’s tally. Fernandes, meanwhile, has climbed to the top of the midfielder standings, with 35 of his 85 points coming in the last four Gameweeks. However, Fernandes’s home form is a concern, with his last eight attacking returns all coming in away matches.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Are Foden and Fernandes sustainable options, or are they due for a regression? Let’s look at the numbers. Over the last six Gameweeks, Haaland and Thiago are tied for the most big chances (8), but Thiago has been far more clinical, converting 38.5% of his shots compared to Haaland’s 20%. Saka isn’t far behind, with eight big-chance involvements, showcasing his dual threat.
When it comes to defensive records, Leeds and Wolves have conceded an average of three big chances per match in their last four games, making them vulnerable. Bournemouth, surprisingly, has the best defensive record in the league over the last four Gameweeks, conceding just four big chances. But does this mean Fernandes is a risky pick at home against them?
So, who should you captain? The data suggests Thiago is more likely to score, but Saka’s versatility and fixture difficulty give him a slight edge. Haaland’s ownership rate makes him a safe vice-captain, but his form and fixture are concerning. What’s your take? Are you sticking with Haaland, or are you bold enough to go against the crowd? Let us know in the comments!
