The Armband: FPL Gameweek 11 Captaincy Analysis

The Armband: FPL Gameweek 11 Captaincy Analysis

This article is part of our The Armband series.

Thing were back to normal in Gameweek 10, at least for the most part. Anyone that captained Sergio Aguero was rewarded with two goals, an assist and full bonus points. As for the 100,000 owners who dropped Aguero over the previous two weeks, better luck next time.

Alexis Sanchez was also back on the score sheet with a brace, while Eden Hazard's rise can't be ignored now that he's scored in three straight. Romelu Lukaku was another big name that secured a goal and assist, as he's now scored or assisted in four straight.

As usual, there were a couple surprises near the top. Ilkay Gundogan, James McArthur and Ahmed Musa are all on fewer than five percent of fantasy squads, yet all produced. All of them come cheap and have been starting, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to back any of them.

The biggest disappointment of the weekend had to be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who didn't do anything once again even in a plus matchup. Ibra has failed to score in six straight and will continue to be a popular option to drop.

Elsewhere, Troy Deeney… didn't score. So much for my Watford pick. Either way, I gave him an assist on the own goal in my personal league that includes just me. I'm first place in that league.

Last week didn't look fantasy friendly from the outside, but most of the favorites came out on top, which in turn helped fantasy scoring. Gameweek 11 looks to have numerous favorable matchups, but we all know how those usually go. Don't be surprised if Burnley have the most goals this weekend, home against Crystal Palace. Basically, everyone should captain Sam Vokes. That's partly a joke, but Burnley aren't a bad team to back against a Palace side that has lost three straight and given up seven goals in their last two matches.

But the most popular captain of the weekend will undoubtedly be Aguero, as Man City host Middlesbrough. I would say be cautious because Middlesbrough have only allowed five goals on the road this season and held Arsenal in check last time away, but I know no one cares about those numbers.

Liverpool seem to have a great matchup as well, but Watford are coming off three straight clean sheets. The usual guys like Phillipe Coutinho and Robert Firmino will be considered, but I'd look elsewhere.

Southampton are coming off a down match, but anyone that plays Hull needs to be considered. Charlie Austin and Nathan Redmond are the best choices.

The matches of the weekend include Chelsea hosting Everton and Spurs traveling to the Emirates to take on Arsenal. It's hard to deny what Hazard and Diego Costa are doing with Chelsea, but this will again be far from an easy match. Yet, the last two times the Blues were at Stamford Bridge, they easily dealt with Leicester and Man Utd by a combined 7-0 score line. As for the Gunners, it will be hard to give the armband to Sanchez this week ahead of someone like Aguero. Spurs maybe haven't won in a while, but they've still allowed a league-low five goals.

My favorite contrarian play would be Junior Stanislas if he can return from a calf injury. Prior to the injury, he had three goals and three assists in a stretch of three matches. Callum Wilson can also be considered as Bournemouth host Sunderland on Saturday.

Lastly, Leicester return home, where they have 11 points from five matches, scoring eight goals and allowing just two. West Brom aren't an easy test, but Musa should get some consideration for captaincy. I'd probably take him over Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy at this point.

As a reminder, keep an eye on injuries throughout the week with clubs in European action.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adam Zdroik
Adam, a 2019, 2018 and 2017 Finalist for FSWA's Soccer Writer of the Year, is RotoWire's soccer editor. He also runs RotoWire's Bracketology, as well as writes on other various college basketball content. He has previously worked at ESPN and Sporting Kansas City, and he is a former Streak for the Cash winner and Michigan State graduate.
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