Selecting the Right Captain for Gameweek 27
DREAM TEAM managers have a crucial decision to make as the deadline for selecting their captain for Gameweek 27 looms at 11am on Saturday. Last week’s captaincy article recommended Bruno Fernandes (£6.4m) as the better choice over Mohamed Salah (£8.3m), and this advice was spot-on. Fernandes scored a remarkable 17 points across his two fixtures, while Salah faced a rare off-day against PSG, managing only two points. The Portuguese star’s performance provided a significant points swing for managers who opted to double his returns instead of Salah’s. However, does this mean managers should steer clear of Salah again in Gameweek 27?
Salah’s Upcoming Fixtures: A Risk Worth Taking?
The league leaders, Liverpool, face a double-header this week, starting with a home game against Southampton on Saturday and followed by the highly anticipated second leg against PSG at Anfield on Tuesday. Southampton, currently bottom of the Premier League table, has conceded the most goals this season, making them a perfect target for Salah to exploit. The 32-year-old, who has scored 30 goals and provided 22 assists in the 2024/25 season, is the top performer in Dream Team and should be a strong candidate for the armband. However, there is a risk that manager Arne Slot might manage Salah’s workload to ensure he is in peak condition for the PSG match. This could mean reduced minutes, which might dampen his scoring potential. Despite this, it would be a bold move for any manager to overlook the game’s most consistent points scorer in such a favorable fixture.
Cole Palmer: A Strong Alternative
For those willing to take a different route, Cole Palmer (£5.8m) presents an enticing alternative. Chelsea’s talisman has been somewhat off-form lately, but his upcoming fixtures are highly appealing. The Blues face back-to-back home games against Leicester and Copenhagen, a double header that looks promising on paper. Palmer started in the first leg of Chelsea’s Conference League round of 16 tie against Copenhagen, contributing to a 2-1 win. Manager Enzo Maresca seems intent on utilizing his star player fully, especially now that the competition has reached the knockout stage. Palmer, an England international, has averaged more than nine points per game this season, placing him among an elite group of just four players. The Foxes, while not as poor as Southampton, have struggled, conceding 12 unanswered goals in four league games in February. Palmer is likely to end his mini goal drought and could see more minutes in midweek, making him a solid captaincy option.
Bruno Fernandes: A Steady Performer
Bruno Fernandes has been a reliable source of points for Dream Team managers recently, cementing his position as the second most in-form player. However, his upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Real Sociedad are not as favorable as they have been in previous gameweeks. Arsenal, currently in the top four, and Real Sociedad, a strong Spanish side, will pose significant challenges. Fernandes’s recent form is impressive, but the tougher opposition could result in lower point returns. While he remains a strong candidate, the risk factor associated with these fixtures might make managers hesitant to captain him this week.
Son Heung-min: A Contender No More
Earlier this week, Son Heung-min (£4.8m) seemed like a decent outside bet for captaincy in Gameweek 27. The South Korean superstar averages a respectable 6.5 points per game this season and Spurs have the benefit of consecutive home games against Bournemouth and in the return leg against AZ Alkmau. However, Tottenham’s disappointing performance against AZ Alkmaar has dampened this prospect. The team’s lackluster showing suggests that they might struggle in both matches, and the fear of Son not delivering on expectations is too great a risk. While he remains a valuable player, the current form and fixture difficulty make him less of a captaincy contender this week.
Final Decision: Salah or Palmer?
In the end, the captaincy decision for Gameweek 27 largely comes down to Salah versus Palmer. The allure of Liverpool’s match against Southampton at Anfield is hard to ignore. The potential for a high-scoring game, coupled with Salah’s track record, makes him a compelling choice. Even if he sees reduced minutes, the sheer volume of opportunities in a fixture of this nature could still result in a significant points haul. On the other hand, Palmer’s upcoming fixtures, particularly the home games, offer a strong case for his captaincy. His recent involvement in crucial matches and the weaker opposition suggest he is likely to perform well. Managers will have to weigh the risk and reward of both options carefully, but the fear of missing out on a high-scoring game against a struggling Southampton at Anfield will probably be the prevailing factor.
Engage with Score Predictor
Dream Team managers looking to enhance their strategy can also engage with the Score Predictor feature. Play Score Predictor this season for free and stand a chance to win a £250 weekly prize. Simply predict the scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracy. The manager with the most points at the end of the week wins the cash prize. This feature not only adds an extra layer of excitement to the game but also helps managers stay more engaged and informed about upcoming matches, potentially giving them an edge in their decision-making. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your Dream Team performance!
