Should You Make Haaland Your FPL Captain All Season?

Erling Haaland's remarkable form continues as he leads the Premier League with 14 goals in just 11 matches this season. As the reigning Golden Boot holder for the last two seasons, his impressive scoring record makes him a top choice for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers. With Haaland also excelling in international fixtures, scoring four goals for Norway during the recent international break, many are left wondering if he is now the definitive captain choice for FPL or if alternatives should be considered.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Premier League season progresses, Erling Haaland's scoring prowess has kept Manchester City at the forefront of the title race. Following an explosive performance in the international break, where he helped Norway secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Haaland’s form has raised questions regarding his role in FPL strategy. With 102 points in FPL, he leads all players and is the most selected asset in the game, featuring in 71% of teams. This dominance has made him a “set-and-forget” captain for many, while others are contemplating alternative options as the festive fixtures approach.

Key takeaways

Haaland has scored 14 goals in 11 Premier League matches this season.
He is currently the leading points scorer in Fantasy Premier League with 102 points.
Haaland scored four goals during the recent international break for Norway, securing their World Cup spot.
Despite his excellent form, some FPL managers are considering alternatives due to upcoming fixtures.
Players like Bryan Mbeumo and Bukayo Saka are being looked at as potential captain choices for specific gameweeks.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the 2023-24 Premier League season, Haaland has consistently been a standout player. Here is a brief timeline of key moments leading to his current form:

August 2023: Premier League season begins, and Haaland quickly establishes himself as a scoring threat.
September 2023: Haaland's form peaks as he scores multiple goals in successive matches.
October 2023: During the international break, he scores four goals for Norway, solidifying his position in FPL as the top forward.
29 October 2023: With 14 goals in 11 matches, discussions around his captaincy in FPL escalate as Newcastle looms as the next fixture.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Fantasy Premier League discussions are heating up as the weekend approaches, particularly regarding Haaland's form against Newcastle. While he has struggled historically at St James' Park, his current performance level has many questioning the need to look for alternatives. Furthermore, the upcoming fixtures for other top players are being analysed for potential captaincy shifts.

What was already established

Haaland has consistently been a top performer, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in the last two seasons. His scoring record is unmatched, and his role as a captain choice in FPL has been a frequent topic among managers since the season began. The debate surrounding his captaincy often hinges on matchups against teams that defend deeply, which may impact his scoring opportunities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK football fans and FPL players, Haaland's form not only influences fantasy points but also has a broader impact on viewership and engagement with the Premier League. High-profile matches, particularly those involving City, attract significant attention, ultimately affecting ticket sales, merchandise, and local business revenues on match days.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs benefit from players like Haaland, who drive ticket sales and merchandise. Local businesses often see increased patronage on match days, which can lead to job creation and economic activity in areas surrounding stadiums. Haaland's performances have the potential to boost overall interest in the league, benefiting all associated sectors.

Policy and regulation

As the Premier League continues to evolve, discussions around player contracts and financial regulations are ongoing. Clubs are likely to evaluate their strategies based on player performances, which could impact transfer policies and financial planning in the coming years.

Numbers that matter

14 – Goals scored by Haaland in 11 Premier League matches this season.
102 – Total points earned by Haaland in Fantasy Premier League.
71% – Percentage of FPL teams that currently include Haaland.
8 – Goals Haaland has scored in his last five matches.
99 – Total goals Haaland has scored in 108 Premier League appearances, nearing his century.

Definitions and jargon buster

FPL (Fantasy Premier League): A fantasy football game where participants create teams from Premier League players and score points based on their real-life performances.
Golden Boot: An award given to the top goal scorer in a league or tournament.
St James' Park: The home stadium of Newcastle United, known for being a challenging place for visiting teams.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Haaland remains a strong captaincy choice due to his current form and the attacking prowess of Manchester City. However, upcoming fixtures against teams that play defensively may warrant consideration of alternatives such as Saka or Mbeumo, particularly in Gameweek 12 against Newcastle.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the festive schedule approaches, FPL managers should monitor Haaland's performance closely. If he continues to score against difficult opponents, he will likely remain a staple in fantasy line-ups. Additionally, the performances of other players like Salah and Mbeumo will be crucial in determining viable captaincy options.

Signals to watch

Monitor Haaland's scoring trends and performances against teams with strong defensive setups.
Watch for injury news or changes in Manchester City's tactical approach that could affect Haaland's role.
Assess the form of alternative captain options, particularly during fixture swings.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider keeping Haaland as a captain for the foreseeable future given his consistent scoring.
Evaluate alternative captain choices based on upcoming fixtures and team form.
Stay updated on injury reports to make informed decisions.

Don’t

Don’t disregard Haaland's form; he remains a top choice currently.
Don’t let past performances against specific teams overly influence your captaincy decisions.
Don’t hesitate to explore options if you believe they have favourable fixtures.

Checklist

Review Haaland's recent performance statistics.
Check the upcoming fixtures for all potential captaincy alternatives.
Monitor the form and fitness levels of other key players in the league.
Consider differential picks if you’re looking to gain an edge in FPL rankings.
Stay engaged with FPL community discussions for insights and strategies.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Haaland's scoring streak suggests he is a must-have, historical performance at St James' Park raises the possibility of an upset. Additionally, team tactics can change, and injuries can impact player selections. Therefore, while it is tempting to rely solely on Haaland, keeping an eye on alternative options is wise, especially during difficult fixtures.

Bottom line

Erling Haaland is undeniably a key player in both the Premier League and Fantasy Premier League this season. While his current form makes him an attractive captaincy option, FPL managers should remain vigilant about fixture difficulties and other players' performances as the season progresses. Careful consideration of alternatives could provide a strategic edge as the festive fixtures approach.

FAQs

Is Erling Haaland a good captain choice for FPL?

Yes, with 14 goals in 11 matches this season and being the top points scorer in FPL, Haaland is widely considered a strong captain choice.

Who are some alternative captain choices for FPL?

Players like Bryan Mbeumo and Bukayo Saka are potential alternatives, especially if Haaland faces a tough fixture.

What should I consider when choosing a captain in FPL?

Look at players' recent form, the difficulty of upcoming fixtures, and potential injuries to make informed captaincy decisions.