Dec 14

Gameweek 1 Captain Tips

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fplhollyFPL Holly returns for the brand new 2018/19 Fantasy Premier League season with her selection of captain picks for Gameweek 1. Her Clueless Husband also reluctantly returns after a well enjoyed summer break. It seems like a matter of days since the season ended and we are already back! The World Cup managed to fill the football void for most of the off season, but the excitement for the Premier League return is building. The opening gameweek's could be difficult to navigate, with players yet to return for pre season and plenty of unknowns; with new players, managers and stadia. Before checking out all the captain hints and tips, make sure that you join the FPL Bet Mini League. Code if link does not work is:1740321-398005. The winner will take home a Sonos Play 1 Smart Speaker. Last week, we published the FPL Bet Captains Guide. If you are new to the site, or need a refresher of the meaning of each pick, check out the key information here.

Shield Pick: Mo Salah vs West Ham (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 4/7 With his ownership levels surpassing 50%, Mo Salah looks set to be the most popular captain pick for Gameweek 1. Expect most of those who've shelled out the 13 million on this fantasy star to trust him with the armband, for a home game against a side who've struggled defensively. 303 points last season was a record in FPL, Salah scored 32 goals and 12 assists on the way to that total. Salah has had decent involvement in pre season, with 2 goals and an assist over his last three games. He has a promising record against the Hammers too, Liverpool won 4-1 both home and away last year, with Salah contributing 3 goals and 1 assist across those two games. Gameweek 1 seems like a sensible time to play safe with the captain armband, so will you go for the shield pick?

Sword Pick: Sergio Aguero vs Arsenal (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 10/11 That brace in the Community Shield, put Aguero firmly on the FPL radar. He seems to be fresh and ready to go, fully recovered from the knee injury which caused him to miss the latter part of last season. He does carry a slight rotation risk, but City only have 4 Premier League games before the first international break, so there doesn't seem any need to rest their star striker: he got 21 goals and 6 assists in the Premier League last season. City looked to be really strong last weekend; despite some absentees from the World Cup, they look set to pick up where they left off last season. Arsenal away may seem like a tricky fixture on paper, but City are so strong, and won this fixture 3-0 last year, with Aguero getting an assist. He has a decent record against the Gunners, with 8 goals and 2 assists from 14 appearances. He's likely to be on penalties too. Are you going for the sword pick in an attempt to steal a march on Salah owners?

Form Pick: Josh King vs Cardiff (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 8/5 Josh King has been in fantastic form this pre season, including 3 goals and an assist over Bournemouth's two most recent games. After a rest this summer, King should start the season well and an opening home fixture against promoted side Cardiff gives temptation for the armband. He had 8 goals and 4 assists last season, and should build on that total with the potential for penalties too. Cardiff may struggle in this game, they haven't invested as much as the other promoted sides and Bournemouth will look to start strong this time around: they've plenty of attacking threat. Will you opt for the form pick?

Fixture Pick: Sadio Mane vs West Ham (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 11/8 For those managers too stubborn to buy Mo Salah, Mane could provide an alternative captain option from the Liverpool attack. He's consistent and proven in the Premier League, with 10 goals and 8 assists last season. He has two goals plus an assist to his name in pre season and has been taking penalties for the reds. West Ham had the worst defence in the league last season, conceding 68 goals in total. I can imagine a Liverpool win will be a formality here, with plenty of goals flying in. Are you giving the fixture pick the armband?

Punt Pick: Alexis Sanchez vs Leicester (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 11/10 The Premier League opener presents an interesting opportunity to deploy the captain armband, with Alexis Sanchez catching my eye in the Friday Night Football. With players absent following the World Cup, Alexis could start up front and he will be fresh after his first pre season in years: with 2 goals and an assist. He has a good record against Leicester, with 4 goals in 6 games. He should take his fair share of penalties and set pieces too. The Foxes are likely to have some big names absent, including Maguire in defence. Will you take a punt on the first game of the season?

Bus Pick: Cesar Azpilicueta vs Huddersfield (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 16/1 Clean Sheet Odds: 11/10 I fancy a clean sheet for Chelsea in this game. They kept 16 last season, which was 4th highest in the league and their potential is now boosted by the arrival of Maurizio Sarri. Huddersfield have always been goal shy, managing just 28 goals last season, which placed them 19th overall in the Premier League. Azpilicueta is a proven Premier League name, providing consistency over a number of season. He managed 2 goals and 6 assists last season from a back three, numbers which should be improved upon as he takes up the right back position. He managed a number of tempting crosses into the box during Chelsea's Community Shield performance. Are you brave enough to captain a defender?

Clueless Husband Pick: Salad!

The Clueless Husband returns, with his slimmed-down diet pick for 2018/19. It's of course Mo Salah who's referred to here. It looks like my husband is aiming for a more sensible approach as a casual manager this season. It turns out he overheard me advising a friend that “If you don't start with Mo Salah in your team for Gameweek 1, then you might as well not bother playing this season.” The reference stuck, and now Salah is the debut Clueless Husband pick for the 2018/19 season. Will you side with my Clueless Husband? Take on the Clueless Husband in the FPL Bet Mini League to prove your fantasy capabilities! Remember that the Gameweek 1 deadline is Friday at 7pm! Until Next Week… Good Luck! Holly and her Clueless Husband Follow Holly for more FPL insight... Follow fplbet for weekly fantasy features... [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type="1_6" layout="1_6" spacing="" center_content="no" hover_type="none" link="" mer_position="all" padding="" dimension_margin="" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_offset="" last="no" element_content=""][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]