Dec 14

Gameweek 18 Captain Picks

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FPL Holly is back this week with her selection of captain picks for Gameweek 18. It's a tough time for fantasy managers as the busy festive schedule ensues, meaning that choosing a captain that features is an achievement in itself! Gameweek 17 was something of a captaincy anti-climax: Aubameyang and Salah disappointed, Kane left it very late for a meagre assist and Sterling could only get involved from the bench. Gameweek 18 will be equally as challenging: Arsenal, Spurs, Man City, Chelsea, Leicester and Bournemouth are all involved in Cup action before this one and then there's more fixtures just around the corner on Boxing Day. As always, keep an eye on midweek minutes, including any players allowed a rest. Also, remember that the Gameweek 18 deadline is earlier than usual, occurring on Friday evening.

Shield Pick: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Burnley (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 4/6 Aubameyang has the second highest ownership in the game and a favourable home fixture against a leaky Burnley will persuade many to hand him the armband. His form has dwindled in recent games, with just 2 goals and 2 assists in the last 4, plus 2 blanks. He's still the leagues joint top goal scorer though, on penalties and has delivered in back to back home games. Burnley have been very poor defensively, but have tightened things up recently, with a clean sheet against Brighton and then conceding just 1 late goal away to Spurs. With Nick Pope waiting in the wings, this fixture may not be as enticing as a few weeks ago. Are you going to play safe with the shield pick?

Sword Pick: Mohammed Salah vs Wolves (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 17/20 Salah is level on goals with Aubameyang and will be another popular captain candidate this weekend against Wolves. His starting berth should be secure given Liverpool have no midweek fixture preceding this game, but the Friday night fixture may put some managers off. Salah had 3 goals and 1 assist in his last 4. His away form is strong, he's delivered in Liverpool's last 3 on the road. With Milner carrying a knock, he may be on penalties too, plus he's playing out of position as the central striker. Wolves have conceded 4 goals in their last 4 games, keeping one clean sheet, and are looking a lot more resolute than they did a few weeks ago. Will you take a risk on the sword pick?

Form Pick: Leroy Sane vs Crystal Palace (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 19/20 Sane has managed to string together 5 consecutive Premier League starts in the absence of Mendy, delivering 3 goals and 4 assists in that time. Plenty of City's play is going down the left, with Sane central to all the action. He is due a rest so this pick doesn't come without risk, with many managers eagerly looking out for the EFL Cup team sheets on Wednesday evening before making this big decision. City won this fixture 5-0 last season, with Sane contributing 1 goal and 2 assists. Palace have a slight injury worry for first choice keeper Wayne Hennessy and despite keeping a clean sheet last weekend, they've conceded 6 goals across their previous two games. Will you risk Pep rotation for the form pick?

Fixture Pick: Eden Hazard vs Leicester (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 10/11 Hazard is a slight doubt right now, but more news of his ankle injury will materialise before the deadline. He's back on form though, with 1 goal and 5 assists across his last 4 games, including a goal and an assist last weekend. He's on penalties and could well play as the false 9 again for Chelsea. Leicester are without a clean sheet in their last 3 games, conceding 4 goals during that time. Both teams have EFL Cup involvement this week too. Are you going for the fixture pick?

Punt Pick: Robert Snodgrass vs Watford (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 10/3 West Ham are in great form, with 4 consecutive wins, including 11 goals and 2 clean sheets. Snodgrass has secured his place in the starting lineup, with 2 goals and 3 assists in his last 4 games. It's another favourable fixture this weekend at home to Watford: expect another dazzling performance from the Hammers. Snodgrass has plenty of attacking goal threat, plus he's on plenty of set pieces too, where he could gain assist points. Watford are struggling defensively, having conceded 2 goals in each of their last 4 games. Will you take the punt?

Park the Bus Pick: Marcos Alonso vs Leicester (H)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 18/5 Clean Sheet Odds: 17/20 After a disappointing outcome last weekend, we are backing Alonso to deliver once more here. His home form is excellent, delivering points in his last 3 home games, where Chelsea have kept a clean sheet. His attacking threat is plain to see, he was unlucky to not convert a great chance last weekend. Are you brave enough to captain a defender?

Clueless Husband Pick: Xheran Shaqiri vs Wolves (A)

Anytime Goalscorer Odds: 2/1 My Clueless Husband was subjected to watching the entirety of the Liverpool vs Manchester United game at friends last weekend, and was impressed by Shaqiri's goal scoring. He's perhaps chasing last weekend's points by handing Shakira the armband for the Friday Night Football. It's now 3 goals for Shaqiri in his last 4 games. Will you side with my Clueless Husband? Until Next Week… Good Luck! Holly and her Clueless Husband 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]