Fantasy Premier League Captain Tips For Gameweek 26.
Are you unsure of the best captain option for Gameweek 26? Have a look at why we've chosen to tip Romelu Lukaku ahead of his home fixture against Sunderland. Last week's choice of Alexis Sanchez turned out a successful one as he recorded his third successive league brace against Hull City - let's hope for more success this gameweek!
This article will look at Lukaku's goalscoring history, recent form and fixture difficulty in order to provide a definitive verdict on why the Everton man should be one of your leading captaincy contenders.
Lukaku has been on fire this season in Fantasy Premier League.
It may surprise people to know that Lukaku is the second highest-scoring forward in Fantasy Premier League this season with 142 points - just three behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and ahead of Diego Costa.
Indeed, the Belgian compares favourably to the other two when it comes to points-per-game, his 5.9 average only 0.1 less than the other two despite his 9.9m price tag being considerably less.
The 23-year-old is currently on course for his best ever season with 16 goals so far this campaign, having scored 18, 10, 15 and 17 in his last four campaigns respectively.
His history of big hauls makes him a reliable captain pick.
One of the things that sets Lukaku apart from other options is his propensity for explosive returns.
The Toffees striker has already managed six double-figure scores this season, including a monster 21-point haul against Bournemouth a couple of gameweeks ago.
The Belgian has already had previous with Sunderland as well, having bagged a superb hat-trick at the Stadium of Light in Gameweek 4 despite still being short of match fitness.
Lukaku does have a history of disappointing and his record of managing attacking returns in 11 out of 24 isn't as consistent as the other, but he does have a good record against weaker sides and provides a huge reward for those who captain him on his day.
His fixture in gameweek 26 holds strong potential for points.
Since Ronald Koeman switched to a three-man defence, Everton's form has significantly improved.
The Toffees have won five and lost only one of their last nine, scoring an average of 2.22 goals per game and picking up impressive wins over Arsenal and Manchester City in the process.
Lukaku has managed seven goals and an assist in that time and will be hungry to find the net against Sunderland once more.
David Moyes' side haven't had the best of times lately, having given away nine goals and 11 big chances in their last four games on their travel. Their only clean sheet in that time came away to an unimpressive Crystal Palace.
Sunderland have also given up an average of 3.5 chances in the centre of the pitch and a league and have conceded the most shots in the box this season (270) and the second most chances from set-plays (116) - something which will be music to the ears to an aerial threat like Lukaku.
Add to that that the Toffees have scored three or more goals in their last three home matches and that Lukaku has managed four goals and two assists in his last three games against the Black Cats and you have the recipe for a goal-fest.
Why should you captain Romelu Lukaku in Gameweek 26?
While Diego Costa may be seen as the more consistent option, the simple fact is that Lukaku hold the biggest potential for huge points this weekend.
Sunderland are in dire straits while Koeman looks like he is finally getting the best out of players like Ross Barkley and Seamus Coleman as well as the Belgian.
Lukaku has the best fixture on paper and - based on his previous showings this season - also has the lethal form to make it count.
