Holly Shand from Fantasy Football Community returns with captaincy corner and her three player picks in three positions for Gameweek 33+.

Gameweek 32+ brought a mixed bag in terms of returns, with the Shield pick disappointing and the Sword pick posting a huge score. Bruno Fernandes, Danny Ings and Willian also challenged the Dream Team. With at least three fixtures under their belts now, and the schedule becoming even more congested, rotation is starting to become a concern, which could influence the armband decision. Some sides have had a big gap before their Gameweek 33+ fixture, but all will play again in the midweek after this weekend.

Captaincy Corner

The shield pick is likely to be the most captained player of the week, allowing you to play safe and keep pace with the pack. The sword pick will be a less popular selection: if they perform it can shoot you up the overall rankings, but the risk from failure is higher.

Shield Pick: Bruno Fernandes vs Bournemouth

Bruno Fernandes has been Mr Consistent since arriving in Manchester, currently averaging an attacking return every game. That makes him a very safe shield for the armband. Opponents Bournemouth are having a torrid time in the relegation zone and appear to have thrown in the towel, after conceding four goals at home to Newcastle in midweek. Meanwhile, this Manchester United attack continues to go from strength to strength, bolstered by Rashford, Pogba and Greenwood. Manchester United assets in general will be the popular go-to this week for the armband, although Bruno has to go centre stage given his set piece responsibility and the fact he gains an extra point for goals as a midfielder compared to the forwards. He's had 11 shots in his opening three games, with six of them on target, as well as creating four big chances. Will you play it safe with the Shield Pick?

Sword Pick: Mo Salah vs Aston Villa

You may be surprised to see Mo Salah as the riskier sword pick here with a gem of a fixture, but we have to consider the odds here. Aston Villa are slightly improved defensively and Jurgen Klopp was quoted as saying he will use his entire squad in the remaining Premier League games. However, at the time of writing, Salah has 17 goals for the season and will be gunning for the Golden Boot for the third season running. He's a selfish player and will have goal scoring on his mind, especially against Nyland who's looked nervous at times. Aston Villa could be without Matt Targett in this game, with a rusty Neil Taylor perhaps unlikely to live with the pace of Salah. If Salah starts, we can expect a double digit return. Are you going to take a risk in selecting the Sword Pick?

Holly's Hopefuls

I share my top three players for each Gameweek, selecting one defender, one midfielder and one striker. These are players that I'm tipping for the FPL Dream Team and they could also make intriguing differential captain decisions for you to consider too.

DEF: Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Aston Villa

Trent Alexander-Arnold is almost a permanent inclusion as the defender to select, but again Klopp could put paid to this selection with rotation. However, the potential for both attacking and defensive returns are promising here. At the time of writing, Trent has already got himself on the scoresheet since the restart and Liverpool are yet to conceded a goal. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have just two goals in their four games. Can he achieve the holy grail of attacking return, clean sheet and bonus points once more?

MID: Christian Pulisic vs Watford

Pulisic was a surprise inclusion in the Chelsea starting lineup midweek against West Ham given his injury issues, but he managed 90 minutes for the second consecutive league game and I believe his starting place could be locked in now. He has two goals and two assists in three games since the restart, with his fouls in and around the box single handedly providing that assist tally. It's no coincidence though and put's him on five assists for the season. He's averaging over three shots per game right now too.

FOR: Raul Jimenez vs Arsenal

Despite letting us down as the Shield Pick last week, Jimenez is still in the frame for the weekend, despite a tough game on paper. He has two goals in three games since the restart, taking him up to an impressive 15 for the season. He scored in the reverse fixture and is well known for his output against perceived tough opposition. Arsenal have conceded five in four since the restart, but have two clean sheets on the bounce. Jimenez has had eight shots in his three appearances this summer.

Until next time…
Good luck!

Holly

Find even more Fantasy Premier League Tips over on Holly's website: Fantasy Football Community