In this blog, the three best Captaincy options for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Gameweek 1 are discussed. Picks are in the below format

1. No.1 predicted by Fix 
2. Alternative high-ownership option. Over 20%
3. Differential option. Under 20%

Unlock all Elite Manager's live team reveals, access all tools and win your Mini-Leagues with 50% off - claim now!

Bukayo Saka (NFO)

Saka found the back of the net 14 times for the Gunners over the 2022/23 campaign with only Martinelli and Odegaard (15 each) scoring more often amongst their players. He only trailed the Norwegian international (93) for shots (89) and chances created (76 vs 75). Arsenal's total of 88 goals could only be bettered by Man. City (94) while the Gunners were fourth for 'Expected Goals' (xG) (69.84). Their visitors Forest conceded 68 goals with only Bournemouth (71), Southampton (73) and Leeds (78) shipping in more. Everton (394) and Bournemouth (405) are the only opponents that allowed teams more shots in the box (SiB) than their 386. Our Fix Algorithm currently projects a point score of 6.2 for Saka.

Use predictive FPL statistics to increase your Gameweek points.

Erling Haaland (bur)

2022/23's top scoring FPL asset, Haaland, managed 272 points and 7.8 points per game as per our Fix Heatmaps image below. The powerhouse forward managed the most SiB (115), 'big chances' (BC) (59) and xG (28.94) amongst all players. Man. City were last year's top scorers with 94 goals and were also top for both BC (132) and xG (77.10). Their opponents Burnley had the best defensive record in the Championship last season and conceded only 35 goals, they were also ranked top for 'Expected Goals Conceded' (xGC) (38.2). Our Fix Algorithm currently projects a point score of 5.9 for Haaland.

Use a range of pitch maps to help inform your transfers.

Jarrod Bowen (bou)

Bowen scored six goals for West Ham over the 2022/23 season and only Ings (eight) was more prolific amongst their players. The midfielder was, however, top for shots (75) while only Ings and Antonio (12) each registered more BC than his 10. As the Stats Sandbox image below shows, he was the creative hub of the team and came out on top for both assists (five) and chances created (48). The Hammers found the back of the net 42 times (13th) and were ninth for shots (474). Their hosts Bournemouth conceded 71 goals last season with only Southampton (73) and Leeds (78) faring worse. No team allowed opponents more shots than the Cherries (629). Our Fix Algorithm currently projects a point score of 5.9 for Bowen.

Evaluate players with Opta statistics.

Unlock all Elite Manager's live team reveals, access all tools and win your Mini-Leagues with 50% off - claim now!