Top 3 FPL Captain Picks for Gameweek 23 (2025/26)

Looking for the best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) captain for Gameweek 23?

Each week we break down the top captaincy options to help you maximise points and climb your mini-leagues.

For Gameweek 23, we’ve highlighted three standout choices:

1️⃣ Fix’s No.1 predicted captain pick
2️⃣ A safe, high-ownership option (20%+ ownership)
3️⃣ A bold differential captain (under 20% ownership)

These picks cover every type of FPL manager — whether you prefer to play it safe with the crowd or chase early gains with a differential.

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FPL Gameweek 23: The Best Captain Choices

Erling Haaland (WOL) - Highest Projected Scorer

Haaland has scored nine goals in 11 home matches this season, no player has been more prolific on home turf. The Norwegian international is also top for shots in the box (43), 'big chances' (22) and 'Expected Goals' (xG) (11.89) on home turf.

Man City have scored 27 goals in home games this season which is more than any other side. The Cityzens are ranked top for shots in the box (139), 'big chances' (46) and xG (27.32) in home games.

Their visitors Wolves have conceded 18 goals in away games this season (12th) and have not kept a clean sheet on their travels. The Midlands side are ranked 15th for shots conceded (165) and seventh for 'Expected Goals Conceded' (xGC) (16.61) in away games.

According to our Predicted Points & Stats tool, Haaland is projected to score 7.8 points this Gameweek.

Hugo Ekitiké (bou) - High Ownership Alternative

Ekitike has been Liverpool's top scorer in away games this season with four goals, despite playing just 509 minutes of a possible 990.

As shown in the image below from our Opta Stats Sandbox, only Gakpo (15) has attempted more shots in the box than his 12 in away games and the French international is also fourth for 'big chances' and xG (2.18).

Liverpool have scored 17 goals on their travels this season, only Spurs, Man City, Man United (18 each), Bournemouth and Chelsea (19 each) have fared better. The Merseyside outfit are ranked fourth for shots (140) in away games and fourth for xG (20.69).

Their hosts Bournemouth have conceded 11 goals in as many home games and have kept four clean sheets at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries are ranked third for shots conceded (97) and second for xGC (9.05) in home games.

According to our Predicted Points & Stats tool, Ekitiké is projected to score 5.1 points this Gameweek.

Kevin Schade (NFO) - The Differential

Schade has found the back of the net three times over the last six Gameweeks, no midfielder has managed more. As shown in the image below from our Opta Stats Sandbox, the 24-year-old is top amongst midfielders for shots in the box (17), 'big chances' (eight) and xG (4.73) over that period.

Brentford have scored 23 goals in home games this season, only Arsenal (26) and Man City (27) have been more prolific. The Bees are ranked third for 'big chances' (39) and fourth for xG (24.19) in home fixtures.

Their visitors Forest have conceded 17 goals in 11 away matches and have kept just two clean sheets. The Nottingham side are ranked 12th for shots conceded (142) and ninth for xGC (17.53) on their travels.

According to our Predicted Points & Stats tool, Schade is projected to score 4.5 points this Gameweek.

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