FPL GW4 Best Captain: Haaland, Salah, Bowen & More | OneFootball

Before we get into FPL GW4’s selections, we will talk about what happened before the International break as a quick refresher. Last season’s champions and runners-up met for the first time this season as Arsenal made the trip to Anfield. In what was a dull match for the majority, it was lit up in the 83rd minute when Hungarian Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock with a sumptuous free-kick that left David Raya with no chance. It was the first blow in this season’s title race and it was a fitting way to stamp the Reds’ authority as they look to retain their title this season.

After an encouraging start to the season, Tottenham Hotspur suffered their first defeat as an impressive Bournemouth side secured all 3 points with a 1-0 victory in London. Brighton were also rewarded for their never-say-die attitude with a late 2-1 victory over Manchester City, compounding Pep Guardiola’s side to consecutive defeats as they look to get back on top of the pile after a disappointing season last year.

Chelsea again showed their top-four credentials with a comfortable 2-0 win over London rivals Fulham to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign, with new signing Joao Pedro once again getting on the scoresheet for the Blues.

For GW3, we chose Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes as our alternate pick for the armband and he did not disappoint, scoring the winner late on from the penalty spot that earned the Portuguese midfielder 2 bonus points (10 overall) as the Red Devils ran out 3-2 victors over Burnley.

Let’s take a closer look at the standout options and which players could give you the edge ahead of FPL GW4.

FPL GW4 Best Captain Options: The Usual Suspects

Erling Haaland – Man City (FWD £14.0m)

After scoring 5 goals for Norway during the week, it’s fair to say Man City’s main man is hungry for goals. Although his side have not shown their best form in the opening 3 league games, there have been glimpses that the big no. 9 is approaching his best form. With a Manchester derby at the Etihad this weekend and a United defence that has looked shaky at the best of times, it could be time for Haaland to show the form that secured the Golden Boot in both 2022/23 & 2023/24.

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (MID £14.5m)

He has yet to hit the form we are so used to this season that saw him lift the PFA Player of the season trophy. Last time out he came up against Arsenal but struggled to affect the match. This weekend, the Reds travel to Burnley and the Egyptian will be licking his lips at the prospect of coming up against a side that has conceded three in 2/3 matches since their return to the top flight. Unfortunately for Salah, though, Burnley seem to be a bit of a bogey team for him. In his 10 games against them, he has only scored once from 37 shots. Now what relevance that has on this Burnley side will remain to be seen.

But like the Christmas curse, maybe this one is similar.

Jarrod Bowen – West Ham (FOR £8.0m)

Last time out, the England International got on the scoresheet for the first time this season as the Hammers impressively picked up all 3 points after a 3-0 win away to Nottingham Forest. He will hope to continue that form as they welcome fellow Londoners Tottenham Hotspur to the London Stadium on Saturday evening. Surprisingly, he didn’t start for England over the international break, while Madueke started ahead of him; fortunately for FPL managers, he will be well rested for this week.

FPL GW4 Best Captain Options: The Alternate Pick

The Toon Army’s summer signing has already shown glimpses of the pace and power he possesses but has yet to get off the mark goals-wise as of yet. We feel this weekend’s encounter with Wolves at St James Park is the perfect opportunity for the Swedish International to do just that. Could he continue our run of form of picking good differentials? FPL Karim believes he is worth a shot in your free hit squad for GW4, but would you risk him as a captaincy pick against a Wolves side who look poor?