Who Should You Pick: Captain Palmer or Joao Pedro for Your FPL Team of the Week?

This week's best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) captain is Cole Palmer from Chelsea, who is set to face Burnley—a team that has conceded the highest number of goals away from home this season. With Palmer scoring 43 points and Joao Pedro 48 points over the last five gameweeks, the decision between the two form players poses a challenge for managers. However, with Palmer's penalties increasing his potential, he edges out Pedro as the top choice for captaincy this week.

Last updated: 20 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

As we approach another gameweek of the Premier League, FPL managers are grappling with decisions on captaincy and team selection. Chelsea's Cole Palmer emerges as a compelling captain choice due to his recent form and the favourable fixture against Burnley. The team has struggled defensively, making this an ideal opportunity for Palmer to capitalise on his scoring potential. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland's fitness remains a concern, complicating choices for those who traditionally rely on the Manchester City star.

Key takeaways

Cole Palmer is recommended as the captain for this week due to his penalty-taking duties and form.
Burnley has conceded a league-high 32 goals away from home, making Chelsea's attackers prime targets.
Joao Pedro continues to impress, but Palmer's penalty potential gives him the edge.

Timeline: how we got here

The recent trend of player performances has been shaped by several key events in the season. Notable milestones include:

20 February 2024: FPL managers are advised on captaincy choices as Chelsea faces Burnley.
13 February 2024: Joao Pedro scores and continues his impressive run, solidifying his place in many teams.
6 February 2024: Cole Palmer's performance peaks, making him a top differential choice.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Cole Palmer has risen as a top captain choice this week due to his consistent scoring and penalty-taking role. His ownership remains low at around 15%, making him a risk worth taking for FPL managers looking to gain ground in mini-leagues.

What was already established

Joao Pedro’s established form, with four goals and five assists in recent games, positions him as a strong contender. However, he lacks the penalty potential that Palmer brings, which is critical in FPL scoring.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For many FPL players, the choices made this week can significantly impact their standing in leagues, with potential financial stakes involved in private leagues. Success can lead to bragging rights and increased enjoyment of the sport.

Businesses and jobs

The FPL's popularity contributes to various sectors, including sports merchandise, media coverage, and fantasy gaming companies. With an increasing number of players participating, businesses can see a surge in interest and revenue around the game.

Policy and regulation

While FPL itself does not have direct implications for policy, its growth reflects changing consumer behaviour and engagement with sports, which can influence marketing strategies for clubs and sponsors.

Numbers that matter

32: Goals conceded by Burnley away from home, the highest in the league.
43: FPL points scored by Cole Palmer over the last five gameweeks.
48: FPL points scored by Joao Pedro in the same period.
14: Shots taken by Mohamed Salah since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, indicating he may be regaining form.
3: Penalties scored by Palmer this season, boosting his overall points potential.

Definitions and jargon buster

FPL (Fantasy Premier League): A fantasy football game where players create teams based on real Premier League players, earning points based on their performances in actual matches.
Ownership: The percentage of FPL teams that include a particular player.
Big chances: Scoring opportunities that have a high probability of resulting in a goal.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Monitor player performances closely, especially those with favourable fixtures. Keep an eye on injury news, particularly for high-profile players like Erling Haaland.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Evaluate the evolving dynamics of player form and fixture schedules as the season progresses. Strategic planning around transfers becomes crucial as the end of the season approaches.

Signals to watch

Injury updates for key players, particularly Haaland.
Upcoming fixture schedules for teams like Chelsea and Burnley.
Performance trends of midfielders and forwards, especially those with penalty duties.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider captaining players with penalty duties to maximise points potential.
Stay updated on injury news to make informed decisions.
Keep an eye on form players and their upcoming fixtures.

Don’t

Neglect the importance of fixture difficulty when selecting players.
Overlook the impact of injuries and suspensions on team selection.
Be swayed by one-off performances; look for consistency.

Checklist

Review your captain choice based on current form and fixture.
Assess the overall balance of your team, focusing on high-scoring potential players.
Evaluate your bench strength to cover for injuries.
Keep track of player ownership percentages for differential picks.
Monitor the transfer market for potential bargains.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Palmer appears to be a solid choice, reliance on penalties adds an element of risk. If Chelsea doesn't secure penalties, his points potential may diminish. Similarly, form can be unpredictable, and FPL managers should be cautious about putting too much faith in any single player's ability to deliver week after week, especially in the unpredictable environment of Premier League football.

Bottom line

Cole Palmer stands out as the captain choice this week given his form and penalty-taking opportunities against a porous Burnley defence. FPL managers should weigh their options carefully, especially with other potential captaincy candidates like Joao Pedro and the uncertainty surrounding Erling Haaland's fitness. The right choices now can significantly influence league standings as the season heats up.

FAQs

Who should I captain this week in FPL?

Cole Palmer is highly recommended as your captain this week due to his recent scoring form and penalty-taking role against Burnley, who have struggled defensively.

Is Joao Pedro a good FPL option?

Yes, Joao Pedro has been in excellent form, scoring four goals and providing five assists in the last five gameweeks, making him a valuable asset.

What should I consider when picking my FPL team?

Consider factors like player form, upcoming fixtures, injury news, and whether players have penalty duties, as these can greatly influence points potential.