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Last-Minute Decisions for Dream Team Managers
With the clock ticking down to Gameweek 15, Dream Team managers have until 1:30pm to solidify their strategies. This week, the captaincy debate is heating up, primarily revolving around two standout players: Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka. Both players are in fine form, making the decision a challenging one for gaffers.
Salah vs. Saka: Who’s the Better Captain?
As both Liverpool and Arsenal gear up for midweek Carabao Cup quarter-finals, predicting the extent of each player’s involvement becomes crucial. Salah has only clocked 50 minutes in the cup this season, while Saka has been more active, playing 99 minutes across Arsenal’s last two matches. Yet, with a semi-final spot on the line, managers Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta may opt to field their star players against Southampton and Crystal Palace respectively.
This Saturday, Salah faces Fulham at Anfield, while Saka welcomes Everton to the Emirates. Fulham, despite being well-organised and having lost just four of their 15 league games, will find Anfield a daunting venue, especially with several key defenders absent from their lineup. Salah, the Dream Team’s top performer with 16 goals and 12 assists in just 22 games, could have a field day if he’s given ample minutes against Southampton midweek.
Saka’s Recent Form: A Strong Contender
On the other hand, Saka is riding high after a remarkable 29-point haul in Gameweek 14. Managers who chose to captain the England winger in light of the Merseyside derby postponement were richly rewarded. With two home games against lower-ranked opposition, the temptation to keep the armband on Saka is hard to resist.
While both players present solid arguments for captaincy, Saka’s advantage of playing at home twice this week, along with his recent form, might give him the edge over Salah. However, going against Salah, who is always a threat, is a risky move that could backfire.
Haaland and Other Alternatives
Erling Haaland, priced at £8.5m, will only feature in one match this Gameweek—the much-anticipated Manchester derby. However, with Manchester City struggling to find their rhythm, having won just one of their last ten games across all competitions, Haaland is currently off the captaincy radar.
Another name worth considering is Alexander Isak (£5.2m). The Newcastle striker has netted six goals in his last eight outings, amassing an impressive 68 points. With a double Gameweek on the horizon and matches against Leicester and Brentford, Isak could be a valuable asset. Plus, with no European commitments, Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe can field a strong side in the Carabao Cup, ensuring Isak gets plenty of game time.
A Rising Star: The Case for Cole Palmer
Although Cole Palmer (£6m) won’t be playing against Shamrock Rovers this week, his remarkable average of 11.1 points-per-game makes him a notable mention in the captaincy discussion. After racking up 25 points against Tottenham last weekend, he’s poised to make an impact when Chelsea face Brentford on Sunday night.
Final Thoughts: Captaining with Confidence
As Gameweek 15 approaches, the captaincy decision remains a tight race between Salah and Saka, with Isak and Palmer lurking as potential alternatives. The stakes are high, and with both Liverpool and Arsenal looking to secure vital wins, Dream Team managers must weigh their options carefully. Will you play it safe with Salah, or take a gamble on Saka’s home advantage? The clock is ticking—make your choice wisely!
