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Daily Read: Football

Haaland Favored as FPL Captain for Gameweek 8

Fantasy Premier League managers face a tough captaincy decision for Gameweek 8. Erling Haaland, the league’s top expected‑goal‑involvement player, remains the safest choice despite Aston Villa’s away fixture. His only miss this season was in Gameweek 1, and a recent injury concern has been cleared. For those seeking a differential, Cole Palmer offers a high‑return midfield option, having scored six goals in seven matches and benefiting from Chelsea’s recent home form. Left‑back Riccardo Calafiori is a bold alternative, ranking third in defensive expected‑goal‑involvement and playing for a top‑tier backline. Other options include João Pedro, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo, all of whom face uncertainty from their teams’ inconsistent performances. Ultimately, Haaland’s consistency and high floor make him the recommended armband, with Palmer as a strong second choice. Managers must decide before the 18:30 deadline.

· FourFourTwo

The essential points

  1. 01Haaland tops league expected‑goal‑involvement and has only one miss this season.
  2. 02Cole Palmer, a midfielder, has six goals in seven games and benefits from Chelsea’s recent home form.
  3. 03Riccardo Calafiori ranks third among defenders for expected‑goal‑involvement and plays for a top‑tier backline.
  4. 04Managers must lock in their captain before the 18:30 deadline, with Haaland the safest pick for Gameweek 8.
The full brief

Fantasy Premier League managers face a tough captaincy decision for Gameweek 8. Erling Haaland, the league’s top expected‑goal‑involvement player, remains the safest choice despite Aston Villa’s away fixture. His only miss this season was in Gameweek 1, and a recent injury concern has been cleared.

For those seeking a differential, Cole Palmer offers a high‑return midfield option, having scored six goals in seven matches and benefiting from Chelsea’s recent home form. Left‑back Riccardo Calafiori is a bold alternative, ranking third in defensive expected‑goal‑involvement and playing for a top‑tier backline. Other options include João Pedro, Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo, all of whom face uncertainty from their teams’ inconsistent performances.

Ultimately, Haaland’s consistency and high floor make him the recommended armband, with Palmer as a strong second choice. Managers must decide before the 18:30 deadline.