
For many, the prolific Haaland has been a locked-in captain choice in the past few weeks, but I was willing to bet against him and consider alternatives in gameweek 12 with a trip to Newcastle.
That was until I saw how good City – and Haaland – were against Liverpool. Haaland continued his electric scoring form in the international break and it feels far too risky to back against him this time round.
It is worth noting that Haaland has played Newcastle on six occasions in league and cup and scored only one goal.
A trip to St James’ Park is widely regarded as one of the toughest fixtures in the calendar, so in a week when Arsenal (Spurs at home), Manchester United (Everton at home) and Crystal Palace (Wolves away) have attractive fixtures, Bukayo Saka, Mbeumo or Jean-Philippe Mateta could be considered for those with an appetite for risk.
As we look ahead at the festive schedule, there are weeks when I might be brave enough to back against Haaland – trips to Fulham in gameweek 14 and Crystal Palace in gameweek 16.
Midfielders Saka and Mbeumo looked great last time out and, if their form continues, they offer an alternative to Haaland. In the two gameweeks mentioned, Mbeumo plays West Ham at home and Saka takes on Wolves at home.
Historically, we have relied on Mohamed Salah as our go-to captain when backing against Haaland, and Liverpool’s fixtures provide some hope for those backing the out-of-form Egyptian.
Most engaged managers have sold Salah but, with lots of Free Hit chips in play in the next few weeks, Salah is again a legitimate option with the armband for many.
The below chart shows two alternatives to Haaland for the next six weeks. In bold is who I will likely pick as captain.
GW12: Haaland v Newcastle (a), Salah v Forest (h), Mbeumo v Everton (h).
GW13: Haaland v Leeds (h), Salah v West Ham (a), Igor Thiago v Burnley (h).
GW14: Haaland v Fulham (a), Saka v Brentford (h), Mbeumo v West Ham (h).
GW15: Haaland v Sunderland (h), Salah v Leeds (a), Mbeumo v Wolves (a).
GW16: Haaland v Crystal Palace (a), Salah v Brighton (h), Saka v Wolves (h).
GW17: Haaland v West Ham (h), Semenyo v Burnley (h), Saka v Everton (a).
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