FPL Gameweek 15 – Captain Picks

As 11:29 A.M. flickered across the digital clock on Saturday, there was some nerves regarding the exclusion of Mr. Consistent, formally known as Mo Salah (£12.5m), from the Gameweek 14 captain picks from us here at The Stats Zone. An unexplainable hunch that Jurgen Klopp would rotate his squad over the gruelling festive schedule and the Egyptian would be one of the victims had presented itself to us throughout the week. No risk in the captain picking game leads to minimal rewards at times and as the clock ticked on to 11:30, coy smiles etched across our faces at as we stared at the starting XI missing the fluffy-headed assassin. The joy was short-lived as Salah produced two goals and an assist off the bench in a fixture that could only be described as the modern-day re-enactment of Michael Owen destroying a 13-year old academy keeper to the displeasure of a bemused Neville Southhall. 'Well done, he's thirteen' may not have applied literally in this instance but it definitely wasn't far off as this was certainly a match between men and boys as Liverpool's exhilarating attack massively outclassed a dismal Palace side.

On a brighter note, we restored our 100% success rate with four of our captain picks claiming returns. Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) provided the match-winning assist in his side's victory over Southhampton in a fixture that depicted vividly the exhaustion amongst some squads currently. On the contrast, Bruno Fernandes (£11.0m) looked refreshed in his side's resounding victory over Leeds in a fixture that clearly reflected the danger of each side's attacks and their simultaneously incompetent defences. Two gaols and an assist resulted in his biggest score this campaign. Christian Pulisic (£8.2m) was impressive throughout Chelsea's victory against their London rivals and a fortunate assist was well-deserved for his constant threat throughout. Finally, Callum Wilson (£6.6m) scored and claimed the maximum bonus in his side's limp draw with a Fulham side that seem to finally be adjusting to the demands of the world's best league.

Aside from those with midweek cup ties, Gameweek 15 presents a much-needed rest to the majority of Premier League sides. The threat of rotation should be somewhat manageable for FPL managers and the fixtures point to some interesting captain choices that could be adding to the Christmas day gifts received prior to the commencement of this gameweek.

PREMIUM OPTIONS

Mo Salah (£12.5m) vs WBA (H)

Sam Alladyce was removed from the freezer once again by a side desperate for survival. How many times can sides defrost his medieval 'defend deep, kick long' tactics in order to salvage their season? It look as if this West Brom side may need some extra thawing as they looked dreadful against a pretty average Villa side. Jack Grealish (£7.8m) looked reminiscent of a 2012 Leo Messi as he dismantled a battered West Brom defence repeatedly and secured two assists in the process. Some of these defenders may be suffering from PTSD this weekend and it's only going to get more demoralising this time out as they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, fresh off a 7-0 win in Gameweek 14.

Salah will be revitalised after some rest in this fixture despite incurring fruitful returns for FPL managers. The Egyptian passed Cristiano Ronaldo's Premier League goal tally in the process and has undeniably earned a place alongside the Portuguese marksman in Fantasy Football royalty.

Don't look too hard into the choice of captaincy this week if you own Mo Salah. Mo Salah is good. West Brom are bad. Easy.

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) vs NEW (H)

Despite beating fellow top four hopefuls Southampton last time out, City look a depleted force void of the creativity and finesse that earned Pep's side the title as one of the most efficient machines in Premier League history. Despite rushing to a lead over the Saints, City looked vulnerable throughout and their blunt counter attacks rarely troubled their opposition.

Despite this side's undeniable decline, one constant from last season's second place finish is Kevin De Bruyne who despite starting slower than usual this campaign, is more instrumental to his side maintaining a foot in the title race than ever before. 2 goals and 7 assists in 12 starts highlights his potential and up against a weak Newcastle side this time out, expect KDB to thrive in his new role behind the striker. While Sergio Aguero's (£10.3m) return date is indefinite, he may play a part which may serve to alleviate the inaccuracy of City's frontmen that has haunted them so far.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.9m) vs SHU (A)

Fresh off their obligatory downing of the league's most publicised relegation contenders Arsenal, Everton will be hoping to add more festive cheer with a victory over the side bottom of the league. Despite admirable performances against Manchester United and Brighton, Chris Wilder's side sit on just 2 points after 14 games.

Dominic Calvert Lewin (£7.9m) returns to his boyhood club of 9 years in the form of his life. His signature basketball-player style leap accompanied by his much-improved heading accuracy make him a defender's nightmare at the minute and despite being goalless for three games, we expect him to get back to form this gameweek.

DCL, along with his Brazilian counterpart Richarlison (£7.8m), will be too much for this dishevelled Blades defence. There will be no Christmas miracles at Bramall Lane this time out.

Differential Choice

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) vs WBA (H)

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) is one of a few fullbacks that have been captainable in the existence of FPL; his teammate Andy Robertson (£7.2m), the forgotten FPL hero Marcus Alonso (£5.7m) and the Flying Dutch man Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m) complete the list.

A bold strategy, advised only for those at rock bottom in their mini-leagues, often makes for a painful watch with the majority of a defender's returns not being guaranteed until the final whistle. TAA is no normal defender and his all-time high for a defender price of £7.5m alluded to the danger of this man's right foot. An assist machine and possessing the ruthlessness of a creative midfielder, expect Trent to march right back up those assist rankings after his injury-enforced exodus from the starting line-up.

West Brom are one of the most incompetent sides for defending set-pieces in the league and with Joel Matip (£5.4m) expected back for this weekend's fixture, expect Trent to heavily feature in a convincing Liverpool victory.