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The post-lockdown Premier League fixture list is a hectic one which means there’s precious little time between Fantasy Premier League Gameweeks.
One way to ensure you keep raking in the points is by nailing your captaincy pick and that’s precisely what we aim to help you with.
We analyse the best options for the armband every GW, breaking them down into three categories: Top Pick, Alternative and Bold Choice.
Here are the picks for GW34+…
TOP PICK – KEVIN DE BRUYNE | MANCHESTER CITY | 10.8M
Second guess Pep Guardiola and his squad rotation at your peril but having been benched for the 1-0 defeat at Southampton, Kevin De Bruyne is most likely going to start the fixture at home to Newcastle United.
And after a frustrating outing at St Mary’s Stadium, Manchester City will be keen to produce a convincing display against the Magpies. With three goals and two assists in his last three starts, De Bruyne is a virtual guarantee as long as he makes the first XI.
Steve Bruce’s side have been in relatively good form, picking up eight points since the restart, but now that their survival is secured they might take their foot off the pedal. Even at their best though, De Bruyne and City are a far superior force and should be motivated enough to break them down. Champions Liverpool certainly know the feeling.
ALTERNATIVE – BRUNO FERNANDES | MANCHESTER UNITED | 8.9M
As far as alternatives go, you won’t find a safer option than Bruno Fernandes. Since his debut, Manchester United’s Portuguese magnifico has averaged 8.9 points per game, more than anyone else in the league.
The lockdown didn’t slow him down one bit as he’s bagged four goals and two assists since the restart. He’s so integral to United’s play that should they score, there’s a high probability that he’s involved.
The Red Devils travel to Aston Villa in GW34+ who are battling relegation and that’s the only reason why Fernandes isn’t the top pick this week as he was last. Jack Grealish and co have been far better defensively and a more competitive outfit since the restart.
They gave Liverpool a tough time in GW33+ before ultimately succumbing to a 2-0 defeat and suffered narrow losses to Wolves and Chelsea. United are still overwhelming favourites in the encounter but may not be able to score as freely as they have in recent games.
BOLD CHOICE – ROBERTO FIRMINO | LIVERPOOL | 9.4M
On paper, Roberto Firmino shouldn’t qualify as a bold choice especially when runaway champions Liverpool travel to Brighton. But the fact of the matter is the Brazilian has failed to deliver any attacking returns since his hat-trick of assists in GW25.
After being benched against Villa, he’s all but certain to start against Graham Potter’s side while one of Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane could well be rested.
The 28-year-old is certainly due a goal and will be looking to end his 10-match drought in the Premier League. Compared to other Liverpool assets, he’s also a big differential with an ownership of just 11.2 per cent at the time of writing.