Captain and booster options for Gameweek 28: 12th Man can cover absences
DREAM TEAM managers should be aware that Gameweek 28 only features four Premier League matches.
However, six top clubs will take part in the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend, with players scoring points as normal.
This means that six teams will not miss a single match in the coming Gameweek: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton and Sheffield United.
With this in mind, let’s think about possible Booster strategies and captaincy options.
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It’s probably wise to keep Park the Bus and Max Captain in the holster, as both Boosters are best deployed in a double Gameweek, like Gameweek 29 for example.
The same goes for 12th Man, although this Booster could also serve another function for blunders left wanting by this weekend’s blunders.
Some of Mikel Arteta’s favorites are among the most popular players in the game, so it is likely that many bosses will not be able to field a full XI in Gameweek 28, even after their transfers.
Players such as Pervis Estupinan (£2.7m), Lewis Dunk (£3.1m), Jordan Pickford (£2.7m), Dominic Solanke (£3.8m) and Eberechi Eze (£4m) will also twiddling their thumbs this weekend.
Most gaffers should be able to tolerate one or two inactive players, but those missing half their lineup may feel like they need to activate their 12th Man Booster to bolster their ranks.
Erling Haaland (£7.9m), Mohamed Salah (£6.5m), Darwin Nunez (£4.8m) and Son Heung-min (£4.6m) are all exceptional candidates.
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And it is exactly the same names that lead the conversation about the captaincy.
It’s been months since the classic pitch between Haaland and Salah, but that’s exactly how many blunders it will see this week.
Manchester City host Newcastle, while Liverpool travel to Manchester United for their respective FA Cup quarter-finals.
Neither initially looks like a particularly favorable match, but the Magpies have conceded 16 goals in their last seven games as they drop to 10th in the Premier League.
Current form suggests Eddie Howe’s side are not adequately prepared to withstand an Etihad attack.
Likewise, Erik ten Hag will privately fear a grenade on Sunday, given the nature of his injury-affected defense.
The Red Devils beat Everton last weekend but they gave away plenty of chances and with Liverpool having scored 25 goals in their last eight games, things could get messy for the hosts at Old Trafford.
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Of course, there’s always a chance that the key players will be rested in the FA Cup, but with a place in the semi-finals at stake and an international break to follow, it would be a surprise to see Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp field a weakened line . upwards.
Salah was on his worst form against Sparta Prague on Thursday evening, ending Gameweek 27 with 22 points to his total, but Haaland has the best points per game this season (9.5).
Both are fantastic options, but perhaps the home advantage goes to the Norwegian poacher after all?
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Elsewhere, Son is probably the most attractive alternative.
The Tottenham captain played superbly against Aston Villa last weekend for his 16 points in what was a statement win in a difficult stadium to attend.
The South Korean superstar has averaged a goal or an assist every 90.8 minutes this season and will be keen to improve his numbers against Fulham on Saturday.
Those unsure about the FA Cup line-up should note that Spurs’ visit to Craven Cottage is a Premier League match.
The deadline for Gameweek 28 is Saturday 11:15am – good luck!
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