FPL Gameweek 20-captain-analysis: Haaland tops the list

If you’re hunting for the safest captain in Gameweek 20, the answer is clear: Erling Haaland. His 239 points and 27 goals, combined with a favourable fixture against a Manchester City side that has shown early-season defensive frailties, make him the top choice.

The fixtures table

Fixture	Home	Away	Kickoff	Venue
191	Arsenal	Brentford	20:00	Emirates Stadium
192	Brighton	Bournemouth	20:00	Amex Stadium
193	Crystal Palace	Chelsea	20:00	Selhurst Park
194	Everton	Aston Villa	20:00	Hill Dickinson Stadium
195	Fulham	Spurs	20:00	Craven Cottage
196	Ipswich Town	Coventry City	20:00	Portman Road
197	Leeds	Man City	20:00	Elland Road
198	Man Utd	Newcastle	20:00	Old Trafford
199	Nott'm Forest	Hull City	20:00	City Ground
200	Sunderland	Liverpool	20:00	Stadium of Light

The table shows that the only high‑profile clash for a manager with a top‑three side is Leeds v Man City. That match is a clear target for a high‑point forward.

Captain picks

1. Erling Haaland (haaland) - 239 points, 27 goals, 155 cost

Haaland’s 239 total points, 27 goals, and 8 assists give him a points‑per‑game of 6.8. The 155 cost is steep, but the return in points per million is 1.54, higher than any other forward. Against a City side that has conceded 27 goals this season, the risk of a loss is low, and the probability of a hat‑trick is high.

2. Bruno Borges Fernandes (bfernandes) - 235 points, 9 goals, 24 assists, 120 cost

Fernandes has 235 points and 24 assists, delivering a points‑per‑game of 6.7. His 120 cost is less than a third of Haaland’s, yet he offers a comparable return when he is on a roll. Man Utd will face Newcastle, a side that has struggled to contain midfield creativity.

3. Antoine Semenyo (semenyo) - 202 points, 17 goals, 6 assists, 85 cost

Semenyo’s 202 points, 17 goals, and 6 assists, combined with a 5.5 points‑per‑game, make him a solid mid‑field option. He plays for Man City, and the fixture at Leeds gives him a 0‑1 chance of a clean sheet and a 1‑2 chance of a goal‑scoring cameo.

Players to bring in

Player	Club	Points	Cost
Kevin Schade	Brentford	125	60
Eliot Anderson	Man City	180	65
Gibbs‑White	Nott'm Forest	188	80
Bryan Mbeumo	Man Utd	148	80

Kevin Schade has 125 points and a 5‑point return per million. His 60 cost is attractive for a budget‑friendly midfield slot. Eliot Anderson, with 180 points and 65 cost, is a defensive option that can provide a clean sheet in the upcoming City fixture. Gibbs‑White’s 188 points and 80 cost give him a strong return, especially against a Hull side that has shown defensive vulnerabilities. Bryan Mbeumo’s 148 points and 80 cost offer a mid‑field balance between goal threat and defensive contribution.

Players to move on

Player	Club	Points	Cost
Bart Verbruggen	Brighton	130	45
Dean Henderson	Crystal Palace	131	50

Verbruggen’s 130 points and 45 cost are respectable, but Brighton’s defensive record is shaky, and a 2‑2 draw may be more common than a clean sheet. Henderson’s 131 points with 50 cost sit below the league average for a keeper, and Crystal Palace’s clean‑sheet probability is low.

The differential

Gabriel (gabriel) - 209 points, 18 clean sheets, 80 cost Gabriel is the most valuable defender in the league, with 209 points and 18 clean sheets. His 80 cost is a bargain for a player who can deliver 2.5 points per game on a 0‑1‑2 clean‑sheet basis. Against Liverpool, the probability of a clean sheet is high, and Gabriel’s pace and positioning make him a top differential.

Key takeaways

• Erling Haaland is the safest captain for Gameweek 20, with 239 points and 27 goals.
• Bruno Borges Fernandes offers a high return at 120 cost, ideal for a budget‑friendly cap.
• Antoine Semenyo provides a solid midfield option in Man City’s match against Leeds.
• Kevin Schade, Eliot Anderson, Gibbs‑White, and Bryan Mbeumo are strong budget picks for a balanced squad.
• Bart Verbruggen and Dean Henderson are likely to underperform relative to their cost.
• Gabriel is the most valuable defender, delivering 18 clean sheets for 80 cost.

FAQ

Q: Which player has the best cost‑to‑value ratio for Gameweek 20? A: Erling Haaland’s 155 cost yields 1.54 points per million, the highest among the top three forwards. For midfield, Antoine Semenyo’s 85 cost gives 2.37 points per million.

Q: Are there any high‑risk but high‑reward picks in this gameweek? A: Gabriel offers a differential but is a defender, which can be risky if Liverpool’s attack is strong. Kevin Schade also carries risk if Brentford’s form dips.

Q: Should I keep my current goalkeepers for Gameweek 20? A: Keeping Bart Verbruggen or Dean Henderson is not recommended; their cost and points do not justify the risk of a low clean‑sheet probability.

Q: Which fixture is the most likely to produce goals? A: Man City v Leeds is the most open match, with an average of 3.4 goals per game in the league.

The final word: pick Haaland, consider Fernandes or Semenyo, add a solid mid‑field or defender, and avoid the less efficient goalkeepers. Good luck!