fpl gameweek 35-captain-analysis tips: who to pick
By Arasi Rex · Updated 14 August 2026 · 5 min read
Captain: Erling Haaland. His 27 goals and 8 assists over 2953 minutes give him the highest expected points. Man City’s home fixture against Liverpool offers a strong defence to keep him safe.
Fixtures
| Home | Away | Venue | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth | Man Utd | Vitality Stadium | 14:00 |
| Brentford | Aston Villa | Brentford Community Stadium | 14:00 |
| Brighton | Sunderland | Amex Stadium | 14:00 |
| Everton | Hull City | Hill Dickinson Stadium | 14:00 |
| Fulham | Ipswich Town | Craven Cottage | 14:00 |
| Leeds | Arsenal | Elland Road | 14:00 |
| Man City | Liverpool | Etihad Stadium | 14:00 |
| Newcastle | Coventry City | - | 14:00 |
| Notts Forest | Crystal Palace | City Ground | 14:00 |
| Spurs | Chelsea | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 14:00 |
fpl gameweek 35-captain-analysis tips
The match dates all line up for a 14:00 kickoff, meaning teams do not face the late-night fatigue that can sometimes dampen performance. The hardest fixtures are the title-contenders playing each other - Man City versus Liverpool and Arsenal versus Leeds - both of which feature high-scoring potential and stable defensive records. The middle of the table sees a mix of battles for survival and mid-table glory, with the under-dogs like Brighton, Newcastle and Notts Forest facing teams that can dominate possession.
The captain must deliver points from both goals and assists while also staying in the chest of a solid defensive side. A single missed goal from the front line can reduce the return by several points, so the risk profile is critical. The two top-scoring clusters of the season - Man City's attacking line and Arsenal's midfield engine - provide the best balance of probability and upside.
Captain picks
- Erling Haaland - 27 goals, 8 assists in 2953 minutes. His points per game of 6.8 are the highest in the league, and his involvement in 35% of Man City's goals makes him a constant source of return. Playing at home against Liverpool, a side that has finished with 10 clean sheets this season, his chances of scoring or assisting are maximised.
- Harry Wilson - 10 goals, 9 assists, 2674 minutes, 4.7 points per game. Wilson's 19-point haul in the last 12 matches shows a hot streak that is likely to continue. Leeds' defensive record of 11 clean sheets and a 4.0 goal-difference gives him a stable platform for points.
- Declan Rice - 4 goals, 9 assists, 3093 minutes, 5.1 points per game. Rice's recent form of 4 points in each of the last 4 matches demonstrates reliability. A home fixture against Leeds, who are struggling defensively, allows him to thrive in a midfield that can dictate the tempo.
Players to bring in
The squad needs a mix of solidity and attacking fire. Players selected for their high points per game and solid defensive contribution are:
- Gabriel - 209 points, 6.5 points per game, 18 clean sheets. He is a cost-efficient defender with a record of 3 goals and 5 assists, making him an excellent budget option.
- Jordan Pickford - 135 points, 3.6 points per game, 11 clean sheets. Pickford's recent 5-point haul in the last 4 games shows he can provide a steady stream of clean-sheet points.
- Marcus Tavernier - 137 points, 4 points per game, 11 clean sheets. His 7 goals and 4 assists give him a dual threat that can be valuable for the mid-budget budget.
- Rayan Cherki - 135 points, 4.1 points per game, 13 assists. Cherki's creativity and 4 goals make him a high-scoring option for the midfield slot.
- Kevin Schade - 125 points, 3.6 points per game, 11 clean sheets. Schade's low cost and high return make him a differential choice that can swing a captaincy decision.
Players to move on
Three players are underperforming relative to their cost or have a high risk of injury and low point return:
- Nick Woltemade - 8 goals, 3 assists, 4.5 points per game, 70 cost. His recent 3-point haul in the last 5 matches drops below the league average for a player of his price.
- João Pedro - 15 goals, 9 assists, 5.1 points per game, 75 cost. While he has a high goal tally, his recent form has slipped, and the squad needs a more consistent return.
- Cody Gakpo - 7 goals, 5 assists, 5.1 points per game, 70 cost. Gakpo has shown a dip in goal involvement and is behind newer attacking options that have higher point yield.
The differential
Kevin Schade stands out as a low-cost differential. He has 125 points, 3.6 points per game, 2744 minutes, 8 goals, 5 assists and 11 clean sheets. Brentford's defensive record of 10 clean sheets this season puts Schade in a position to score points from both attacks and defense. His price of 60 means he provides a high return for a modest investment.
Key takeaways
- Captain: Erling Haaland - 27 goals, 8 assists, 2953 minutes.
- Mid-budget defender: Gabriel - 18 clean sheets, 3 goals, 5 assists.
- Mid-budget goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford - 11 clean sheets, 5-point swing.
- Differential: Kevin Schade - 125 points for 60, 8 goals and 11 clean sheets.
- Drop: Nick Woltemade, João Pedro, Cody Gakpo due to low return.
FAQ
Q: Why is Erling Haaland the best captain pick? A: His points per game of 6.8, 27 goals, and 8 assists give him the highest expected return. His home fixture against Liverpool further reduces the risk of a low-scoring match.
Q: What makes Gabriel a good defender to add? A: He has 18 clean sheets and 209 total points, with a 6.5 points per game ratio, making him a budget-friendly option.
Q: Is Kevin Schade worth the differential risk? A: Schade's 125 points, 3.6 points per game, and 11 clean sheets at a cost of 60 provide a high upside that outweighs the lower price.
Q: Which players should I drop from the squad? A: Nick Woltemade, João Pedro, and Cody Gakpo are underperforming relative to their cost and risk of injury.