Can Hugo Ekitike be the top FPL captain in Gameweek 19?
With Gameweek 19 on the horizon, managers are weighing up captaincy options for the upcoming fixtures. Reigning premium options like Erling Haaland remain strong, but there’s momentum behind a different name: Hugo Ekitike. The 9.1m forward has captured attention with his recent underlying numbers, goalscoring touch, and a favorable schedule that could tilt the scales in GW19 for those chasing differential points.
The case for Ekitike: form, fixtures, and fantasy upside
Ekitike’s form over the last few gameweeks has put him among the top points scorers in Fantasy Premier League. When you combine his goal threat with the likelihood of starts and minutes, he becomes a compelling captaincy candidate—especially at a salary that frees up funds for premium options elsewhere.
- Recent form: Ekitike’s involvement in attacking sequences and his ability to convert chances has seen him accrue consistent returns. In FPL terms, a striker who is actively involved in the scoring phase is invaluable for captains who need a reliable source of points.
- Fixture analysis: The upcoming fixtures are considered friendlier to his style of play. A favorable run of games increases the probability of goals and assists, a crucial factor when deciding who to hand the armband to.
- Ownership and differential appeal: In GW19, owning Ekitike as captain provides a potential edge over more popular choices. If a high-owned captain blanks or underperforms, an Ekitike captain can deliver a strong differential payoff.
Haaland: still a viable captaincy option
Erling Haaland remains the default captain pick for many fantasy managers due to his extraordinary talent and historical consistency. He has a track record of delivering scorer’s returns even in tougher fixtures. However, for GW19, there are considerations that might push some managers away from Haaland:
- Rotation and rest risk: Depending on fatigue or fixture congestion, Haaland could be rotated or managed with an eye toward bigger priorities in upcoming fixtures.
- Cost vs. risk: Haaland’s price tag requires a heavy investment that could constrain squad balance. Managers aiming to maximize overall points without overinvesting in a single player might seek alternative captains with upside.
How to decide: factors to weigh for GW19
Choosing a captain is a balancing act between ceiling, fixtures, and risk. Consider the following factors when deciding between Ekitike and Haaland for GW19:
- Expected goals (xG) and chances: Compare the likelihood of Ekitike scoring versus Haaland in their respective fixtures. If Ekitike is fit to start and has clean shooting chances, his ceiling can rival Haaland’s.
- Minutes certainty: Ensure the captain’s minutes are almost guaranteed. An injury or small rotation can significantly impact returns.
- Team context: If a manager’s lineup includes other heavy hitters or a strong captaincy alternative, it may influence the choice. Captaining a differential player can be worth the risk if their underlying data supports a big haul.
Bottom line for GW19
In Gameweek 19, Hugo Ekitike is a legitimate captaincy option worth serious consideration alongside Haaland. His form, combined with a favorable schedule, creates a scenario where he could outscore the premium option for a one-week punt with potentially significant payoff. For manager balance, Ekitike offers a compelling mix of upside and leverage against a high-owned Haaland if you’re seeking differential gains. Remember to monitor late team news and fitness before finalizing your armband.
Related tips
– Consider using the Y/E chip window to capitalize on blank or double-gameweek opportunities if they arise.
– Don’t neglect backing players with strong underlying metrics even if their fixtures look tougher on paper. Finishing the week with a high points total is the priority.
