Who should you pick as your captain in gameweek 4?

Fantasy

29 Aug

Words: Fantasy Football Scout

The significance of captaincy in Fantasy EFL has become abundantly clear after the opening few gameweeks. Unlike many other Fantasy games, managers can flexibly change their captain before the 'lock' point. This unique feature makes a 'daily captain' strategy highly effective.

Gameweek 4 kicks off with Luton Town versus Queens Park Rangers in the Championship at Kenilworth Road on Friday 20:00 BST.

Friday

The most obvious choice for Luton Town is Alfie Doughty (M) in this fixture. The midfielder has secured 29 overall points, including eight interceptions (+16), nine key passes (4) and one assist (+3) in the opening three gameweeks. Doughty also scored against QPR in the 22/23 season at Loftus Road and will be brimming with confidence.

Of the QPR players, Karamoko Dembélé (M) is the most obvious choice, owned by just 0.6% of the Fantasy EFL community! The midfielder has secured back-to-back assists (+6) in gameweeks, alongside 12 key passes (+5). Dembélé has already made a significant impact and will hope his top performances continue. Jimmy Dunne (D) is another Rangers’ player who could prove significant value. Despite the R’s conceding in every game, Dunne has secured 15 overall points through defensive contributions. In gameweek 3, made five tackles (+2) and three clearances (+1) against Plymouth Argyle. If you believe Luton's attack will struggle again, Dunne could be a good option, with the R’s looking to secure their first clean sheet of the campaign.

Saturday

Championship

Leeds United at home to Hull City, West Bromwich Albion against Swansea city and Portsmouth against Sunderland offer the most promising captaincy options for the upcoming gameweek.

Despite a slower start to the season than expected, Leeds United remain unbeaten and have secured five points from three games. Pascal Struijk (D) has secured Fantasy EFL managers 27 points across three gameweeks, including an 11-point haul in gameweek 3 against Sheffield Wednesday. The defender made 11 clearances (+3) and two tackles (+1), contributing to Leeds’ clean sheet (+5) at Hillsborough. The defender also opened his account from the penalty spot (+7) in gameweek 1 and is a solid pick. Additionally, Daniel James (M) has started the season brightly, securing an assist (+3) and goal (+6) in the first three gameweeks. The winger is an integral part of Daniel Farke’s attack and will be looking to haul against Hull. For an outsider with 1% ownership, Brendan Aaronson (M) also offers significant value. The midfielder scored off the bench (+6) in gameweek 1 against Portsmouth, and scored a well-taken finish (+6) against Wednesday. Looking to secure a regular spot in Farke’s side following key departures, the American international could play a pivotal role if the Whites are to win.

West Bromwich Albion, undefeated under Carlos Corberán, have quickly re-established their dominance in the league. The most obvious captaincy for the Baggies home fixture against Swansea is Josh Maja (F). Having overcome last year's injury struggles, Maja has proven his doubters wrong and is driving WBA towards success. The forward bagged a hat-trick (+15) in gameweek (+15), securing a monster 23-point haul. Since then, the striker scored again in gameweek 3 against Stoke City (+5), and has returned 33 points so far. If WBA are to win, the goals are incredibly likely to come through him - 80% already have! However, if you’re looking for a differential, Tom Fellows (M) could be considered for captaincy. The midfielder has already secured four assists (+12) in three games, alongside other attacking contributions. With only 1.3% ownership compared to Maja’s 13.2%, the upside is huge if the Baggies’ winner hauls!

Given their impressive defensive record, Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin (D) must be considered this gameweek for the armband. The second-highest Fantasy EFL scorer so far, Crikin has returned managers 34 points, including two consecutive double-digit hauls. The defender has assisted (+3) and scored (+7) so far this campaign, alongside strong defensive contributions for the Black Cats. With Portsmouth up next who have scored five goals in three games, Cirkin will certainly be involved defensively if Sunderland are to win. Luke O’Nein (M) has also been sensational too for Regis Le Bris’, scoring twice (+12) and assisting once (+3) so far, alongside racking up four interceptions (+8). If you’re looking for a bonus points magnet, look no further than O’Nien!

League One

Birmingham City have a great fixture against Wigan Athletic, which means two players stand out for Chris Davies’ side. The highest selected player in Fantasy EFL at 39.1%, Alfie May (F) is a clear standout for the armband and remains a strong shout for a perma-captain! The Blues forward has scored in three consecutive gameweeks, securing 26 overall points for Fantasy managers. Up against the Latics next, who have only one once this season, conceding three goals, May will be hoping to haul at St. Andrew’s. Equally, if you’re looking for a differential Blues pick, Krystian Bielik (M) is another strong shout. Despite only having 2.2% ownership, the midfielder has secured two more points than May - 28 - and is proving to be a bonus points machine. Although the midfielder is yet to secure an attacking return, Bielik has already notched 11 interceptions, earning a substantial +22 bonus points for Fantasy managers. His consistent defensive contributions makes him a strong differential option compared to May!

Bolton Wanderers have an ideal fixture in gameweek 4, taking on Exeter City at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Notably for Fantasy EFL managers, this fixture is one to target. The Trotters were unbeaten against the Grecians last year, and even secured a massive 7-0 win at home! For this reason alone, Bolton’s captain Ricardo Santos (D) is a strong captaincy option. The defender has racked up 16 points so far this season, making 21 clearances (+6) in the process. Although they lost last time out 2-0 to Charlton Athletic (A), the defender did secure a nine-point haul in gameweek 2 against high-flying Wrexham in their 0-0 draw, helping the Trotters keep a clean sheet. If you're feeling optimistic about Ian Evatt's side bouncing back in front of their home fans, Dion Charles (F) is worth considering. Although he hasn't added to his goal tally since gameweek 1, Charles has consistently looked dangerous and bagged a quickfire double against this same opponent last season. With only 1.2% of managers owning him, he could be a potential differential if he can rediscover his scoring touch.

Stockport County have been unbelievable in their start to life in League One, scoring seven goals and not conceding any! They travel to Mansfield Town (A) who have conceded six goals in three games.

The Hatters' talisman Louie Barry (F) has been in exceptional form since joining on loan, scoring in three consecutive games (+15) and racking up a total of 23 points. His strike partner Kyle Wootton (F) has also impressed, earning 25 overall points with two goals (+10) and two assists (+6). Either player could be a solid option against an inconsistent Mansfield side. If you're looking for defensive contributions, Fraser Horsfall (D) and Ibou Touray (D) are standout options. Horsfall has earned 27 total points, including one assist (+3) and various defensive contributions. Touray has also recorded an assist (+3) and has been solid defensively, also earning 27 points. All four options are strong shouts to wear the armband this weekend.

League Two

There are three players we believe could have excellent weekends for their Fantasy owners in League Two.

After an impressive 2023-2024 season, Notts County’s Daniel Crowley (M) is continuing his stellar form for the Magpies. His standout performance in gameweek 3 against Grimsby Town, where he scored twice and assisted once, earned him a massive 15 points. This was his first double-digit haul of the campaign, showcasing his significant impact on the team. With County facing Swindon Town next, who have been defensively vulnerable, Crowley has a great opportunity to deliver another strong performance and contribute to a positive result.

Michael Cheek (F) of Bromley is a strong shout to lead your line this week, and is a nice alternative to May. the Ravens’ talisman has scored twice (+10) in two gameweeks, earning 18 total points. With struggling Crewe Alexandra up next, Cheek could be a high-scoring captaincy choice.

League Two captaincy contender Anthony O'Connor (D) has been a cornerstone of Harrogate Town's defense this season. His impressive performances have yielded 25 total points, including 42 clearances (+13) and a significant role in their two clean sheets. With Barrow, a team struggling to score away from home, coming to town, O'Connor's defensive prowess could be a valuable asset. His low ownership of only 0.2% makes him an intriguing option for Fantasy managers seeking a potentially high-scoring defender.

Sunday

Sheffield United against Watford is the highly anticipated Championship clash on Sunday, as two unbeaten sides go head-to-head.

Home advantage has been a key factor in their recent encounters against, With both teams winning 1-0 on their respective home grounds in the 22/23 season - expect a tight contest!

If you're looking for a defensive option, Alfie Gilchrist (D) could be a solid choice. The Chelsea loanee has made three tackles (+1), three clearances (+1) and three blocks (+1) so far, alongside the clean sheet in gameweek 1. However, for a more attacking focus, consider Oliver Arblaster (M) or Gustavo Hamer (M). Both midfielders have been instrumental in Sheffield United's goal-scoring efforts and could be excellent armband options for this gameweek. The Blades' attack revolves around this dynamic duo, who have contributed five goals between them.

Nevertheless, If you believe Watford can extend their winning streak to four games, Edo Kayembe (M) is a strong contender. The midfielder has been a standout performer, scoring three goals and accumulating 31 overall points. Given his impressive start, Kayembe could be a valuable asset in your fantasy team at Bramall Lane.

Monday

Gameweek 4 concludes with a Monday night showdown between Salford City and MK Dons in League Two.

The Dons did the double over Salford last season, including a 2-4 win away from home. Therefore, Alex Gilbey (M) and Callum Hendry (F) are both good shouts for captaincy. The Dons are aiming to continue their winning streak and secure their first away victory of the season.

Stephan Negru (D) is a standout defensive option for the Ammies. The defender has consistently contributed points this season and could be a game-changing differential for your Fantasy EFL team, especially considering his ownership at 0%!