The Scout assesses the best armband alternatives to Haaland, with Saka and Woltemade among the standouts

If you’re willing to risk going against Erling Haaland (£15.0m) for the captaincy in Gameweek 15 of Fantasy Premier League, Newcastle United‘s Nick Woltemade (£7.4m) and Arsenal star Bukayo Saka (£10.1m) could be the best alternatives to the Manchester City star.

Woltemade has been one of the most reliable forwards in Fantasy since making his debut in Gameweek 4, with just four blanks in his 11 appearances. 

The Magpies entertain a promoted Burnley side who have conceded an average of three goals across their seven away matches, the worst record in the league.

Saka, meanwhile, visits Aston Villa in his most consistent form of the campaign, claiming returns in each of the last four Gameweeks.

His potential is boosted further by Villa’s recent frailties at free-kicks and corners. Unai Emery’s side have conceded a league-high 23 shots from set-pieces in the previous four rounds of matches.

Similarly to Woltemade, Haaland also has a home encounter with a promoted club, facing Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

Although he did blank against Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium only last weekend, Haaland followed that up with a 14-point haul at Fulham in midweek, his sixth double-figure return of the season.

Who’s had the most attacking potential recently?

When it comes to big chances – or situations where a player is expected to score – it’s Brentford‘s Igor Thiago (£6.8m) who has boasted the greatest potential for goals recently.

The Brazilian – who visits Tottenham Hotspur this weekend – leads the way with seven here, while Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes (£6.4m) ranks second on five.

As you can see from the table below, Haaland has had four big chances in this spell and created two more for his team-mates, which means he has been involved in a total of six big chances. 

Among the eight players who have had at least five big-chance involvements in the last four Gameweeks, Haaland’s 12 shots in the box take top spot just ahead of the 10 of Thiago.

Elsewhere for Man City, Phil Foden (£8.3m) and Nico O’Reilly (£5.2m) also feature in the analysis, with the former’s recent move to an advanced role helping him score twice in each of the last two Gameweeks.

Three of Foden’s four big chances this season were recorded in those matches against Leeds and Fulham. 

Saka and his team-mate Mikel Merino (£6.0m), along with Villa’s Ollie Watkins (£8.5m), all boast strong attacking potential for their head-to-head at Villa Park.

Merino and Watkins each delivered their season-high scores of 13 points in Gameweek 14. Merino produced a goal and an assist against Brentford, while Watkins scored twice in Villa’s 4-3 win at Brighton & Hove Albion. 

Goal threat stats, last four Gameweeks

Player
Shots in box
Big chances
Big chances created
Big-chance inv.

Thiago
10
7
0
7

Haaland
12
4
2
6

Merino
7
4
2
6

Barnes
7
5
0
5

Watkins
9
4
1
5

Foden
7
4
1
5

Saka
7
2
3
5

O’Reilly
5
2
3
5

Scroll across on mobile to see the full table

Which clubs have struggled in defence recently?

Burnley’s frailties show why backing Newcastle attackers can be a productive tactic in Gameweek 15.

The Clarets rank joint-bottom on 13 big chances conceded over the last four Gameweeks – as a result, they have conceded nine goals and are without a clean sheet. 

That looks good news for Woltemade, whose totals of 19 shots in the box and eight big chances both rank first for Newcastle since he made his debut in Gameweek 4.

Bruno Guimaraes (£6.8m) also looks a strong pick due to his home form in particular. The midfielder has three goals, three assists and 41 points in his last four at St James’ Park.

But Sunderland’s place among the worst defences only adds to the risk of going against Haaland.

The Black Cats’ 11 big chances conceded are level with Leeds and one more than Wolverhampton Wanderers in the last four Gameweks.

Wolves’ weak defence gives Manchester United‘s Bruno Fernandes (£9.0m) the chance to extend his excellent away form.

The Portuguese has supplied all five of his assists this season in his last four away matches, totalling 29 points. 

Brighton pair Yankuba Minteh (£6.3m) and Danny Welbeck (£6.6m), meanwhile, have the home form to get the better of West Ham United.

At Amex Stadium, Minteh has one goal, four assists and 33 points in his last five, while Welbeck has four goals and 28 points in his last four. 

Team defensive stats, last four Gameweeks

Club
Goals conc.
Clean sheets 
Big chances conc.

Burnley
9
0
13

West Ham
7
0
13

Leeds 
9
0
11

Man City
8
1
11

Sunderland
6
0
11

Wolves
7
0
10

Brighton
5
2
10

Scroll across on mobile to see the full table

So, who is the best captain for Gameweek 15?

Both the player and the team data indicate Haaland is set for another successful weekend. Added to his 72 per cent ownership, the captaincy decision is a very easy one. 

The Burnley defensive data indicates Newcastle attackers are the likeliest to deliver big returns and, as the focal point of their attack, Woltemade is best-placed to profit.

Both Guimaraes and Saka were rested in midweek, but still emerged from the bench to score and clearly have the form to thrive.

Villa’s weakness at set-pieces looks tailor-made for Arsenal to exploit, and Saka’s delivery may be vital. 

Away from home, his influence on the Gunners is obvious – his 13 shots, 12 shots in the box and 13 chances created all rank top among team-mates.