This article is part of our The Armband series.
The international break only lasted a week, but some clubs haven't played a league match in two. The last time the Premier League was in action only eight clubs participated, with Liverpool taking the headlines led by Mohamed Salah's four goals and assist. Unsurprisingly, Salah continued his scoring over the break for Egypt. But with numerous players taking part in international friendlies in addition to top clubs focusing on the Champions League, it's a wonder if some lineups will change. It doesn't help that the top five in the table are all but decided, meaning the race for relegation is more important at this point.
One would assume Salah would start and possibly play 90 minutes at Crystal Palace, but the following week features two matches against Man City along with the Merseyside derby. Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are all good captain choices, but they are by no means guarantees due to schedule. Palace are also fighting for their Premier League lives, just two points above the drop, and have only allowed five goals in their last five matches at home.
I'm slightly more inclined to go with forwards from Man United (v. Swansea) and Arsenal (v. Stoke) in favorable positions at home. The Red Devils looked like a mess on the surface after falling to Sevilla in UCL, but they've won their last four at Old Trafford with the most recent ones coming against Chelsea and Liverpool. Even better for captaincy purposes, Romelu Lukaku has capitalized in all of those matches with four goals and one assist.
Unfortunately, that may be the only place to turn on the team due to the unpredictability of Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez. It may be slightly safer to use Antonio Valencia as a captain because Swansea have just one goal from their last three on the road and United have the best chance for a clean sheet.
As for the Gunners, they get a Stoke side that is falling into relegation. There's no reason to trust them after losing their last two at home and scoring just 12 away goals all season. I backed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Arsenal's last home match, and he managed a goal and an assist. While this team is all over the place, they usually show up against weaker competition at the Emirates. Aubameyang will get his opportunities and that's reason enough to give him the armband.
Chelsea are home to Tottenham and that result is anyone's best guess. The Blues have been strong at Stamford Bridge, while Spurs have won their last three away in all competitions. It helps that Harry Kane is out, so there's no reason to go with him. As for Chelsea, Willian has been slightly easier to trust of late. He has nine shots on goal and eight chances created in his last five starts, whereas Eden Hazard has just two shots on goal and 15 chances created in that period. Considering FPL doesn't give fantasy points for creating chances, Willian is the better bet to find the score sheet.
As for Man City, they're in the same position as Liverpool, albeit with a more difficult match at Goodison Park this weekend and the Manchester derby in the middle of two UCL matches. Everton have won their last three at home and will be pushing for at least a point. Gabriel Jesus is the logical place to turn even though he saw a lot of time with Brazil this past week and personally ended Germany's 23-match undefeated streak Tuesday. David Silva has been the man of the moment with three goals and an assist in his last three starts, but that's never something to rely on as everyone gets opportunities in this attack. The most hesitating thing about Silva is that he left Spain's squad for personal reasons and didn't play Tuesday.
Kevin De Bruyne doesn't have a shot on goal in his last three starts, though it's hard to go against him in favor of Leroy Sane or Raheem Sterling. If you want to play it safe and hope for an assist, De Bruyne is the way to go, but upside goes to Jesus, Sane and Sterling. I'd say Sterling, only because he's been most consistent at scoring and setting up teammates this season. However, he played 90 minutes for England on Tuesday, so there should be some trepidation. If that's what you care about, Bernardo Silva didn't play for Portugal on Monday and should be well rested, similar to David Silva.
Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are only worth a look because of opponent, but it's important to know Brighton have won their last four at home, including a 2-1 win over Arsenal. Mahrez is the safer bet with seven shots on goal and five chances created in his last three starts. Bournemouth are another side that appear to be in a good spot, but Watford have won their last three at home. If you want to go full differential, Troy Deeney and Glenn Murray are there for the taking.
Going with someone from Burnley like Ashley Barnes or Johann Berg Gudmundsson may be my favorite differential for Gameweek 32. Barnes has scored in his last three starts to go with 10 shots and four chances created, while Gudmundsson has eight shots and five chances created in that period. Even on the road, I'm willing to go with them against a West Brom side that has completely fallen apart and lost their last eight matches in all competitions.
