This article is part of our The Armband series.
A lot of people doubted me fading Mohamed Salah last week, and it almost worked to perfection until he scored the winner against Crystal Palace. Either way, all of my captain picks came through, especially top choice Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who continues to be underrated in home matches. That may be a sign of things to come as Arsenal are home once more, this time against Southampton.
But Gameweek 34 starts Saturday with the Merseyside derby leading off. Unfortunately, Salah picked up a possible groin injury Wednesday and is unlikely to feature. In the past when a major player misses out for the Reds, they tend to struggle. Everton were playing well at home, but they haven't shown up against better clubs, getting outscored 5-1 in their last three against Man City, Man United and Chelsea.
There's even more worry for Liverpool backers because the Toffees have played them tight this season, losing 2-1 in the FA Cup and drawing 1-1 back in October, both matches at Anfield. There's a chance Liverpool run away with an easy win, but it's too risky to give the armband to Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane, especially with Salah a doubt.
Also taking place is the Manchester derby, which could have some intrigue even though the league's top four is all but decided. Man City may not change much from the midweek match, but that'll still bring doubt for someone like Leroy Sane or Gabriel Jesus. With this match taking place in the Etihad, it'll be hard to back any of the Red Devils considering City have scored 51 goals and allowed 10 at home this season. United are playing well, but not well enough to consider Romelu Lukaku or Alexis Sanchez. City have a lot on their plate and have a must-win-by-three-goals the following Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions League. Raheem Sterling came off the bench and Sergio Aguero from returning, but that's a huge risk for captaincy. The three City players I'd consider are Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Sterling. If you must back a City player, De Bruyne is always the safest, though he's made the score sheet just once in his last five starts.
It may be better to look toward the Sunday matches with Arsenal (v. Southampton) and Chelsea (v. West Ham). Southampton have been terrible and just lost 3-0 at West Ham, while the Hammers have given up 11 goals in their last three road trips. Aubameyang has four goals in four matches at the Emirates, with the only match he didn't get at least two shots on goal being the one against Man City. Given how the Saints are playing, this is another perfect spot for Aubameyang. Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are considered the best Arsenal differentials, but defenders may be easier to trust as Southampton have two goals from their last six matches. Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin are most likely to make the score sheet, but Shkodran Mustafi has taken bonus points from the last two matches.
Chelsea are a bit more up in the air with how inconsistent they've been. At the least, this is a much easier spot than against Tottenham. Alvaro Morata finally scored last match, though he's still slightly harder to trust than Eden Hazard and Willian. The Brazilian has been most consistent at getting shots on net (10 in last six matches), while the Belgian has one shot on net and 14 chances created in his last three starts. With goals counting more, I'd rather back Willian.
Spurs also can't be forgotten about with a match at Stoke. The Potters have looked miserable home or away and Harry Kane should return to the starting XI after coming off the bench at Chelsea. He's the clear favorite, even if Christian Eriksen, Son Heung-Min and Dele Alli are all playing well. If you don't like Kane, Son may have the best upside with 11 shots on goal and five chances created in his last four starts.
For the true differential captains, there are a few places to turn. My money is on Riyad Mahrez at home against Newcastle because he has eight shots on goal and five chances created in his last four starts. He's more useful than Jamie Vardy, who is fantasy reliant on goals. If anyone were to score for West Brom against Swansea, it'd be Salomon Rondon, who has eight shots on goal in his last four starts. The Baggies aren't playing well, but Rondon has at least stayed relevant in the fantasy world.
