Taking a Look at the Best Captains for Gameweek 21
Those who followed our advice in terms of captaincy for the Gameweek just past would have been handsomely rewarded. We tipped Cole Palmer (£3.9m) and Darwin Nunez (£4.2m) as strong options and both finished as the top two performers of Gameweek 20. While our rogue differential punt of Matheus Cunha (£3.6m) delivered 15 points (doubled to 30 with the armband). But that's enough trumpet blowing, let's analyze the best captains for Gameweek 21.
Julian Alvarez (£4.3m)
We were reluctant to big up the World Cup winner earlier in the week as pictures of an energetic Erling Haaland (£7.9m) in training somewhat muddied the waters. However, Pep Guardiola's Thursday press conference, in which he declared that the Norwegian poacher would not play against Tottenham but may get "some minutes" against Burnley, acted as a green light for those keen on Alvarez. With the Argentina international's minutes seemingly assured for one more Gameweek at least, Manchester City's double header looks inviting and who better to capitalize than their center forward? Granted, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a place of frustration and defeat for the treble winners in recent years but a home fixture against the Clarets in midweek should yield healthy returns. Phil Foden (£5.3m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£6.4m) are appealing for similar reasons with the latter "ready to start" according to his manager, although Guardiola said the same prior to Gameweek 20 when the Belgian was benched – he pocketed ten points as an impact substitute.
Diogo Jota (£3.9m)/Darwin Nunez (£4.2m)
The Liverpool pair banked 19 points each in Gameweek 20 via two goals apiece against Bournemouth. And there's every reason to strap the armband to either of them again this time around with the Reds set for back-to-back home games – their record at Anfield this season is immense. Jurgen Klopp's side welcome Norwich to Merseyside in the FA Cup fourth round and while the Canaries are one of the better Championship outfits, their defense has leaked plenty of goals on the road this season. In-form Chelsea will provide a sterner test in midweek but top-of-the-table Liverpool are the team to be feared right now. Jota played just over 20 minutes as a substitute against Fulham last time out which suggests he's in line to start against Norwich – it wouldn't be all that surprising if Nunez was given at least a partial rest on Sunday.
Joao Pedro (£3.8m)
Betting against the favorites from Man City and Liverpool is fraught with risk but Brighton's top scorer is expected to continue his impressive campaign in Gameweek 21. The Seagulls play Sheffield United and Luton in what is a friendly double header on paper and given Haaland and Mohamed Salah (£6.4m) are the only players to have scored more goals than Pedro in 2023/24, this option ticks a lot of boxes. The Brazilian has been helped by a stream of penalties but his mighty points total of 176 is all that really matters. Pedro averages 8.3 points-per-game across his last three outings.
Booster Strategies
Gaffers with two or three Man City players, a Liverpool forward, and a Brighton differential in their XI should consider activating Max Captain if they still have the Booster in hand. With Haaland close to a return, the captaincy conversation is likely to be simplified soon – Max Captain would ensure the optimum selection this Gameweek amid a relatively open field. Elsewhere, Dream Team bosses without Jota or Pedro in their XI might adjudge either forward a decent 12th Man for some short-term gains. Lock in your strategy before today's 6:45 pm deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is teamwork in football and how can it be fostered?
Teamwork is essential in football, as the success of the team relies on the cooperative effort of all players. Teamwork can be developed by gaining a thorough understanding of each player’s role and the team’s strategy. Communication, on and of the field, is key. So is trust between teammates. Team bonding activities and collective goal-setting can strengthen the sense of unity and commitment to the team’s objectives. Teamwork is also fostered by a positive team culture that encourages respectful and supportive behaviors.
What role does the coach play in the success or failure of a team?
A coach’s key role in a team’s football success is the development of training programmes, tactical planning, as well as player management. In addition to creating training programs, a coach must also devise strategic game strategies and motivate players to give their best. Coaches make important decisions about player placement and selection, while also managing team dynamics to maintain a positive environment. Their leadership is often what guides teams through difficulties and propels them to success.
How do I become a competent football goalkeeper
To become a skilled goalkeeper, you need to focus on agility, reflexes and positioning. A goalkeeper should be proficient in stopping shots, commanding the penalty area with catching and punching skills, and distributing both with hands and feet. Goalkeeping also requires mental resilience, the ability to make decisions under pressure and good communication with defense. Consistent practice, constructive feedback from coaches, and analyzing performances to identify areas for improvement are essential in mastering the art of goalkeeping.
Can you explain to me the rules of football’s offside?
The offside law is an important aspect of football that aims to prevent players gaining unfair advantage. A player is in an offside position if any part of their head, body, or feet is in the opposing team’s half of the pitch, closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent (typically the last outfield player) at the moment the ball is played to them. It’s important to note that being in an offside position is not an offense in itself, but it becomes an offense if the player actively involves themselves in the play, gains an advantage, or interferes with an opponent while in that position.
What is the best defensive strategy against a powerful offensive team?
To defend against a powerful offensive team, you need a strategic and disciplined approach. Tactics such as forming a solid defence, maintaining a tight team formation and applying a disciplined scoring system are essential. Limiting the scoring chances of opposing players by forcing them to the sidelines instead of the middle can be done. A quick switch from attack to defense after losing possession and effective communication between defenders are essential. Counter-attacking techniques can be used to exploit gaps that open up as offensive players commit themselves forward.
Statistics
- Players with a balanced diet containing adequate macronutrients have a 30% lower injury rate than those with less balanced nutritional habits.
- A consistent mental focus regimen, including visualization techniques, can enhance player concentration levels by up to 20% during matches.
- Goalkeepers who engage in specialized reaction-time training reduce their goals-conceded tally by an average of 25% over a season.
- Players who train for more than 10 hours a week show a 20% improvement in technique compared to those who train for less time.
- Football players who follow a structured fitness regimen can see up to a 7% increase in their on-field speed and agility benchmarks.
External Links
soccercoachweekly.net
fifa.com
myfootballcoach.com
bbc.co.uk
nscaa.com
How To
How To Excel as a Goalkeeper in Football
To be a successful goalkeeper you need to invest in your reflexes. You should also work on improving your diving technique and shooting skills. Participate in drills which improve your positional play and footwork to allow for quick and efficient movement around the goal. To instill confidence in the defense, practice handling crosses and controlling your penalty area. Studying professional goalkeepers and watching video clips of your performance will help you to improve your game. It is important to maintain physical fitness, especially upper body flexibility and strength, in order to avoid injuries and perform powerful throws and dives.
