For millions of managers in the Fantasy Premier League, Erling Haaland(£15.3m) and his 18-point haul as captain against Arsenal in the last game have effectively ended the captaincy debate.

The Manchester City striker failed to score in either of his two games against the Gunners last season – a record that had many looking for a temporary replacement armband in Gameweek 5.

Despite being owned by 71 percent of managers, Haaland was captained by just over four million of his supporters. After passing the ultimate test by scoring against the league’s strongest defense, the Norwegian is likely to be heavily backed against Newcastle United.

The underlying statistics serve only to demonstrate the Norwegian’s unrivalled goal-scoring potential. Haaland has had more shots, shots in the box and shots on target than any other player this season. He is also one of the leaders in big chances created, a situation in which the player is expected to score.

Newcastle’s defensive stats further boost Haaland’s prospects of more goals – they have allowed 61 shots on goal in the penalty area, the third most in the league.

Haaland’s form, strength and consistency – he has scored in all five of Man City’s games – make him a clear candidate for the captain’s armband in Gameweek 6.

Who are the best alternatives to Haaland?

If you are brave enough to go against the vast majority, you will find some very attractive options among this weekend’s other matches.

By looking at key players in terms of their involvement in big scoring opportunities, you can highlight those most likely to provide goals and assists for big fantasy hauls.

Liverpool duo Mohammed Salah (£12.8 million) and Luis Diaz (£7.9m) visits Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have conceded the most goals in the league with 14.

Salah’s goals and assists are good – he has been given five big chances and created four big chances. Diaz, on the other hand, has reached that total of nine big chance involvements – he has had seven and created two.

Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka (£10.0 million) and Kai Havertz (£8.1m) could enjoy a productive matchday at home to newly promoted Leicester City on Saturday afternoon. Saka was involved in a total of eight big chances and Havertz in six.

Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo (£7.2m) should not be underestimated in the game against West Ham United – with his four big chances and four big chances created, he has as many scoring opportunities as Saka (eight in total).

Aston Villas Ollie Watkins (£9.0m) has seen Haaland’s ten big chances and one big chance come ahead of a trip to newly promoted Ipswich Town.

And finally AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (£5.6m) also faces a newly promoted side, Southampton. His 24 shots rank SECOND of all players in Fantasy.

Goal threat in GW1-5

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