Raheem Sterling is the ideal differential captain for gameweek 9
As the Premier League returns this weekend so does the headache of selecting your Fantasy Premier League captain. A number of managers might be swayed by Harry Kane’s fixture against West Ham United or Aguero’s home game against Burnley. Eden Hazard will also be a popular option given his current form and United’s torrid start to the season.
But all of these players are highly owned assets in the game and will not provide major differential points for the managers who aim to move up the table in their respective leagues. Picking a differential captain requires courage and the ability to make the right call at the right time.
If picked well, a differential captain is also capable of outscoring the usual suspects. A countless number of times, these captains have turned up on the day when the most-captained stars fail to deliver.
Here we take a look at an ideal differential captain for gameweek 9 – Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling. The English attacker has continued his fine form under Pep Guardiola this season as well and has been explosive on the front foot.
Given that Manchester City are playing at home, Sterling is almost assured to deliver returns. The 23-year-old has delivered points in all of his home starts this season, scoring a goal at least. He has picked up double-digit hauls in 2 of his last 4 home games as well.
The English attacker also scored for his country during the international break and is in brilliant form going into this game. He is priced at £11.1million but that’s still not as high as Eden Hazard, Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero.
Though the Cityzens come up against Tottenham Hotspur next, Sterling then faces a poor Southampton side at home once again. He should deliver returns in both of these games and is a must-have option even if not as a captain. The former Liverpool winger faces Manchester United at home as well after the clash against the Saints.
Read more: Why Man City must sign this teenage midfield gem by hijacking Chelsea’s £20m move
He is still selected only by 5.8% of the managers around the world, which means Sterling is a major differential in the game right now. Those who are willing to take the risk and hand the armband to him could reap the rewards in a few days’ time.
(PS: Player values and stats are based on Fantasy Premier League)