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FPL Captaincy Conundrum: GW33 featuring Manchester City duo and Arsenal, Chelsea target

As the season hurtles toward its final stretch, Gameweek 33 throws a feast of double gameweek (DGW) into the mix for FPL managers. Clubs like Manchester City, Bournemouth, Leeds United, and Brighton all double up, giving managers a chance to stack their sides with players who can rack up points quickly.

With so much riding on a single week, the captaincy choice becomes more crucial than ever. In this feature, we will assess five standout candidates, analysing their form, fixtures, and risk factors to determine who should lead your squad into GW33.

Erling Haaland: The top dog

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Erling Haaland’s recent inconsistency has been well-documented. After a blistering start to the season, he has gone through stretches where he has looked off the pace, missing chances and failing to deliver the points managers expected. The Norwegian striker’s form has dipped, and his price tag of £14.4m has become a talking point among frustrated FPL managers.

Yet, Haaland remains the go-to captain for most, and for good reason. His recent hat-trick against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final was a reminder of his explosive potential. In City’s 4-0 romp at the Etihad, he scored from the spot, added a headed second, and sealed his treble with a sharp finish, showcasing his predatory instincts.

City’s DGW33 solidifies Haaland’s case. The Citizens face Arsenal at home and then travel to Burnley, both fixtures offering goalscoring opportunities. Arsenal’s defence has been shaky of late, while Burnley’s leaky backline makes them prime targets for City’s relentless attack. With Haaland back in form, he is the safest bet for a high‑ceiling haul, even with the risk of blanking if he’s rested. His upside is too great to ignore, making him the top captaincy option for GW33.

Eli Junior Kroupi: The youngster’s golden chance

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Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi has emerged as a revelation this season. The young forward has been a consistent threat, chipping in with goals and assists despite his tender age while attracting the attention [of high-profile clubs like Arsenal](https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/02/07/arsenal-and-psg-interested-in-eii-junior-kroupi/), [Chelsea, and Liverpool](https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/04/13/chelsea-liverpool-ready-to-make-move-to-sign-eli-junior-kroupi/).

Over the past few weeks, Kroupi has delivered crucial points, including the crucial goals against Manchester United and Arsenal, proving he can carry the burden of being the primary attacking option. His pace and work rate make him a constant menace to defenses, and Bournemouth’s attacking setup suits his style. Kroupi’s DGW33 fixtures are a dream scenario.

Bournemouth visit Newcastle United on April 18 before hosting Leeds three days later. Newcastle’s defence has been prone to lapses, while Leeds United’s backline has been equally vulnerable. With Bournemouth doubling up, Kroupi has two chances to rack up goals, assists, and bonus points. His price of £4.6m offers great value, making him an ideal mid‑budget captain for those looking to balance risk and reward.

Antoine Semenyo: A revelation

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Antoine Semenyo’s move to Manchester City has been a revelation. The Ghanaian international has slotted seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s system, providing goals, assists, and relentless pressing. Since joining, he has been involved in every attacking phase, combining well with Haaland and the front seven. His recent stats include strikes against Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, highlighting his importance in the final third.

Semenyo’s DGW33 fixtures are tailor‑made for a points haul. City’s clash with Arsenal at home and the away trip to Burnley present two beatable opponents. Arsenal’s defence has been suspect lately, while Burnley’s backline is one of the worst in the league, conceding an average of 2.1 goals per game. With Semenyo operating in the midfield hub, he is likely to rack up chances, assists, and bonus points. His price of £8.2m makes him a bargain for a captain, especially if Haaland is too expensive for some FPL managers.

Noah Okafor: The Swiss Spark

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Noah Okafor’s recent match‑winning brace against Manchester United may be a turning point in his campaign. The Swiss international has been in and out of the starting XI, but his performance at Old Trafford showcased his quality. Okafor scored twice in a 2-1 win, including a clinical finish from the edge of the box, proving he can lead the line. His work rate and creativity make him a constant threat to defenses.

Okafor’s DGW33 fixtures are a double‑header against Wolves and Bournemouth. Wolves have been poor defensively, conceding heavily in recent weeks, while Bournemouth’s backline has been similarly porous. With Leeds doubling up, Okafor has two chances to replicate his United heroics. His price of £5.5m offers great value, and his versatility allows him to contribute in multiple ways. For managers looking for a high‑risk, high‑reward captain, Okafor is the perfect fit.

Danny Welbeck: The Veteran’s Redemption

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Danny Welbeck’s return to form has been a story of redemption. The 35‑year‑old forward has been a key figure for Brighton & Hove Albion, often scoring goals for fun despite his age. His recent performances include a brace against Liverpool and crucial strikes against Brentford and Nottingham Forest, proving he still has the hunger. Welbeck’s experience and intelligence make him a constant threat to defenses.

Welbeck’s DGW33 fixtures are a double‑header against Tottenham and Chelsea. Both sides have defensive frailties, making him an appealing captaincy pick. With Brighton doubling up, Welbeck has two chances to rack up goals and bonus points. His price of £6.3m offers great value, and his consistency makes him a solid mid‑budget captain. For managers looking for a safe, low‑risk option, Welbeck is the perfect fit.

Key FPL Captaincy Options at a Glance

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Player

Club

Opponent

Main Appeal

Risk Level

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

Arsenal (H), Burnley (A)

Goalscoring machine, back in form, DGW33

Low

Eli Junior Kroupi

Bournemouth

Newcastle (A), Leeds (H)

Youngster’s golden opportunity, DGW33

High

Antoine Semenyo

Manchester City

Arsenal (H), Burnley (A)

Mercurial wide man, DGW33

Medium

Noah Okafor

Leeds United

Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A)

Swiss spark, DGW33

High

Danny Welbeck

Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham (A), Chelsea (H)

Veteran’s redemption, DGW33

Medium

Honourable Mentions

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While the five players above are the top captaincy options, a few others deserve a mention. Nico O’Reilly’s versatility and creativity make him a solid mid‑budget option. Rayan Cherki’s attacking flair could deliver a high‑ceiling haul. Marcus Tavernier’s set‑piece prowess and work rate make him a safe pick.

Morgan Gibbs‑White’s consistency is always valuable, especially ahead of his outing against Burnley. Evanilson’s pace and goal threat are worth considering. Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s aerial ability could deliver a big haul. These players offer a mix of risk and reward, perfect for managers looking to take a chance on a wildcard captain.

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