FPL talking point: Avoid the free hit & captain Bruno Fernandes

With Arsenal and Manchester City squaring off in the Carabao Cup final this weekend, FPL managers have been faced with several conundrums.

City and the Gunners are among four clubs without a Premier League match in a blank gameweek, which means managers have got some tricky decisions to make.

They include what to do with Erling Haaland, whether to play the free hit chip - which allows unlimited free transfers for a single gameweek - and how to fill the void left by players who are not in action.

With 31 points in the previous three weeks, is Bruno Fernandes the best option to replace the Norwegian as the most captained player in the game?

FPL expert Holly Shand and some of the team from the FPL Podcast give their verdicts.

With Haaland guaranteed zero points this weekend, sales of the City forward have already hit more than 230,000 - well in advance of Friday's 18:30 GMT deadline.

That makes the Norwegian the most transferred player out during this gameweek, but there are plenty of underlying factors that make it an understandable move.

Haaland's fitness has appeared to be an issue of late and he has scored just three goals in 11 Premier League appearances since the turn of the year.

Coupled with that, Pep Guardiola's side return to top-flight action with a difficult trip to Chelsea in gameweek 32, and then host leaders Arsenal the following week.

However, City could be among the clubs who could end up with a double gameweek in week 33 and there is a huge risk to offloading a player with a proven goalscoring record - and who would likely take more out of your budget it you wanted to bring him back in.

Holly Shand: "I'm personally not looking to sell Haaland as I'd end up buying him back immediately after the international break at a higher price point.

"Transfers are precious at this stage of the season. Selling would allow flexibility to buy Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer.

"Bruno Fernandes stands out as the best captain pick, having produced goal involvements in eight of his 10 Premier League games under Michael Carrick.

"He has five double-digit hauls in this period, continuing to dominate for key passes (98), as he looks to break the Premier League record for the most assists in a season."

Alistair Bruce-Ball: "My favourite is Bruno. Just give him the armband. He plays the minutes and is always involved."

Statman Dave: "Get Haaland out of your team. He is not playing well and the stats are terrible from open play. Antoine Semenyo is the best City asset by a mile.

"I think Fernandes is the number one for captaincy. He could have had four assists in the last game against Aston Villa. He is playing some of the best football. He is the best by a mile for me."

Holly Shand: "I'd personally avoid playing the free hit chip this week, with five of the 10 highest-scoring players in the game without a fixture - meaning reduced upside.

"There's likely to be a tougher blank and double schedule to navigate around gameweek 33 and gameweek 34, being caused by the FA Cup semi-finals.

"I believe quality over quantity is the key. In an ideal world, getting a full XI out would be the aim, but I wouldn't take a points hit to achieve that.

"You may be able to get away with nine or 10 players if you ensure you own the key attacking players for the gameweek.

"Fulham's Harry Wilson has returned from injury in time for Burnley at home, having managed 17 goal involvements this season. Chelsea's Joao Pedro has been the highest-scoring player in the game since Liam Rosenior's arrival, with 14 returns in his last 10.

"Anthony Gordon is the most transferred in player, having netted goals in consecutive games."

Statman Dave: "We have been speaking about planning for a bit. If you've planned to free hit this week it is fine or alternatively, 10 players is fine - but if you are at nine I would consider taking a points hit.

"Malick Thiaw would be my differential. The Newcastle defender is owned by 8.9% of managers. In terms of the next run of fixtures, they have Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Arsenal - where you could bench him - Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

"More importantly, of Newcastle's defenders he has taken the most shots and scored the most goals with four - which is a great return for a centre-back. He has the most clearances, blocks and interceptions."

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