Captaincy options for Gameweek 2: Erling Haaland boasts incredible record against Crystal Palace

DREAM TEAM managers need to select a captain for Gameweek 2 before today’s (Friday) 6:30pm deadline. Let’s run through the leading candidates. Haaland loves a trip to Selhurst Park Credit: Getty Many gaffers see Erling Haaland (£8.5m) as the default captain whenever he is available and it’s hard to argue against such a stance. Manchester City’s No9 looked a tad rusty against Bournemouth last weekend but he’ll fancy his chances against Crystal Palace this evening for a number of reasons. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The Norwegian poacher has scored eight goals in five Premier League games against the Eagles, including a brace at Selhurst Park last season. Pierre Sage’s side lost their opening game against Everton and things may go from bad to worse before the transfer window ends as key players Daniel Munoz (£5m), Ismaila Sarr (£4.5m) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4m) are all linked with other clubs. Cutting through all the waffle, Haaland is a very strong captaincy option as per usual. However, there’s no shortage of viable alternatives for Dream Team bosses who want to go against the grain in Gameweek 2. Szoboszlai picked up where he left off Credit: Getty Liverpool are at home to Nottingham Forest and owners of Alexander Isak (£6m) and/or Dominik Szoboszlai (£6m) may be tempted to target the match-up after Forest’s back-to-back defeats to Leeds. It’s worth noting that it was the Hungarian midfielder, not the Swedish striker, who took the Reds’ late penalty at St James’ Park last Sunday. Most read in Football Manchester United are scheduled to host Ipswich and their assets would have been deemed ultra strong captaincy options had they not blanked against Hull. Many gaffers would have earmarked Bruno Fernandes (£7m), Bryan Mbeumo (£4.5m) or Matheus Cunha (£4.5m) as their skipper for the first two Gameweeks of the season but the Red Devils’ stumble at the MKM Stadium has changed the outlook. The comfort of Old Trafford may help Michael Carrick’s troops bounce back it would be a brave move to captain any of them after the disappointment of Gameweek 1. Strong start Credit: Getty Elsewhere, both Cole Palmer (£5m) and Joao Pedro (£5m) have to be in the conversation after Chelsea’s bright start. The former banked 24 points across two outings in Gameweek 1. The Blues are at home to Brighton, who aren’t to be taken lightly, but Fabian Hurzeler was forced to name a strong XI against Tromso on Thursday night to ensure the Seagulls’ progression to the league phase of the Conference League, hardly the best preparation for a trip to Stamford Bridge. Play Score Predictor! Available on the Dream Team app Predict results for the weekend’s football Every correct prediction earns an entry into a £10,000 prize draw Free to play PLAY NOW Lastly, Aston Villa away wouldn’t usually be a fixture to target with the captain’s armband but it seems like a great time for Arsenal to fulfil the commitment. Unai Emery has parted ways with several key players this summer and a shambolic 4-0 loss to Brighton on the opening weekend hoisted a giant red flag above Villa Park. In contrast, the Gunners eased past Coventry with several of players firmly among the points on offer. Christos Tzolis (£4m), Riccardo Calafiori (£4.5m), Bukayo Saka (£5.5m), Martin Odegaard (£4.5m) and Kai Havertz (£4.5m) all capitalised but it’s not all that easy to single out one of them as the standout captaincy favourite. Saka’s historical record and status as first-choice penalty taker probably gives him the edge. Our captaincy ranking for Gameweek 2 would be: Erling Haaland Cole Palmer Bruno Fernandes Whatever your thoughts, remember to make your choice before the 6:30pm deadline. How to claim £30 in football free bets Midnite offer Download the Midnite app or create an account online HERE* Register using the code: BETGET30 Deposit a minimum of £10 Place a £10 sportsbook bet at minimum odds of 1/1 Free Bets will be credited upon settlement of your qualifying bet Comment now