The Hard Tackle lists the five best options to consider for the captain’s armband heading into FPL Gameweek 35 of the 2025/26 season.
With favourable match-ups shaping up across the Premier League slate, FPL managers face a crucial choice to double down on points potential. This piece breaks down the top five candidates, weighing their form, fixtures, and underlying team dynamics to guide your armband decision.
Gameweek 35 brings a mix of intriguing clashes that could deliver big hauls for shrewd captains. Managers often hunt for players facing leaky defenses or riding hot streaks, and this round offers plenty of both. Blank games and doubles might loom later, making GW35 a pivotal moment to rack up points before the run-in intensifies.
The beauty of FPL captaincy lies in balancing safe bets with differentials that could catapult rankings. Sticking with proven goal machines usually pays off, but emerging threats from mid-table scraps add excitement. As the 2025/26 season hits its business end, every doubled return counts toward mini-leagues and overall glory. Now, let us dive into the standout options, starting with the Norwegian powerhouse who has long been a fixture in triple-captain debates.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland remains the safest and most explosive captaincy choice for Gameweek 35, as Manchester City travel to Everton. The Toffees have endured a nightmare defensively this term, shipping goals with alarming regularity due to shaky organisation at the back. Their backline has struggled to contain pacey forwards, leaving Haaland perfectly positioned to exploit gaps on the counter.
Even after a patchy run of blanks and single-digit hauls, Haaland’s sheer volume in the box keeps him as the default armband for millions. No other striker matches his shot tally or conversion threat, and Everton’s home form offers little resistance. Expect the City star to rediscover his ruthless edge and deliver the double-digit return FPL bosses crave.
Noah Okafor
Noah Okafor emerges as a bold midfield captain pick for Leeds United’s home clash against Burnley in Gameweek 35. The Clarets sit near the foot of the table with a porous defence, conceding 68 goals already while winning just four games. Their inability to hold firm against creative attackers plays right into Okafor’s hands.
Since joining Leeds United last summer, the Swiss speedster has hit stride with timely goals and assists, thriving in open games. His recent exploits, complete with bursting forward and chipping in with returns, make him a livewire against bottom-feeders. Okafor could feast on Burnley’s frailty, turning a routine fixture into a captaincy masterstroke.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest screams differential captain after a blistering return to form, netting five goals across his last three outings. Despite an up-and-down campaign overall, this surge signals the creative hub is clicking again, especially with Forest heading to Chelsea.
The Blues’ backline has shown cracks, vulnerable to midfield runners who probe from deep, leading to Liam Rosenior’s departure. Gibbs-White’s vision and finishing could shred them, building on his season tally of 13 goals and three assists. In a game ripe for chaos, his momentum positions him for a haul that leaves rivals in the dust.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes stands tall as Manchester United host Liverpool in a fixture where his final-third mastery shines amid the Reds’ wavering form. Liverpool have climbed into the top four, but their defence has been prone to lapses against set-pieces and quick transitions. Fernandes, Manchester United’s heartbeat, exploits such weaknesses relentlessly.
In the 2025/26 season, the Portuguese maestro has amassed over 200 FPL points, blending goals, assists, and bonuses into consistent hauls. His importance grows in derbies, where he dictates tempo and delivers under lights. Back him for GW35, and Manchester United’s skipper might just haul big against old foes as he chases the Premier League assists record.
Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa rounds out the top five, facing Tottenham at home in Gameweek 35. Spurs’ inconsistencies have gifted opponents chances all season, and Rogers has a knack for punishing them. The Englishman’s clever link-up play and finishing thrive against disorganized rearguards.
Rogers dismantled Tottenham earlier this term, assisting and scoring in key moments that highlight his match-up edge. Villa’s push for Europe adds urgency, fueling his output. In this Midlands showdown, he lurks as a sneaky captain to surge up the rankings.
Key FPL Captaincy Options at a Glance
| Player | Club | Opponent | Main Appeal | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Man City | Everton (A) | Goal magnet vs leaky defence | Low |
| Noah Okafor | Leeds United | Burnley (H) | Form boost vs relegation strugglers | Medium |
| Morgan Gibbs-White | Nott’m Forest | Chelsea (A) | Recent five-goal burst + vulnerable backline | Medium |
| Bruno Fernandes | Man Utd | Liverpool (H) | 200+ pts history in big game | Low |
| Morgan Rogers | Aston Villa | Tottenham (H) | Proven Spurs tormentor | Medium |
Honourable Mentions
Honourable mentions go to Gabriel Magalhaes for Arsenal’s solid setup, Enzo Le Fee’s creative sparks, Kaoru Mitoma’s dribbling flair, Florian Wirtz’s relentless bursts, Marcus Tavernier’s set-piece prowess, Jarrod Bowen’s threat, Igor Thiago’s poacher instincts, and Danny Welbeck’s veteran nous. Each could pop in Gameweek 35, so keep an eye on ownership shifts.