Gameweek 17 gets underway on Friday night under the lights at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United host Sunderland in a top-of-the-table clash. Following that, all 70 other EFL sides will feature, including a double gameweek for Fleetwood Town and Colchester United. 

Most managers are likely to captain either a Fleetwood or Colchester asset with them featuring twice. Nevertheless, there are plenty of alternative player picks that are set to feature only once in GW16 that could haul for your sides. 

In this article, we’ve provided a synopsis of the potential captaincy candidates in each position. This should make the captaincy decision much easier, we know backing the right captain can make or break your Fantasy ranking! However, we begin by assessing the best DGW options.

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Fleetwood standouts 

If you’re looking at the upside of defensive assets, the two clear standouts that could wear the armband are David Harrington (G) and Carl Johnston (D). The keeper has nailed 63 points and has kept six clean sheets in 14, returning 63 points. On the other hand, with one goal and one assist to his name, Johnston has been superb at wing-back, scoring 80 Fantasy points. With two interesting fixtures against Colchester (H) and Doncaster (H), we’re expecting contributions from both. 

Nevertheless, from an attacking perspective, Ronan Coughlan (F) stands out. The penalty-taking striker has six goals and one assist in 12 for Charlie Adam’s side, totalling 65 points. With two chances to get on the scoresheet and extend his current run of goals scored in two consecutive games, Coughlan is an excellent shout. 

 

Colchester assets

Danny Crowley’s side face Swindon Town (H), following their trip to Highbury Stadium to face Fleetwood.

Jack Payne (M) is an excellent shout for the armband, provided he starts on Saturday. The number 10 has 88 points in 16 appearances, scoring two goals and providing six assists in that time, alongside making seven interceptions. The playmaker, wh’so outscored any other U's player or Fleetwood assert, will be instrumental in securing points to keep the U's clear of the relegation zone.

Equally, Lyle Taylor (F) and Samson Tovide (F) are good shouts, but managers must be wary of rotation risks. Taylor has scored five goals in 13 matches, totalling 50 points, while Tovide three goals and five assists in the same period, totalling 61. Their second opponent, Swindon, have conceded 28 goals, and haven’t kept a clean sheet since GW9. There’s no doubt goals are scored on Tuesday at the JobServe Community Stadium. However, the captaincy decision lies with you!  

Single Gameweek Assets

Burnley’s Maxime Estève (D) has been outstanding for Scott Parker’s side this campaign, bagging 109 points in 17 matches. The Frenchman has been a rock in the Clarets defence, helping them to 11 clean sheets (+55). They face Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, who have been misfiring in recent weeks, blanking in their 0-0 draw against Preston North End (H). If you expect another clean sheet for Burnley and defensive contributions, look no further than their number five.  

Moreover, the second-highest Fantasy scorer heading into GW17 with 126 points, Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku (M) is an excellent midfield option to wear the armband this gameweek. The number 11 has 10 goals and five assists in 16, and faces 24th-placed Burton Albion (H) on Wednesday. The Brewers record against the Posh isn’t promising, and if goals are to be scored at Weston Homes Stadium, Poku will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. 

Finally, based on current form, Norwich City’s Borja Sainz (F) leads the way for forward captaincy candidates ahead of GW17. Two hat-tricks scored this season totalling 14 goals and three assists in 17, Sainz has been the most prolific forward in the entire EFL. As Fantasy’s top scorer with 137 points, the winger will be hoping for further returns when they face Luton Town (H), who lost 3-0 to Leeds United (A) on Wednesday. 

Insights provided by the team at Fantasy Football Scout, the leading voice in fantasy football who’ll be providing coverage on teams, player picks and strategy for the Fantasy EFL game throughout the season here and on their own dedicated EFL channel here.