As every FPL manager knows, the captaincy decision can make or break a Gameweek. Following an eventful Gameweek 6, getting the armband right for Gameweek 7 is crucial for that coveted green arrow. This guide moves beyond guesswork, showing you how to leverage data to make the most informed choice possible.

Our goal isn't just to give you picks; it's to show you the process. We'll walk you through the top candidates, demonstrating how we use the FPL Stats Lab toolset to analyse the options, empowering you to make winning decisions for your own team.

Key Takeaways: GW7 Captaincy Quick Guide

For managers short on time before the deadline, here are our data-backed conclusions:

• Top Captain Pick: Erling Haaland (Man City) – With a promising fixture against a Brentford side that has conceded 11 goals this season, his elite underlying numbers make him the standout choice.
• Strong Mid-Priced Option: Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) – Has a fantastic home fixture and solid underlying numbers, making him a strong captaincy contender.
• The Form Pick: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) – Boasts an excellent home fixture, fantastic form, and solid underlying statistics.
• The High-Risk Punt: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) – Elite underlying data and a great fixture clash with poor team form, creating a classic high-risk, high-reward scenario.

FPL GW7 Captaincy: A Data-Driven Analysis

Our analysis of player form, fixture difficulty, and underlying performance data points to Erling Haaland as the top captain choice for Gameweek 7. However, strong alternatives exist for those willing to look beyond the favourite. We've used our Player Watchlist and Fixture Difficulty Planner to break down the key candidates.

The Essential Pick: Erling Haaland (Man City, £14.4m)

Fixture: Brentford (A)

An away trip to Brentford presents a solid opportunity for Erling Haaland to continue his incredible goal-scoring form. A deeper dive into the data shows why he is such a compelling captain. Haaland has already scored eight goals from an Expected Goals (xG) total of 7.35. His underlying numbers are simply in a league of their own, with an xG per 90 minutes (xG/90) of 1.32 and an Expected Goal Involvement per 90 (xGI/90) of 1.42. He is statistically expected to be involved in more than one goal every single match.

Our Fixture Difficulty Planner rates this as a manageable fixture, and Brentford have conceded 11 goals this season. When you combine a player with such dominant individual numbers with a favourable fixture, the potential for a massive haul is huge. For the 54.5% of managers who own him, captaining Haaland is the safest and highest-upside decision.

The Strong Mid-Priced Option: Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)

Fixture: West Ham (H)

Viktor Gyökeres presents a fantastic captaincy alternative for Gameweek 7, especially given Arsenal's excellent home fixture against West Ham. For the 26.5% of managers who own him, this is a prime opportunity to back a player with both form and a favourable matchup.

His returns of three goals from six starts are backed by solid underlying data. An Expected Goals (xG) of 2.38 shows he is getting into the right positions, while his xG per 90 of 0.44 and xGI per 90 of 0.51 demonstrate his consistent involvement in Arsenal’s potent attack. He is a reliable forward who offers a high ceiling in GW7.

The Form & Fixture Pick: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth, £7.8m)

Fixture: Fulham (H)

For managers looking for a strong alternative outside the premium bracket, Antoine Semenyo presents a compelling case. A quick look at our Fixture Planner immediately highlights Bournemouth's home game against Fulham as one of the standout fixtures of the week.

Semenyo's personal stats back this up. He is in scintillating form, having already returned four goals and two assists. His underlying numbers are also solid, with an xG/90 of 0.50 and an xGI/90 of 0.55. Facing a Fulham side that has conceded eight goals, Semenyo has a fantastic opportunity to deliver a significant haul.

The Data vs. Form Punt: Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd, £9.0m)

Fixture: Sunderland (H)

Bruno Fernandes is perhaps the most fascinating FPL asset this week. On paper, everything points to a massive haul. He faces Sunderland at home, one of the best fixtures of the Gameweek. His underlying numbers are elite: an xG/90 of 0.59 and an xGI/90 of 0.76 show he is getting into excellent positions consistently. The fact he has only scored two goals from a total xG of 3.52 suggests he has been unlucky.

However, the eye test and recent events tell a different story. Fernandes has already missed two penalties, and Manchester United's inconsistent team form makes him a significant risk, despite the favourable data. For the 20.2% of managers who own him, he represents the ultimate high-risk, high-reward differential captain for GW7.

The Verdict: Who Should You Captain in FPL GW7?

Based on our comprehensive data analysis, Erling Haaland remains the premier captaincy choice for Gameweek 7. His individual statistics are simply too powerful to ignore, especially with a favourable fixture.

For those looking for a calculated risk, Viktor Gyökeres and Antoine Semenyo provide fantastic blends of fixture and form. And if you're chasing rank and willing to trust the numbers over recent performances, the data suggests Bruno Fernandes could deliver a season-defining haul.

Ultimately, the best way to make your final decision is to become the expert for your own team. We encourage you to use our FPL Team Planner and Player Watchlist to analyse the data for yourself and make a choice that fits your strategy.