FPL Tips for Gameweek 11: Gabriel or Erling Haaland for Captain?

Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 11 is upon us. Over 12 million fantasy managers registered to play the 2025/26 edition of FPL, and I currently find myself ranked 18,935th — in the top 0.15% of managers.

I reckon that — coupled with my finish of 1,897th in 2020/21 — officially qualifies me as an FPL expert, so please pay attention as I dish out my valuable advice below!

FPL Tips for Gameweek 11

The big question in most gameweeks is usually about which player to captain, and that is no different in GW11.

Erling Haaland is generally my default pick as captain. Haaland is the highest-scoring player in FPL so far this season with 98 points from his first 10 games.

However, Manchester City face Liverpool this weekend — a team Haaland has scored just one goal against in his previous four Premier League clashes.

Who to Captain in FPL GW11 — Erling Haaland or Gabriel?

Liverpool appear to have bounced back from their shocking run of six defeats in seven, having beaten Aston Villa and Real Madrid without conceding a single goal in their last two outings.

For that reason, I’m tempted to give Haaland a well-earned week off from FPL captaincy duties and hand the armband to Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes instead.

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel looks like a strong choice as your FPL captain in GW11

Why I’m Captaining Gabriel in FPL GW11

It’s a brave call, but one supported by the numbers. Arsenal have now kept eight consecutive clean sheets in all competitions, equalling a 122-year-old club record, and have conceded just three goals in their first 10 Premier League matches. That defensive solidity has been the foundation of their title charge — and Gabriel is right at the heart of it.

The Brazilian centre-back has not only played every minute of Arsenal’s league campaign, but he’s also delivered attacking returns in three of his last five Premier League games, underlining his growing threat from set-pieces. He leads all defenders for big chances on goal and regularly posts bonus points thanks to the new defensive contribution metric, which rewards actions like clearances, blocks, interceptions, and aerial duels won.

Gabriel currently averages over 9.5 defensive contribution points per match, helping him rack up consistent hauls even when he doesn’t find the net. Combine that with Arsenal’s clean-sheet streak and his set-piece danger, and you have a defender offering multiple routes to points every week.

It’s no surprise, then, that Gabriel is the second-highest scoring FPL player this season — only Haaland has more — with 80 points from 10 matches.

Captaining a defender always feels risky, but right now Arsenal’s defence looks as close to bulletproof as it gets. With a trip to Sunderland, who have managed just nine goals all season, there’s a strong case for going all in on Gabriel.

If you’re chasing rank gains or simply fancy something different, Gabriel is the bold, high-upside captain pick for Gameweek 11.

Erling Haaland vs Gabriel: Last Five FPL Gameweeks

Top Players to Pick in FPL GW11

Although I am not going to captain Erling Haaland (£14.8m) this week, the Manchester City goal machine is still a recommended pick for GW11.

All starting Arsenal defenders are very attractive for this week, although tough fixtures are ahead for the Gunners, who play Tottenham and Chelsea after their trip to Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Chelsea attackers have the potential to fill their boots at home against Wolves this week, as well as away at Burnley in GW12. Due to Enzo Maresca constantly rotating his team, it is not always easy to predict which Chelsea stars will play. However, Joao Pedro (£7.4m) has featured for at least 73 minutes in all of their Premier League games so far.

I also really like the look of Brentford striker Igor Thiago (£6.2m), who is one of the most undervalued FPL players this season and has scored more points per million-pound valuation than any other striker. He also has some tasty fixtures coming up, starting with Newcastle (H) in GW11, followed by Brighton (A) and Burnley (H).

In terms of defensive assets, other than Arsenal players, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella (£6.1m) and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi (£5.0m) look like the best medium-term options.

Playing Your Free Hit Chip in FPL GW11

If you still have your Free Hit chip available — and the vast majority of FPL managers do — you could use it this week.

Personally, I am going to hold on to it a little longer. But if I were to play my Free Hit in GW11 then I would go heavy on Arsenal defenders, including William Saliba, who could play as a midfielder.

I would also put three Chelsea players, while Everton’s Jack Grealish (£6.9m) and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White (£7.3m) have strong differential potential.

Best Free Hit Team for FPL GW11

Rob Summerscales’ FPL Free Hit team for GW11

Using Your Wildcard Chip in FPL GW11

Playing a Wildcard just before an international break is not generally advisable due to the risk of players getting injured while away. However, if you feel like you need to Wildcard in GW11, it could still be the right move depending on your circumstances.

If I was Wildcarding this week, I would go less all-in on Arsenal defenders than I did with my Free Hit team, due to their tough fixtures in GW12 and GW13.

Although I might bench him away at Spurs this week, I would also bring in Bryan Mbeumo (£8.4m) due to Brentford’s favourable fixtures from GW12 to GW16 — Everton (H), Crystal Palace (A), West Ham (H), Wolves (A) and Bournemouth (H). However, Mbeumo will be among the Premier League players heading to AFCON at the end of December, so be prepared to sell him ahead of GW17.

Regular starters for Aston Villa, Chelsea and Crystal Palace also look like good picks up until the season’s midway point, when all FPL managers will see their first Wildcard chip expire.

Rob Summerscales’ FPL Wildcard team for GW11

FPL GW11 Summary

Arsenal’s defensive dominance and Gabriel’s growing set-piece threat make him a genuine alternative to Haaland for the captain’s armband in Gameweek 11. The Brazilian has become a bonus-point magnet and remains central to Mikel Arteta’s record-breaking backline.

However, the Gunners’ incredible run of clean sheets could be tested in the coming weeks, with tricky fixtures against Tottenham and Chelsea looming in Gameweeks 12 and 13. That’s why now might also be the time to spread your risk with in-form assets from other clubs.

Chelsea attackers look well placed to deliver in their upcoming fixtures against Wolves and Burnley, while Brentford’s Igor Thiago (£6.2m) remains one of the best-value strikers in the game. At the back, Marc Cucurella (£6.1m) and Marc Guehi (£5.0m) both offer solid routes to clean-sheet and bonus points at affordable prices.

As always, FPL rewards patience as much as boldness — so make your moves wisely, trust your gut, and good luck in Gameweek 11!