Fantasy Premier League managers are considering using the Triple Captain chip on Manchester City striker Erling Haaland for Gameweek Three. The decision comes as City prepare to host Coventry at the Etihad Stadium on September 5th.
Haaland, priced at £15.5m, scored a brace against Crystal Palace in Gameweek Two, earning 13 Fantasy points. He completed 90 minutes in both of City's opening fixtures, a 2-0 win over Bournemouth and a 4-2 victory over Palace. The Norwegian's form and a favorable fixture have sparked the debate.
Erling Haaland's underlying numbers support the move. He has started the season strongly for the league leaders, who have scored six goals in two games. With a free midweek before the Coventry match, unlike after their upcoming Champions League trip to Porto, Haaland should be well-rested. "I’ll personally be trusting Haaland with the Triple Captain chip," one analyst said. The fixture against a Coventry side that has lost its first two games, including a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, presents a clear opportunity for points.
Comparing his £15.5m price tag to other premium assets illustrates his value. Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, who scored 23 points in Gameweek Two, costs £12.0m. Other popular picks include Bukayo Saka (£9.5m) and Cole Palmer (£9.6m). For City assets, Phil Foden is available for £7.0m, while midfielders Elliot Anderson and Nico O'Reilly are priced at £6.4m and £6.5m respectively.
The main concern is his long-term minutes potential. "I am concerned by his minutes potential in the long term, though, especially with Manchester City strengthening their wingers in this summer transfer window," the same source noted. City's squad depth and the impending busy schedule could lead to rotation. Also, City have key players currently sidelined, including Jérémy Doku and Matheus Nunes, which may affect team selection and dynamics.
Gameweek Four sees the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, followed by a Carabao Cup tie against Norwich and a league game against Sunderland. This congested period might influence manager Enzo Maresca's decisions. However, for the specific Coventry fixture, Haaland's starting status seems secure.
Several players had big Gameweek Two hauls, creating alternative captaincy debates. Rayan Cherki, bought by over 1.3 million managers after his brace against Crystal Palace, is priced at £7.7m, the same as Brighton's Joao Pedro. Defenders like Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori (£5.6m) and David Raya (£6.0m) offer clean sheet potential. Yet, Haaland's proven track record since arriving in the Premier League in 2022 and his current team's form make him the standout candidate for the chip this weekend.
Manchester City's perfect start provides a strong platform for their attackers. The upcoming home game is a chance to extend that lead before a challenging run. Haaland's next chance to deliver for his Fantasy owners comes on Friday night against Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium.
