FPL Gameweek 4 Captaincy Picks – Stats, Fixtures and Best Options

The international break has given Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers some valuable time to reassess their squads, and now attention switches back to domestic action with Gameweek 4. This weekend promises intriguing match-ups, including Liverpool’s trip to struggling Burnley and the Manchester derby at the Etihad. Both fixtures, along with Crystal Palace hosting newly promoted Sunderland, provide fertile ground for captaincy discussions.

Gameweek 4 captaincy boils down to a classic choice between reliability (Salah, Haaland), form (Ekitike, Gakpo), and differentials (Mateta). Let’s break down each option using early-season stats and fixture context.

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool (at Burnley, 14 Sep)

Salah continues to be Liverpool’s heartbeat regardless of the new attacking faces around him. With 1 goal and 1 assist in 269 minutes, he remains directly involved in the final third. Though his expected numbers (0.11 xG and 0.17 xAG per 90) are modest, Salah’s trust on penalties and proven reliability make him arguably the safest captain pick.

Stats snapshot: 1.34 shots per 90 (0.67 on target), 1.67 shot-creating actions per 90.
Influence: 9 progressive carries and 9 progressive passes show that he is still dictating play.
Fixture boost: Burnley have only 3 points so far and look leaky at the back.

Salah offers certainty—minutes, penalties, and consistent touches in advanced areas—all of which make him one of the most reliable GW4 captaincy options.

Erling Haaland – Manchester City (vs Manchester United, 14 Sep)

Haaland’s early output—3 goals from 3.9 xG—is both slightly under his expected return and a reminder of the sheer number of opportunities he receives. His 5.0 shots per 90 is unrivaled, and even with no assists, no player offers a higher ceiling when it comes to raw goal output.

Stats snapshot: 1.79 shots on target per 90; highest xG per 90 (1.38).
Fixture context: The Manchester derby is tougher on paper, but City’s strong home record makes Haaland fixture-proof.
Role clarity: He will always be the spearhead in City’s attack, focusing purely on finishing.

Haaland carries risk in that United may tighten up at the Etihad, but his shot volume and xG suggest he will always find chances. For managers looking for a ceiling captain, he is still the standout premium.

Jean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace (vs Sunderland, 13 Sep)

Mateta brings something a little different—a budget differential captaincy option. After playing 261 minutes, he has scored once (a penalty) and averages 0.43 xG per 90. His creativity is limited, with only 0.34 shot-creating actions per 90, but his appeal lies in penalty duties and the fixture.

Fixture advantage: Crystal Palace host Sunderland, who have been defensively vulnerable since promotion.
Stats snapshot: 60% of his shots find the target, making him a high-efficiency shooter.

For bold FPL managers who want to avoid the heavily captained premiums, Mateta offers an under-the-radar option with a good chance of delivering.

Hugo Ekitike – Liverpool (at Burnley, 14 Sep)

Ekitike has arguably been Liverpool’s most exciting attacker so far. In 228 minutes played, he already has 2 goals and 1 assist. His efficiency is backed by solid numbers—0.53 xG and 0.10 xAG per 90—while his involvement rate of 1.18 goal contributions per 90 is excellent.

Creative involvement: 2.37 shot-creating actions and 0.79 goal-creating actions per 90.
Shot profile: 1.97 shots and 1.18 on target per game shows strong finishing reliability.
Quality of chances: 0.27 non-penalty xG per shot, indicating high-quality opportunities.

Ekitike may be slightly over-performing compared to his xG, but his role within Liverpool’s system enables him to receive big chances. Against Burnley’s vulnerable defence, his early-season form makes him a genuine captain alternative to Salah.

Cody Gakpo – Liverpool (at Burnley, 14 Sep)

Gakpo brings balance between creator and scorer. In his 269 minutes, he has 1 goal and 2 assists, and leads Liverpool in shot-creating actions (3.01 SCA per 90). His numbers point towards being the team’s creative hub rather than the primary scorer.

Stats snapshot: 0.10 xG and 0.28 xAG per 90, 2.01 shots (1.00 on target).
Progressive play: 10 carries, 6 passes, and 18 runs underline how heavily he drives transitions.
Versatility: Multiple routes to points—both scoring and assisting.

Gakpo is particularly appealing for those who see Liverpool dominating Burnley across all attacking fronts, with opportunities for both goals and assists flowing through him.

Comparing the Options

Salah – Safe, reliable choice with penalties and consistent involvement.
Haaland – Highest ceiling thanks to sheer shot volume, but a fixture with more risk.
Ekitike – High-form option who is taking high-quality chances, a strong differential among Liverpool assets.
Gakpo – Creative hub, solid alternative for those backing Liverpool to cruise past Burnley.
Mateta – Bold differential for managers chasing upside against promoted Sunderland.

Conclusion – Best Captain for GW4

Gameweek 4 offers a rare mix: multiple Liverpool attackers in excellent fixtures, plus Haaland in a derby with unmatched shooting numbers.

Best safe pick: Mohamed Salah (penalties, involvement, Burnley fixture).
Best ceiling pick: Erling Haaland (elite shot and xG numbers, capable of exploding even in a derby).
Best Liverpool alternative: Hugo Ekitike (2G, 1A, high-quality shot profile).
Best creative route: Cody Gakpo (team’s playmaking hub).
Best differential: Jean-Philippe Mateta (penalties, home vs Sunderland).

Managers must weigh the security of minutes and set-pieces (Salah) against the sheer explosiveness of Haaland, while also considering form differentials in Ekitike or Gakpo. For those seeking upside without following the crowd, Mateta remains the bold outsider.