FPL talking point: Avoid free kick and captain Bruno Fernandes

With Haaland guaranteed zero points this weekend, the City striker’s sales have already reached more than 230,000 – well before Friday’s deadline of 18:30 GMT.

This makes the Norwegian the player most transferred this Gameweek, but there are plenty of underlying factors that make the move understandable.

Haaland’s fitness has seemed to become a problem recently, and he has scored only three goals in 11 Premier League matches since the beginning of the year.

Besides, Pep Guardiola’s side return to the Premier League with a tough trip to Chelsea in Round 32, then host leaders Arsenal the following week.

However, City could be among the clubs who could end up with a double playweek in Week 33, and there is a huge risk in offloading a player with a proven goalscoring record – who will likely take more of your budget if you want to bring him back.

Holly Shand: “I personally am not looking to sell Haaland because I would end up buying him back straight after the international break for a higher price.

“Transfers are valuable at this stage of the season. Selling will allow flexibility to buy Hugo Ekiteke, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer.

“Bruno Fernandes stands out as the club’s top choice for captain, having featured in eight of their ten Premier League matches under Michael Carrick.

“He has claimed five double-digit assists in this term, and continues to dominate in key passes (98), as he looks to break the Premier League record for the most assists in a single season.”

Alistair Bruce Ball: “My favorite is Bruno. Just give him the captaincy. He plays minutes and is always involved.”

Statman Dave: “Take Haaland out of your team. He’s not playing well and the stats are terrible from open play. Antoine Semenyo is City’s best player by a mile.

“I think Fernandes is the first player to captain. He had four assists in the last match against Aston Villa. He is playing some of the best football. He is the best for me.”