Best FPL Captain GW4: Palmer vs Isak vs Haaland

The short answer

Cole Palmer is the current OneFPL captaincy leader for GW4, but the gap is not as large as the fixture label suggests.

Our early post-GW3 ranking is:

1. Cole Palmer — Hull (H)
2. Alexander Isak — Fulham (H)
3. Erling Haaland — Manchester United (H)
4. João Pedro — Hull (H)
5. Morgan Rogers — Hull (H)

This ranking should be rechecked after the midweek European and cup matches.

1. Cole Palmer — safest combination of role and fixture

Chelsea host Hull, which immediately places Palmer near the top of the captain conversation.

But there is an important correction to the simple fixture narrative: Hull have opened the season with three consecutive clean sheets.

That does not make Palmer a bad captain. It does make the idea that Hull are automatically an easy defensive opponent too simplistic.

Palmer remains the preferred option because premium role and reliable involvement matter more than reading only the promoted-team label.

2. Alexander Isak — strongest form challenger

Isak scored both Liverpool goals at Ipswich.

Liverpool now host Fulham, making him the strongest alternative to Palmer and a very credible captain if you prefer the player with the clearer latest goal evidence.

3. Erling Haaland — fixture-proof ceiling

The Manchester derby is a tougher fixture than Chelsea-Hull or Liverpool-Fulham, but Haaland's ceiling means he should never disappear from the shortlist.

Managers who already own him should not create an unnecessary transfer merely because he ranks third for one week.

João Pedro and Morgan Rogers

João Pedro remains a strong Chelsea route, while Rogers strengthened his case by scoring at Arsenal.

They are more attractive as differential captains than as reasons to ignore Palmer altogether.

Captain vs Triple Captain

Palmer can be the best normal captain without GW4 automatically being the best Triple Captain week.

Hull's defensive start is exactly why OneFPL is more cautious on the chip than on the armband.

Read our updated Triple Captain guide before activating it.

OneFPL verdict

Captain Palmer for safety, Isak for a high-confidence alternative, and keep Haaland in the conversation.

Recheck the ranking after European minutes and the latest Team News.

FAQ

Who is the best FPL captain for GW4?

Palmer currently leads because Chelsea host Hull and his role is secure, but Isak is a serious alternative after scoring twice in GW3.

Is Isak a better captain than Palmer?

He can be. Managers prioritising current goal form may prefer Isak, while Palmer offers the stronger premium Chelsea route.

Should I Triple Captain Palmer?

It is viable but not mandatory. Hull's three clean sheets make saving the chip completely reasonable.

Sources

• Premier League 2026/27 fixtures
• Liverpool FC — Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool
• Fantasy Football Scout — Hull clean-sheet analysis
• Reuters — Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea