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Captain Sensible – Gameweek 4

After a two-week hiatus, our Friday evening analysis of the armband options in the Gameweek ahead comes around again. Our three-part approach takes in the weekly poll standings, the Opta player statistics and our Rate My Team projections to help steer your thoughts on the Captain conundrum.

The first section is free to view for all visitors to the site and will analyse the chief protagonists, as selected in our Captain Poll. The latter two parts are restricted to our members, as we delve deeper into the Opta and Rate My Team data.

Captain Poll

Unsurprisingly, Chelsea’s Diego Costa leads the way after notching four times in his first three appearances. The Spain international once again heads into the weekend with hamstring doubts hanging over his pitch time but, after recovering from a similar problem to bag a brace at Goodison in Gameweek 3, he has earned the nod from over 29% of Fantasy managers so far as Jose Mourinho’s side welcome Swansea to the Bridge.

Despite scoring just twice in their first three matches under Louis van Gaal, United are still heavily backed for their home encounter against QPR. Radamel Falcao and Wayne Rooney sit second and fourth respectively in the Captain Poll and the Colombian’s previous ability to settle quickly in his new surrounds have persuaded 15% to select him compared to Rooney’s 13%. Harry Redknapp’s side have shipped four goals in their only road trip to date but a switch from 3-5-3 to 4-4-1-1 earned the R’s their first clean sheet of the campaign last time around.

Liverpool’s attackers are also high in our collective estimations. Raheem Sterling is the favoured option from Brendan Rodgers’ side – after scoring in two of his first three appearances, the youngster has picked up over 13% of your votes for a plum home clash with Aston Villa. With Daniel Sturridge sidelined for the Merseysiders, Mario Balotelli could be a real differential for this one, bearing in mind he’s owned by less than 6% of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.

In spite of a testing clash with City at the Emirates, Arsenal new boy Danny Welbeck remains on the radar. A double for England against Switzerland has certainly had an impact – 3.55% of Fantasy managers fancy handing him the armband, more than either Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard for Chelsea’s encounter with Swansea.

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4,610 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Does anyone outside the top 200k feel like they have lost too much ground already and their season is as good as over in terms of winning FPL?

    1. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      not in that positon but if i was, i wouldn't feel like that. (unless outside top 2mil or something)

      1. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        But you are a fantasy genius though 😕

    2. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      You're not built for this game if you could think that after only 3 weeks

      1. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Obviously.

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Me.
      Need a good gameweek to boost my confidence 🙁

      1. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Incoming. 🙂

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Hopefully....

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I know. It's tough having so much talent in the squad. Always benching a superstar 😉

      2. Jafalad
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I resign. 🙁

    4. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I think it's when you are 100pts off page one that you are in trouble. Currently about 2 millionth but by GW30 it might mean being outside the top 2K

  2. FionnMac
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Risers and Fallers tonight plz lads?

    1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      sort by stickies...

      except schneiderlin didn't rise...

  3. the_big_v
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Quick Yes/No guys...

    Should I be using my WC this week?
    I'm at -4 right now.
    I'm thinking no. players are decent enough but i would change 2 of my forwards and maybe 2 or 3 in defence / GK.

    Would like some opinions. Thanks!

    http://tinypic.com/r/9bbs7k/8

    1. Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      no

    2. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Not at all.

  4. Jay_
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Just gone 5 am here , had a lot too drink , just brought in Balotelli for Falcao then reversed it again , Falcao captain now , battery going on phone and I doubt I will wake up before 11.30 so that's it will see if it was the right move Sunday

      1. the_big_v
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        hahahaha. FPL at its greatest!

    • waldo666
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Hi All.....after some advice please, defence is currently in all sorts, I have 1 FT and am trying to avoid using my WC but may need to take at least one hit to get back on track....

      Krul (Foster)

      Cahill Chambers Vlaar (Wisdom Rio)

      Ramsay Hazard Siggy Mata (Larrson)

      Costa Rooney Naismith

      Will use my FT for Vlaar -----> Clyne/Betrand but pretty concerning having Chambers sitting back there also

      Any pearls of wisdom for me?

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        just do that trade.

      2. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        should have also said min .07 ITB after proposed trade

        1. waldo666
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          *0.7

    • The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      What do you think of my team guys? Everything in the right place? On a -4 btw.

      Begovic
      Cahill Clyne Kelly
      Mata Sterling (c) Ramsey Sigurdsson
      Costa Welbeck Rooney (vc)

      Gilks Marney Coloccini Wisdom

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        looks good.

        1. The Sarjeant
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers!

      2. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        looks great bru! 🙂

        1. The Sarjeant
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers!

      3. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        GTG

      4. SpicyItalian22
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I would captain Costa over Sterling. Otherwise, gtg.

    • Wells - Anti-Dentite!
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Afternoon DZ.

      ..............................Krul
      ...............Moreno, Clyne, Chester
      Sigurdsson, Ramsey, Sterling, Fábregas (VC)
      ............Balotelli (C), Costa, Rooney

      Gilks, Naylor, Hutton, Albrighton.

      Good to go? Any objections to C and VC?

      Cheers.

      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        nice one LL

        1. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          gracias.

      2. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Balo as C is a punt for mine but assuming that's half the appeal?

        1. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Will just make the match many times more fun to watch 😀

          1. waldo666
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            loving your logic 🙂

          2. KIT
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            I'm on the same man! Being the character he is, he has to score on his home debut I say.

            1. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              Aye.

    • Ash_195
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      MY HEAD IS GONNA BLOWUP!!!!!

      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        😯

      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        You should probably see a doctor.

      3. Randy_Marsh
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Take a panadol

    • Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      So I see today everyone thinks Sterling is going to start...

      The fickle nature of the various FFS crowds 😆

      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        😀

        we don't have a clue though, just following the herd and what not 😉

      2. Randy_Marsh
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        If Sterling didn't start it wouldn't bother me it's a squad game too :-/

      3. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Can you explain why he won't?

        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Just 'bib theory' which is a load of bollocks. Last night the whole site was basically exploding with speculation that he'd be rested.

          1. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Ah yes I did see a bit of that going around last night.

            Total bollocks, as you said.

          2. KIT
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            no chance, specially with Sturridge out.

    • FionnMac
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Need some transfer help DZ'ers! 1FT and £0.2m in the bank. Jones gotta go and Jovetic maybe (for a hit?)

      Bego
      Terry Clyne Jones
      Sterling Siggy Ramsey Eriksen
      Rooney Costa Jovetic

      Bench- Duff, Marney, Chambers

      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Jones + Jovetic ---> Janmaat + Balo?

        1. FionnMac
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          £1.3m short for that. Do people really rate Newcastle's defence in any case?

    • Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      DZers: Get rid of Jones for a hit? Other defenders (playing) are Moreno, Duff and Naylor if Jones doesn't play.

      1. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Jones to Clyne is worth -4 IMO.

        1. Les Bleus
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Hmm. Interesting. Cheers.

        2. Fabreghastly
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          That's what I did. He's out for three weeks so has to go and will likely drop in value too. Best to be pro-active

          1. Les Bleus
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            That's also a valid point. Cheers.

    • Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      ok this is it...final WC

      Krul
      Baines/Clyne/Wilson
      Ramsey/Sterling/Mirallas/Siggy
      Kun/Costa/Adebayor

      Elliot/Boyd/Moore/Naylor

      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        now close your fpl tab 😉

        1. Nabs Kebabs
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          😉

          only not sure about ade but..sun, WBA (very few captain options that week) look ok before i decide on welbeck etc

      2. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Interesting. Why not Brana if you're going to spend that much on a defender?

        I like it, just not sure on Baines.

        1. Nabs Kebabs
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          don't have the 0.3, i reckon Baines is a bargain at 6.9. not sure why you'd be unsure on him tbh, he is the safest defender for consistent returns imo.

          1. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Maybe you're right. Hasn't set the FPL world on fire so far, though.

          2. syke63
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            I'd WC Baines over Ivan too but would pick Tadic over Mirallas if you had the extra 100k.

      3. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Looks very good.

        Interesting pick with Mirallas.

        1. Nabs Kebabs
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          cheers mate. yeah he is overlooked on here a fair bit.

    • andres
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Balo, Roo or falcao? (On wc)

      1. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        wouldn't get falcao this week.

        Get Roo if your gonna captain him and leave money for Falcao later
        Balo otherwise

      2. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Balotelli a great prospect with Sturridge out.

      3. Phaze 1
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Balo

    • Phaze 1
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      drop 1 from the list for the next few weeks please

      1) Wilson(stoke)

      2) Taylor

      3) Van Aanholt

      4) Moreno

      1. thorvaldsson
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Taylor

      2. MARVELLUS
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Reluctantly Taylor.

      3. Phaze 1
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        tx guys

    • thorvaldsson
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Who do I give the armband to?

      A) Costa

      B) Hazard

      C) Aguero

      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        C for me...

        1. thorvaldsson
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Do you think Arsenal will be blasted?

          1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            not blasted, but could easily let in a couple...

      2. Phaze 1
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        C

      3. Spoox777
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Will be a lot of disappointed people when Aguero doesn't score. Safer to go with a Chelsea player.

    • SpicyItalian22
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Sorry if I'm late, but I'm just now looking ahead at this gameweek.
      So anyways, what's the decision on Ramsey?

      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        he should start...

        1. SpicyItalian22
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks.

        2. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Sure? 😆

          1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            id say 80% sure 😉

          2. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            wait I just got the reference 😆

            he WILL start 😉

    • Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Bruce, Wisdom and Van Aanholt - which one to start?

      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        PvA

        1. Grounderz
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers AR.

    • Not Irish
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      WC team done...

      Forster

      Moreno Blackett Bertrand

      Di Maria Fabregas Sterling Siggy

      Aguero(C) Falcao(VC) Welbeck

      Myhill Boyd Moore Duff

      Thoughts? 😀

      1. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        blackett isn't tipped to start in the team news section...

        looks great otherwise 😀

        1. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Ah but he will. Cheers. 😀

      2. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Either go Krulliot, or downgrade Falcao to strengthen the bench IMO.

        Blackett/Moore/Duff as third defender is weak.

        1. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          I see nothing else worth the extra money. May make a transfer or two in the next month or two but that will do.

          1. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Just Blackett to PvA or Naylor, then?

            1. Not Irish
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              Don't like either better than Blackett for the next month or so. And with our other CB's injury record he could end up being one of the steals of the season.

      3. Phaze 1
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        decent. Maybe too much united and I say that as a fan.

        1. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Tomorrow the pendulum swings, my friend. 😀

      4. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        don't like defence. Duff and Blackett headaches waiting to happen.

        good otherwise

        1. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Will take my chances with those two. Cheers. 😀

      5. waldo666
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I myself am tossing up between trading in Bertrand or Clyne this week, can I ask was your decision between the two and were you swayed by differential and/or saving the 0.1?

        1. Not Irish
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Yes and yes. Saw nothing from Clyne to warrant the extra .1m

          1. waldo666
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 7 months ago

            Cheers mate, only other comment would be my apprehensiveness about Falcao starting although I am assuming you think he can produce even with a 30 min cameo?

            1. Not Irish
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 7 months ago

              Think he'll play from the off. And even if not, I'm looking forward so he's the pick over Rooney for now.

    • Sadio come here often?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Hey kids. Have we heard how costa is traveling? Wasn't he supposed to have a training session to prove his fitness?

      1. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        They're playing at home. So they're not traveling if that's your question.

        1. Sadio come here often?
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Sorry I need to stop putting Aussie colloloquialism into my questions. Was just asking how he was 'going' is all, and is he fit.
          Just trying to determine if I captain him or Rooney?

      2. MARVELLUS
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        He trained. My captain.

      3. Wells - Anti-Dentite!
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I think he trained.

    • ASAP Rocky
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Dier or Wisdom for this GM?

      1. MARVELLUS
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Dier.

      2. cheekumz
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Dier is the man i believe. Is Wisdom not a bit of a doubt to start?

    • MARVELLUS
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Hi all. Got no idea what to do with this lot, 2 FT.
      Not sure whether to keep Mata for one week, and to see how they line up:

      DDG (Gilks)
      Terry Chester Coloccini (Wisdom, NTaylor)
      Siggy Sterling Mata Ramsey ( Marney )
      Rooney Costa(c) Dzeko

      A) Mata out for Tadic
      B) Coloccini/Chester out for Wilson
      C) Something else?

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I would suggest DDG and Mata out to Begovic and Fab.

        Just the QPR fixture is tempting

      2. Randy_Marsh
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah those would be my options if I looked at that team

        Tadic/ Lamela I think for Mata or just strengthen the defense.

        If you could work Balo in there but think it would be painful to try.

    • Randy_Marsh
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      The Captain choice is freaking tough this week!

      1. MARVELLUS
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Indeed.
        As Costa seems fit, going with him.

    • The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Just noticed my captains playing in the game that's being shown on Sky, even better!

    • ASAP Rocky
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      That's what I think as well. Cheers

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        That's not what I think

    • Tmel
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Pelle or Welbeck for the next few?

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Welbeck.

    • FionnMac
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      What are chances of Rambo/Costa starting?

      1. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I'd say pretty high. They probably won't last 90 minutes seeing as how there's CL next week.

      2. kiwi_pool
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Pretty sure Costa will start, just yarn like pre-Everton in GW3. Ramsey I'm less sure but still reckon he'll start. I would transfer either out for a hit.

    • J.Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Would you be happy with this WC team?

      ---------------Bego

      ---Moreno, Wilson, Clyne

      Hazard, Sterling, Tadic, Zaha

      -------Balo, Rooney, Ade

      Subs: McCarthy, PVA, Siggy, Moore

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Honestly, no.

      2. MARVELLUS
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I'd want Costa and some City coverage.

      3. Nabs Kebabs
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        looks solid.

    • Toonzie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Good to go?

      Begovic
      Debuchy - Moreno - Clyne
      Fab - Ramsey - Sterling - Siggy
      Costa - Rooney - Pelle

      Subs: Gilks, Moore, Marney, Colo

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Who are you captaining?

        1. Toonzie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          costa at the moment

      2. Aaron Ramessi - Straya
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        si mi amigo

    • Flying Nugget
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Who to bench?

      Chadli or Sigurdsson?

      I have benched over 50 points this year so really need to get this one right!

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        It's tough, but I'd say play Sigurdsson, he's much more instrumental to his teams attack.

        1. Flying Nugget
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks, yeah I know how it feels to bench Sigurdsson wrongly so feels safer playing him

    • The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I'm glad I've managed to hold on to my wildcard 🙂