Community Submissions

Alternative Gameweek 4 Captaincy Options

Sergio Aguero is currently flying high in the Fantasy Football Scout poll (see home page) as the community’s preferred captain for Gameweek 4. However, as Bowstring The Carp excellently pointed out this week, the most popularly proposed captains in the scout opinion poll have consistently returned blanks this season. This article dares to sail away from the fleet and, based on form, fixtures and statistics, evaluates some alternative options for the armband for Gameweek 4.

Eden Hazard vs. Pardew’s Porous Palace

Let’s make no bones about it, Eden Hazard has had a slow start to the season. But with the arrival of Pedro last weekend he enjoyed an upturn in form, recording his first assist of the season. Significantly he won far more take-ons and created 2.5 times more chances for his team mates than he managed in a subdued performance against Swansea. With an additional week to work on interplay with Pedro, Willian and Costa, Hazard may be about to hit form for the first time this season against a team he historically thrives against.

The disparity in FPL returns between Hazard home vs. away is a well known phenomenon among seasoned players, less well known is Hazard’s particularly excellent home record at home against sides managed by Alan Pardew. Since the Belgian’s arrival at Chelsea at the start of the 2012-2013 season, he has five goals and one assist in three home games against Alan Pardew’s teams: a goal and an assist against Newcastle in 2012, three goals against them in 2013 and a goal against Crystal Palace last season. In Hazard’s only other game at home against Crystal Palace (2013), he assisted the winning goal in a 2-1 victory.

Key Stats – Hazard has scored 1.25 goals and 0.5 assists per game against Pardew and Palace since 2012.

Verdict – A safe choice for those looking for something different to the most popular herd option.

Alexander Kolarov vs. Watford Firing Blanks

Last year’s top goalscorer, Sergio Aguero, faces newly promoted Watford this weekend and, as mentioned at the start of the article, he is by far the community’s most popular captain choice this week. I am slightly uneasy about giving him the nod though as Watford have kept two clean sheets in a row in the League and Aguero failed to score in Manchester City’s last game against Everton.

City are yet to concede a goal this season and only Swansea have conceded fewer chances from open play. Considering Watford haven’t scored a goal in their last three games, that scout favourite Alexander Kolarov and defensive partner Vincent Kompany are both the highest scoring Manchester City players this season and the joint highest scoring defenders in the game (31 points) – given that both defenders offer both attacking and defensive returns, it is hard to ignore them this weekend.

Key Stats – In his last three games Kolarov has conceded no goals, while Watford have scored no goals in theirs.

Verdict – With just 13% ownership, Kolarov offers a fairly safe differential.

Riyad Mahrez vs. A Swashbuckling Bournemouth

Mahrez is the Premier League’s top goal scorer this season and it can hardly be described as a fluke. In the first three weeks only Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud have had more shots on goal than the Algerian. Despite being one of the top five most highly owned players in the game, few managers are likely to be considering him as their captain for Gameweek 4, primarily due to his low FPL price.

This week Mahrez faces Eddie Howe’s newly promoted Bournemouth. Having promised to play free flowing attacking football, Bournemouth are are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season and Mahrez should have plenty of space to exploit this weekend.

Key Stats – Mahrez is the FPL and Premier League top scorer (4 goals), while Bournemouth are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league.

Verdict – A potential masterstroke but perhaps too much of a gamble for those already in a good league position.

Callum Wilson vs. Leicester’s Leaky Defence

A popular community pick before Gameweek 1, 75,000 managers have sold Wilson from their teams. However, Wilson’s early-season appeal – Bournemouth’s easy fixtures coupled with his prolific form last year – still applies. After proving himself in the top flight last week with a hat-trick, and the revelation that he is also first in line for penalties, Wilson now faces a Leicester side who are yet to keep a clean sheet.

Interestingly Leicester concede far more chances in the box than outside, which should offer encouragement to Wilson owners ahead of the weekend. Wilson is a penalty box specialist and is second only to Sanchez in penalty area touches so far this season, suggesting more goals are coming. Like Mahrez, few are likely to captain him purely due to his price, and with just 11% ownership he offers owners who entrust him with the armband the potential for a heroic climb up the standings should he continue to score this weekend.

Key Stats – Wilson is the most explosive player in the league; his 17 points last weekend edge out the 16 and 13 points scored by Toure and Lukaku in Gameweeks 1 and 2 respectively.

Verdict – A risk but worth a punt for those looking to make up some ground.

Jose's Magic Omelette "Omelettes, eggs. No eggs, no omelettes, and it depends on the quality of the eggs. In the supermarket you have eggs (class I, class II, class III) and some are more expensive than others, and some give you better omelettes. So when the class I eggs are in Waitrose and you cannot go there, you have a problem." --- José Mourinho, 2007

63 Comments Post a Comment
  1. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    This article could be the secret to a successful gameweek...will take nerves though to shun the heavy hitters.

    1. Jose's Magic Omelette
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Can't go worse for me this week than Ayew (C) last week! ;). It's a toss up between Hazard and Kolarov for me.

  2. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    It would take some serious balls to captain anyone other than Aguero. I tend to only risk punting on a captain when there's no obvious standout choice

    1. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Agreed. Aguero away at Everton? That's the time to risk for me, went for Depay, okay, it didn't pay off, but Aguero blanked, and I gained a point. Aguero at Watford? That's the sort of fixture where he can score 3 or 4.

    2. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      I would captain Costa if I had him. But I don't. There it is. 😕

      Aguero is a great option though. 🙂

  3. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    No (C)osta 😯

    1. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      It's a mistake but never mind. Not many have him. That's probably why.

      Not many have caught on yet that Costa was absent for very much of the 2nd half of last season and missed 12 PL games completely (yet still managed 20 goals).

      Hazard carried Chelsea then. They sat deep and everything was Hazard after that more or less.

      Now, with Costa fit and playing well (and much better integrated into team play than a year ago) and with Pedro arriving to finally provide real threat on the other flank, Hazard's predominance for Chelsea will lessen - and it needed to. Everyone at Chelsea knew that it had basically come down to "stop Eden stop Chelsea"

      I love Hazard as a player and think he's world class. But like Sanchez at Arsenal, the circumstances are no longer there for him to justify a 11.0+ price tag. At least not right now. Both players will get big scores from time to time of course but you want a safe captain option for 11.0+ and anyone that thinks either of them is, is living in last season in my opinion.

      1. Annie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        So who would you have as Arsenal cover?

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          No-one.

          1. Annie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            I'd love to know your midfield - Silva, Pedro, Mahrez, Depay, Payet?

            1. Ruth_NZ
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              As it stands right now - Silva, Payet, Mahrez, Eriksen, Westwood.

              Eriksen's so-called "knee injury" is something I could have done without. If I had to replace him I'd go for Depay.

              1. Jose's Magic Omelette
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                Not a fan of Chadli?

                1. Ruth_NZ
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 6 months ago

                  Not especially. But I am a fan of Eriksen. 🙂

                  1. Jose's Magic Omelette
                    • 10 Years
                    8 years, 6 months ago

                    I was firmly in the Eriksen camp when Spurs were under Sherwood but I switched to Chaldi last season after he started having cosiderably more penalty box touches and shots in the box.

                    Until Kane hits form I think he's a good option.

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I agree with everything but Sanchez. Not much has changed at Arsenal. He looked terrific in the first two games and is still building fitness

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Yes, well, my take on Arsenal is a bit unusual, I'll give you that. 🙂

          But I think I have reason for it and I don't need to convince anyone else.

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            What is your take on Arsenal? I'm open to being convinced.

            1. Annie
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              I imagine that points are spread too thin in midfield and the striker is crap.

              1. Jose's Magic Omelette
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                Sanchez is tempting if you own him and I nearly included him on this list, he did look to be involved in most of the big chances for Arsenal against Liverpool.

                However, with Arsenal's defensive woes on Monday and the impact they had on thier attacking output in the first half, there were just too many unknowns this week for me to back him.

                I do think he's one to watch though.

            2. Ruth_NZ
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              I have written about it before (and usually get a lot of flak for it) but here's a summary...

              Basically 2 things:

              1. Sanchez' great run October to January last season was when Giroud, Walcott, Ramsey and Ozil were all out injured. He was playing central (just behind Welbeck usually) and everything went through him. He got haul after haul. (Quite similar to my comments on Hazard above actually).

              He got injured mid-January and by the time he came back, Ramsey, Giroud and Ozil were all fit again. Sanchez started playing wide left (the position he prefers). But his production for FPL purposes went down dramatically.

              October 1st to 11th January - 14 goals in 20 games (all comps)
              February 10th to May 30th - 7 goals in 20 games (all comps)

              So I don't see Sanchez as captain material unless or until Arsenal get injuries (though I have no doubt he'll continue to do well). He therefore isn't an 11.0 player for me, that has to be a captain option and I wouldn't ever captain Sanchez as it stands.

              2. I see the Arsenal attack to be a lottery. I don't know who will play apart from Sanchez (who I don't think is 11.0 value) and Ozil (who I don't think is the best 8.5 midfielder out there). There are 9 strong options for 5 slots in front of Coquelin when everyone is fit plus CL begins soon which will bring more rotation pressure.

              More important, the goals and assists could go anywhere. It's very unpredictable. If I have the one that does well this month I'll be well pleased. If I have the "wrong" one I'll be calling him a troll. 😕 Last season Cazorla had a great month, then Ozil had a great month, then Ramsey had a great month. I can't be doing with that.

              It is therefore a lottery I'd rather not play. I'd rather have Eriksen (who I know will be central to everything Spurs do once the Juventus issue is past and the window is closed) or Depay (who I am confident will score a good percentage of United's goals).

              That's basically it. The only Arsenal players that interest me pending injuries are Bellerin and Koscielny. At the moment I have no Arsenal at all.

              1. Jose's Magic Omelette
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                Really good points on the rest of the Arsenal attack, I totally agree with you on that point. I also have no Arsenal right now, shipped out Ozil and Kosc in my wildcard.

              2. walkman666
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                I tend to agree with you on this Ruth, and have stated my view a few times that Sanchez had to carry the Arsenal attack last year for a long stretch cos everyone else was injured. That said, he is on my team now because he still seems to be the main attacker and force when is on the pitch, although Ramsey also seems to be forceful towards the goal.

                On the other hand, as you say, there are 4-5 strong attackers on that team who all can score, and it's not like basketball where they will all share in the points (with Carmelo/Alexis leading the team night in and night out). That is a lot of money to be tied up with Sanchez who may or may not get a haul given how few goals are scored in this sport and how many other guys are on the field who can also score. Two sides to this one...

                Back to the captaincy question: I don't see Sanchez as a better captain option relative to Aguero though this week.

                1. Ruth_NZ
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 6 months ago

                  No, neither do I. 😕

                  I'd probably captain Costa if I had him but I'm not taking a hit to get him. I'll just have to content myself with Aguero I guess. 🙂

              3. Piggs Boson
                • 12 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                Great points. As owner I'm sticking for now and monitoring. But I'm now more open to removing him if I need funds...

              4. Jonny Bananas
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                Soooooo you'll be captaining Sanchez then?

      3. Ludo
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I don't entirely agree with you on Sanchez. I would rather have Costa than Hazard, and agree with what you're saying there. He's a great, great option, but looking at the fixtures, Costa isn't a real captaincy option when you have Aguero:

        Aguero - WAT/cpl/WHM/tot/NEW/BOU/mun/NOR/avl
        Costa - CPL/eve/ARS/new/SOT/AVL/whm/LIV/sto

        Chelsea and City's home/away rotation is exactly the same - there are no occasions where Costa has a plum home tie and Aguero is away from home, and looking at those City home fixtures, Chelsea never have the better fixture there, either. If you think Costa is likelier to score well than Aguero, then fair enough. He's well worth owning, but not the worth the risk of captaining imo, when the biggest of hauls tend to come at home (i.e. Aguero at home to Spurs and QPR last season).

        Sanchez's fixtures on the other hand, are another matter:

        Aguero - WAT/cpl/WHM/tot/NEW/BOU/mun/NOR/avl
        Sanchez - new/STO/che/lei/MUN/wat/EVE/swa/TOT

        Sanchez has STO to Aguero's cpl, lei to his tot, EVE to his mun, TOT to his avl. I get your general point about Sanchez, and I agree. With this role on the left, rather than in the centre, he's not as consistent in his returns, and he's not a reliable option, sure. What he undoubtedly remains, however, is explosive.

        Aguero and Sanchez led the league for matches where they scored multiple attacking returns (which rack up the really big scores) last season, with 8. Kane was the next best with 6, Costa managed 5, whilst Hazard had just 2, despite playing all 38 matches. I'm not saying get Sanchez as a reliable captaincy alternative to Aguero. I could captain him when Aguero is away from home, and get a series of 2s and 3s. Aguero is the safe captaincy option every week. If I'm going to captain someone else in any given week, gambling that Aguero is going to blank, I don't want the player with the best chance of scoring me 7 points - I want the guy with the best chance of scoring me 17, and that's Sanchez.

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          I do get that and I know the captain rotation with Costa doesn't seem ideal in some ways although I'd probably captain Costa 4 or 5 times in that sequence of 9 games.

          My argument is that Sanchez' hauls happened almost exclusively in circumstances which currently don't apply. But as I said, that's my view and I don't need to convince anyone of it.

          I am always happy with 7+ points from a captain. Anything else is a bonus.

          1. Ludo
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 6 months ago

            That's fair enough. He scored 6 in 4 in that role behind the striker. But since moving out wide, he still managed 13 points at home to QPR, 19 at home to QPR, 13 at home to Liverpool, and 16 points at Hull... You get the same points for 14/14/14 as you do for 4/4/34, it's just personal preference as to which one you want to chase.

            1. Ludo
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              Second QPR should be Stoke!

            2. Ruth_NZ
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 6 months ago

              The last point is very true.

              I do feel that a FPL manager has to play in a way that suits their nature or personality. Try to play someone else's way and it will frustrate you.

              I am very much of the 14/14/14 mindset with captains and I'll take the hauls when they come. "Explosive" is a word that doesn't figure much in my thinking really.

              1. Jose's Magic Omelette
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 6 months ago

                Rightly or wrongly, for me the type of captain returns I seek depends on my position in the game.

                If I have a good OR and am towards the top of my mini leagues I look for a captain with cosnistent returns, your so called 14/14/14 mindset.

                When I'm struggling I can be tempted into more gambles on 'explosive' players to catch up, although this can of course quickly see me slip further down the rankings.

      4. Jose's Magic Omelette
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Good points with regards to Costa, if he could shake off his injury problems he would be first player in my team. However, I would argue that the arrival of Pedro means that the idea of stop Eden, Stop Chelsea no longer applies and the result of this is that opposition defences now have to balance their duties between Eden, Pedro and Costa.

        Though I didn't have room to put this in the article as well but this being the case I would expect Eden to actually improve as he is afforded more space in the coming weeks.

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          That could also be true. We'll have to wait and see.

      5. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        I'd just like to add, Costa is doing alright in the BPS this year.... thats why I didnt own him much last year.

  4. Boris Bodega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Ha, I knew my Wilson (C) punt was based on some sort of logic 🙂

  5. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    (C)osta?

  6. walkman666
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I feel like captaining Kolarov or Kompany though is more a "safe, risk averse" strategy. They will, in all likelihood, get 6-9 points, max. I know that they have scored, and could score, but I cannot see *expecting* a defender to score. Now, double 6-9 points is nothing to completely discount, but my thinking is that the better (more fun?) captaincy bet is taking an attacking player who has some decent probability of scoring multiple goals/assists (i.e. who has a *typically* higher maximum ceiling). Accordingly, I will captain Kun or Sanchez over Kolarov (given my team composition and inclination).

  7. Surgical Attack
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Benteke vs leaky West Ham at home?

    1. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Also a good shout. Silva as well.

    2. Jack John
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      go for it

    3. skeyrd
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      so much this! He is an explosive type of goalscorer and this could be the week where it all comes together offensively for Liverpool. No Adrian makes it even tastier, bournemouth was able to put 4 by Randolph (back up keep). Especially if you has three city, I can see a captain choice of Sanchez, Hazard, or Tekkers paying off, if not a good a way to hedge your bets for those who are risky averse!

  8. Ziegler1988
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I didn't even own Aguero last GW and had a mini success with Sakho(c). No chance I'd captain anyone besides Kun at home against a promoted side

  9. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    (C)olarov ?

    Or

    Y(C)Y(C) ?

    1. Donkey_Sanctuary
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Second option makes no sense so first one by default

  10. Jose's Magic Omelette
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I own both and for this week Kolarov edges it for me.

  11. walkman666
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    This thread is a fabulous example of how strategic and thoughtful the contributions on this board can add value to our team management. Kudos! It is refreshing change from: "RMT" and "Choose: A vs B"...!

  12. Mr. Funny Name
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I had actually posted a question last night on whether to captain kolarov or not, the majority said it was a no go but now this article has made think about sticking the armband back on him, a superb article this is

    1. Jose's Magic Omelette
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks! That may have been my inspiration while watching the scoutcast!

      1. Mr. Funny Name
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        But I also gave wilson and mahrez so my mind is still not made up haha

  13. Sharkytect
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    These are all great ideas, but not captaining Aguero is simply so scary; I don't think Watford - as resilient as they have been - will be able to hold off the Man City attack

  14. President Giggs
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    I would love to captain Kolarov. Surely there's a 90% chance of a cleanie, and it'll be a game where City are sat around the Watford box trying to penetrate which means lots of attacking build up play and crossing from the left back, so he's probably in for a good bonus haul aswell. I just can't bring myself to do it though with a 13m striker up front that will be captained by most.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      GW 4:

      Butland
      Kolarov(c)*, Koscielny, Gomez*
      Sánchez, Cazorla, Yaya Touré*, Mahrez*
      Agüero, Gomis(vc), C. Wilson*

      Schmeichel; Wanyama, Francis, Williams … 0, 2.1 ITB, 99.6

      😎

      1. Jose's Magic Omelette
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Nice team Doosra, is Kosc going to play though?

      2. President Giggs
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Nice! I can see myself getting drunk on Friday and making the swap haha

    2. Jose's Magic Omelette
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      We shouldn't let price of the player have an impact on our captaincy decisions, it's the FPL equivalent to Chelsea playing Torres everyweek regardless of form just because he cost £50m.

      1. President Giggs
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        You're correct, but it just begs the question why do I own him if I'd happily captain a 5.5m defender in the same team over him?

        1. Jose's Magic Omelette
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Why not?

        2. Jose's Magic Omelette
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 6 months ago

          Agüero and Silva Vs. bottom 8 last season.

          http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/11100307

          Kolarov

          http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/11100371

          I'd argue that those stats combined with current form make the argument for Kolarov and also Silva even more compelling.

  15. abhishek531
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Wildcard team:

    Butland
    Gomez Sagna Cedric
    Mahrez Pedro Silva Coutinho
    Aguero Costa Wilson

    Subs: Mccarthy; Francis, Wanyama, Oxford

    Particularly confused between [Coutinho & Costa] OR [Sanchez & Benteke]

    1. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      id say sanchez and costa but if thats not in the budget id say benteke sanchez

      1. Jose's Magic Omelette
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 6 months ago

        Sanchez and Benteke.

  16. Roberto Baggio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 6 months ago

    This article is great! It has an effect of getting my Kun (c) more impactful.

    Thanks !

    From a hedge to a trump!

    1. Jose's Magic Omelette
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 6 months ago

      Not quite the impact you were hoping for I imagine? 😉

      http://imgur.com/o3RkRBg