Captains

Captain Poll – Gameweek 15

Following his sixth double-digit Fantasy Premier League points haul of the season, Alexis Sanchez (11.5) is surely likely to be among the frontrunners to top the Gameweek 15 Captain Poll.

Already more than 145,000 FPL managers have drafted him in following his stunning hat-trick against a hapless West Ham defence on Saturday evening.

But his next opponents Stoke City may not be so obliging when they visit the Emirates, having conceded just eight goals in their seven away games.

Gunners team-mate Mesut Ozil (9.6) offers a strong alternative for those unable to afford the Chilean.

The 9% owned German’s goal and assist against the Hammers produced his third double-digit FPL points return of the campaign.

Interest in Theo Walcott (8.0) is likely to be muted following a dip in form that has seen him muster a solitary shot on target over his last four league matches. The 16.7% owned England winger did, however, score with that one attempt, in Gameweek 13.

Chelsea’s dynamic duo of Diego Costa (10.7) and Eden Hazard (10.4) are odds on to be the other leading contenders at the summit.

The 46.8% owned Spanish striker is already FPL’s most popular player and attacking points look likely when West Brom visit, given he has delivered in all bar two of his 14 Gameweeks.

The 35.6% owned Hazard may not boast the same consistency as Costa but his explosive potential and strong home form is surely set to garner plenty of votes. Three of his four FPL double-digit hauls have arrived at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho (6.6) may get another opportunity to impress in Gameweek 15, with Sergio Aguero starting a four-match ban for his horror tackle on Chelsea’s David Luiz on Saturday.

A trip to a Leicester City side that has conceded eight times in their last four league matches offers the Nigerian starlet the chance to become a regular in the Captain’s Poll until Aguero’s return for Gameweek 19.

Backers of the 3.4% owned striker will be optimistic after he delivered a 20 point FPL return over two matches when he last deputised for the Argentinian.

Kevin De Bruyne (10.8) is another Manchester City player with the pedigree to step up. The 10.4% owned Belgian also did well during Aguero’s previous three-match ban, scoring 27 points over Gameweeks 4 and 5.

Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Manchester United on Sunday looks tough to call and is likely to temper interest in their respective front men, Harry Kane (11.0) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (11.2).

Jose Mourinho’s troops have conceded just six goals and kept two clean sheets at Old Trafford, while Spurs are equally resilient on the road: they have also allowed just six goals and kept a pair of clean sheets on their travels.

A lacklustre attacking display against Bournemouth on Sunday is likely to curtail the popularity of Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (8.8).

That was his third successive Gameweek blank, but with 14 goal attempts over the last four matches, Firmino may still be a shrewd captaincy pick against a West Ham outfit that has shipped 10 goals over their last three.

If he can recover from a knock sustained at the Vitality Stadium, Sadio Mane (9.3) may be the best option in Jurgen Klopp’s ranks. The Senegalese scored and assisted in Sunday’s defeat and has despatched a further five goals at Anfield.

Sunderland’s visit to Swansea offers a pair of strong differential contenders. For the home side, the 7.4% owned Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.4) has proved a consistent option, with at least a goal or assist in four of his last five matches.

Jermain Defoe (7.7) remains the visitors best armband option, scoring his eighth goal of the season at home to Leicester City on Saturday.

Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke (7.5) is another with form and the fixture to attract attention. He will be in search of his fifth goal in as many league outings this weekend and travels to a Hull City side that has conceded 12 goals at the KCOM Stadium. Five of the 7% owned Belgian’s seven goals have been scored in away matches.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

908 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    With these 3 games in a week , and with a wingback role being quite physically demanding, is there a good chance Alonso & Moses cold get rested for a game ? . Who would be the back up ?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      They haven't played cl though so I think they'll get through it

    2. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      What 3 games are Chelsea playing? Not in Europe.

      1. Leaf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Midweek prem gameweek next week 🙂

        1. The Rock
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Still, Chelsea haven't played in Europe all season and even out of Cup early so it shouldn't be a problem.

          There's a lot of footballers who play 3 games almost every week who don't get rested.. Sanchez, Carzola etc.

          1. The Rock
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Meant Ozil not Carzola but it's a big list!

          2. Leaf
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Yeah your probably right

            Just trying to formulate this weeks transfer plans

            1. The Rock
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 4 months ago

              Don't worry about either of them being rested mate.

              They are on such a good run, Conte won't want to change a thing!

    3. bakayoko
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso not likely because he's the only left-footed defender they have

    4. Kered
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I doubt it. They seem to be doing fine fitness wise and I can't imagine he would want to change anything unless there is injury concerns.
      Imo Azpi could play either side and Terry could fill in at the back if fit.

    5. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      its possible but there isnt a player you could pick who a tenuous reason for resting cant be found so i wouldnt worry about it

  2. bakayoko
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Any chance of Costa getting rested or rotated for their game vs. West Brom?

    1. TheBusDriver
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

      1. Gemgem1010
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        No

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Minimal. If hes fit he starts. Dont believe the troll above.

    3. Kered
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not for me.. Don't change what works. And he is on track for Golden Boot, surely will play all games if fit.

  3. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed last page...What do you think of this 8?
    Sanchez Hazard Firmino Sigurdsson Eriksen*
    Kane Austin* (Diomande)
    *Could get Costa/max but blabla 4 yellow...And too template too have Costa, or too risky to bet against him? Eriksen looks really good and Austin with nice fixtures.

  4. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    All this talk about rotation makes me glad I built my squad value to acquire a bench of first teamers. My ML rivals have a lot of dead players on their teams.

  5. corderz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Alli > Erikson (or anyone else)?

  6. WVA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A. Firmino and Vertongen
    B. Can and Alonso

    A for me

    1. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Remeber Verts on 4 YC's

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Ah yes thanks

  7. ROOTY7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Which one for the next 5 GWs (have Kane)

    Costa
    Ibra

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Costa

  8. davies
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Can have decent stats?

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      If anyone Can, Emre Can.

  9. KnightSlayer
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Christmas with lots or rotation you probably may need to have nailed on good bench players
    I hate spending money on my bench as I like it for my main players.

    How much money are you planing on your bench considering they may be needed in the coming weeks?

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Don't bother losing sleep over it.

      Not much difference between a 1 pointer or a no show.

  10. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Took my first hit at the weekend and just realised as usual it did nothing for me!

    Lukaku>Kane(c) as planned, then Coutinho>Hazard. Haz got 9, but I would have had Fletcher first sub had I of done nothing who chose this week to assist a goal. Typical! 🙂

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      so you broke even on the second transfer, not exactly a bad thing. you've now got Hazard in ahead of his good run and can focus your transfer this week elsewhere. not worth moaning about imo!

      1. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        After a shocking run I admit I am getting a little picky after 5 greens in 6 weeks. I'll slap myself.

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      youve got a better tv now though so it still worked and kane was a good captain

      1. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Yes I am up in an all-round perspective on things. Would have been nice for Fletch to save his assist for a week when I really needed him though!

        Guess the bright side there is I might get my lost 0.1m back in due course. Great super sub is Fletch. Mr Dependable.

  11. Tatty Bojangles
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Any word on Costa's injury?

    Really don't want to suffer another Lukaku price drop.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Sell him

      Costa should be fine, even if he doesn't play he matches lukaku's output

  12. VS10_
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    @afcstuff
    Per Mertesacker and Hector Bellerin were back in light training with Arsenal today.
    Olivier Giroud returned to full training with the first team today after missing last week's games with a groin strain.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Time for people to start claiming giroud is nailed again 😆

  13. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Chat of rotation is in the air. Please read the following post which uses stats from previous years to debunk this theory.

    https://mathematicallysafe.wordpress.com/2016/11/30/fixture-congestion-is-squad-rotation-during-the-christmas-period-a-myth/

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      The main lesson I’m taking from this research is that the Christmas Rotation is not a phenomenon that is clearly evident.

      -THE END

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        +1

    2. 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      8 strikers started all 4 games from gw17-20 last season. I count 20 Premier League teams. 🙂

      1. 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        4-6-0 must have been popular

    3. Individual
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Excellent article if this is yours?

      Excellent share if it is not?

      🙂

  14. DeeGee
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    My team -

    Pickford,Foster
    Lovren,McAuley,Holebas,Alonso,Amat
    Hazard,Zaha,Firmino,Sanchez ,Siggy
    Iheanacho,Austin,Costa

    Transferred out Allen + Aguero for Iheanacho + Sanchez already for -4.

    I am just worried for my lack of Spurs attack.How to fit Eriksen/Alli in there?
    Or should I rather get Defoe for Iheanacho?

    I have 1.5 itb .

    1. FPLHaggis
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Can't have them all. Kelechi is a good shout. why not consider Siggy > Son after (SUN) this week?

  15. SuperMario
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Pickford
    Lovren / Alonso / Amat
    Sanchez (c) / Firminho / Siggy / Snoddy
    Kane / Austin / Aguero**

    Boruc / Fuchs / Fletcher / Pieters

    1. SuperMario
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      0.5 bank and 1 FT..

      With Aguero --> Costa the probable move, I am tempted to not get Hazard until next week due to the strong fixtures of Austin, Firminho and Snoddy next week..

      Saves a -4 also.. Am I mad???

  16. FPLHaggis
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Team Value / Sale Value Check:

    TV: 103.3
    SV: 102.3

    🙁

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      TV: 105.3
      SV: 103.3

    2. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      TV: 104,8
      SV: 102,9

    3. KnightSlayer
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      104.2
      102.2

      Got lots of same players as I did at start

      Think does not mean so much this year lots of top players have low T.V

      1. Gemgem1010
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        How so u know what your sale value is ?? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

        1. FF Dirtbag
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Remove all your players from your team on the transfers part of FPL and see how much you got in the bank.

      1. Forza Papac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Woops

        105.7
        103.7

    4. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      103.6
      102.0

    5. Fingerspitzengefühl
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      TV: 105.4
      SV: 103.3

      1. Gemgem1010
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        TV 105.6 1.1 itb SV 104.0

  17. Park the bus
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero to Costa, Williams to Alonso for a -4??

    1. The Rock
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good to me!

    2. FPLHaggis
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Perfect

  18. daviyb
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Have been Aguero-free for a couple of weeks now. And have been happy for most of my league opponents to have 13 mil of their funds tied up in an injury prone, volatile asset. However, a niggle here and there would have been preferable, as this 4 game ban has now forced everyone to wake up and spread their funds elsewhere. I'm sure Kane owners now feel the same (I don't have him), they've made a good call, now everyone follows suit immediately!!

  19. Park the bus
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero 4 game ban confirmed per SSN

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Source?

      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I mean, has it come on the web yet?

      2. King Henrik
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Confirmed mate.

    2. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      mobile update from Sky Sports Score Centre

  20. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Worth -8 to do walcott allan and aguero to austin sanchez and siggy?x

    1. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Leave walcott to siggy till next week and do the -4

  21. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    4 Game Ban For Aguero

    He's gonna enjoy Christmas alright!

    Quite clever if you ask me.
    Rojo tried and failed

  22. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    BREAKING: @FA confirm @ManCity striker @aguerosergiokun will serve a four-game ban over his red card against @ChelseaFC. #SSNHQ

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      not breaking, broken. see my post above 🙂

  23. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    If money was no option..

    Who would be your prime Defender pick for the Xmas period????

    1. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso

    2. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso

      Valencia

    3. VS10_
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso and Alderweireld.

    4. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso

    5. daviyb
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Alonso by far... Then Walker & Valencia

    6. JaydenLFC87
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks, I have gone with Azpi:( looking at walker tho.. or alder

    7. KnightSlayer
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Baines is back

      1. JaydenLFC87
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Evertons fixtures are pretty horrid though

      2. daviyb
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Baines long term looks very tempting, and at a good price... as Jayden says though, short term fixtures look messy...

  24. ANON.
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    If Mane is injured I'm looking at Mane + Walcott to Sanchez + Can -4.
    Should I do it anyway even if Mane is fit? He needs to go soon anyway cos of AFCON.
    Would leave me with 1.1m in the bank and this:

    Heaton, Pickford
    VVD, Williams, Holebas, Evans, Amat
    Sanchez, Hazard, Firmino, Can, Fletcher
    Ibra, Kane, Austin

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      must have missed this, what's wrong with Mane?

      1. ANON.
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Limped off after 65 mins, flagged on fpl. Rumours range from a knock to a groin tear

    2. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Mane v west ham is captain material, you wont get Sanchez's points from last week you know

      1. ANON.
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Think he'll be fit?

        1. Rhinos
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          no idea but very much hope so

    3. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Needs more costa

      1. ANON.
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I think Ibra will outscore him, especially factoring in the chance that Costa could easily miss a game

    4. daviyb
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      My advice is keep Mane all the way up to his departure if he's not injured.

      His price drop will only start after he leaves. Klopp will more likely rest Lallana & Firmino being cognizant of January fixtures... he will try extract max value from Mane I'm guessing, as he obviously is not gonna be too concerned about Senegal's performance.. Mane also looking very sharp on top of everything else

    5. KnightSlayer
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I am hoping to do straight swap from Mane to Coutinho if he is back when AFCON starts

      1. daviyb
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Same

  25. Bampot Co.
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Instead of resting players for matches during Christmas, why don't managers just reduce their training volume/intensity during this period instead?

    This is the approach other sports take (notably, ice hockey).

    1. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      they do. Rotation fears are exaggerated on here

    2. VS10_
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Wenger did that with Özil last year. I'm sure they adjust the volumes. Lallana said that Liverpool play a full-intensity training game midweek, doubt there are many of those in the next few weeks.

    3. Bampot Co.
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Interesting, cheers.

  26. The Rock
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Foster, Grant
    Kos, Alonso, Cedric, Amat, Ake
    Sanchez, Hazard, Siggy, Can, De Roon
    Costa, Kane, Austin

    How does the WC team look? 0.3m in the bank.

    Could also have Anichebe and Son instead of Austin and De Roon?

    1. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Very sexy indeed

      1. The Rock
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Don't like De Roon but he won't be coming on for me much!

        Tempted by Son but Austin is pretty damn consistent and has good fixtures..

        1. Top 210 Club
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          True Austin over son

    2. le flem
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      looks good, though don't know what people are seeing in can

      1. The Rock
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        He's cheap and getting goals and assists so great buy in my mind

    3. Slumdog-Mignolet
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Arsenal aren't keeping clean sheets, Kos out for a Spurs defender?

  27. mrpink32
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    1) Aguero + Pedro to Costa + Hazard (-4)
    2) Aguero + Pedro to Kane + Hazard (-4)
    3) Aguero to Kane /Costa
    4) Aguero, Pedro, Rondon to Kane Costa Hendo/Moses/Can/Phillips (maverick -8)

    Any help really appreciated!!

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      2

    2. daviyb
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      probably 3 mate, and either / or

      1 or 2 you're hoping Hazard outscores by 4... long term defo try get Hazard, but in this case I would personally avoid the hit

      I'd also prob take Costa over Kane if pushed... pros / cons for each... Kane on pens and not on suspension tightrope... Costa though will deliver more consistency over season, Kane very hot and cold...

  28. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Negredo Captain this week.....'nuff said

  29. Weilong7
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    1) fuchs and kun to alonso and costa for a -4 worth it?
    2) thinking of changing lkk to kane as well or should i wait after united game?

    Thanks~

  30. Top 210 Club
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    How's this?
    Pickford
    Alonso Davies holebas
    Sanchez firmy siggy moses
    Costa kane origi

    Foster Amat Williams Allen

    Next Next Allen to son?

    1. Top 210 Club
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      *next week