Members

Captain Sensible – Gameweek 18

Our usual pre-Gameweek members’ article arrives this Saturday evening, giving you ample time to assess matters ahead of Monday’s 11.30am Boxing Day deadline.

To get underway, we take a look at the main Captain Poll contenders, then examine the Opta numbers and Rate My Team rankings before highlighting a differential or two to help advise on your armband dilemma.

Captain Poll

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the runaway leader in this week’s Captain Poll as Manchester United prepare to entertain Sunderland.

Over 46% of voters have opted for the veteran, who has netted seven times in his last six league outings and faces a defence that has yet to record a single clean sheet on their travels.

Alexis Sanchez (21%) leads the chasing pack for Arsenal’s home match against West Brom.

The Chilean has produced points in each of the last five rounds of fixtures, cementing his place as the top scoring player in Fantasy Premier League.

Given that the Gunners are up against Baggies backline with just a single shutout in the last 14 Gameweeks, Theo Walcott – who has netted six of his eight goals at home – looks a very tempting differential, with a mere 1% backing in our poll.

With just one goal in his last five appearances, Eden Hazard earns only 11% of the votes for Chelsea’s home clash with Bournemouth.

His Stamford Bridge team-mate Michy Batshuayi (1%) could be another differential candidate: it’s far from certain that he’ll be leading the Chelsea attack in Diego Costa’s absence but, if he starts, he’ll surely be a factor against the Cherries.

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is again another overlooked option, with under 2% backing for a trip to a Hull City side that’s yet to keep a clean sheet in front of their own fans.

Back-to-back assists against Watford and Arsenal took the Belgian’s tally to 11 for 2016/17, already surpassing last season’s total. Yet, with a mere two goals to his name – his last back in Gameweek 5 – De Bruyne has been far from explosive in recent months.

Sadio Mane earns just 1% of the votes as Liverpool welcome Stoke City to Anfield.

Now just one point behind Hazard in the Fantasy Premier League standings, the Senegal international has produced returns in six of his seven home appearances and welcomes the Potters in fine form, with two goals and four assists in his last five Gameweeks.

The likes of Troy Deeney and Christian Benteke could emerge as mid-price alternatives as Watford and Palace’s porous defences go head-to-head at Vicarage Road.

Faith in Spurs pair Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen has plummeted in light of the weekend blank at home to Burnley.

Both sit around the 1% mark as they travel to a Southampton outfit that have conceded just five goals at St Mary’s, with Claude Puel’s men serving up a clean sheet in each of their last three home outings.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

863 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Spreadex are offering markets on FPL points for six select players, for the first time I have seen......

    https://www.spreadex.com/sports/en-GB/spread-betting/Football-UK/Boxing-Day-Specials/Boxing-Day-Specials/p518337

    Mid-points of the markets (at time of writing) are........

    Ozil 7
    Sigurdsson 5.7
    Baines 5
    Pogba 6
    Benteke 4.5
    Payet 5.7

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I've said it before and i'll say it again. One day FPL will be to football what gambling is to horse racing. One and the same thing.

    2. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      'Sleighton Baines' 😆

  2. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    At 850k I don't feel there is much more that I can lose. Going Siggy (C).

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      850k is fine. Just pick your top players and enjoy the footy.

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

        I was around 770k at this stage last season but finished 1.2k. The key difference was that I nailed most captains between GW20-38. All is not lost.

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Definitely not lost. see below.

  3. Sean.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Merry Christmas lads,
    Do you think Morgan will avoid the drop tonight ?
    Very slow but i get nervous when they're 95/96 %

    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I thought FPL would rise every player by £0.1m as an Xmas present?

      1. Sean.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Might all be on the p*ss with a bit of luck and forget to do any.

  4. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I've played this game long enough to know that Christmas is a game changer...literally. It's amazing how the picks change at the turn of the year to a whole new set of good picks.

    Many of us last year were actually stung by holding on to Mahrez beyond his sell by date as a good example.

    For those worrying about a lowish OR the diffs will come as those higher up stick hold of players for too long.

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      i needed to hear this Wakey i hope your right 🙂

      Merry Xmas 🙂

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

      Siggy last year 🙂

  5. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Merry Xmas everyone! 🎉🎁🎅🎄

    1. Sean.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Merry Christmas mate,
      Awesome start, keep it up 🙂

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers Sean, interesting season for you with no 6 digit ORs.

        1. Sean.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Yeh, lowest all season, my luck will break in a minute,
          has to, hopefully anyway.

    2. Fitzy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks TM, you too. Awesome Sydney day today hey?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, next Thursday and Friday looking very hot.

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Merry Xmas TM...have a good one!

    4. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Happy Xmas TM

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, all the best to your family.

    5. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Merry Christmas TM. Thank you for all of you work with LMS.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers, you went 1 step too far this week.

  6. DT42
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Christmas morning priorities;
    1. Change captain to Siggy
    2. Open presents
    Merry Christmas all, hope the FPL elves bring you bonus points and lucky substitutions all year

    1. Sean.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      2, yes, 1, No

  7. Prøfeßör …
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Merry Christmas all!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1rQXLTWkYA

    That's Ibra (C) locked. x)

  8. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Was trawling through some Arsenal forums and a few think there is alot of unrest in the camp regarding Cazorla in this upcoming transfer window..

    Does anyone know Santi's clause?

    1. Shipstontrev
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Oh dear

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I've already grabbed my coat Trev 😆

        1. Shipstontrev
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          😆

  9. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Carroll captain anyone?

    Swansea concede a lot of set pieces and header goals.

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A Carol is always for Xmas

    2. Neeskens Under Matip
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Locked in. Plus a £5 bet on a Christmas Carroll hatrick!

    3. Sean.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nervous owning him, certainly wouldnt (c) him

  10. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Everybody paste in reply to this comment. See what comes up. Just for laughs 🙂

      1. Kiwivillan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        That came up on my FB yesterday from 2 years ago 😀

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      That would be my college essay, so no. 🙂

    2. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Look, Jonty, what happened between us was a mistake, a beautiful, drunken mistake. While I may crave you still and wish for one more embrace, we cannot allow it happen again, I just can't do that to Evs.

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        😯

  11. moz_1983
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    On a WC - Rondon or Origi? Cheers all.

    1. Sean.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Rondon, maybe Llorente for a couple first though.

  12. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Woah. I have ponytail attack this GW - Ibra and Carroll.

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

      Me too. Those ponytails will be flying as the hat tricks go in.

    2. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I could've said the same if Firmino kept his.

  13. Cheeseoid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Merry Christmas!

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Merry Christmas Cheese

      1. MrMaverick
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Merry Boxing Day Eve to you too

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          It's Stephens Day 🙄

      2. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks AW. We did the whole of Christmas today as I work Christmas Night. Having a 3 year old is great at Christmas

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          That's nice 🙂 . I'm back from the pub 🙂

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            I have got pissed in the house!

            1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              🙂

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nollaig Shona Duit

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I'm back from the Pub 😎

  14. MrMaverick
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    uh

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Santa came?

      1. Shipstontrev
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Down the chimney. Good aim!

  15. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    🎅 Xmas Price Changes - 25th December 2016 🎄

    🔼 Origi, Negredo

    🔽 Stekelenburg, Morgan, Son, McClean

    1. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      The guy I sold and the I guy I replaced him with both rising. Aw.

      Great commitment on Christmas Day TM. Have a good one

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks TM! Merry Christmas!

    3. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Origi is a nice surprise before I get rid after the Stoke game.

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

      Merry Christmas TM. Have a great one

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers Cheese, hope everything is going well over there.

    5. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Thank you TM

    6. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      McClean was so close to be a hero at this time of year. Yippee ki yay,....

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

      105 TV. Halleyluyah! Merry Christmas.

  16. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Merry Christmas everyone and have a successful 2017!!!

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Merry Christmas 🙂 .

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Same to you SD, you must be having a shocker like myself when I havent seen you here in a while? 🙂

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Merry Xmas SD.

  17. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Foster

    Kaboul , Lovren , Friend

    Hazard , Eriksen , Siggy , Sanchez

    Ibra (c) , Kane , Origi

    Pickford , Cedric , de Roon , Kone

    Gtg ?

    1. Shipstontrev
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I might put De Roon first sub, but otherwise GTG. Good luck!

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers 🙂 . I appreciate the help 🙂

        1. Shipstontrev
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Happy to help you achieve Nirvana!

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            😆

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nice team but Foster vs his parent club would worry me, will he even start?

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I've been to the pub but I'm not that drunk 🙂

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          😀

      2. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Foster isn't on load to West Brom?

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          My work here is done.. 😎

          😉

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            numpty!

            1. Shipstontrev
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Hook, line, sinker and copy of Angling Times!

            2. Optimus.
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              😆

              There's always one 😉 😀

    3. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Love the Cheesy name change BTW

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        😆

  18. George Costanza
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    CAPTAIN CONUNDRUM!

    I have a real feeling Sanchez could go nuts and get two or three v WBA. Arsenal often bounce back from defeat with a hammering of some poor team at home and Sanchez was just overlooked for Chile's best player by Vidal, which is, I think you'll agree, absurd. He might well be psyched up. Plus Ibra seems to do better away from home and Moyes will be on a mission not to lose. Note: I am not a gooner. So my conundrum is between these too. I'm leaning towards the Chilean maestro.

    1. George Costanza
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Oh yeah, thoughts? Anyone going with Sanchex or Ibra? If so, why and why not the other if have both? (apart from the "I think X will get more points" reply)

      1. George Costanza
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Apologies for the shocking spelling

      2. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I have both as well. I'm leaning towards Ibra only because I'm leading one of my mini-leagues and the guy chasing me is definitely captaining him. Other than that, it's a very difficult choice - but Alexis is also better away, no?

    2. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I don't have Ibra so the choice is pretty obvious to me

    3. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I think each is as good a pick as the other.
      Ibra's stats don't inspire confidence and I forsee only a 1 or 2 -0 game v Sund. As for Sanchez, WBA's defence is pretty solid and he is better away from home it seems.
      Tbh I am leaning towards Sanchez though don't think either will get a huge haul.

      1. Pierce34
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        See my comment above. Who are you captaining by the way? Would you prefer Hazard or Sigurdsson to those two?

  19. RubberDucky
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Merry Christmas everybody.

      Have fun and stay safe!

      1. Shipstontrev
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I will if you'll keep your pistol hidden, Pete!

        1. RubberDucky
            7 years, 2 months ago

            My team is doing ok so I dont need to bring him out firing!

      2. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        zaha or allen or phillips?

        1. JoeJitzu +42
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Allen for me....

      3. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Hope you all have an inSanely joyful and merry Christmas!

        (preparing for Sane hattrick vs Hull)

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

        Admit it you shagged a duck

        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          It was a swan, but yes, it's true.

          1. Shipstontrev
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Was it a swan that looked like Santi Cazorla?

        2. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Damn it.

        3. Mockingbird
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids

      5. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        best duo? thnx

        1 alonso + zaha/allen
        2 jones + Lallana

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I like 2.

        2. JoeJitzu +42
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Wow.., tough call!

          Alonso>Jones
          Allen

          1. JoeJitzu +42
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            *Allen

      6. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Merry Christmas, all!

        Trying to figure out who to start out of...

        A) Williams (lei)
        B) Cedric (TOT)

        1. Dušan Citizen
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          b

        2. JoeJitzu +42
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Think just Williams

        3. ILOVEBAPS
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          A

      7. JoeJitzu +42
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Merry Christmas Everyone.....

        A. Siggy & Anichebe
        B. De Roon & Benteke

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I'd prefer Siggy to Benteke.

          1. JoeJitzu +42
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers Dirty Sánchez

        2. Live Lad
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          A for now. Need to see what Big Sam is up to.

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

        Who to play ?

        Capoue (CPY)
        Rondon (ars)

        1. JoeJitzu +42
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Capoue

        2. ILOVEBAPS
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Rondon! Arsenal defence is woeful and Capoue is done.

        3. Live Lad
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Rondon.

      9. 824545201
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I was constipated for the last 4 days, even getting stomach cramps.

        I'm not constipated anymore, i'm feeling reborn.

        Merry Christmas everyone.

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Just take Capoue

        2. tets mcgee (Bachmann an Rob…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          nothing like a yule log to help u unwind

        3. Shipstontrev
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          That must be a load off your mind.

      10. Bainesill
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Play

        A. Cedric (TOT)
        B. Amat (WHU)
        C. De roon (bur)

        1. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          A

      11. Kitman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Hi all

        Have got 2.4 to splash on improving the quality of this lot. Where would you invest?

        Was holding onto it to bring aguero back but if not where would you inject the cash?

        Heaton - Pickford
        Alonso - lovren - Cedric - Holebas - ake
        Hazard - Eriksen - Walcott - Siggy - Clayton
        Costa - Ibra - Origi
        2.4 mill in the bank

        1. Shipstontrev
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Maybe a Spurs defender, Walker or Toby. If you have a spare transfer, Alonso to Azpilacueta could pay off the way Azpi is sweeping up the bonus points.

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

            Cheers.

            Ive got the exact cash for lovren/Cedric to rose which would also leave me enough cash for the potential ibra - aguero upgrade

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

          No Sanchez. Hazard has sucked ever since I bought him. 21pts in 5 games

      12. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Fairytale of New York is just the best Xmas song ever have heard it 3 times already tonight but it's also sad when you realize Kirsty is no longer with us