Captains

Captain Poll – Gameweek 19

Last Gameweek’s poll leader Zlatan Ibrahimovic (11.6) rewarded the 25% who handed him the captaincy with a goal and two assists in Manchester United’s 3-1 home victory against Sunderland.

Those 15 Fantasy Premier League points, his highest Gameweek tally of the season, are likely to ensure that the 41.6% owned forward once again emerges as a firm favourite in our latest poll.

However, Saturday’s Old Trafford visitors, Middlesbrough, may not concede as much ground to United and Ibrahimovic as an obliging Sunderland; Aitor Karanka’s side have only shipped ten goals in nine away matches.

For those eyeing up a Red Devils’ captaincy differential Henrikh Mkhitaryan (8.9) could be an enticing option.

The 1.9% owned Armenian’s stunning backheel goal against Sunderland should be enough to convince Jose Mourinho that he is deserving of a start on New Year’s Eve.

Paul Pogba (8.3) is another left-field captaincy prospect in the United ranks, with the 9.7% owned Frenchman earning a third assist of the campaign on Boxing Day.

Eden Hazard (10.4) also impressed in Monday’s matches, deployed in a false nine role for Chelsea in the absence of the suspended Diego Costa (10.7).

The Belgian’s penalty and two bonus points earned him a fifth double-digit FPL haul of the season to keep his points simmering. Backed by 8% of FPL managers with the captaincy ahead of the Boxing Day fixture, he is again set to factor at the top of our poll.

Costa’s return is likely to earn the Spanish striker immediate support, too, as he looks to add to his 13-goal tally.

The Potters will arrive at the Bridge having kept three clean sheets in their last six, allowing just six goals. However, they will have faced Liverpool in this afternoon’s encounter, giving them just three days recovering before the test against the runaway league leaders.

Another returning Golden Boot contender, Sergio Aguero (12.8), could also garner votes.

Still owned by 17.6% of FPL managers, the Manchester City striker faces a tough return match as he makes the trip to Anfield following a four-match ban.

The Reds have shipped just six goals and conceded the fewest shots in the box of any side in home matches over their seven Anfield outings.

However, it is worth noting that the Argentine is something of an away specialist, having already accrued four double-digit FPL hauls on his travels.

Arsenal face their second Emirates meeting in a week as they follow up their narrow 1-0 Boxing Day victory over West Brom by hosting Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Alexis Sanchez (11.9) failed to score against the Baggies but the 37.2% owned Chilean remains the Gunners chief attacking threat, having registered more shots than any other Premier League player over Monday’s matches.

Crystal Palace have failed to keep a clean sheet on the road so far, but with Sam Allardyce installed as manager, that will likely turn up in North London equipped to put up a stubborn rearguard effort.

Derailed by a “minor” calf injury, Theo Walcott (7.9) may make a return to the Gunners’ starting line-up as he seeks to extend a record of six goals at the Emirates over eight starts.

Spurs have a favourable away fixture against Watford, but interest in Harry Kane (11.1) is likely to be minimal unless he can impress at Southampton on Wednesday.

His failure to score at home against Burnley and Hull in the previous two Gameweeks may well have caused terminal damage to the striker’s long-term captaincy prospects.

His 14.8% team-mate Christian Eriksen (8.6), who has three assists and a goal on the road, may just fare better in our latest poll.

Romelu Lukaku (9.4) is undoubtedly among the top differential captaincy options on offer. Although found in 26.6% of squads, confidence in the Everton striker took a serious dent following a run of two goals in seven Gameweek appearances.

However, Lukaku notched twice against Watford in Gameweek 15 and followed that up with a fine solo effort at Leicester City on Boxing Day.

He faces another fragile backline when he travels to Hull on Friday evening. Only Swansea City have conceded more goals in front of their home fans than the Tigers tally of 18.

Away from home, Bournemouth have one of the worst records, conceding 19 goals on their nine trips.

The Cherries next travel to the aforementioned Swansea City, though interest in their playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.5) may be muted.

Bob Bradley’s troops appear to be in freefall after conceding 10 goals in their last three matches, a period in which has seen the 9.9% owned Icelander fail to produce attacking returns.

We will be back to check in on progress in the poll prior to Friday’s Gameweek 19 deadline when we deliver our “Captain Sensible” article offering an analysis of the results and the statistics behind the leading contenders.

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

700 Comments Post a Comment
  1. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke or Rondon (at 1m cheaper) on wildcard?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Tekkers

    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Benteke

    3. jurgenizer | TRIPEIROS
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Benteke

    4. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Rondon.

      Tekkers will get pens taken away from him now.

    5. tm245
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Rondon, because of the money saved.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Tekkers and Go with a Brom Mid!!
        Philips probably.... Nailed on
        And he is a Stamina beast.....

        1. Gerd Mueller’s thighs
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Tekkers cost me in the FPL Cup........never again.

          I think the best option is Costa, Ibra, a cheapie and take the best midfield available...

          1. the snazzy viking
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Tekkers kicked me out of the FPL cup and I took a -4 point hit to get him in and then he gets -1...

            The final score could've been 75-69

            But thanks to Tekkers...

            It was 68-69

            I find it really difficult now not to rage transfer him out

    6. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Would say Benteke but not really tempted by any now Benteke might lose pens and Big Sam is looking to be more solid at the back. Less goals for Palace means less goals for Benteke

  2. jurgenizer | TRIPEIROS
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Wildcard active draft #2. What do you think?

    Grant - Pickford
    Alonso - Aké - Chambers - Evans - Amat
    Sanchez - Sigurdson - Phillips - Allen - Capoue
    Aguero - Costa - Ibrahimovic

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Nope

    2. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Too early for Kun. Invest in midfield

    3. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Got to be a little better having lost Djilibodji

    4. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Get Heaton in goal imo.

      I regret selling him on my WC now.

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

      That frontline is not worth it with that midfield.

    6. Knowledgeable meerkat
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Capoue > de roon for starters

  3. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is Zaha definitely going to Afcon?

    Got 2 Options
    A Ozil Benteke Philips
    B Kun Philips Zaha

    If Zaha stays im going B!!

  4. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    If Firmino gets a brace today, I will give Worzel a big, sloppy kiss 😀

    1. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      If Origi scores a brace I'll take the virgin out of your name

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Dear God!

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          You did open the gate ...

      2. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Wow loooool

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      That's worth a charity tenner! 🙂

  5. tisza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Any Liverpool fan tell if Wij is that much better than Can?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Dunno, but I regret buying Can 3 GW's ago now.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      They do different things. Wij has been quietly brilliant. Emre has been inconsistent this season but is capable of controlling games alone. Lallana has the other MF spot given his form. Healthy competition I'd say.

      1. tisza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        all right so does Can have a realistic chance to getting his starting role back anytime soon?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah. Course.

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

          Should start next game because of fixture pile up

  6. tm245
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is Heaton at 4.8m now too expensive to buy? I've been on only Pickford all season but Heaton's points are killing me week in, week out.

    1. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hell no, incredible FPL option

    2. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      4.8 is nothing

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Same here.

      1. tm245
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        He keeps beating PIckford by a point or two each week, it is starting to add up.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Reckon he's worth 6m.

    5. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      1. Courtois (5.8m) - 83 points
      2. Heaton (4.8m) - 77 points
      3. de Gea (5.4m) - 63 points

      Heaton also missed 2 games because of an injury. Amazing value.

    6. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Got Valdes instead this week to save 0.3 Stupid!

    7. tm245
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Cheers, all. Looks like I need to find some extra cash.

  7. Davidinho
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Costa + Defoe -> Aguero + 6.6 for a hit this week or for free next week?

    1. Venom Snake
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Good plan. Bench Costa for his one game ban then once he's back sell for a hit

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        ^^This

        I'd definitely sell Costa before that terrible fixture 😆

      2. Davidinho
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Aguero was banned too so I wouldn't have been. able to do it last week anyway. You're right though, prob silly for a hit.

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

      Neither. Don't get rid of Costa, jeez

    3. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Just went Kane/Siggy to Kun/Chadli for a hit so I say go for it.

      1. *sigh*
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Depends who your third striker is of course.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Ahaha. Next week mate. Bloody hell. You really need to grasp the basics of this game.

  8. Phil Dagger ⭐
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    throw some combinations for 2nd 3rd 4th
    mid

    Max budget --- 21
    cannot include --- Sanchez. De Roon
    Note ** - hazard's value is counted 10.1
    eriksen 8.4 Siggy 7.4 if included in any
    combination

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Much

      Too

      Confusing

    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Pedro Lallana Antonio

  9. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Dear Stoke,
    Please give away loads of penalties

    Thanks, Hutton

    1. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      and let grant save 1

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        He probably will, I'm playing Milner and and have Grant benched

      2. NATSTER
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, hope for a few penalty saves.

  10. TheBusDriver
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Will Mkhi start vs Middlesbrough?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Surely he does.

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

      I think Mou will continue to manage his minutes. Explosive enough to do things off the bench, nevertheless

    3. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Very likely to

    4. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hang on I'll give Maureen a call ...

      - That's his wife's name right - Maureen Mkhitarian?

    5. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      likely, but not a def - also watching.

  11. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    @TonyBarrett

    AS Roma have joined the race to sign Memphis Depay but Everton remain favourites to sign the Man United winger: https://t.co/Xoe4xEbNSH

    1. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Kid is talented but has some serious attitude issues, imo

    2. Morgs
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Would much prefer we sent him out on loan rather than sold

  12. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    When will we know the future of Grant ?

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      in the future most probably 🙂

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

      butland's out another 2-3 months. had an op before christmas.

      1. BananaNose Maldonado
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I think he was asking about the loan deal and terms with Derby.

  13. King Klopp
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Me +12 Erikson
    Opponent; Clyne Walker Alli and Van Dijk

    Who do u think will win?

    1. The special 5
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      You will win 🙂

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

      2 of the 3 keep cs and you are in trouble

    3. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I think it comes down to Eriksen vs Alli. Think Clyne Walker and VVD will get 12 or so points between them.

  14. Neeskens Under Matip
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I love the way everyone is so sure of themselves on here with their "obvious" advice...

    ...Gameweek ends, everyone moans about lack of points, and crap advice given by the echo chamber...

    1. George Costanza
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Why are you here then?

      1. Neeskens Under Matip
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        So I can see what the herd is up to...

  15. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Payet> Ozil for free??

    Then
    Carroll + Eriksen > Benteke + Rodriguez /Philips (-4) next week

    Thoughts?

    1. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not sure on those moves mate seem a bit sideways and hard to tell without knowing rest of your team.

    2. Morgs
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I don't understand the second move for -4, you're downgrading both players....

    3. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Ozil is useless this season, Benteke probably isn't worth the outlay without penalties (and arguably is worse with them at this point), JRod is great but not nailed, Phillips good.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      🙂

    1. Ziro
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      The Horse is old now. 😉

    2. Ziro
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Where have you been the last few months? Missed your posts.

  16. Morgs
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Annoying I'll lose 0.1m on Kane when he drops tonight.... refuse to swap him for Costa until seeing tomorrow's game though.

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Sometimes you make and sometimes you lose - it's the nature of the beast 🙂 If it's any help I'm holding. Also like to have a look at the goods.

  17. Fuchs Mane Kante
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Defoe

    1. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Defriend

      1. Fuchs Mane Kante
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Triple (c)

  18. Gruu
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Any suggestions?

    Pickford
    Alonso Brunt Jones
    Sanchez Walcott Hazard Phillips Siggy
    Ibra (C)osta

    (Grant Anichebe Kingsley Amat)
    1 FT, 0 ITB

    1. Klopphiphop11
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Amat in starting 11.Brunt out

      1. Floriszz17
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Are you dumb?... Brunt has attacking potential AND Amat didn't start the last game AND Amat has the worst defensive record in the league...

    2. Floriszz17
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Siggy for Lallana would be my shout mate, Swansea are just hopeless atm. Although, with a new manager they could rediscover form, so thats worth considering.

  19. Rohirrims
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    So how many people are considering a GW 20 or GW 21 wild card as the best way to bring back Aguero?

    I'm looking at a possible team of:
    Heaton - Foster*
    Monreal* - Williams* - Cedric - Ake - Amat
    Ozil - Lallana* - Cabaye* - Allen* - De Roon
    Costa - Ibrahimovic - Aguero*

    If Pickford is not injured then could look to do Chelsea defense by retaining him instead of Foster.

    Total transfers - 7

    Option A) 3 transfers GW 19, 3 transfers GW 20 - 16 point hit
    Option B) Bank, 4 transfers GW 20, 2 transfers GW 21 - 12 point hit
    Option C) 2 transfers GW 19, GW 20 WC - 4 point hit

    In all cases can't bring back Aguero before GW 20 but I'm okay to miss out on returns against Pool.

    1. Pino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      me

  20. Klopphiphop11
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Boruc
    amat walker alonso
    hazard mane sterling sanchez eriksen
    ibra anichebe

    jakupo Lovren Diamonde Kelly
    FT-1 ITB- 0.2

    Need review friends..should i go for siggy-->Mane..

  21. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Kane on 14 votes up against Watford..
    Hopefully that will change after a big haul later.

  22. Floriszz17
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Lads, who's the best replacement for Holebas? He's not doing well and although hes got good fixtures I don't fancy him to do deliver. 0.0 ITB

  23. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Do you guys consider Evans is Worth the 0.2 price difference with Nyom considering his security of start, goal threat and proven bonus potential ??

  24. jose249
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    GW 19

    Courtois
    Clyne/Ward(Burnley)/Rose
    Zaha/Hazard/Lallana/Sanchez/Erikson
    Ibra/Origi

    Subs: Forster/Anichebe/Ake/Kingsley

    Guys this squad is fine for GW 19
    Any Suggestions ????????

    1. V
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      hello!
      on my opinion, Ibra+Costa would be a good choice

      this is my line up:
      Heaton
      Alonso - Daniels -Azp -vanDjik
      Phillips - Sigurdsson - Eriksen - Routledge
      Costa - Ibra

  25. hazardous11
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Captain dilemma

    Between - Costa , Sanches , Hazard , Ibra

    C and VC ??